Page 16 of Trapped with a Wicked Duke
The Dowager looked at him skeptically, but Thomas could see the hint of hope in her eyes. "She does seem lovely," she admitted.
"Exactly," Thomas said with a smile. "And with your guidance and mine, she will make quite an impression on my peers. I am confident that thetonwill embrace her."
The Dowager nodded, her doubts slowly starting to dissipate. "Very well, Thomas. I will do my best to help her in any way I can."
Thomas smiled, relieved that his mother was not pressing the matter further. He knew that she could be quite persistent when it came to his position in the House of Lords, and he did not want to have that conversation with her now.
"Thomas, dear, I almost forgot. Miss Jameson has been stopping by nearly every day, asking about your whereabouts," the Dowager Duchess said, her voice filled with concern.
Thomas sighed and ran a hand through his hair, his frustration growing. "I knew I had to do something about her before she ruins my life and my chances to achieve my goals."
"What are you going to do?" the Dowager asked, her eyes filled with concern.
Thomas stood up and paced back and forth, his mind racing. "I will write to her. I will tell her to stay away from me." He stopped pacing and looked at his mother. "I have to make her understand that our relationship is over."
The Dowager nodded, and her expression filled with understanding. "Yes, you do. Poppy can be a handful, and you do not need her causing trouble for you."
Thomas sighed and sat back down, his mind still racing with thoughts of Poppy and what she might do next. "I just hope she listens," he said, his voice filled with frustration.
"I understand," she said, taking his hand in hers. "But, Thomas, be careful. This woman is not to be trifled with. She is the daughter of a wealthy Baron, and she has the power to cause you a great deal of trouble."
Thomas sighed, his mind racing. "I know," he said, his voice filled with frustration. "But I have to do something about her. I cannot have her ruining my life." He leaned back against the couch, his mind whirling with thoughts of Poppy and her threats. He knew that he had to be careful, but he also knew that he could not let her control his life any longer. He would do whatever it took to protect his goals and keep her away from Rose.
Thomas looked up as he heard the sound of footsteps approaching the parlor. Rose appeared in the doorway, looking more composed than she had earlier.
The Dowager Duchess's eyes lit up as she saw the young woman enter the room. "Lady Rose, come and join us," the Dowager Duchess said, gesturing to the sofa beside her. "I was just asking Thomas about your family. Do tell me more."
"My parents are the Earl and Countess of Thornhill," Rose said, her voice filled with pride.
The Dowager Duchess's eyes widened. "I have heard of your father, of course, but have not had the pleasure of their acquaintance. Perhaps I will have a chance to meet them soon," she said, her voice filled with curiosity.
Rose smiled. "They prefer to spend most of their time at their new castle in the northern part of England," she said, her voice filled with affection. "They enjoy the peace and quiet of the countryside."
"That sounds lovely," the Dowager Duchess said, intrigued. "I have always enjoyed visiting the countryside. The peace and quiet is quite rejuvenating."
"Indeed," Rose agreed, her eyes brightening. "It is a wonderful place to visit."
"If things progress well, then perhaps I will have a chance to visit your family's new castle. We shall be family after all." The Dowager Duchess stood. "Well, I must be off to get ready for the soiree this evening. Thomas, I expect you to be ready in time as well."
She turned to Rose, who was still seated. "And you, my dear, must be given enough time to get ready for tonight. I am sure you will want to make a good impression."
Thomas watched as his mother left the room, her heels clicking on the hardwood floor. He turned to Rose, who was looking down at her hands, her expression unreadable.
Rose raised an eyebrow at Thomas. "What does your mother mean by a soiree?" she asked, her voice filled with curiosity.
Thomas sighed and ran a hand through his hair. "There is a party we are expected to attend," he said, his tone serious. "It is important that I make a good impression. Many of the guests will be members of the House of Lords."
Rose shook her head, her eyes filled with disbelief. "I am not going," she said, her voice firm. "I have no interest in attending a party filled with politicians."
Thomas leaned forward, his eyes pleading with her. "Please, Rose. I need you there. I need to show that I am a responsible and respectable gentleman."
Rose hesitated, but then she realized it would be a chance to possibly escape this horrible situation. "I will think about it," she said, her voice softening. "But I need time to prepare and get ready."
Thomas's face filled with relief. "Thank you. You might find that you enjoy yourself."
Rose doubted it, but she gave him a toothy smile. "I am sure that I will, but I have nothing to wear."
Thomas waved his hand dismissively. "Do not worry about that. I will have my mother send over a dress for you. She will have something that will be suitable."
