章 44: MAD MEN - PART 2
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The butler interceded in the intimate moment between Giselle and Kane. Informing the guests that dinner was ready to be served. Everyone followed Carrick into the dining room and took their assigned seats.
The Count sat at the head of the table, while Rose sat to his right. This would be her place at the table from here on out. Lord Thorn sat next to Rose on her right, and Lydia was on his right. After them were Jackson and Allison, Larson and Iris, ending with The Earl of Northbrook and Giselle to Dante's left. In her lessons from Lady Hilyard, Rose was supposed to converse with the person seated to her right. That meant she was presumed to begin a discussion with Christopher. Rose was uncertain how she ended up like this.
It seemed like Dante was giving her crossed signals. One minute he says to stay away from Lord Thorn, and the next, she finds herself beside the man. Dante had promised to protect her, but it felt more like he was tormenting her for his demented pleasure. Rose remembered that the devil in Dante must make him do these crazy things. She would be sure to discuss this with him after the party.
The dinner was a long and arduous process for Rose. She was not used to eating so much, even though Lady Hilyard warned her to only eat a few bites. Never finishing what's set in front of you. Ten courses were a lot for anyone to handle. Rose sat quietly for most of the meal, listening to other guests' discussions. She registered Christopher did the same. He was on guard, very vigilant, and aware of his surroundings.
Looking across the table, she noticed Larson. It made Rose's heart a little lighter to see him with someone else. Iris McWhorter looked captivated by Larson, and he seemed to enjoy her company, too. Rose heard Larson at the other end of the table as he told Iris about his recent buyer's trip to France. She now understood why Dante had invited the Milners.
The Count listened and helped Rose let go of Larson.
Rose turned and looked at her father. He tilted his head at her in silent question. Dante could sense she wanted to say something to him, but not out loud. He waited patiently, and Rose spoke to him with her telepathic senses.
"Thank you for helping me with Larson. Also, why did you seat me next to Lord Thorn?"
Dante smirked and answered silently back. "I want to show off what he cannot have. I want to make him uncomfortable and squirm. I believe it is working. This is the quietest I have ever seen the man."
"I will tell you he is not in any kind of discomfort. I watched him all evening. Lord Thorn is surveying everything going on and observing the situation. Christopher is cautious and does not let his shield down. The only person here who is uneasy is me." She narrowed her eyes at Dante in displeasure.
"Sorry, darling girl. It was not my intention." Dante responded to Rose in her thoughts.
If Dante placed her in these predicaments, she would show her father she should not be underestimated. Rose shifted in her seat to face Christopher's direction. Lord Thorn turned to meet her, and they stared at each other for a moment. Rose was the first to speak.
"How is your meal so far, Milord?" Rose addressed Christopher formally as Lady Hilyard had advised her to do with all her guests.
Christopher was surprised Rose finally spoke to him and glad she finally did. He answered her question.
"It is a gastronomic delight. Every dish was perfectly seasoned. Your estate has a terrific cook, Lady Rose."
Lord Thorn discerned Rose as awkward when it came to speaking with others. He kept the conversation light and carefree to keep her relaxed.
"If I may ask Lord Thorn, what is your profession?" Rose was mentally going through her checklist of questions to ask a dinner guest that her etiquette teacher had discussed with her. Lady Hilyard told Rose to keep the conversation pleasant and not talk about herself.
"You indeed may; I own a shipping company and move goods worldwide. What about you, Lady Rose? What is your occupation?" Christopher thought he might have guessed, but he wanted to hear her tell him. He liked to listen to her voice. It lilted softly and was sweet as honey. The closer he was to Rose, the stronger his urge was to touch her. He had an overwhelming drive to whisk her away and protect her. He felt like an insane man. The Lord hoped he could keep his feelings for Rose under control.
"I'm in botany and horticulture," Rose answered, and Christopher could still see she was frigid and distant. Lady Rose was mysterious. She would let no one into her world easily.
Christopher leaned closer to Rose. He wanted to elicit a reaction from her. Lord Thorn lightly whispered where no one could hear. "I already knew that about you. You are free to visit my greenhouse anytime you like. I really appreciate what you did to the place." Christopher beamed at Rose. He wanted her to smile, but he had no such luck. She didn't flinch or react to the fact that he saw her in his conservatory.
She stared straight into Christopher's eyes. Rose wanted him to understand what he was about to experience. "Please say nothing further. It will enrage Dante if he hears it." Rose had no choice but to answer Christopher telepathically. She was frightened of how her father would react if he knew she had been on Lord Thorn's estate.
Christopher turned back to his meal and ate. He did not want Dante to get suspicious. He mentally responded to Rose, "My, aren't you full of surprises! You're a telepath. Can you hear what I'm thinking in my mind to you?"
"Yes, I can," Rose replied, picking up her napkin and dabbing the corner of her lip nonchalantly to avoid undue attention.
"Good to know. I will not tell Dante about your visit. So don't worry. If you require anything, please reach out to me, Rose. I will assist you. Are you safe here with Dante and Giselle?" Christopher took a drink of wine.
"Things have been stressed here a bit. I was very ill when I first arrived. We got off to a bumpy start. I think Giselle is angry with Dante and is taking it out on me. She is punishing him for naming me his heir and giving me the title of Contessa. I have tried several times to leave, only for my father to ask me not to go." Rose cut her meat into small cubes and ate it. Anyone watching would think the two were enjoying their meal silently, not having a profound telepathic discussion.
Christopher noticed Rose had closed her eyes and rubbed her temples like she had a headache. Her father saw her movements, too. "Are you okay, darling girl?" Asked the Count, looking at her with worry.
"I'm fine, just a slight headache. It will pass soon." Rose patted Dante on the back of his hand in reassurance.
Rose and Christopher did not communicate further at dinner. He figured that the telepathy might make Rose's head hurt. The Lord would wait until no one was around to speak with her again.
After the meal, Giselle, Rose, and their guests retired to the conservatory for parlor games, conversation, and tea. The men followed Dante back to the drawing room for cigars and drinks. It had been a long night, and Rose felt out of place with these women. They had nothing in common with her, and it was difficult for Rose to start a conversation with them. She could see Giselle would not be any help in her current plight.
"Hello, Rose," she heard Allison's callous voice from behind her.
"Hi, Allison. I'm happy to see you and Larson come to the party tonight. I have missed you both." She turned to Miss. Milner and smiled. Rose would not let Allison know how her prickly demeanor affected her.
"This changes nothing between us, Rose. I came because your father explained he wanted to introduce Iris McWhorter to Larson." Allison tossed her long blonde curls over her shoulder. "That is the only reason I'm here. It is for my brother. The Count said he knew what was going on between you and Larson and agreed that you would not be a good match." Allison returned to the table where the other women were preparing for the game of gin rummy.
Rose felt deflated. She was disheartened that Allison still did not trust her. Lady Rose disappeared out the side door of the conservatory. She wanted to get away from this place. The evening's events had been too overstimulating for her. She needed a respite.
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