Page 4

Chapter

Three

A SURPRISE REQUEST

“ Y ou wished to see me, Cosmos?” My dear brother had requested my presence in his study. With its stacks of books, journals, plant specimens, and laboratory equipment, the room clearly branded him a scientist. So did the spectacles perched on his nose.

His coloring, on the other hand, identified him as a member of the Rosehaven brood. Our hair ran in all shades of red, from Chrissie’s strawberry gold to Cosmo’s dark burgundy and every other shade in between, including my own copper tresses, a feature I shared with our youngest sister.

"I hope I didn’t interrupt a worthwhile endeavor,” he said.

“Chrissie and I were taking stock of her wardrobe.”

"Nothing important then.” If the subject did not revolve around his beloved plants and flowers, Cosmos deemed the topic of no import.

I laughed. “Only if you don’t deem the gown she will wear for the Duchess of Comingford’s ball important.” One of the most important events of the season. Anyone who showed up in less than fashionable attire would be deemed not worth knowing.

His face fell. “I beg your pardon. I did not realize."

He was always so sweet about his contrition, I could never be angry at him. “Never mind. Why did you send for me?"

“Steele sent a note. He would like an audience with you. Odd that he asked for my permission.” He gazed at me, a question in his eyes. “Do you know what that’s about?”

“We enjoyed a ... conversation last night at Lady Cholmondley-Smith’s ball. I raised a couple of points about women’s education. More than likely, he wants to follow up on them.” I wasn’t lying. I had talked with him on that subject. True, it’d been an argument, but it did qualify as a conversation. It was strange that he was seeking an audience with me, however. Having sent him a note of apology this morning, I’d expected that to be the end of it. Apparently, the duke thought differently. If he thought I would offer more than I’d stated in my missive, he was sadly mistaken.

“I don’t have to be present, do I?” Cosmos asked, an anxious tone in his voice. “Him being a duke and all.”

That was the last thing I wanted. My disagreement with the duke was bound to come up during that conversation, something I was reluctant for Cosmos to know. I purposefully kept my brother ignorant of all the unpleasantries of life. Not only did they upset him, but he attempted to fix what was wrong in ways that made the situation worse. “No, Brother, you don’t. It’s bound to be a rather pedestrian conversation. May I read his note?”

“Of course.” He handed it to me.

The message had been written on letterhead embossed with an escutcheon that depicted a blade at the top, a sword on the right, and a cannon on the left—the Steele coat of arms. Nothing less was to be expected from a duke whose ancestors were famous for fighting in numerous battles. Grateful kings had been so thankful for their efforts they’d awarded the family vast estates and increasingly more prestigious titles, culminating in the Steele dukedom.

It didn’t take long for me to read Steele’s note. As Cosmos had stated, he was seeking an audience with me, preferably today. He did not mention the reason for it.

“You could invite him to tea,” Cosmos suggested.

“No!’ I said a little too emphatically.

Cosmos’ brows knitted. “Why not?”

Bother! He was growing suspicious. I had to convince him nothing was wrong before he stepped in to “solve” the problem. “It just ... it needs to be a private meeting.” I grinned to make light of it. “You know how the children are. They’ll be chattering nonstop. We’d never be able to discuss anything in their presence. We’ll meet in the morning room. That way we won’t be disturbed.”

His wrinkled brow smoothed. “Whatever you think is best. Now I must be off. I have a lecture to attend.”

Thank heaven. He needed to be away before Steele showed up. Otherwise, he might take it into his head to drop into our discussion. “On which topic, dear brother?”

“Foxglove’s Medicinal Benefits."

That surprised me. “Isn’t foxglove a poison?”

“It is, but as the lecture title indicates, it has health benefits too.” He pointed to a plant in the corner that he had under glass. “I’m studying it at the moment.”

“That’s foxglove?” I asked in horror.

“Indeed, it is, dear sister.”

“That plant shouldn’t be here, Cosmos. You know how inquisitive Petunia is. And Fox is following in your footsteps. No telling what he might do.”

“That’s why I keep my study locked. Now, I really must leave. After you, Rosie.” Once we walked out, he carefully locked the door behind us before making his way down the hallway.

Eager to study the duke’s letter, I took it back to my room. The more I read it, the more concerned I became. What did the duke wish to discuss? Well, I wouldn’t find out by standing here. I penned a quick note suggesting a meeting at three.