Page 30 of A Bride for the Wicked Duke

“Then what is it,” he pressed her on. “Will it help if I promise not to get upset?”

She laughed. “You getting upset is not what worries me.”

“Meaning that what does worry you is...” He raised an eyebrow at her, sensing her guard dropping. Enough that she was sure to finally explain to him the cause of her worry.

It was a beautiful day, certainly too gorgeous to be arguing with his sister. A trend that had been developing rather often of late, more than what was common when she was younger; before she had reached womanhood. Not that Gerald did not know the cause of this turn in personality, as he had spent more than enough time with her best friend to understand the influence Lady Hawkins was surely having on her.

This might have annoyed him, had he not gotten to know Lady Hawkins better. Yes, she was a little... rambunctious. Certainly verbose and outspoken. But she was kind also, a good friend to his sister, and she seemed to have a big heart which was open to those she loved.Not nearly as bad an influence as I once thought.

As for today? Gerald and Rosalind were on a promenade, walking through London Gardens together because the day was too nice to be spent cooped up indoors. The park was typically busy, and already they had run into several companions of Gerald’s, and a few friends of Rosalind’s also.

But Gerald hadn’t suggested the walk because he wished to socialize, as was often the point of these things. The truth was, he was feeling guilty. Having spent so much time worrying about Lady Hawkins, he had neglected his sister, and those times he was with her his mind had always turned to her future. She was of the age now where she needed to consider meeting a future husband, one worthy of her. Gerald had promised he would not pressure her but...I know if I do not, she might never marry. And that I cannot abide.

“I...” Rosalind bit into her lip. “I do not want you to get upset.”

“I already told you that I would not.”

“It is just that lately I have felt...” Again, she bit into her lip, nerves growing. “I have felt smothered by you, Gerald.”

Gerald frowned. “Smothered? What do you --”

“We don’t talk anymore,” she said, desperation coloring her tone. “Not like we used to. Not like when we were children. Now, the only time we ever do, it is always with an agenda.”

“Oh...” Gerald knew immediately what she meant, hence his earlier guilt.

“I understand that you wish for me to marry. And I understand that you worry about me and who I might end up with. But I just feel so pressured,” she said, desperation growing; he could see it in her eyes. “And this pressure frustrates me, even if I know it should not. And when I feel frustrated, I grow angry. And when I grow angry --”

“You make sure I know it,” he said, laughing gently so she could see he wasn’t upset.

She grimaced. “I do not mean it. And I do not like fighting with you. But... but take today, for example.” She indicated to the park. “You told me you wished to go for a walk, but already you have introduced me to three of your friends. Men whom I know are single and you are interested in courting me.”

“That is not...” Gerald hesitated, for it was only half true what she said, but true enough that he could not argue. It had not meant to happen, but his friends had appeared, his sister had been there, so why not introduce them? “That is not entirely accurate.”

“I trust you,” she said. “And I hope you know that. But you also need to trust me, Gerald. You must trust that I will not try and escape my fate simply to spite you.”

“Rosalind...” He felt extreme guilt.

“I do want to marry. And I do appreciate your help. But please, you need to stop treating me like a child. Or worse, like an obligation.”

He winced. Everything his sister said was true, even if he might not have agreed with the phrasing. And where he hated to hear it spoken so bluntly, he also appreciated it. What was more, he sensed that her friendship with Lady Hawkins was the cause.She really has had her influence, hasn’t she.

“Are you finished?” Gerald said gently.

“I...” She considered. “I am.”

He smiled. “I hear you, Rosalind. What is more, I understand completely.”

She blinked. “You do.”

He laughed. “Of course I do. I know I can be a tad overbearing, but I hope you know I only want what is best.”

“I know it,” she said quickly. “Truly, I do.”

It was then that Gerald looked over Rosalind’s shoulder, spying someone who he should have expected to see today as fate seemed designed to force the two together. She was walking with her sister and her mother, enjoying the day as was everyone else. She was, however, yet to see Gerald and Rosalind.

Gerald smiled to see her, an idea coming to mind. “To prove my point, I have a suggestion.”

“You do?”

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