Page 29 of Trapped with a Wicked Duke
"I do hope you and Thomas will have a grand wedding," Lady Finn said, sipping on her wine. "It will be the event of the season, of course."
Rose's stomach dropped. She had been so focused on the events of the last few weeks that she had almost forgotten about the sham engagement. She tried to keep her face calm and composed, but she could feel the color draining from her cheeks.
"Yes, we are quite excited about the wedding," the Dowager Duchess said, beaming at Rose. "I have already started making plans for the guest list and the menu."
Rose felt as if she was trapped in a nightmare. She had never wanted this engagement to be real, and now she was being pulled into the plans for a wedding that would never happen yet again. She tried to push down the panic rising in her chest, and instead focused on the warmth of the hand that Thomas had left on her arm before he left the room.
She smiled tightly at Lady Finn and the Dowager Duchess, but inside she was screaming. She had to find a way out of this mess before it was too late.
As the men returned from the study, Rose could tell from Thomas's broad smile that the meeting had gone well. Lady Finn resumed her earlier line of conversation, discussing wedding plans, and Rose felt a wave of anxiety wash over her. She fidgeted with her dress, trying to quell the urge to run away from the evening.
Just as she was about to excuse herself, Thomas caught her eye and gave her a reassuring smile.
"Ah, Lady Finn, have you heard the latest gossip about Lord Winchester?" Thomas asked, a mischievous glint in his eye.
"No, I have not. Do tell, Thomas," Lady Finn said, eager for the latest gossip.
"Well, it seems Lord Winchester has taken up quite an unusual hobby," Thomas said, pausing for dramatic effect. "He has been spotted every morning at the park, practicing his bird calls."
Lady Finn and the Dowager Duchess both burst out laughing. "Bird calls? How absurd!" Lady Finn said.
"Yes, quite absurd," Thomas agreed, with a chuckle. "But I suppose it is better than collecting snails or something equally as odd."
Everyone in the room laughed, and Rose breathed a sigh of relief. She was grateful for Thomas's quick thinking and the way he had deflected Lady Finn's questions about their wedding plans.
As they made their way into the dining room, Rose was struck by the sight before her. The long, polished mahogany table was set with the finest China and crystal. Silver candelabras cast a warm, flickering light over the room, and the smell of roasted meats and herbs wafted through the air. She had worked with the cook to plan the menu for the evening, and she was pleased with how it had turned out.
"This looks absolutely divine," Lord Finn said as they took their seats. "I must say, I am quite impressed, Lady Rose."
"Thank you, Lord Finn," Rose said, taking her seat. "I had a little help from the cook, of course."
The first course was a creamy pumpkin soup, served in delicate porcelain bowls. The soup was rich and flavorful, with a hint of nutmeg and cinnamon. As they ate, the conversation flowed easily, and Rose found herself relaxing a bit.
The main course was a roasted duck, served with a red wine reduction sauce and a side of roasted root vegetables. The duck was succulent and juicy, and the sauce added a depth of flavor that was simply divine.
As they finished their main course, the footmen cleared the plates and brought out the dessert. It was a beautiful work of art - a tall, ornate trifle filled with layers of sponge cake, fruit, and custard. The top was dusted with powdered sugar and garnished with fresh berries. The sweet and tangy flavors of the fruit paired perfectly with the creamy custard.
Lord Finn raised his glass and stood up from his seat. "A toast," he said, his voice ringing out across the table. "To Lady Rose, for her outstanding skills as a hostess. And to His Grace, for finding such a wonderful bride."
Everyone raised their glasses in agreement, and Rose felt her cheeks grow hot from Lord Finn's praise. Thomas leaned over and whispered in her ear, "You did a fantastic job. Thank you."
She felt a warm glow in her chest as she heard Thomas's words. She had been so nervous about tonight, but it seemed that everything had gone off without a hitch.
Lord Finn then turned to Thomas. "Your Grace, I have no doubt that the vote for your reform will be a success. Your passion and dedication will surely win over the House of Lords."
Thomas thanked Lord Finn for his support and the rest of the evening was spent in good spirits, with laughter and lighthearted conversation.
As Lord and Lady Finn were ready to leave, Rose and Thomas saw them off at the door. "Good evening," Rose said, smiling. "It was a pleasure having you both over for dinner."
"The pleasure was all ours," Lady Finn replied, smiling. "You are a credit to your family and to His Grace."
Rose and Thomas watched as they got into their carriage and drove off into the night. As the door closed, the Dowager Duchess said, "I am going to retire for the evening. It has been a long day."
Rose was about to follow her when she felt Thomas's hand on her arm. He pulled her back. "Rose, wait. I just wanted to thank you again for tonight," he said. "You were amazing."
"Can you believe it?" Rose exclaimed, her eyes shining with excitement. "Lord Finn actually credited you for forging new paths in the House of Lords!"
"It is all because of you, Rose," Thomas replied, reaching out and grabbing her hands in his. "Without your help, none of this would have happened. I love how you saved me."
