Rose in Bloom (7 page)

“I can’t get used to you saying that,” Rose giggled.

“Why?”

“It makes me feel so wicked.”

He nudged her thighs apart. “It’s not a wicked thing for the man who loves you to take care of you. Now, come on.” He gently rubbed the cloth over Rose’s intimate area.

The warm cloth soothed her. “Is there any blood?”

“Just a little. Does it hurt?”

“Not really. Not so much that I couldn’t do it again.” She smiled.

“No, sweet, you need to rest. Your body needs to heal a little.”

“When can we do it again?”

He chuckled. “On the morrow, if you wish it.”

“Oh, I wish it,” she said, pulling him to her and kissing his lips. “Will you stay with me tonight?”

“I shouldn’t. Kat might need me in the middle of the night.”

“Please. I want to sleep in your arms.”

“What on earth made me think I might be able to resist you?” He kissed her cheek. “All right, but I’m going to run to the house and check on Kat first.”

“Mmmm. Don’t forget to come back.” Rose cuddled under the covers, closing her eyes.

“I won’t.”

When dawn broke, Rose woke up in Cameron’s arms. He was snuggled against her, spoon fashion. She lifted his hand to her lips, kissed it, and whispered. “You came back.”

He answered with a soft snore.

* * * *

Rose awoke to a soft knocking. She wiggled out from Cameron’s arms, hastily pulled a dressing gown over her head, and padded to the door. “Yes?” she said through the door.

“My lady,” came Mrs. Price’s voice, “Dr. Blake is here. Have you seen Cam this morning?”

Rose’s skin heated, even though Mrs. Price couldn’t see her. “N-No, I haven’t Mrs. Price.” She hated lying. Oh, what had she gotten herself into? “But I’d like to speak to the doctor. I know him quite well. I’ll be in shortly.”

“All right, my lady. Good morning.”

Rose hurried back to the bed and nudged Cameron. “Cam,” she said. “Cam, you need to wake up.”

His eyes flashed open for an instant and he rubbed them sleepily. He gave Rose a toothy grin, and then grabbed her and pulled her down for a kiss. “Good morning, sweet.”

Rose gazed at his handsome face, his wide smile. She seldom saw him smile, and what a treat it was. His two front teeth overlapped slightly. This tiny imperfection in his otherwise flawless male beauty was irresistibly attractive. She loved running her tongue over the ridge that the overlapping tooth created. That she was the source of his cheerful grin filled her with joy.

Although tempted to stay in bed with him, Rose said, “Cam, we can’t do this right now. Your mother was just at the door. She was looking for you. I…I told her that I hadn’t seen you.”

“You could have told her I was here,” Cam said. “I have nothing to hide.”

“No, I couldn’t have. It’s scandalous!” She kissed the tip of his nose, giggling. “But we need to get dressed. Dr. Blake is here to examine Kat, and we should speak with him. I’ll get dressed and go in first, and you can come in a couple minutes later and make some excuse for where you’ve been.”

“Of course we should, just as soon as I ravish you.” Cameron pulled her down on the bed and rolled over on top of her, kissing her deeply.

He was naked, and his arousal poked her thigh through her dressing gown.

“Get off me, you rogue,” she giggled, when he released her lips.

“No, I don’t think I will,” he whispered in her ear.

She ran her hands lightly up and down his muscular arms. “Oh, Cam. I do love you, and I do want you, but we must go see Dr. Blake.”

Cameron rolled off of her. “You’re wonderful, do you know that?”

“So are you.” She tumbled off the bed and threw his trousers at him. “Now get dressed, love of my life.”

“Yes, my lady.” He saluted her. “Is this what I have to look forward to with you? Commands and drills?” He arched his eyebrows in a lazy grin.

“This isn’t even the half of it.” Rose threw his shirt at him, giving him a sensual glance. “But you’ll survive.”

“Maybe.” He stood up and grabbed her, pinching her bottom. “But even if I don’t, it’s a hell of a way to go.” He kissed her mouth quickly.

Rose dressed in a clean morning gown and left the cabin.

* * * *

Cameron took his time dressing. Kat was in good hands with Dr. Blake. He needed a shave, but his razor and lotion were in his chamber. He raked his hands through his hair and hoped he didn’t look too much like a man who had just spent the night making love to the woman of his dreams.

Ugh. He’d have to send notice to Xavier and tell him he couldn’t take the commission. He’d wanted to tell Rose about it last night, but he lost his nerve.

But no time to think about that now. Kat was waiting. When Rose had been gone about fifteen minutes, he ventured out the door.

“What in God’s name are you doing, Cameron?”

His mother’s voice startled him. He turned and saw that she had been waiting for him on the side of the cabin, out of Rose’s view when she went to the house.

“Good morning, Mum. How’s Kat this morning?”

“The same.”

“Oh.” Cameron’s heart lurched in worry for his little sister. “Well, at least we have a decent doctor to look at her.”

“Cam”—her voice was low and serious—“she’s a lady of the peerage.”

He cleared his throat. “I know who and what she is.”

“You’re just going to get yourself hurt. You know that, don’t you?”

“What makes you think we’re not just…fooling around?”

She scoffed. “Ladies like her don’t fool around, Cam. You know that as well as I do.” Then, “My God, you didn’t force her, did you?”

He nearly snapped his neck at the accusation. “Do you really think I would do something like that?”

“I’m sorry.” She shook her head. “Of course you wouldn’t. I’m sorry.”

Cameron raked his fingers through his sweaty hair. This was not the kind of subject he normally discussed with his mother. “Everything will work out.”

“Are you daft? Either she’ll break your heart, or you’ll break hers.”

“It’s not that simple. I…I’m in love with her.”

“Christ.”

“She loves me too. She told me so.”

“Sweet Jesus Christ.”

“I’m going to marry her, Mum. I don’t know how, but I’m going to. There’s no one else for me.”

“Holy Mother of God, sweet Jesus Christ, Cam.” His mother shook her head at him and headed toward the house.

Cameron followed, entering the back way behind his mother and walking into Kat and Tricia’s room.

Kat appeared to be resting comfortably, her small hand in Rose’s. Cameron cleared his throat.

“Ah, you must be Mr. Price.” The doctor looked up. “Michael Blake. Good to meet you.”

The doctor was a young—very young—man with reddish-blond hair and brown eyes. He didn’t look any older than twenty-five years. Could he truly care for Kat?

Cam held out his hand. “Thank you for coming out, Doctor.”

“Of course. Anything for a friend of Lady Rose. I’ve examined your sister, and I don’t think she has scarlet fever.”

“But Doc said—” Mrs. Price began.

“I’m sure your doctor is a fine man. Doctors disagree all the time. That’s why it’s called the practice of medicine. What is your doctor’s name?”

“Hinkman,” Mrs. Price said. “Sawyer Hinkman.”

“Has he taken care of Kat before?”

“Of course,” Mrs. Price said. “Doc takes care of all of us around here. He’s been doing it for years.”

“I’ve never heard of him. Do you know where he went to medical school?”

“No, I don’t.”

“It’s possible that he didn’t. He probably practices by experience, which works out most of the time. In this case, however, I think he made a mistake.”

“Why don’t you think it’s scarlet fever?” Cameron asked.

“First of all, there’s no rash yet. It usually occurs within a day, but can take two so I’m not making my determination on that fact alone.” Dr. Blake rubbed his forehead. “Your sister’s throat isn’t red, and there has been no vomiting. She shows no signs of abdominal pain or distress. These are all common symptoms of scarlet fever.”

“What is it then, Doctor?” Rose asked.

“I’m not sure, to be honest. I don’t think it’s small pox, because again, there’s no rash.”

“Let us have it,” Cameron said.

“Your sister is not very responsive. I had to prick her foot with a needle before she gave me any reaction, yet she shows no signs of febrile delirium. The seizure your mother described concerns me also.” Blake massaged the nape of his neck. “I’d like for her to be hospitalized in Bath.”

“No!” Mrs. Price cried. “I won’t have it. People go to hospitals to…to die!”

“I understand your concern, Mrs. Price,” the doctor said, “but hospitals have a come a long way in the last several years. The hospital in Bath is state of the art and specializes in the treatment of patients. Surgeries are performed there, and illnesses are cured.”

“But—”

“You can of course continue to care for her at home,” Blake said. “But when I can’t make a firm diagnosis, I prefer my patients to be under the care of professionals who can respond to any unforeseen issues that may occur.”

Cameron swallowed the lump that had formed in his throat. Hospitals cost money. A lot of money. But Kat’s life was worth whatever it cost.

“Have you seen anything like this before?” he asked.

“Yes, I have.”

“And…” Rose urged.

“Sometimes patients recover, and sometimes they don’t.”

Cameron caught his mother as she swayed into his arms.

“But she’s a strong, healthy little girl, and she’ll have the best chance in a hospital with professional care all day and night.”

Cameron’s gut felt hollow as his mother sobbed against him. “What would that kind of care cost, Blake?”

“Unfortunately, it’s not inexpensive,” Blake said. “The facility in Bath is state of the art, and fees run up to five pounds per day, and then there are doctor fees and nursing fees, as well as medication and supplies.”

“Dear Lord,” Mrs. Price said, weeping.

“And of course for a child of Kat’s age, a parent should accompany her, and room and board for that will be another couple of pounds per week.”

Cameron took a deep breath. “I see.”

“If it will help, I will cut my fees, especially since you are friends of Lady Rose and the Duke and Duchess of Lybrook.”

“That’s not necessary,” Cameron said.

“Cam—” Rose began.

“We’ve no need of charity, Doctor,” Cameron said. “I’ll see that payment is made.”

“As you wish,” Blake said. “And since I’ve ruled out scarlet fever and small pox, there’s no need to continue the quarantine.”

“How soon should we leave for Bath?” Cameron asked.

“The sooner the better. I’d be happy to transport her and your mother in my carriage, since I’m going back there anyway.”

“We’d be obliged,” Cameron said, “and we will of course pay you for the transport.”

“That’s really not necessary,” Blake said. “I’m going anyway.”

“I’ll pay for it, damn it!”

Rose touched Cameron’s arm, but he nudged her away.

“Mum, pack up a valise for you and Kat. I’m sure the doctor would like to leave right away.”

“Cam,” Mrs. Price said, “it’s so much money.”

“It’s Kat’s life, Mum. There’s no price on that.” He walked from the room, down the hall, and out the back door.

Rose followed him. “Cam, she’s going to be all right.” She took his hand. “She’s a strong little girl, and she’ll have the best care.”

“Yes, yes,” Cameron said. “Yes, I know.”

“What can I do for you? Tell me. I’ll do anything.”

“Damn it, Rose, I don’t need your charity either!” He wrenched his hand free of her.

“I’m not offering charity. I just want to help. I love Kat, and I love you!” She pulled at his arm. “Please don’t turn me away.”

“I need to make some money, Rose. Some more money. And there’s only one way for me to— Damn it all to hell!” He pulled her to him and embraced her, holding her as if a cyclone were trying to whirl her away from him.

He had to take Xavier’s commission now. He didn’t have a choice. With Xavier’s money, he could pay for Kat’s medical needs and still have enough left over to get his mother and sisters out of the cottage and into a townhouse in London. They deserved that much.

He would write a song for Xavier to give to Rose. For another man’s proposal to the woman he loved.

He had to let Rose go.

Chapter Five

Dr. Blake left with Mrs. Price and Kat soon after, and Rose went to the cabin to gather her personals. The quarantine had been lifted and Kat didn’t need her. She was worried about Kat and thankful she would be getting the best care available. She was also worried about Cameron. He was acting so strangely. But of course he was. Kat meant everything to him. Rose wished she could do more.

Rose was fastening her valise when Cameron opened the door to the cabin. She looked up. Dark circles marred his beautiful eyes, and agony rolled off of him in waves.

Her heart lurched. “Cam, I’ve been worried about you.”

He strode toward her with purpose, as if he were stalking prey. “I want to love you, Rose. Now. Please.” He grabbed her and kissed her hard.

“I—”

He stopped her with his kisses, and her muffled words disappeared in his passion. He moved to her neck, biting it, licking it, inhaling deeply. “Your scent. I’ll never forget your strawberry scent.”

“Cam, what on earth?”

“Please, sweetheart,” he said, “just once more, so I can remember you.”

“Remember me? What do you—”

His mouth was on hers again, drinking of her, feasting on her, taking from her. She gave willingly everything she had. How she loved him! He was beside himself with worry, and she would do whatever she could for him.

Cameron walked toward the door without releasing Rose, locked it, lifted her in his arms, and set her gently on the bed. He climbed on top of her, still kissing her passionately while he fumbled with her bodice. He freed her aching breasts and buried his face between them.

“I’ll never see beauty such as yours again in my life,” he said. “I’ll remember this day always, sweet. I’ll remember that once, just once, an angel loved me.”

“I’ll always love you,” Rose said. “You don’t need to talk like that. Oh! That feels so good, Cam.” Rose arched off the bed, struggling to be free of her dress.

Cameron ripped the rest of her clothes off with lightning speed, paused for just a moment to gaze at her, and then undressed and returned to the bed.

“Love me, Rose,” he said. “Love me.”

“I do, Cam,” Rose breathed. “Tell me what you want. I’ll do anything for you.”

“Would you?”

“Yes, you know I would.”

“Would you kiss me here?” He pointed to his mouth.

She pulled him to her and kissed him, letting her tongue invade his spicy sweetness.

“Here?” He pointed to the hollow of his throat.

She pushed him down on the bed and climbed atop him, kissing and licking the sensitive spot on his neck. He groaned her name.

“And here?” He pointed to his chest.

She ran her tongue through the fine black hair, licking his nipples as they hardened beneath her loving touch. He tasted of salt and musk and perfection. He tasted of the man she loved.

Cameron groaned. “What about here?” he said, gesturing to his raging erection.

Surprisingly, the idea didn’t repulse her. In fact, she found she wanted nothing more. She loved every part of him, and she wanted to please him, so she lowered her head. She buried her face in his black curls, inhaling the musky scent of his sex. She ran her fingers through them, memorizing their texture and silkiness. Then she grasped his arousal and kissed the head of his cock. He gasped, and she smiled. She had given him pleasure. She twirled her tongue around it, and then tried to fit it in her mouth. He was so large, but what little she could do made him moan and writhe beneath her.

“That’s the way, sweetheart. Love me.”

“I do love you, Cam,” she said, licking her way down and then back up. She kissed the sensitive skin between his thighs and smiled at his groan. Then she returned to his cock, spreading kisses over every inch of it, licking and stroking the head and sucking it into her mouth.

“Come here, Rose,” he said, his voice filled with smoke. “Come love me this way.”

She moved forward and kissed his lips as he gently positioned her over his erection.

“Tell me if it hurts, my darling.” He eased her down upon his hardness.

“Oh!” The tip of his cock nudged her hardened clitoris. “No, Cam, it doesn’t hurt. It feels— Oh!”

He was embedded completely inside of her body.

“You’re so tight, sweetheart.”

“Is that good?”

“God, yes.” He lifted her hips. “Here, move on me, my love.”

He lifted her and brought her back down, showing her the rhythm. When she had caught it, he moved one hand to her breast and toyed with her nipple, sending shock waves straight into her. With his other hand, he fingered her swollen peak. Slowly he massaged her as she made love to him.

She rode him up and down, her whole body blazing, circling her hips and finding a spot inside her that made her burn.

“Cam, Cam!” She moved faster, harder.

“That’s it, sweet. Make it feel good. Show me how good my cock feels in your wet pussy.”

His bold words sent fiery thrills through her, and she brought one hand to her other breast, pinching her nipple into a tight bud.

“Beautiful, Rose. So beautiful when you touch yourself like that.”

His words exploded through her, and she reached the pinnacle she had come to know. She sobbed his name as his fingers kept working, forcing her to the crest again, and then again.

When she didn’t think she could take one more climax, Cameron shoved his hips upward and groaned.

“Take me, Rose. Take all of me.” He winced as if in pain, and then his features softened.

Rose collapsed on top of Cameron. He kissed her moist, swollen lips and cradled her to his chest.

“Sleep with me,” he said.

She smiled and closed her eyes.

* * * *

Cameron awoke an hour later with Rose still nestled in his arms. He got up quietly, trying not to disturb her, dressed, and went back to the house. He found Tricia and told her to go to the next farm and stay with Mrs. Cooke until tomorrow because he would be gone all night on a special errand for the doctor. It was a lie, but he needed to get Tricia out of the house. He found a piece of parchment and a quill and sat down to write a note to Rose. He had to be harsh. He had to make her believe that he had never loved her. His stomach churned, but he swallowed back the nausea. His heart would heal. He hadn’t a choice.

He should never have made love to her. His mother was right. He’d known it himself. He’d foolishly allowed himself to believe he could have something that innocent, that beautiful, that precious…

No, not Cameron Price. He hadn’t been born for beauty. He would not make that mistake again.

A tear forming in his eye, he began to write.

Rose,

Tricia and I have gone to Bath to take care of our mother and Kat. Don’t try to find me. I don’t want you to. I told you I loved you so you would sleep with me.

Cameron

His tear fell on the parchment, smearing the ink. Damn it! He crumpled up the paper and threw it in the grate. He grabbed another, and then thought better of it. As much as it would hurt him, he needed to speak to Rose in person. She deserved that much. He hastily scribbled a note to be delivered to Laurel Ridge, requesting a carriage to fetch Rose and her belongings. He strolled out onto the main road and walked until he found a boy on horseback willing to deliver it for a couple of farthings. Then he went to the stable, groomed Begonia, and led her out to wait for the carriage.

When the carriage arrived, Cameron went to the cabin to fetch Rose. His throat constricted. She was so lovely, so angelic. And she loved him. He steeled himself for what lay ahead.

“Rose.” He nudged her. “Rose, wake up.”

She opened her eyes, yawning. “Cam?”

“You need to get up. A carriage is here to take you back to the estate. Come on, get packed up.”

“Kiss me first.” She reached for him.

How he ached to kiss her! But he stepped away from the bed. “No, you must leave.”

“Cam?” Her blue eyes widened.

“Now, Rose. I…I’m tired of this.”

“Tired of what? What are you talking about?” She sat up.

He swallowed, willing himself to be strong. “Tired of
you
, Rose.”

“You can’t be serious.”

“I am serious. I…you and I…we don’t belong together. We never did.”

“Of course we do. You’re not thinking straight, Cam. You’re worried about Kat. I don’t blame you.” She stood and reached for him.

He used every ounce of strength he possessed not to rush into her arms. “That’s not it. I mean…of course I’m worried about Kat. But, I…we…can’t continued this…
tryst
.”

“Tryst?” Her eyes glistened.

“Of course. That’s all it was. A tryst. It could never be any more. We both know that.”

“Cam, you’re not making any sense at all. I…we just made love. You…you came to me. You needed me. I need you.”

“Don’t be ridiculous.”

“I’m not being ridiculous.” She sniffed. “ Let me help you. I’ll do anything I can for you and for Kat.”

“For God’s sake, I’m perfectly capable of taking care of my own family.” He swallowed. “Now I want you to get out of here.”

“All right, Cam,” she said, turning. “If that’s what you want, I’ll leave. But I’ll be at Laurel Ridge, and I want you to come if you need me.”

“I won’t. It’s over, Rose.”

“But—” Her eyes filled with tears. “You said you loved me!”

Cameron looked away from her. Her tears hurt him more than a thousand punches to his face. “I…I lied to you Rose.”

“No, you didn’t,” she sobbed.

“Yes. I…lied to you so you would sleep with me.” He shut his eyes, unable to look at her. He deserved to burn in hell for this.

“No. You love me. I felt how much you love me. You wanted to take me to Gretna Green.” Still naked from their lovemaking, she grabbed him around the waist and buried her face in his strong shoulder. “I love you. You can’t mean any of this. You can’t!”

Filled with self-loathing, he wrenched her body away. “Cover yourself. Then leave. Your carriage is waiting out front.”

“Cam, don’t do this!”

He turned, walked toward the door, and opened it. Without looking back at her, he said, without emotion, “Go back to Xavier, my lady. I don’t want you.”

Then he left, the sound of her crying still hammering in his head, even when he was beyond hearing distance. He stood in the stables for a half hour, watching from a small window, waiting until he saw Rose step into the carriage and drive away, Begonia trotting along behind.

Only then did he sit down in the hay and sob.

* * * *

When she returned to Laurel Ridge, Rose went straight to her chamber. Her eyes were swollen from crying, and her body ached with yearning for Cameron. Cameron, who was no longer hers. Who maybe never had been.

His cruelty had hurt, yet she still loved him, and she wanted to help him and Kat. She found her reticule and dug out the one hundred pounds she kept for emergencies. She hastily scribbled a note to Dr. Blake, asking him to please use the money for Kat’s care and not to tell Mrs. Price or Cameron about it. She could trust Blake. He was Daniel’s personal physician and he had taken excellent care of Lily after her fall. She called for a maid and asked her to give the envelope to Crawford and have it delivered to Dr. Michael Blake in Bath.

There. She had done all she could for Cameron. He was on his own now, as he wished to be. Rose curled up on her bed and cried some more.

* * * *

The next few days passed in a fog for Rose. Sophie and Alexandra tried to engage her, but she spent most of her time in her chamber, feigning illness. Finally, the morning Evan and his father were due to arrive, she forced herself to go down and join the others for breakfast in the ladies’ sitting room.

“Rose, dear,” Aunt Iris said, “it’s so good to see you up and about. I trust you’re feeling better?”

“Yes, much,” Rose lied. “I didn’t want to be ill for Lord Evan’s visit.”

“Yes, that would certainly break his heart,” Lucinda Landon, the dowager duchess’s sister, agreed. “He hasn’t missed a weekend with you yet, has he?”

“No, not since the house party ended.” Rose didn’t want to talk about Evan. “Has anyone heard anything about young Katrina Price? I’ve been thinking about her.”

“No, dear,” Maggie, the dowager duchess, said, “but Crawford can send an inquiry if you’d like.”

“Thank you, I’d appreciate that.”

A servant brought Rose a plate of smoked salmon with tomatoes and capers, a scone with lemon curd, and a hardboiled egg. Rose mumbled her thanks and forced herself to eat. She needed strength to deal with meeting Evan’s father.

“Oh!” She clasped a hand to her mouth. “I’m so sorry, Aunt Lucy, Aunt Maggie. With Kat’s illness and then my own, I forgot to tell you. Lord Evan is bringing his father this weekend to meet me. I hope that won’t be any trouble.”

“Of course not, dear,” Maggie replied. “We’d love to have the earl.”