Rose sat in Lady Delphine's room after lunch. It was finally time to see her. Her father hadn't been much help, and she hoped Lady Delphine would make it a little easier for her to make a choice.
They were still at the round table after lunch. The dishes were cleared, but neither left the table as Rose had hinted she had much to discuss. Even without saying anything, Lady Delphine had suspected something was going on, as Rose was at her manor a little too early.
"The King asked me to marry him," Rose blurted as soon as they were alone behind closed doors.
Lady Delphine's eyes widened in delight, and she clapped. "That's wonderful. Is that the news you came to tell me?"
Rose was a little surprised at Lady Delphine's happy tone. "I didn't agree to get married," she responded.
Lady Delphine leaned back, her face impassive as she watched Rose. "Did you decline his offer?" Her tone was as neutral as her face.
"I told him I needed time to think about it."
