The Heart of the Rose

13

     The next morning Rose was going over her cases brooding over Ethan and Evan leaving to meet with Rand. She should have been the one to tell him she did not want him to court her. She should also be the one who told him about the Kings decree. But the twins thought it would be better coming from them. Men always thinking they know what is right for everyone. Rose saw that as one of the things wrong with the world Men were in control. While Rose was brooding Ethan and Evan were meeting with Rand and Flynn at Whites.

The four men were sitting at a private table away from the others. Ethan began the conversation off he wanted to be the one in control.

"Rose was upset last night. Apparently she was informed Flynn gave his blessing for the two of you to be married?"

"I did give them my blessing. I know they would be a good match."

"I am sure you think that but it is not up to you to choose a match for Rose. The conditions for Rose to get married is by permission of the king. I am to make a recommendation and present it to the King. I have talked to Rose she is not interested in Rand as a husband."

"I am sure you are mistaken. I have talked with My sister about a match with Rand and she was quite open to the idea."

Ethan stood up and Evan followed suit. They were signaling the end of the conversation.

"I suggest you do not mention marriage or courting to Rose again least she smite you. She was not happy last night when she was presented with picking a date. Perhaps next time you court a woman you court her before you ask her to pick a date. By the way Rose knows you only chose her for her money because you are broke."

The twins walked out of Whites knowing they had made an enemy. They knew also they did not care. When they arrived home Rose who was not normally taken to hysterics was shouting at someone.

"If you do not leave here at once I will have you thrown out."

"But Miss I was told to come and fit you for a wedding dress. The Earl was explicet in what he wants you to wear."

"I am not marrying the Earl and if I were he would not be picking out my wedding attire. Now get out."

Ethan and Evan walked into the room and the Dress Maker curtsied.

"I am so glad to see you your grace. Maybe you can reason with the young lady."

Evan laughed this was going to be fun. He took a seat and waited for the fireworks to begin. Rose was about to say something but Ethan held up his hand to stop her. He would handle this. She huffed and waited to see what he would do.

"Lady Hillary is not in need of a wedding dress for a marriage to the Earl. The earl was mistaken there is no engagement."

"This order came from the Countess your grace. Not the Earl."

"Well Madam it does not matter unless the order came from the King Lady Hillary will not be marrying the Earl. Now if you can please vacate my home. You can tell the Countess that the wedding was a mistake."

The woman looked like she would have apoxy at the mention of telling the Countess there was a mistake. She must either not want to deal with the Countess or she was losing a large commission. Either way the woman was not going to be making any clothing for Rose. If she needed a wedding dress he would be taking her to Madam Shays who was the best in all of London. Once the woman left Rose flopped down in one of the chairs.

"I do not know what more I can say other than No. What happened today when you two went and talked with them?"

"They are of the opinion the King is not in charge of who you marry Flynn is.