Rose in Bloom (16 page)

* * * *

Iris turned toward the footsteps coming toward her.

“My lady,” Evan said, approaching, “might I have a word?”

“Of course.” She led him to a corner. “What is it?”

“I wish to apologize to you for my behavior on the last weekend, after you and my father announced your betrothal.”

She smiled. “Goodness, you don’t need to apologize.”

“Please, my lady. I wasn’t aware of the…
depth
of my father’s feelings for you. I was very close to my mother, you see, and…well, I know she and my father were content, but I suppose it was obvious that they were never…” Evan looked at his feet. “I’m sorry, my lady.”

“Please, I wish you would call me Iris.”

“Of course…Iris.”

“Evan,” she began, “I have no intention of taking your mother’s place. I could never do that in your heart, or even in your father’s. But I love him very much and will spend the rest of my life trying to make him happy.”

“You already make him happy,” Evan said. “Even a fool such as I can see that. I just wish he and my mother could have had…what the two of you seem to share. She was a wonderful person. She deserved to be loved.”

“I’m sure she did, and your father did care for her deeply. He never would have hurt her.”

“I know that.”

“And she gave him you. He adores you and your brother and sister. Sometimes he talks of nothing but the three of you.”

“Then I hope he won’t be disappointed that…”

“That what, dear?”

“Lady Rose and I have decided to…discontinue our relationship.”

“Goodness. Why?”

“We aren’t in love with each other.”

“I see. Why do you think that would disappoint your father?”

“Because Rose is…well she’s Ashford’s daughter, for one.”

“Evan, your father wants nothing but your happiness. If you and Rose aren’t in love, don’t you think he will understand better than anyone why you choose not to marry her?”

“Rose thought he would.”

“Of course he will.” Iris smiled.

“If you’ll forgive me for being bold, my la—er, Iris, I can see now why my father adores you. I can’t promise to be completely comfortable with this situation, but I do wish happiness for both of you.”

Iris took his arm. “That is all any could ever ask of you, dear. I think I’d like a short stroll before dinner, and David should arrive any moment. Would you mind escorting your future stepmother to the front terrace to await him?”

“It would be my pleasure.”

Chapter Twelve

Cameron had been working for Zach Newland for a week and had completed the music necessary for opening night. He had finished the final copy for the pianoforte, and he sat in the auditorium as the cast and crew readied for a dress rehearsal with music for the first time. Opening night was only a week away, and Cam still had his work cut out for him. After today, he would rework any parts of the score that didn’t fit well, and he still needed to do a final copy for the strings. He yawned. He had been working past midnight and rising at dawn, but he was determined to please Newland. He would not waste this opportunity, even if he had to go the entire next week without sleeping a wink.

It had all been worth it when he had moved his family to the townhome. Kat’s eyes had nearly popped out of their sockets when she beheld her own room and the bath chamber that she was to share with Tricia. Cam had gone out the next day during his lunch break and bought new bedroom suites for the three of them, furniture for the main parlor, and a new upright pianoforte to replace their old one. He also bought himself some new clothes. After all, he couldn’t be the house composer of the Regal wearing farmers’ clothes. Then, feeling guilty, he had given his mother ten more pounds to purchase new clothes for herself and the girls. He was down to one hundred pounds in savings, but rent was paid for two months, and soon he would receive his fifty pounds in commission for his two weeks’ work. Newland seemed pleased, so Cam had every reason to believe that he would stay on as composer and begin drawing regular pay.

He had left home that morning with strict orders to his mother that a maid and a governess be in place by day’s end. He had conceded and had allowed his mother to take care of the cooking, but had secretly decided to hire a cook after opening night. His mother had worked hard all of her life, and he wanted her to relax and enjoy her remaining years.

Cameron watched the rehearsal with rapt attention, scribbling notes regarding minor changes in the music. All in all, he was pleased with his efforts, although his heart thumped nervously when Newland approached him at the end of the dry run.

“So, Price,” Newland said, “how do you think it went?”

“I’m pleased, although I’m going to make a few changes in the melody during the second act.”

“I think it suits well. I agree with your assessment of the changes in the second act, and I’d also like you to perk it up a bit during my final monologue. It’s supposed to be a bit more light and airy, I think.”

Cam wrote some quick notes. “I’ll get right on that. I’d like to have these changes made by the morrow, and I’m going to work late tonight to finish the final score for the strings.”

“Not tonight, Price. I’m sorry I didn’t mention this earlier, but I require your attendance at a gala at my home this evening. Several wealthy patrons will be there, and I would like for them to meet you.”

Cameron’s stomach flopped. So much work… He had no time for a party. “I would really like to complete my work. It’s only a week until opening night, and the sooner I have the score finalized, the sooner we can practice the whole production.”

“You’re nearly done now, and I congratulate you on an excellent job. Clearly I made the right decision to hire you.”

“Thank you. I’m glad you’re pleased. If I could just finish—”

“I need you tonight, Price. There are several bigwigs that I’m still courting for contributions. Having another good-looking young man there will be…helpful.”

“I thought you made it clear that I wouldn’t be expected to offer services of that nature.”

“Yes, I did. But I also made it clear that I would require your presence at my soirees.”

Cameron sighed. “Yes, I suppose you did.”

“You understand then. Go home. Bathe and change. I’ll see you at my townhome at nine sharp.”

After apologizing to his mother for skipping out for the evening, Cameron nervously walked the three blocks to Zachary Newland’s large terrace home, rehearsing in his mind what he would say when he was inevitably asked where he received his music education. Newland didn’t seem concerned about the issue. At least he hadn’t mentioned it. It unnerved Cameron, however.

He had asked his mother to trim his hair before he left. His once unfashionably long locks now fell in gleaming black layers just touching his shoulders. He dressed in formal evening attire and looked the part of accomplished theatre composer. If only he could pull it off. If he didn’t impress the theatre’s patrons, he could probably kiss his job goodbye.

Newland’s butler greeted Cameron and announced him, and Evelyn Newland rushed toward him, taking his arm.

“Mr. Price,” she said enthusiastically, “Zach and I are so glad you could make it this evening. I do hope we’re not keeping you from your work. Zach says you are quite dedicated.”

“Not at all, Miss Newland. I am happy to be here.”

“Evie, please,” she said. “That’s what everyone calls me.”

“Of course…Evie.”

“Do come with me. There are so many people who are dying to meet you.”

There were? Evie led him into the main parlor where guests were gathered together drinking aperitifs and grazing from trays passed around by servants. “Pamela, darling!” Evie led Cameron to an attractive redhead. “This is the man I’ve been telling you about. Zach’s new composer, Cameron Price. Mr. Price, my dearest friend in the world, Miss Pamela Rhodes.”

Cameron bowed politely, taking Pamela’s hand. “It’s a pleasure,” he said.

“Oh my,” Pamela said, batting her eyes. “You were right, Evie. He is something.”

“I can pick them, can’t I?” Evie said.

Cameron’s cravat tightened around his neck like a noose. These two women were sizing him up like a side of beef. He was relieved when Zach Newland came by a few seconds later.

“Price,” he said. “Come with me. There are some folks I’d like you to meet.”

Thank God. Cameron followed Newland to a corner of the room where several men and women were gathered. “Here he is, the man of the hour,” Newland said to the group. “The Regal’s new house composer, Mr. Cameron Price. Price, may I present the Earl and Countess of Myerson, and Viscount and Viscountess Homington.”

“I’m charmed,” Cameron said.

He was drawn into conversation about composing, and blessedly no one asked him about his credentials. Newland brought several more guests by to meet him, and by the time dinner was served, he had learned—and forgotten—the names of more people than he had known in his lifetime. At dinner, he was seated next to Evelyn Newland and the Countess of Myerson. He did his best to see to both of their needs. Thankfully, he didn’t have to worry about keeping the conversation going, as both women seemed determined to monopolize his attention. Trying to speak with both of them at the same time became tiring. He was thankful when it was time to retire to the smoking room with the other men. Too soon, however, company was mixed again as coffee and dessert were served casually in the main parlor. As the hour turned late, guests began leaving, but the actors and other staff of the Regal stayed, so Cameron did as well. He breathed a sigh of relief when the last guest had been shown the door.

Newland approached him as he was saying goodbye to a group of props men. “Price, thank you for coming.”

“Not at all, Newland. It was a pleasant evening.”

“I’m glad you thought so. You made quite an impression on Lady Myerson.”

“She was engaging. I enjoyed her company as well.”

“Good, good. She has asked you to dine at her London residence tomorrow evening.”

“She has?”

“Yes.”

“I’m afraid I don’t understand, Newland. If she wanted to invite me for dinner, why didn’t she ask me?”

“Oh, that’s just how things are done in this set sometimes, Price. Surely it wouldn’t be too much to accept the invitation?”

“I suppose not. She and the earl were pleasant.”

“Yes, yes. Good then. They’ll expect you at eight tomorrow evening. Here is her calling card.”

“All right.”

“See you tomorrow at the theatre, Price.”

“Of course. Good evening.”

Cameron walked home briskly, the June air pleasant. He fell into bed exhausted, not relishing the idea of another late night on the morrow.

* * * *

The next day Cameron worked doggedly in his office, determined to complete the final scores before leaving to change clothes for his dinner with Lord and Lady Myerson. He completed them in the nick of time, rushed home, changed, and found, to his surprise, that the earl and countess had sent a carriage to fetch him.

Kat jumped up and down as she watched from the front window. “It’s a coach just like Lady Rose’s!”

Cameron smiled at his little sister, although jerking inwardly at Rose’s name. “We’ll have a coach like that before long, Kitty-Kat,” he promised. “Then I can take you and Tricia and Mum around town in style.”

“Will we, Cam?”

“You bet.”

“That will be such fun! Maybe we can drive back and visit Lady Rose and Lady Lily sometime.”

“Maybe.”

“Why do you have to leave again tonight?” Kat’s small hand tugged on Cameron’s.

“It’s just part of my new job.”

“But I miss you.”

“I miss you too. It won’t be every night. I promise. Now you hurry along and get ready for bed. Don’t give Mum any trouble tonight.”

“All right. Good night, Cam.”

“Good night, Kitty-Kat.”

The coach ride to the Myerson home didn’t take long, and Cameron was escorted in and announced. Lady Myerson rushed to greet him.

“Mr. Price,” she said. “It is such a pleasure to have you here.”

Cameron bowed. “I do appreciate the invitation, my lady. Being new in town, I haven’t had the opportunity to meet many new people.”

“I’m sure our Mr. Newland will take care of that,” Lady Myerson said. “Please come with me. We’ll have an aperitif in the parlor.”

She guided Cam to a small divan and sat down beside him as a maid brought their drinks. The earl was nowhere in sight.

“Will Lord Myerson be joining us later?” Cameron asked.

“Oh no, I’m afraid not. He had an engagement that he couldn’t miss this evening.”

“I see.” He was beginning to see very well. So much for Newland’s promise that he wouldn’t have to trade his services for donations. “Tell me, my lady. Why did you invite me here?”

“My, you do like to get right to the point, don’t you?” Lady Myerson smiled.

She was a very pretty woman with cinnamon-colored hair and eyes, a perky round face and a firmly curved body. Cameron guessed her to be in her early thirties. Her mouth was definitely her most intriguing feature. Her lips were a spicy coral color, and the top lip was slightly fuller than the bottom, giving her a pouty look that was distinctive and, well, tempting. For a moment Cameron imagined sucking on it.

“You’re staring, Mr. Price.”

“Pardon? Forgive me. My mind was elsewhere.”

“I think I may know where.”

He laughed nervously. “Opening night is less than a week away. I can’t seem to focus on anything except my music these days.”

“Zachary has assured me that you are extremely gifted. I doubt you need to worry about your compositions.”

“I worry nonetheless. This is my first full-time post. I want to make sure that I do the best job possible.”

“Zachary says that you are extremely dedicated.”

“Yes, I am.”

“I’m looking forward to discussing your work with you. Shall we head to the dining room?”

“Of course.” He stood and offered her his arm.

She led him not to a formal dining area but to a small sitting room where a table for two had been set.

“Since it’s just the two of us this evening, I thought a more…
intimate
setting would be appropriate.”

Indeed. “It looks very nice.” Cameron held her chair and took his place next to her.

“May I offer you some wine?” Lady Myerson asked. “This is a late Burgundy. One of my favorites.”

Yes, he would need a drink to get through this evening. “Thank you.” He took the bottle and poured her glass and then his own.

“I must tell you, Mr. Price, I’ve taken quite an interest in the new Regal Theatre.”

“We all appreciate your support.”

“You have that. I’ve been a fan of Zachary’s for years. He’s brilliant.”

“Yes, he certainly is.”

“From what he tells me, you are brilliant as well.”

“He has shown a lot of confidence in my work, which I appreciate.”

“I’m so looking forward to opening night. I’m sure your work will be inspired.”

“I hope I don’t disappoint you.”

“I don’t imagine you could.” She motioned to an upright pianoforte in the corner of the small room. “Might you play something for me now?”

“If you wish, I suppose I could. But isn’t dinner going to be served soon?”

“In a half hour or so. I thought we’d enjoy a glass of wine first.” She rose and took his hand, leading him to the pianoforte. “Please. I’d love to hear something.”