“We have received word that your brother should be arriving later this evening. Apparently their crossing was rough and it took longer than expected.” Lady Smythe seemed so excited at the prospect of welcoming her son home. Rose attributed her altered manner to that and relief over her own safety.
Rose was highly amused at the politeness everyone was displaying. The last time she had seen her parents in the same room as a Wrentham, cutting words had been hurled from both sides. She assumed the truce had to do with their mutual efforts to save her and thwart Broderick.
So, she was stunned into silence when the dishes were removed and her father turned to her to say, “It would seem the duke has some things he wishes to discuss with you, my dear. The two of you may sit in the receiving room for a few minutes while your mother and I go to my library to enjoy the fire I am sure the footmen have started there.”
Blinking in confusion, Rose did not resist as Alex pulled her seat back for her and offered his elbow. She wondered if she were still dreaming as he escorted her to the ivory room at the front of the house.
Settling herself on the settee, Rose blushed with pleasure when Alex sat closely beside her and did not release her arm. Instead, he held her hand gently and stared at the bandages covering her wrists.
“I am so sorry for the pain you have had to endure these two days,” he began earnestly.
“Oh Alex,” Rose sighed, “This can hardly be considered your fault. I should never have gone off with Broderick, but when he said he had my mother, I could not think fast enough to resist as he escorted me from the room.”
“Ah, so your father was right. He figured some sort of a threat must have been made against a loved one to make you cooperate.”
“How did you know something had happened to me? And how has it transpired that you and my father are getting along so well? I thought we hated each other.”
“I never hated you, Rosie, and I dearly hope you do not hate me either.”
Rose blushed and looked away, not answering his question.
He did not pursue it at the moment, instead answering her first question. “Lady Elizabeth alerted me almost immediately. She had seen you leave the ballroom with Broderick and right away was suspicious that all was not right. Unfortunately, by the time I was able to discover your whereabouts, I was just in time to see his carriage leaving the Rotherhams’ property. I had already had men posted to watch your house, hoping to keep you safe, so I came right away to tell your father what had happened and to see if my men knew anything.”
“But how did you manage to get my father to be so pleasant to you? And my mother? She seems to be a different person than she has been in ever so long. It is lovely, but strange.”
Again, Alex ignored her questions. He had one of his own that he was burning to ask and he wanted to know her truthful answer.
“Rosie, my dear, your father told you I have something to discuss with you.” Seeing her stifling a yawn, he was quick to ask, “Do you feel up to a conversation now, or should I let you get some sleep? I could return tomorrow.”
Rose was exhausted, but she could not bear for this particular dream to end just yet. She clung to his hand and shook her head. “I am perfectly fine, Your Grace, thank you for asking.”
Alex smiled into his beloved’s eyes. “You lie very sweetly, my dear. I will try not to keep you for too long, but I am relieved that you will not make me wait until the morrow. I do believe I would expire from the suspense.”
Rose grinned at his foolishness. “Well then, get on with it. I highly doubt my parents will leave us alone for overlong anyway.”
“Rosie, my darling,” he began haltingly as Rose grew serious. Noticing his use of the term of endearment, her eyes grew round with her amazement. “You have been my dearest friend since you were four years old. It is true we have barely spoken for three years, but our association in the last several days has shown me that you have not changed. I have loved you since you were in pigtails and short skirts. Would you do me the great honour of becoming my duchess?”
Staring at him with her mouth slightly agape in her shock, Rose could not answer immediately. The first thing that popped out of her mouth was, “But Alex, I am neither gracious nor graceful, how can I possibly be a duchess?”
“While I disagree fiercely with your assessment, when you are my duchess it will not matter, for everyone will have to call you ‘Your Grace’ regardless.”
Rose grinned at his words, but still stared at him as though he had lost his mind. “How could you possibly love me, Alex? Wrenthams hate Smythes. Your mother would never allow it and your father would roll over in his grave. Besides, my parents. Did they know what you wanted to discuss with me?”
“They did, as a matter of fact,” Alex replied, leaving her speechless once again. He took advantage of her silence to prod further. “It matters not what anyone else thinks. How do you feel about it?”
He began to worry at her continued silence, so he began to bargain with her. “I know you have not been enjoying the Season and you feel that settling into domestic life will be a letdown after the excitement you have experienced in Vienna. Would you agree to be my duchess if I promise to find us more adventures?”
Taking a moment to entertain the thought, Rose allowed all the feelings that had been growing in her heart over the past weeks, but that she had been fiercely suppressing, to flow over her in waves of warmth. Looking at her dearest friend beside her, she knew her love was undoubtedly beaming from her eyes.
“After the events of the past two days I suspect I may have had enough adventure to last me for a while, Your Grace,” she replied drily, “although that is a highly romantic offer.” She paused for a moment, clasping his hand tight. “I have loved you for as long as I can remember, Alex. When I was a little girl it was hero worship, but as I grew older it has changed. I would love nothing more than to be your wife.”
She was about to say more, expressing her doubts about their families’ reception to his proposal, but he crushed her words by pulling her into his arms.
The brief kiss they had shared previously, although thrilling, held nothing in comparison to the warm embrace they now shared. Alex poured all his feelings into the connection of their lips while Rose accepted and returned them with fervour. Although inexperienced in matters of love, she made up for her lack of skill with her enthusiasm to demonstrate her feelings. They broke apart at the sound of footsteps in the hall.
Blushing and laughing, Rose gazed at the man before her with wonderment. “Have you truly asked me to be your bride, or am I dreaming? And are you certain my father will accept this?”
“You worry too much, my darling. You are soon to be a duchess. Everything will work itself out.”
And it did.
The End
About the Author
I’ve been writing pretty much since I learned to read when I was five years old. Of course, those early efforts were basically only something a mother could love :-). I put writing aside after I left school and stuck with reading. I am an avid reader. I love words. I will read anything, even the cereal box, signs, posters, etc. But my true love is novels.
Almost ten years ago my husband dared me to write a book instead of always reading them. I didn’t think I’d be able to do it, but to my surprise I love writing. Those early efforts eventually became my first published book – Tempting the Earl (published by Avalon Books in 2010). There were some ups and downs in my publishing efforts. My first publisher was sold and I became an “orphan” author, back to the drawing board of trying to find a publishing house. It has been a thrilling adventure as I learned to navigate the world of publishing.
I believe firmly that everyone deserves a happily ever after. I want my readers to be able to escape from the everyday for a little while and feel upbeat and refreshed when they get to the end of my books.
When not reading or writing, I can be found traipsing around my neighborhood admiring the dogs and greenery or trav
elling the world with my favorite companion.
Stay in touch:
Website Facebook Instagram Twitter
Find out what happens to Elizabeth after Rose is kidnapped from the ball in the exciting sequel,
The Countess Intrigue
Engaged to a rumored murderer. What’s a lady to do?
During her second Season, Lady Elizabeth Castleton is found in a compromising situation with Lord Justice Sinclair, the Earl of Heath. Despite her attraction to him, she is dismayed to find herself betrothed to the man who is rumored to have killed his first wife. Her parents refuse to lend credence to the rumors, so she is soon married and on the way to her husband’s estate.
She cannot decide what to make of the handsome earl but after an attempt is made on her life, Elizabeth is terrified that history is about to repeat itself. She determines to find out once and for all if she is married to a murderer.
Can she stay alive long enough to find her happily ever after?
Available now on Amazon
Have you ever wondered what happened to Lady Anne?Find out in the exciting conclusion to this trilogy:
The Viscount Deception
Sparks fly. Will they burn bridges or warm hearts?
After almost becoming a pawn in a villain's schemes, Lady Anne is firming her backbone and grasping independence. But that doesn't change the fact that she needs to make an advantageous marriage to pull her family out of destitution.
Confirmed bachelor, Wesley Dunbar, Viscount of Bracondale, is furious when he learns of her involvement in the plot against his best friend. But he's also mesmerized by Anne's transformation from a country duckling to a fierce and beautiful swan.
Wesley and Anne's ambitions couldn't be more different, so why can't they stay away from each other? Will they both be able to find what they seek by mending their differences and standing side-by-side?
Buy The Viscount Deception now on Amazon.com
The Duke Conspiracy: A Sweet Regency Romance Adventure (Mayfair Mayhem Book 1) Page 29