Page 46 of Trapped with a Wicked Duke
Thomas stiffened at her touch and stepped away, anger flaring in his chest. "You have no right to speak of such things. And I am not interested in your father's offers or your so-called benefits. I will not be a pawn in your father's game. And I will certainly not marry a woman who has spread vicious lies about me and Lady Rose."
Poppy's smile faded at the mention of Rose's name. "You are making a mistake, Thomas. My father has a great deal of influence in the House of Lords. You could use that to your advantage."
"I will not use underhanded tactics to get what I want," Thomas said, his voice firm. "I will not stoop to your level, Miss Jameson."
Poppy let out a scoff. "Oh, please, Thomas. You are not fooling anyone. You and Lady Rose were never actually engaged. It was all a farce, a way to make you appear more desirable to the other members of theton." She trailed a finger along his cheek. "But I know the truth, and I am willing to keep your secret if you are willing to be mine."
Thomas shrugged off her hand. He hated that Poppy knew him well enough to know that he had been lying. Her father did hold sway in the House of Lords and with his support, Thomas would be able to help so many people. Thomas sighed, feeling the weight of the decision before him. He did not like Poppy, but he could not ignore the power her father held. He could help so many widows and orphans if he agreed to her offer. But at what cost to his own morality? He was torn between doing what was right and what was necessary.
"I understand your offer," Thomas said slowly, his mind whirling with a thousand thoughts. "But I cannot make a decision like this without some time to think it over."
Poppy's eyes gleamed with satisfaction. "Of course, Thomas. I understand. Why don't we have the servants bring some tea and we can discuss it further?" she said, her voice as smooth as honey.
Thomas hesitated for a moment, then nodded. He needed time to think, and perhaps having a cup of tea would calm his nerves. As Poppy went to make the tea, Thomas slumped down into a nearby chair, his head in his hands. He did not like the direction this was heading, but he was desperate to help those who needed it. He just hoped that he would not regret this decision.
Chapter Twenty-Three
Rose hurried through the streets of London in the carriage, her heart racing with a sense of urgency. She had finally discovered the truth about Thomas's failed reform bill, and she needed to get to him as quickly as possible. The bribe to members of the House of Lords was not his fault, and she needed to let him know.
As soon as the carriage pulled up to Everness, Rose alighted without waiting for the footman's help. She raced up the steps, her heart pounding in her chest. The butler, Mr. James, admitted her and she asked after Thomas's whereabouts.
"His Grace is in the sitting room, Lady Rose," Mr. James said, his expression impassive. "Miss Jameson is with him."
Rose's heart sank at the mention of Poppy. She didn't have time for her antics. Thomas needed to know about her father’s bribes to the members of the House of Lords. She pushed past Mr. James and rushed to the sitting room, her handon the doorknob. She hesitated.Will Thomas welcome my interference?Rose took a deep breath, trying to calm herself, and slowly opened the door a crack. She watched as Poppy poured two cups of tea and slid one across the small table to Thomas.
"You need to seriously consider my proposal, Thomas," Poppy said. "It would be advantageous for both of us. You would gain access to my father's wealth and influence if we marry." She leaned closer. "And it isn't as though we aren't compatible in some areas."
Her catlike eyes watched Thomas as he lifted his teacup and took a sip. He grimaced and added a splash of cream from a small jug on the tray. He took another sip. "I have told you I am not interested in marrying you, Poppy. Why can't you accept that you and I are not to be?"
Rose watched from outside the door. She felt a cold sheen of sweat on her neck as she watched the scene in front of her unfold. She could hear every word of the conversation, and it was clear that Poppy was trying to manipulate Thomas. She was determined to get her way, and she was using every weapon in her arsenal to do so. Rose's thoughts were a mess. Part of her was angry at Poppy's audacity, while another part of her was worried that Thomas would be swayed by her words. She knew how persuasive Poppy could be, and she didn't want Thomas to fall for her tricks.
Poppy moved closer to Thomas, her hand trailing up his arm. "Please, Thomas. You know that I want to be with you. I can make you happy."
Rose moved away from the crack lest she be seen, but she pressed her ear against the door to listen. She wanted to burst into the room and beg Thomas not to listen to Poppy, but something held her back. Something about the way Poppy was speaking, the sly look in her eyes, made Rose feel uneasy.
She watched as Poppy leaned forward, her hand resting on Thomas's. "You need me, Thomas. And I need you." Poppy's voice was low and husky. "I can give you what you want."
Rose's heart raced with worry. What was Poppy up to? She couldn't help but think the worst. Could she seduce Thomas?
She listened as Poppy continued to cajole Thomas into marrying her. She was about to burst into the room to save Thomas from making a mistake, but she knew he would not be pleased with her interference. She quickly backed away from the door and darted around the corner, pressing herself against the wall. She took a deep breath, trying to calm her taut nerves.
Just then, Thomas's voice rose, strident and firm. "I will not marry you, Poppy. I have told you that many times. Now, I have work to do. Please leave my home and do not return."
Rose's spirit soared with relief. Thomas was strong and would not be swayed by Poppy's manipulations. She peeked around thecorner and watched as Poppy stood in the doorway of the sitting room, her eyes blazing with anger.
"I will not be made a fool of, Thomas!" Poppy raged, snatching her wrap from Mr. James's hands. "You'll see, I will find someone who truly appreciates me and all that I have to offer." She didn't wait for Mr. James to open the front door for her, instead, she stomped out, her heels clicking on the marble floor. "Mark my words, Thomas, you will regret this," she shouted as she stormed down the steps and disappeared from view.
Rose felt a sense of satisfaction as she watched Poppy leave in a huff. It was a small victory in the face of the greater issues they were dealing with, but it was still a victory, nonetheless. She took a deep breath and composed herself before entering the sitting room. She wanted to let Thomas know about the latest information she had gathered regarding Poppy's actions. She was determined to bring an end to the woman's manipulative schemes once and for all.
She stepped out from her hiding place and was about to enter the sitting room when she heard a loud crash, followed by a thud. Rose dashed into the sitting room to find Thomas unconscious on the floor. Close at her heels was Mr. James.
Rose's heart raced as she rushed into the room. He lay on the floor, his eyes closed, and a large gash on his forehead. Her hand flew to her mouth. "Thomas! Thomas, wake up!"
"Your Grace!" Mr. James kneeled down next to Thomas. "Something is wrong."
"What happened?" Rose asked, her voice trembling.
"I don't know," Mr. James replied, his eyes full of concern. "I was about to come here to clean up the tea when I heard the crash."
