A Rose At Midnight. Jacqueline Navin

are not expected to learn it at once, but I should like you to try to remember as much as you can. When the child is born, he shall wish to know these things.”

      “Yes, of course.”

      “I will not bother to show all the guest rooms. Your rooms, however, you must be anxious to see. Here we are.”

      He swung open the double doors. They entered into a sitting room, elegant, plush, exquisitely furnished in shades of yellow and rose. “Beyond there is the bedroom, and a large dressing room which connects to my apartments. There is a water closet through there.”

      She was openly gaping, which satisfied Magnus. For himself, he was having a difficult time acclimating himself to his surroundings. He hadn’t been in this part of the house in years. Since his mother’s death. And he had lied to Caroline. His rooms were not through the connecting dressing door. He had never taken his father’s place in the master’s chamber, but he would have to now, as was fitting. What an irony that it was only in death he found himself worthy to do so.

      He had had the room redecorated when he had first decided to take a wife, so everything, from the plush carpet to the silk draperies to the last embroidered pillow, was new. As Caroline walked about, studying this aspect or that, he waited. At last, she swung toward him, almost knocking him senseless with another of her smiles. “It is beautiful, my lord.”

      He felt his heart do something queer in his chest. “Magnus,” he corrected, his voice almost a croak. He cleared his throat.

      “Yes, I am sorry. Magnus.”

      He caught himself staring and said roughly, “Come. All Mrs. Bronson’s talk of lamb has stoked my appetite. You will want to see the nursery before we go.”

      “Yes, yes of course,” she said, and for the first time, Magnus saw the spark of excitement in her eye. As she passed him, he caught her scent, a gentle hint of rose water mingled with musk. His body tightened slightly, and he smiled as they continued the tour.

       Chapter Four

      The formal dining hall was set with leaded crystal, Limoges china, crisp linen and brilliantly polished silverware. Caroline was a bit astonished at all this fuss just for luncheon. As soon as the thought registered, she chided herself. Really, she must stop acting like an awestruck child every time the earl’s wealth showed. She hoped it was not obvious, and endeavored to appear relaxed and comfortable as Arthur pulled out her chair and placed her napkin on her lap.

      “The weather is quite cool,” the earl said. His rich baritone carried over the length of the table. He was seated at the opposite end, gazing at her in that way he favored, with his fingers laced at his lips as if studying an intriguing specimen.

      “Yes, rather,” she agreed. They were served soup, and a piping hot loaf of bread was placed on her plate along with a cup of sweet butter. Her mouth watered. This alone was a meal to her—more than enough by the standards she had grown used to in the lean years since her father’s death.

      The earl said, “Unseasonably cool.”

      “Winter is not far off,” she replied, picking up her spoon.

      When the majordomo had gone, she heard a low chuckle. “Now that we are clear on the state of the clime, and—not incidentally—alone, perhaps we can discuss matters of some consequence.”

      “Yes, my lord?”

      He paused, frowning. Caroline stared back at him, puzzled, until she realized what was the matter. “Pardon me. Magnus.”

      “Much better. You know, it sounds quite nice coming from you. Your voice is husky, as if you have a sore throat.”

      “I am in excellent health,” she assured him.

      His eyes danced. “Yes, I know, Caroline. Anyone can see that.”

      He was mocking her again, and she lowered her gaze to her bowl. As she ate, she heard the clatter of china and looked up to find him gathering his place setting. To her amazement, he carried his bowl and plate down to the seat on her right, returned for the other items, then settled himself at his new place.

      “Much cozier, don’t you think?”

      “Certainly.” She concentrated on her meal. “You were correct about Mrs. Bronson’s cooking. This is delicious.”

      “Good. Now, as I was saying, there are certain matters I wish to discuss with you, namely the wedding.”

      She stiffened. Was he reconsidering his decision? “What about the wedding?”

      His shrewd eyes narrowed. “I merely meant the details, Caroline. We must limit it to a small gathering, as there is no time to invite guests nor prepare for a gala celebration. However, I have determined it should be an occasion of note and you will be properly outfitted—” He cut off as the servants came in to collect the dishes and lay out the second course. The earl’s changed seat caused some dismay, which he ignored. When the food was in place, the servers filed out, leaving them once again to themselves.

      “As I was saying, I will have some sketches sent to you, and some scraps of material so you can choose a proper wedding dress. You and your mother can take care of the gown and all the other various and sundry accessories. Also, you must choose the flowers. I shall take care of arranging the ceremony and a small reception here at the house. Just your family, the parson and a few of those who live close by should suffice. And David, of course.”

      “David? Oh, your brother.”

      “Yes,” he said, glancing at the clock on the sideboard. “I wonder where he is. Ah well, I shall tell you more tales of my ancestors. Boring, I know, but necessary for you to learn. Now, there was the first earl, my great-great. I cannot recall just how many greats, and in fact he was not at all great from the stories that have survived him, but my grandfather just the same.”

      Caroline found herself smiling. She was surprised to observe he possessed a certain charm, and she had to admit she found him more than passably engaging.

      The meal was delicious. Though comfortably sated, she found she could not forego the lamb. It was spectacular, seasoned to perfection and complemented with the subtle taste of mint.

      The earl continued to relate stories of his family in his quirky, almost self-deprecating way, then switched to outline his plans for her installment as his wife. He seemed to have thought of every detail. It was quite overwhelming and she was glad to let him take the lead, carefully nodding in agreement while her mind wandered.

      She still had to marvel at the miracle of it all. The earl had chosen her. And the best of it was that he had agreed to allow her mother—and James—to stay at the Barrister’s Ordinary where they would be close by. Why, she could visit every day!

      “Caroline?”

      She was suddenly aware he was addressing her. “What? Oh, yes, my lord. Magnus. I am sorry, I am afraid I became a little lost.”

      Emerald eyes raked over her. “I suppose it is a great deal to take in at once.”

      “No, it is not that. I—I simply was—”

      “Nonsense, Caroline, there is no need to explain. It is my terrible sense of urgency, which cannot be helped. It must cause much confusion. I shall have my secretary draw up a schedule and deliver it to you.”

      “Thank you.”

      After coffee and dessert, which was a thick slab of butter cake soaked in heavy cream and topped with fresh berries, Magnus offered to show Caroline the gardens.

      “I don’t know if I can move. I am afraid I am quite full,” she said as he drew out her chair for her.

      “Then a bit of exercise should. be just the thing.”.

      They