Page 19 of Trapped with a Wicked Duke
Thomas' gaze locked with Rose's, and a spark of desire ignited between them. "You are right. I do not have the right to tell you what to wear," he said, his voice low and husky. He took another step closer, his eyes smoldering with intensity. "Youshouldwear something that will make me ache to touch you, to feel your skin against mine."
Rose's heart skipped a beat as she felt a rush of heat between her legs. She could not deny the intense desire she felt for this man, despite his domineering ways. She swallowed hard. "You are simply trying to manipulate me into changing my mind." She breathed out and composed herself. "And I am not going to change."
Thomas sighed and rubbed his temples. "Fine. You can wear that gown but understand that you will be the talk of the town."
Rose smiled triumphantly, "That is exactly what I want."
"You are impossible," he said, before turning and storming out of the house and into the waiting carriage.
The tension in the carriage was palpable, but the Dowager Duchess was blissfully unaware of it. She chattered on excitedly about the soiree, discussing which members of thetonshe was looking forward to introducing Rose to.
"That gown is stunning, my dear," the Dowager Duchess said, giving Rose a warm smile. "You will turn heads tonight, I am sure of it."
Thomas sat stiffly beside Rose, his jaw clenched. He had told her not to wear that gown, but she had defied him. The thought of her making a spectacle of herself filled him with rage. "Yes, it is quite the showstopper," Thomas said through gritted teeth.
Rose sat across from him, her back straight and her chin held high. The Dowager Duchess, blissfully unaware of the tension in the carriage, continued to talk about the party, the guests that would be attending, and her excitement about making Rose a part of London's high society.
The carriage made its way through the busy streets of London, the sounds of the city muffled by the walls of the carriage. Every now and then, Thomas would shoot Rose a glare, while Rose would simply look out the window, ignoring him. The Dowager Duchess continued to chat, her voice a pleasant hum in thebackground, but her words were lost on the two people sitting across from her.
As the carriage approached Cuthbert Castle, Rose could see lanterns lining the walkway, casting a warm golden light that illuminated the path. The sounds of laughter and music could be heard from inside the castle, and Rose felt a knot form in the pit of her stomach.
When the carriage came to a stop, Thomas stepped out first and offered his hand to Rose. She took it, feeling a shiver run down her spine as his fingers brushed against hers. The gravel crunched beneath their feet as they made their way to the entrance of the castle.
Once inside, Rose was struck by the elegance of the soiree. The ladies were dressed in their finest gowns, glittering with jewels and their hair was styled in elaborate updos. The men were dressed in their breeches and coats, looking dashing and debonair. The sound of chattering voices and the music of a string quartet filled the room, adding to the lively atmosphere.
Thomas led Rose by the arm, introducing her to everyone he knew. At first, Rose was nervous and unsure of what to say if she were asked about her family. But soon, she found herself caught up in the excitement of the night, chatting with the guests and enjoying their company.
The first couple they approached was Lord and Lady Montcrief. Lord Montcrief was tall and imposing, with a stern expressionand a stiff upper lip. Lady Montcrief, on the other hand, was a petite woman with a warm smile and sparkling eyes.
Thomas made the introduction. "Lady Montcrief, Lord Montcrief, may I introduce my betrothed, Lady Rose Thornhill."
Lord Montcrief smiled and took Rose's hand and bowed over it. "Lady Rose, you are a vision of beauty. The duke is a lucky man to have won your hand."
Lady Montcrief smiled and looked between Thomas and Rose. "How did the two of you meet?" she asked, her eyes shining with curiosity.
As Rose began to speak, she blurted out, "We actually met when I ran away from home and His Grace decided to keep me hostage at his home."
There was a moment of silence as everyone in the room froze, staring at Rose in shock. Then, to Rose's surprise, the guests began to laugh, taking her words as a joke.
Thomas quickly jumped in. "Lady Rose is merely staying with my mother during our engagement."
Lord Montcrief raised an eyebrow, "And how are you finding your stay with the Dowager Duchess?"
Rose stumbled over the words. "The Dowager Duchess has taken me under her wing and been most kind."
Lady Montcrief smiled. "What a wonderful opportunity for you, my dear. Your parents must be so proud. Is your own mother not able to attend?"
"My mother is not well," Rose said, her voice filled with concern. "She has been feeling quite unwell these past few months, so the Dowager Duchess kindly offered to bring me to London to attend the Season."
Lady Montcrief raised a perfectly shaped eyebrow. "How lovely of her," she said, her tone laced with skepticism. "It is not often that one sees the Dowager Duchess taking an interest in someone so bright and beautiful."
"Yes, it is," Rose agreed, feeling nervous under Lady Montcrief's scrutiny. "I am very grateful for her kindness."
Thomas stepped in, sensing the tension. "Lady Montcrief, I must say that Rose has been a breath of fresh air in our home. She is a delightful young woman, and I am sure that she will make a great impression among our peers."
Lady Montcrief nodded, a small smile playing on her lips. "I am sure she will," she said, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "It is always a pleasure to meet young ladies of quality and beauty."
As they continued to make their rounds, Rose found herself fielding questions about her family and their whereabouts. She did her best to make up believable answers, but she hated telling so many lies.
