Page 35 of Trapped with a Wicked Duke
Rose nodded, taking in his words. "I see now how much this means to you," she said. "It is much more than a political cause for glory, it is personal to you."
Thomas looked out the window, his eyes focused on something far away. "Yes, it is. I have seen the poverty and hardship in the slums, and I know that something needs to be done. I want to make a difference in the lives of these people, especially the children." He turned to her, a fierce determination in his eyes. "I am committed to this, Rose. I will do whatever it takes to make sure that these changes happen."
Rose felt a shiver run down her spine. She had never seen Thomas so passionate and determined. She was beginning to see that there was much more to him than the rake she had first thought him to be.
As the carriage rolled on, Rose's thoughts were still on the children and the orphanage they had just visited. She was moved by Thomas's dedication to the cause and his willingness to help those in need. When they finally arrived back at Thomas's home, he turned to her and asked, "Rose, would you like to come withme to my study? I would like your help with my speech for the final vote. I want to make sure it truly captures the heart of the matter." Rose was taken aback by the request, but she could not deny the thrill of excitement that ran through her. She had always loved writing and the idea of helping Thomas with his speech was an opportunity she could not pass up. "Yes, of course," she replied, following him into the house.
They went into the study, which was a spacious room with tall windows that let in the afternoon sun. The walls were lined with shelves of books and there was a large mahogany desk in the center of the room. The desk was cluttered with papers, an inkwell, and several quills. A comfortable-looking armchair sat in front of the fireplace. The room had a masculine feel, with deep hues of green and dark wood furnishings, and Rose felt it reflected Thomas and his personality.
Thomas walked over to his desk and began to sort through the papers. "I need to write a speech for the final vote. I am hoping to sway some of the members of the House of Lords to support the bill. I was hoping you could help me with the words."
Rose nodded, feeling honored that he would ask for her help. She walked over to the armchair and sat down, ready to do whatever she could to support Thomas's cause. After today, she would do whatever she could to help Thomas win his votes. She could set aside her own feelings and desires in order to help other children like little Madeline.
Chapter Eighteen
Thomas took a deep breath and began to read his speech. The words flowed from him with ease, and he could feel the passion behind each sentence. He spoke of the importance of providing a better life for all children, regardless of their birth or station in life. He spoke of the children at the orphanage they visited and their experiences growing up in poverty. He spoke of the importance of giving these children better opportunities than their parents. He alluded to his own father wanting him to have the best chances in life. e He had the good fortune to be born to a higher station, but that did not mean that he could turn a blind eye to the plight of those less fortunate. He believed that every child deserved a chance at a better life, and he was determined to make that a reality through his bill.
Thomas continued to speak, and his voice was clear and strong. "I must address the issue of widows who are forced into poverty because of our outdated laws. It is a travesty that these women, who have already lost their husbands, are left to suffer in poverty due to our lack of action. This must change. We must providesupport and security for these widows, so they are not left to fend for themselves in a cruel world."
As he reached the climax of his speech, he could feel his own emotions welling up. He was speaking from the heart, and he knew that he had to be convincing if he was to secure the votes of the House of Lords. He concluded with a passionate appeal to their sense of duty and compassion.
He could feel Rose's eyes on him, and it made him more nervous than standing in front of all of his peers. He knew that she was watching him and judging him, and he wanted to do his best for her. He wanted to show her that he was more than just a rake who lived for pleasure. Or a selfish man. He wanted to show her that he was a man of substance, a man who cared about others, a man who was willing to fight for what was right.
Finally, he reached the end of the speech, and he looked up at Rose. She was smiling at him, and he could see the pride in her eyes. He could feel the weight of the moment, and he knew that this speech would be the turning point in his career. It would either make or break him.
She clapped her hands together. "That was perfect, Thomas! I think this is the best one yet!"
The hall clock chimed four times. "Is that the time?" Thomas's brows rose. "We have been working on this speech all night, but I do not feel tired."
Rose's smile grew wider. "That is because you are so passionate about this cause, Thomas. It shines through in every word you have written. I have no doubt that it will be well received."
Thomas nodded, feeling more confident now that he had shared his thoughts with Rose. "Thank you for your help, Rose. I could not have done it without you."
She shrugged. "I was happy to help. This is an important cause, and I believe in it just as much as you do. Even more so now that I have been to the orphanage."
"The vote takes place in two days. Win or lose, you will be free to go." Thomas's voice grew quieter. "I will keep my word, Rose, and give you the funds you need to go wherever you wish in the world."
Her smile faltered, but then quickly returned. "I have not decided where I wish to go yet."
Thomas looked away, not wishing her to see that the thought of her leaving made him desperate. He busied himself with tidying up his notes from the speech. "Well, take your time. You have earned the right to choose your own path."
There was a brief silence between them, both lost in their own thoughts. Then, Thomas spoke up again. "I must say, Rose, your support has meant more to me than I can express. You have done what you agreed to, and I respect you for that."
Rose stood up. "I should retire for the evening before your mother discovers I stayed here working with you all night." She glanced over where her maid, Hannah, sat sleeping, her mouth slightly open. "Although I was chaperoned the entire time." She grinned.
Rose gently awakened Hannah, who jumped up in surprise. The sight of Hannah's startled expression as she woke up was almost comical, and Thomas had to stifle a laugh. Hannah quickly scurried away with Rose in tow.
As he stood there, he realized just how much he would miss Rose once she was gone. The thought was a heavy weight on his chest, and he knew that something important was slipping away from him. He needed to focus on the vote in two days but all he could think about was Rose. He sighed and ran a hand through his hair, feeling more conflicted than ever before.
Two hours later, he had given up trying to sleep and went downstairs to the kitchen. Mrs. Derry had been shocked to see him and shooed him away to the dining room. She had been the cook for as long as he had been alive and was a great proponent of propriety. She promised to bring him coffee and bread if he would only leave her kitchen.
Twenty minutes later, Thomas sat at the large wooden dining table and cradled a steaming cup of coffee in his hands. His thoughts were consumed by Rose. He was exhausted, but he could not seem to shut off his mind.
The Dowager Duchess entered the room and approached him with a concerned look on her face. "Thomas, my dear, what is wrong? Why are you awake so early?"
Thomas gave her a groggy smile. "I could ask you the same question."
His mother grimaced. "I am afraid that my stomach did not agree with the rich dessert last night. And you did not answer my question. If I were to guess, I would say you were lovesick."
