Page 101 of Legacy of Roses

“I had to meet the famous Rosalie.” His grandfather’s strong, clear tones were softened by the warmth in his eyes.

He ascended the stairs, the cane appearing more decorative than functional. In the doorway, he took Rosalie’s hand and bent over it.

“It’s a very great pleasure to meet you, my dear.”

“And you,” Rosalie returned, still trying to overcome her shock. “I didn’t expect…We didn’t dream…But of course you’re most welcome! More than welcome!”

She smiled from him to Dimitri. She had wanted Dimitri back with her, but she had felt guilty for pulling him away from his newfound family. Now she had no shadow in her happiness.

The old lord turned to survey the town square. “It’s good to be back,” he murmured.

There was a hint of sadness in his voice, the weight of loss, but when he turned back to them, he was smiling.

“As soon as Dimitri told me he meant to return and make his home at the manor, I insisted he bring me back to Thebarton with him.” His proud gaze lingered on his grandson. “It took me a while to convince him I really meant it, but I can be stubborn when I want to be.”

“I’m so happy you came,” Rosalie said impulsively. “It makes everything perfect.”

“Does it?” The old man’s lips twitched. “I can see why my grandson is so taken with you, Mistress Rosalie.”

Rosalie’s cheeks flushed as Dimitri laughed and put an arm around her.

“I think I drove Grandfather to distraction with my impatience on the journey.”

His grandfather chuckled. “I remember what it is to be young.”

“My lord!” The cry from Rosalie’s father sounded both surprised and pleased. “I didn’t realize you were coming with Dimitri. What a pleasant surprise!”

“Clifford. A pleasure to see you again. It’s been too long.” Dimitri’s grandfather shook hands with Rosalie’s father, smiles on both their faces. “You can imagine my astonishment when my grandson told me he’d fallen in love with one of your daughters. It brought many memories back, and I fear I must have bored him with an old man’s reminiscences.” He turned to Rosalie. “Your grandfather was a fine man and a good friend. He did much for this town, and I was greatly saddened to hear of his loss.”

“Thank you,” she said softly.

“Dimitri! Welcome!” her mother called from the end of the corridor. She hurried forward only to stop in surprise as she caught sight of the unexpected guest.

“My lord!” She curtsied. “But what are you all doing in the doorway?” She turned a disapproving look on her husband. “You must come in! We have comfortable chairs and hot tea and scones.”

She bustled them all down the hallway and into the main sitting room where the triplets were waiting. The boys attemptedto swarm Dimitri but subsided at a warning look from their father.

After introductions were made on both sides, a serving woman appeared with an enormous tray bearing a tea pot, cups, and an assortment of food. She beamed at them all, seeming almost as happy as Rosalie’s family.

The first thing Rosalie’s father had done when his fortunes were restored was to rehire all those he had been forced to abandon. Some had already moved on to other jobs, but many were grateful to return to their old positions. As a result, Thebarton felt even more warmly toward Clifford and his family than they had done before.

But before any of them could avail themselves of the tray’s goodies, the front door banged open, and footsteps hurried down the hall. Daphne burst in, wide-eyed.

“Am I too late?” she gasped.

“Daphne, were you running?” Rosalie asked in astonishment. “Is something wrong?”

“No, I just overslept.” Daphne looked at Dimitri, not seeming in the least surprised by either his presence or his grandfather’s. “Am I too late?”

“Too late for what? Dimitri’s arrival?” As glad as Rosalie had been to see Dimitri again, she couldn’t imagine his presence was enough to send her friend sprinting between their houses.

“Not my arrival,” Dimitri said. “Something else. I sent her a note because it only seemed right that she should be here for this.”

He slipped off the sofa and knelt in front of Rosalie.

“Rosalie, before I met you, I was alone in the world and knew nothing of my home kingdom. Now I have traveled throughout Glandore, and I have family beside me.” He glanced at his grandfather who smiled encouragingly. “But none of that has changed how I feel about you. I want to build a new life andfuture at the manor, but I can’t imagine that life without you at the center. I love you, Rosalie. Will you marry me?”

Tears streamed down Rosalie’s face despite her wide smile.

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