Page 15 of Trapped with a Wicked Duke
"So I can makerealchanges. Do you know what happens to widows and their children on the streets of London?" Thomas' voice was low and angry, and his skin turned a mottled red. "I have seen it myself," he continued. "I want to help those people. I want to make a difference. And I need someone by my side to do it."
Rose looked at him, her expression softening. "Why not find someone who wants to help you for who you are, not because they have to?" she asked, her voice gentle.
"They see me as nothing but a rake and a scoundrel. They are judging the man I am today by the follies of my youth." He lifted his head and looked at her. "I am no longer that person, yet I am still judged by my past."
"I understand," Rose said, her voice filled with empathy. "But that does not mean you should force someone into this position. That is not the right way to go about it."
Thomas opened his eyes and looked at her, his expression filled with sadness. "You are right," he said, his voice low. "I should not have taken you. I am sorry."
"So, you will let me go?" Rose asked, her eyes pleading with him.
"No. I am sorry, but this is too important."
Frustrated and torn by understanding his plight, Rose crossed her arms and turned away from him. "Then there is nothing more for us to talk about, is there?"
The rest of the journey was spent in silence. Rose was lost in thought, wondering what her family was doing to find her and if she should just go along with Thomas's plan. She was still hesitant, but part of her could not help but feel a connection to him and his cause. He had agreed to fund her escape. She would be a fool not to play along since she had no money without him. She sighed, feeling overwhelmed by the situation she was in.
As the carriage rolled on, she could not help but think about her family and if they were worried about her. She wondered if they were searching for her, and if they were, how long it would take them to find her. She felt a pang of guilt for leaving them behind, but she knew she had no choice. The thought of returning to her family and being forced into a marriage she did not want was almost too much to bear. She felt trapped between two worlds, with no escape in sight. On the one hand, she was terrified of the consequences of leaving her family and the life they wanted for her. On the other hand, Thomas's plan was not much better, as it meant being forced into a false engagement with a stranger.
As the carriage approached the duke’s home in London, Rose could not help but feel a sense of unease to be back in London. The streets were bustling with activity, the sounds of carriages and horse hooves echoing off the tall buildings. The smell of fresh bread and roasting meat wafted from the open windows of taverns and shops.
Thomas sat quietly beside her, his eyes fixed on the passing scenery. "We are almost there," he said, his voice filled with nervous excitement.
The carriage pulled up in front of a large, imposing mansion. The exterior was grand and elegant, with tall columns and intricate carvings decorating the entrance. The sun was setting, casting a warm, golden light over the street.
As they stepped out of the carriage and walked up the steps to the front door, they were greeted by a woman who was obviously Thomas' mother. Dowager Duchess Marianne Wallace was dressed in a long, flowing gown, her hair styled in the latest fashion. Her eyes were sharp, and she looked at Rose with a critical gaze.
"Welcome, Lady Rose," she said, her voice husky. "I am Marianne Wallace."
Rose felt a sense of nervousness as she curtsied before the Dowager Duchess. "It is an honor to meet you, Your Grace," she said, her voice trembling.
"And you as well," the Dowager Duchess said, her eyes taking in Rose from head to foot. Rose felt rather like the prize cow at the county fete once more. "I hope your journey was comfortable."
"It was, thank you," Rose said, feeling awkward and out of place.
As they entered the house, Rose could not help but be taken aback by its opulence. The walls were adorned with intricate moldings and paintings, and the furnishings were plush and luxurious. The smell of beeswax candles and freshly cut flowers filled the air.
"Hannah," the Dowager Duchess summoned a young girl who waited nearby with her hands clasped. "Take Lady Rose upstairs to her bed chamber so she can freshen up for this evening."
The maid led Rose up a sweeping staircase to a spacious room. The room was decorated in shades of pink and cream, with a large four-poster bed and a fireplace that crackled with warmth. A large window overlooked the street, and Rose could see the city stretching out for miles beneath her.
"I shall fetch you some hot water, my Lady," the maid said, her voice soft and polite. She exited quickly leaving Rose alone.
Rose nodded, grateful for the chance to rest and collect her thoughts. She was still trying to process the events of the past few days, but she was grateful for the comfort of the room, and she settled into a soft chair by the fireplace, letting the warmth of the fire chase away the chill from her bones.
Thomas sighed as he sat down in one of the chairs in his mother's parlor. He knew that she would ask questions about Rose, and he did not have all the answers.
"Well, Thomas," his mother said, her voice dripping with excitement. "You finally found the girl you have been looking for."
"Yes, Mother," Thomas said, trying to keep his voice steady. "I asked for her hand in marriage. Her father trusted me and our family to help her make an appearance in the Season as they were unable to attend themselves this year."
The Dowager Duchess raised an eyebrow, a look of skepticism crossing her face. "Really? What kind of father would trust his daughter with a stranger?"
"One who believes in me," Thomas said, his voice firm. "And I will not let him down."
The Dowager sighed, her eyes filled with concern. "I hope so, Thomas. Thetoncan be very harsh on young ladies. They will judge her on everything from her appearance to her manners. I hope she is versed."
"I know, Mother," Thomas said, his voice filled with determination. "But I will not let her be hurt. I will make sure she is ready for the social events."
