“Plan?” she asked, intrigued.
“Indeed. It is quite simple really. We continue with the fake engagement for only one week. Then, I will pretend to be angry over some sort of argument and storm out of my house. Once I am gone, I will send word that I have run off to marry another woman. Your reputation will remain intact, and our engagement will come to an abrupt end.”
Rose shook her head. She could not allow him to sully his name to such an extent. However, he did not allow her to voice her opinion.
“It is the least I can do since I am the one who brought this all down upon us.”
“You would do this, ruin your name and standing, for me? Why?”
Holden turned toward the open fields. “For the same reason you speak to those less fortunate on the road. Or why you bring a friend with you when time alone is needed.” He nodded to Caroline, who was returning from the carriage, her wrap pulled tightly around her as she approached. “Sometimes doing the right thing comes at a cost, and protecting you is well worth any price.”
For the first time since meeting this man, Rose saw in his eyes that he spoke the truth. It was all very strange, however. What man would make such a drastic change in such a short amount of time? And for her, no less!
As if hearing her thoughts, he chuckled and said, “Yes, Miss Skylark, you have taught me more than the names of flowers.”
Rose was at a loss for words as Holden poured them each a glass a wine. She took the glass he offered. Was this man the very gentleman she had hoped to meet when she came to Rumsbury? Perhaps her initial suspicions had been right all along; he was good beneath that roguish façade.
“What you offer is noble and quite gentlemanly. I must admit, I had my doubts concerning you, but I have also accepted something quite unexpected.”
“Oh?” Holden asked. “And what is that?”
“You mentioned before that we share certain things in common, regardless of how insignificant those things are. Although we spend a great deal of time arguing, I admit that my views have changed. Perhaps the fact we have little in common can be a good thing.” She glanced at Caroline as the woman approached. “Would you fetch me some of those flowers there by that tree? I would like to take them back to Scarlett Hall for Aunt Eleanor.”
Caroline gave her a knowing smile. “I would be happy to.” She strolled away, humming.
Once Caroline was out of earshot, Holden chuckled. “I see you are not so afraid of being daring?”
She gave him a reproachful glare. “And what makes you say that?”
“Here you are, sending away your chaperon,” he said with a mock admonishing click of his tongue. “All so you can be alone with me. I am beginning to believe that you are smitten with me despite your arguments to the contrary.” He gave her a sheepish grin, and she threw a handful of grass at him.
“There will be no more flirting from you,” she said, although she laughed all the same. Then she forced a serious note to her voice. “There is every reason to follow your plan, but I will not sleep well knowing your name has been ruined. Therefore, I propose a solution that may help us both.” She rested her glass on her leg and swallowed hard. “I suggest we carry on with this engagement in order to learn more about one another. In doing so, we will ascertain if we are truly compatible. If, after an amount of time we agree is appropriate we find we are not, then we will implement your plan.”
Holden studied her for a moment, and when the breeze picked up, he brushed back a wave of dark hair from his brow. “I believe that is a reasonable offer. Know, however, that no matter the outcome of this, I truly am sorry for my previous actions and words. It was not very becoming of me, and although we have spent little time together, I will do what I can to keep improving. As I said after our time in the wine cellar, I just ask that you aid me in this.”
Rose laughed. “I believe I can do that, for one should always make herself available for a friend, should she not?”
“I, unfortunately, would not know firsthand,” Holden replied with a smile, “but I have heard that is the case.”
Rose glanced over to where Caroline was busy collecting flowers. “And what of David?” she asked. “Has he at least apologized for his part in what happened the night of his party?”
“I have not spoken to him since then,” Holden said with a sigh. “The man brought about an ire in me I never thought possible. Perhaps one day I will forgive him, but for now, I will have nothing to do with him.”
“Perhaps Caroline refusing his invitation to dinner will make him see that his ways are not honorable.”
“I do hope so,” Holden replied. “For I was fooled in his way of thinking for all too long.”
Their conversation turned to more pleasant topics as Caroline joined them once again, her hands wrapped around a bouquet of flowers of all sorts of colors. Although Rose was not convinced beyond the shadow of a doubt what she felt for Holden, she did understand that he was now a friend, which was more than they shared in the recent past.
What if she chose to marry him? Would he be the kind of husband she had always hoped for? It was strange, but the thought of them sharing their lives together did not hold the sense of foreboding it once had.
“And so, when I asked Lord Drake about his horses,” Holden was saying as he poured more wine in everyone’s glasses, “I was surprised when he said he would consider selling me one.”
Rose’s heart skipped a beat. “Lord Drake? That would not be Lord Anthony Drake, would it?”
“It is,” Holden replied, giving her a curious look. “Do you know him?”
Rose shook her head. “I do not know him, but I do know of him,” she replied. Lord Drake was the very man who had once bedded her mother, resulting in a pregnancy he rejected. It was the reason her mother had fled Rumsbury in shame.
“Rose?” Holden asked. “Are you all right? Your face is very red.”
She did not realize she was clenching her fist, and she forced herself to relax. “It must be the wine,” she lied. “When will you be calling on Lord Drake?”
“In two days.”
She forced her best smile. “Would you mind if I join you?”
“I cannot think of a reason why not,” Holden replied. “But why do you want to go?”
“I have always loved horses,” she said in reply. “Plus, it will give us a chance to share in something we both enjoy. Did you not one agree that a couple can indeed find common interests?”
***
Holden took one last look at the ledger before him and smiled, happy with the results. He closed the cover and set the book aside. Two days had passed since he and Rose had spoken at the picnic, and he found himself for the first time in a very long time hopeful for the future. Not only had Rose and he shared their concerns, but she had suggested that they continue with their mock engagement in order to learn more about one another and to see if they did indeed have any commonalities.
The entire day had been strange. As they spoke, an odd sensation came over him. It was as if the sun shone brighter and Rose was more beautiful, if either were possible. Yet, it was not only her outer beauty of which he took notice; what she possessed on the inside glowed as bright as the sun, warming his heart like never before. He could not name the emotion the woman’s presence roused, but whatever it was—even if it was a deep friendship—the warm feeling it produced gave him hope.
“It should be a day of leisure,” his father said, breaking Holden from his thoughts, “not a day spent working only on business.”
The smile the man gave Holden was broader than he had worn in many years, and it sadden Holden that it was brought about by a lie.
“Do not worry. I am leaving in an hour to call on Lord Drake,” Holden said. “He may sell me one of his fine mares today.”
“Working all day, conducting business, and now off to purchase a horse from Lord Drake.” His father shook his head. “Truly, my son, you have made me happy.”
Holden smiled at his father’s
words. It had been many years since he had truly pleased his father. “Thank you for saying so. I am learning to become the man you have always wanted me to be.”
His father chuckled. “You have most certainly shown great improvement,” he said. “And perhaps once you are married you will use what you have learned to increase this family’s wealth with your connection to Scarlett Hall.”
Holden had to force a grin. “Yes, of course, Father. Whatever you think best.”
“I know there have been times when you thought me heavy-handed, but you must understand that it is only because I wanted the best for you. That has always been my mission concerning you, and it is why I have pushed for you to marry Miss Skylark. Now that you are engaged to her, we are one step closer to what I need. You see? I am not as heartless as one might think.”
Holden could not help but doubt his father’s words, but he replied a soft “Yes, Father. Thank you”.
“I will be leaving for a fortnight on business,” his father said, pulling himself from his chair. “I will stop by the church on my way home to ask the vicar to begin the reading of the banns.”
Holden’s heart lurched to his throat. He and Rose had agreed to delay the wedding until they decided they were indeed compatible enough to wed, but he never imagined his father would wish them married so soon. “No!” Holden blurted before he could stop himself. He took a steadying breath. “That is…do you not believe it is far too early?”
“Not at all,” his father said. “They must be read three consecutive Sundays. You know this. That should be more than enough time.”
“Oh, I understand the expectation, but we must wait for Rose’s mother to return from Paris. You see, Rose has written to inform her of our engagement, but she did not mention a date for the wedding. I am sure she will wish to be here for the ceremony, after all. But I am uncertain when she is to return.”
His father sighed. “I do not see the importance of her mother attending. No, we shall proceed as I see fit. You may have a celebration of sorts upon the woman’s return.”
No other arguments came to mind, and Holden murmured, “You are right, as always, but it does mean much to Rose to have her mother there. And I do not wish to enter a marriage with a scorned wife. Surely a small delay until we receive word of when she is to return will harm no one.”
His father laughed. “Oh, very well,” he said. “You may be right. A woman scorned is no simple matter in any case, least of all on a man’s wedding day. In fact, it is the worst trouble a man will ever face. I will begin the process of the marriage license, however, and the other legal matters that must be attended to.”
“Thank you,” Holden said, keeping back his sigh of relief. “And I do hope you enjoy your journey.”
“Indeed.” His father tilted his head. “Your fiancée’s father, his name was Michael Skylark, correct?”
“Yes, that is what I understand. Is that important?”
“It is,” his father said. “I will need to see what holdings Miss Skylark possesses that you will receive upon marrying her. Do not worry, I will deal with all of this.” He walked toward the door and then stopped. “Oh, and David is here. I will send him in.”
Before Holden could respond, the man left the room. Within moments, David entered, his face livid and a letter clutched in his hand.
“You turned Caroline against me!” he hissed. “She wrote and said that she refuses my invitation to dinner and that she wishes to have nothing to do with me.”
“Then the woman is saved from heartache,” Holden said in an offhanded manner. “That pleases me.”
David raised his arms at the sides. “You have gone mad! Why would you believe that it is right to do this to me?”
Holden took a deep breath as he looked upon the man who had been a friend since childhood. “This is not against you, David, but rather a way to protect Caroline. You did not care that you would ruin my name, nor that of Rose, at your party. Yet you come to my home expecting me to feel regret for a canceled dinner?”
David placed his hands on the desk and leaned toward Holden. “You knew my plans,” he said. “You knew my intentions. Do not act the innocent. Had you not planned to use Rose for your own profit? You told me as much.”
“I admit that was my intention in the beginning. Now I see things differently.”
David snorted. “You are a fool,” he growled. “You will become like Parkinson, mark my words.”
Holden smiled. “Perhaps you are right. That may happen. If it does, I would not mind, for I would rather walk with a clean conscience rather than carry the guilt of hurting others.” He pushed himself from the desk and stood. “Do you truly wish to hurt Caroline? Does it not distress you that you may leave the woman weeping at night because of what you would do? That is not the friend I have known all these years. You have plenty of women to ease your urges, willing women. Why would you see Caroline Thrup hurt?”
David turned away. “I am no longer a child,” he said. “I cannot be soft, for there are those who will take advantage of me.”
Holden walked around the desk and placed his hand on his friend’s shoulder. “So, you look to take advantage of others first,” he said. “I know, for I have done the same all too often. However, it does not better any situation, I promise you that.”
When David looked up again, the anger was gone. “You do not wish to strike me for what I did? Surely I have earned as much.”
Holden chuckled. “No. Anger will help neither of us. Rather, I wish for you to consider apologizing to Caroline.”
David’s eyes went wide. “I? Apologize to a Thrup?” he asked in shock. “No, that will never happen.”
“That is your choice,” Holden said. “It will be your burden to carry. However, may I offer one final piece of advice?”
“If you must.”
“I have learned as of late that life gives us many burdens, but to share them with someone—especially a woman about whom you care—makes them easier to bear.”
David shook his head. “You truly are a fool. Goodbye, old friend.” He said this with such finality, it broke David’s heart. Then he marched out the door.
Holden returned to his chair behind the desk and leaned back. “I was once a fool,” he murmured. “Until I met someone very special, a woman about whom I have come to care deeply.”
He smiled as an image of Rose appeared in his mind, and his heart filled with a pleasant feeling. Fool he may be, but he had an even greater appreciation for the young woman who made him see reason despite his fight against it.
Chapter Nineteen
As the carriage moved along at a steady pace, Rose thought about the meeting with Lord Drake, the man who had hurt her mother. To give a woman a child and then refuse to take responsibility sickened her.
Also, his refusal had forced her mother to leave Rumsbury, leaving Rose to be brought up in London. It was not that London was all that bad, but after her time at Scarlett Hall, Rose knew she had missed out on much living in a city.
“You are very quiet today,” Holden said, bringing her to the present. “I have not upset you again, have I?”
“Not at all,” Rose replied. “I was just thinking is all.”
He drew in a relieved breath and released it, a smile on his face.
The carriage slowed, and when Rose peered out the window, she saw a large house with green vines clinging to its walls. It was ironic; her mother would have enjoyed such a house.
When the vehicle pulled up in front of the portico, Rose’s heart pounded with anticipation. She would be meeting the man who had almost ruined her mother’s name.
The door opened, and Holden helped her alight from the carriage.
“There he is,” Holden said, motioning toward the left.
Rose followed his gaze to find a man with dark hair with traces of gray waving at them from the stables. It was the same man Holden had been speaking to at Mr. Banner’s party.
Holden walked forward with long strides t
oward Lord Drake only to stop and turn back to her, his face red. “I am sorry,” he said, returning to her side. “I was so excited that I left you behind. I am afraid I am unaccustomed to having a woman at my side when conducting business.”
Rose could not help but giggle as she placed a hand on his arm. “You came back for me and that is what matters.”
They walked toward Lord Drake, and Rose drew in every detail of the man. She was uncertain what to expect, perhaps a roguish grin and an arrogance stance. Instead, he had a kind smile that gave off a sense of solicitousness.
“Lord Drake,” Holden said, offering the man his hand. “My fiancé, Miss Rose Skylark.”
“Most excellent news,” Lord Drake said with a nod. “My congratulations. It is a pleasure to meet you, Miss Skylark. Are you new to Rumsbury?”
“Thank you,” Rose replied. “And, yes, I am new. I have been here only a few months, but my mother is originally from Rumsbury.”
“I see. Well, you are most welcome.” He turned to Holden. “Let us get our business out of the way, and then perhaps you can stay for a cup of tea.”
“That would be fine,” Holden replied.
They followed Lord Drake into the stables, the scent of horses, hay, and oats filling Rose’s nostrils.
Stopping before one of the stalls, Lord Drake said, “This is the horse we discussed at the party.” He opened the stall door and walked the horse to the corridor. “What do you think?”
Holden walked around the horse, patting a flank here, petting its neck there, all the while asking various questions, to which Lord Drake responded. With each response, Holden nodded and moved on. Soon they were discussing prices, haggling back and forth like a couple of goodwives at the market.
“I do not know about that price,” Holden said, shaking his head. “I would say paying that outside of London is more than the going rate.”
This made Lord Drake laugh. “You are a wise businessman,” he said. “Why not ride her around the grounds, see how strong and well-trained she is before we settle on a price.”
Holden turned to Rose. “I will return shortly. Will you be all right here until then?”
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