Rose in Bloom (18 page)

“That reminds me,” Daniel went on. “There’s a new theatre opening the evening of the solstice. I made a sizeable contribution, and the proprietor has asked that we be his guests for the evening. A box has been reserved for us. I hope you’ll all join Lily and me.”

“That’s sounds heavenly, Daniel,” Lily said.

“Oh, yes,” Ally agreed. “It’s been so long since we’ve been to the theatre.”

“Ally, we’ve
never
been to the theatre,” Sophie said.

“That’s certainly a long time, don’t you think?” Alexandra giggled.

Soon the whole table was laughing. Ally had that effect on people.

“I think that sounds wonderful,” Maggie said. “You must be speaking of Zach Newland’s new enterprise.”

“The actor?” Alexandra asked.

“The one and only,” Daniel said. “And yes, Mother, the Regal is his venture.”

“Oh, he is absolutely to die for!” Alexandra exclaimed.

“Have you seen his work?” Maggie asked.

“Heavens, no,” Alexandra said. “Sophie is correct. We’ve never been to the theatre. But I’ve seen portraits of him. He is exquisite.”

“Goodness, Ally,” her mother admonished.

“I’m right, Mother.”

“Of course you’re right, but goodness,” Iris said again.

“There will be plenty of room in the box if you would like to ask Lord Brighton to join us,” Daniel said to Iris.

“That is very generous of you,” Iris replied. “I’ll speak to him when he arrives tomorrow.”

“And Xavier too,” he said to Rose.

Rose’s cheeks burned. “That is kind of you, Daniel, but Lord Evan and I aren’t…that is…we have discontinued our courtship.”

“I didn’t know,” Daniel said. “I’m sorry.”

“No, I’m sorry, Daniel,” Lily said. “I haven’t had a chance to fill you in on everything yet.”

“It’s fine, Lily,” Rose said. Then, to Daniel, “It was a mutual decision.”
Good Lord, would someone please change the subject?
She didn’t want to go into any more detail about Evan, especially since she planned to marry him anyway after his father’s wedding. She gave Lily a pleading glance.

Lily cleared her throat. “The theatre sounds wonderful. What are they opening with, Daniel?”

“
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
.”

“One of my favorites!” Alexandra gushed. “Mr. Newland will make a wonderful Oberon.”

“I don’t know which part he chose for himself,” Daniel said, “but I’ve no doubt the production will be a hit.”

“I can’t wait,” Alexandra said. “You are too kind to all of us, Your Grace.”

“No more Your Grace,” Daniel said. “We’re all family now.”

“Heavens, yes,” Lily agreed. “Unless you’d like to start calling me Your Grace, Ally. I think I could get used to that.”

Everyone at the table erupted in cheerful laughter. Everyone except for Rose. Unseen by the others, she ran her palm smoothly across her abdomen, thinking about Cameron’s babe slumbering inside. How happy she should be, to be carrying the child of the man she loved. How happy indeed.

Chapter Fourteen

Two days later, everyone rose at dawn to attend the Midsummer Celebration outside of Bath. The Earl and Countess of Ashford, who had arrived the previous day, chose to forgo the celebration, not to anyone’s surprise. However, the earl did concede to let Rose attend, so she and Thomas rode with Lily and Daniel in their carriage. The rest were divided among other carriages, including Evan who rode in Lord Brighton’s carriage with Aunt Iris and the girls. Rose sighed heavily. She had asked Thomas to be her escort at the festival. She had to talk to Evan eventually, to tell him she had changed her mind about marrying him, but she didn’t plan to do it today. She would not cloud Aunt Iris’s day in the sun.

She resisted the urge to clutch at her stomach, despite the nausea she felt. It would alert Thomas and Daniel to her condition. Lily sat next to her husband, her hand clasped in his, looking radiantly healthy. She was apparently adjusting to pregnancy a lot better than Rose was. Of course, her situation was quite different.

“Next year I want to watch the sun rise at Stonehenge,” Lily said.

“Whatever you wish, my love,” Daniel replied.

Thomas rolled his eyes at Rose, and then said, “God, man, she has you wrapped around her little finger.”

Daniel laughed.

“Do shut up, Thomas,” Lily said. Then, “I suppose we shall miss the bonfires tonight as well, since we’ll be going to the theatre.”

“I didn’t know you wanted to see the bonfires, Lily,” Daniel said. “Most of them were last night, on the eve, but there will likely be a few tonight.”

“No, I’d much rather go to the theatre,” Lily said. “I love Shakespeare.”

“There will be another festival in a few days for the Feast of St. John,” Daniel said. “This one today is the true pagan celebration. We’ll likely see the spiral dance, fortune tellers, candle boats, maybe even a dragon or two.” He smiled.

“What’s a candle boat?” Rose asked.

“Wait and see.” Daniel smiled.

They arrived amidst children and adults dressed in peasant finery, jeweled in flower garlands and crowns.

“Much like the May Day festival,” Lily remarked.

“Yes, a lot of the traditions are similar,” Daniel said.

“Why, there’s a May Pole.” Rose pointed.

“It’s called the Midsummer Tree,” Daniel explained. “Although it is the same dance.”

Dozens of women walked about veiled in white, their hair flowing freely, scattering flower petals.

“Who are they, Daniel?” Lily asked.

“Druids.”

“Druids still exist?” Lily asked incredulously.

“Yes, especially here in Wiltshire. You’d be amazed how many haven’t embraced Christianity.”

“What would Papa say?” Lily said to Rose and Thomas.

“We’d best not tell him,” Thomas replied, chuckling. “He may significantly lower his opinion of your husband if he learns of the heathen practices that he has subjected us all to today.”

As they walked toward a rolling stream, Daniel said, “There are your candle boats, Rose.”

They watched as people folded pieces of paper into boats, filled them with flowers, set them on fire, and sailed them down the rolling waters.

“How lovely.” Rose watched intently. “What are they for?”

“The tradition comes from Austria,” Daniel said. “It’s not commonly practiced in England, so I’m not sure how it made its way here to Wiltshire. The boats are said to carry prayers to the deities.”

“May we sail one?” Lily asked.

“Of course.”

Daniel led them forward. He gave several coins to a young maiden and returned with two matches and two pieces of paper. “Here you are.” He showed them how to fold the paper into a boat. “Now gather the flowers and petals from the ground and put them in your boat.”

When the boats were full, Daniel led them to the edge of the stream. “Think of your wish before we light them,” he said. “You must pray to the Goddess as the boat hits the water.”

“The Goddess?” Rose asked. Her father would not approve.

“To the Christian God, if you wish,” Daniel said. “Whatever deity works for you.”

“I’m ready, Daniel,” Lily said.

Daniel lit Lily’s boat on fire and she quickly placed it in the rolling water. It burned as it sped downstream.

“What did you wish for Lily?” Rose asked.

“She can’t tell you,” Daniel said. “It’s private, between her and the Goddess.”

“I see. I guess I’m ready then.”

Daniel lit Rose’s boat, and as she placed it in the water, she closed her eyes and prayed as hard as she could.
Dear God. And G-Goddess, please bring Cameron back to me and our babe
. When she opened her eyes, her boat was gone.

“What a fun little custom,” Lily said.

“I’m famished, Lybrook,” Thomas said. “Where are the eats around here?”

“Look around. They’re everywhere.” Daniel pointed. “My favorite is beef on a stick. They sell it at that little kiosk. Come on. My treat.”

While the others relished their snack, Rose choked hers down, fighting the ever-present nausea. Daniel brought two tankards of ale for himself and Thomas and watered down wine for Lily and Rose. What Rose really wanted was some fresh water, but she drank her beverage, not complaining.

“Look, there’s a dragon!” Lily pointed to a parade of musicians being led by a large dragon head. Behind the musicians, several gypsies dragged a large wooden man.

“I told you, love,” Daniel said. “See that giant coming behind the dragon? He’s made of wicker. He’ll be burned tonight in one of the bonfires as a sacrifice to the Goddess.”

“Fascinating,” Lily said. “Are the rest of you finished? I’m dying to walk around a bit more. I feel like we haven’t even scratched the surface of what there is to see here.”

Rose handed her unfinished meat to Thomas. “I can’t possibly eat another bite.”

“Are you feeling well, Rose?” Thomas asked.

Lily gave Rose a sideways glance.

“I’m fine,” Rose replied. “I had a large breakfast is all.”

They continued walking, browsing through the merchants’ wares. After spending some time looking at oriental silk, a gypsy crone beckoned them.

“Ah, two little maidens on the verge of motherhood,” she said. “I can tell you the gender of your babe.”

Rose’s heart thundered. She sent a pleading look to Lily.

“You must be mistaken, madam.” Lily raised her eyebrows at the crone and jiggled her reticule.

The crone smiled. “My mistake, my lady. Would you care to have your fortune told? You and your sister?”

“No, thank you.”

“Oh, go ahead, Lily,” Daniel urged. “It’s tradition.”

“Well, all right, if you say so.”

“I’ll see only the ladies at this time,” the crone said to Daniel and Thomas, gesturing them to stay where they were.

Lily grabbed Rose and pulled her into the crone’s tent. “I’m sorry about this, Rose.”

“It’s all right. I’m just glad you were able to keep her quiet.”

“Now, now.” The crone sat down behind a small table laden with stones, a crystal sphere, and a deck of cards. “My name is Melina. Do have a seat, both of you.”

“I must thank you for your discretion,” Lily said, pulling several shillings out of her reticule and handing them to Melina.

“Then I am correct. You are both with child.”

“Yes,” Lily said. “How did you know we were sisters?”

“Melina knows all. So you both expect bairns, but only one of you is married.”

“Yes.”

Again, Rose’s eyes welled. Goodness, had she not cried every tear in England yet?

“Don’t cry, little one,” Melina said. “Your man is returning for you.”

“I’m afraid you’re mistaken,” Rose said.

“Melina is never mistaken. Shall we see what the cards have to say?”

“I thought you were going to tell us the gender of our babes,” Lily said.

“Yes, yes. We’ll get to that. But your sister is hurting. She needs the wisdom of the cards.” Melina took the stack of cards from her table, shuffled them quickly, and handed them to Rose. “You cut them, dear.”

Rose obliged.

Melina drew the first card. “Ah, the nine of swords. You are worrying. Suffering. It is a burden you have been carrying alone.”

“Lord, she didn’t need you to tell her that,” Lily said dryly.

“Your sister is protective of you,” Melina continued. “Know then, that you do not suffer alone.”

“My sister is helping to carry my burden, I know.”

“I talk not of your sister. Another suffers as you do. Another feels helpless.”

“Who?”

“The father of your babe, of course.”

Rose widened her eyes as Melina drew another card.

“The eight of pentacles. You have a talent with your hands.”

“Yes,” Rose said. “I play the pianoforte.”

“Don’t help her, Rose,” Lily said.

“Melina needs no help.” The crone drew the next card. “The ace of cups. Wonderful! This is the cup of life. You are the cup of life. You give life to your babe. Your babe is a miracle and a blessing.”

“But my babe will be a bastard,” Rose said, weeping softly.

“Every babe is a blessing. A miracle. And your babe will not be a bastard. He returns to you.”

“I wish I could believe you.”

“Believe Melina. She knows. I will draw your last card. The moon.” Melina sighed.

“What? Is it bad?” Rose asked.

“No. Not necessarily. But something is not as it seems. Someone has lied to you.”

“Yes, that is true. The father of my babe lied to me.”

“Yes, it was he. But something is still amiss. All is not as you think it. He will return.”

“How do you know?”

“The cards know no falsehoods, my lady,” Melina said. “Your suffering will cease. He will return.”

Rose nodded, sniffling into her handkerchief. “Your turn, Lily.”

“Heavens no, I don’t want my cards read,” Lily said. “But I would like to know the gender of my babe.”

“Of course.” Melina reached for a crystal on a leather cord. “I will read for your sister first, to ease her suffering.”

“How is knowing the sex of her babe going to ease her suffering?” Lily asked, rolling her eyes.

“Trust Melina.” She motioned to Rose and pointed to a pile of pillows on the ground. “You must lie down.”

Rose hesitantly lay down on the pillows as Melina held the crystal over her belly. “Now we wait for the spirits to guide us.” The crystal began to weave slowly back and forth, until it established a pattern. “You carry a girl, my lady. A beautiful girl. She has hair like her father, and eyes like yours. She will be beautiful, the light of his eye.”

“A little girl?” Rose said, her lips curving upward. “A girl. How wonderful.”

“Melina knew it would help ease your suffering. Now you.” She motioned to Lily.

Lily assumed the position as Melina held the crystal over her abdomen. “A boy for you, my dear. An heir for the duke.”

“An heir! How marvelous!” Lily exclaimed. “Wait a minute. How did you know my husband was the duke?”

“Melina knows.”

Lily sat up and fumbled with her reticule. “I don’t know if you’re right, Melina, but you’ve certainly been entertaining.” She handed the crone several more coins. “For your time and trouble. And your discretion,” she added.

“The duchess is generous,” Melina said. “Melina thanks you.” Then, turning to Rose, “Do not despair. Your man loves you and will return.” The crone pulled a pink rose out of a vase behind her table. “Take this rose. Scatter the petals at midnight tonight. Your man will catch the scent and return to your arms.”

Lily rolled her eyes, but Rose was desperate.

“Yes, I will,” she said, taking the flower. “Thank you so very much.” She fumbled with her reticule.

Melina stopped her. “The duchess has paid more than necessary. You keep your coins.”

“No, I insist.” Rose placed a sovereign in the crone’s wrinkled hand. “I don’t know whether I believe you, but I do feel better.”

“I cannot take so much.” Melina shook her head.

Rose folded the old woman’s fingers around the gold coin. “Please. You’ve helped me more than you know.”

“Rose, you don’t actually believe this nonsense, do you?” Lily said.

“No,” Rose said, “but I do feel better. I’m not sure why. Bless you, Melina.”

“Bless you, my lady.” Melina smiled. “Blessed be to you and yours and to the Goddess.”

* * * *

When the ladies had left the tent, a large gypsy man entered from a hidden door behind Melina’s chair. “Do you really think her man will return to her?” he asked.

“Hell if I know,” Melina said. “Thank you for telling me who they were.” She tossed him a few shillings.

He put the coins in his pocket. “How did you know they were both with child?”