Free The Shamrock & the Rose by Regan Walker Page A

said the silver-haired woman, “I
meant to ask when you came in last night, how is the performance
going? Do you still believe it was the right thing to accept the
part despite your mother’s objections?”
    “Oh, the play is going splendidly—and yes, I
am happy with my decision. I could not stay in Newcastle another
moment.”
    “Was it really so bad?”
    “It was the future that caused me despair. I
might be the daughter of Vice Admiral Lord Collingwood, but there
was nothing for me at home save a marriage to some vicar or rising
merchant. Had he lived, my father might even have pressed some
fellow officer on me. Any of those seemed a dreary choice.”
    “Your two sisters appear happy with their
lives.”
    Rose acknowledged to herself the truth of
the countess’s statement while wondering how to explain their
differences. “My sisters are much older than I am; they have been
wives and mothers for many years, never questioning their place.”
She sighed and lifted her tea. Her sisters were more like distant
aunts. “They hardly understand my desire to see more of the world
than the north of England. I have often thought I may be more like
my father. His military service for the Crown took him to far-off
lands.”
    “But an actress ?”
    Rose couldn’t help but note the countess’s
disapproving tone. Though she had participated in the deception
that allowed Rose to become Lily Underwood, the older woman
retained the view of most of the ton . Rose, on the other
hand, was quite determined.
    “I never thought of it until Mr. Colman from
the theatre at Haymarket heard my dramatic reading at a dinner
party in Newcastle and made me the offer. The role of Portia was
just too marvelous to decline.”
    “Well, I am glad Mr. Colman agreed to your
wearing a wig and taking a stage name. Your mother was right to
insist upon that. Actresses have a questionable reputation at best,
and a low one more often, which is why I was pleased she required
you stay with me. You must promise to be careful around the theatre
people, my dear. One can only imagine the things you might be
exposed to.”
    Rose felt her cheeks heat at the reminder of
the kindness and concern for her welfare her mother’s dear friend
had shown her. She never would have been allowed to come to London
had not the countess stepped in to offer her home and guidance.
Rose had indeed seen a few things backstage that opened her
innocent eyes to the darker side of theatre life, and to the loose
morals of many of the women there, things that made her determined
to wed a gentleman if ever she married at all. But she would not
mention those incidents to the countess. Instead she said, “I have
heard some actresses have done very well for themselves.”
    “Ah, yes. There have been exceptions. The
actress Mary Bolton became Lady Thurlow, a worthy countess for
Edward. She has given him three fine sons, and I am proud to call
her friend.” A faint smile crossed the countess’s face. “I do love
interesting people, you know, and she is one of them.” The countess
paused, her teacup suspended above its saucer. “Now that I think of
it, she was also the daughter of a naval officer, though not as
high ranking as your father.”
    “I’m not seeking to marry a peer, Countess,
or indeed, anyone. I merely want to play the part of a woman I
would like to be, one who uses her mind and not her charms. Portia
was more than people thought her to be. She didn’t quite fit, and
often I feel…well, neither do I.”
    “A bluestocking in disguise was fair
Portia.” Picking up the quizzing glass that was ever around her
neck and peering through it, the countess added, “Not unlike you, I
think.”
    Rose’s eyes fell to the teacup she held in
her lap. “That I cannot say. Coming to London for the stage is the
bravest thing I’ve ever done.”
    “All to the good, my dear,” said the
countess. “I am delighted to have so intelligent a companion in my
home, though alongside has