Page 50 of Trapped with a Wicked Duke
They held each other close, savoring the warmth of their embrace and the joy that filled their hearts. They knew that with each other, they could conquer anything that life threw at them. And as they sealed their love with another kiss, they felt their future together was full of endless possibilities.
Epilogue
The sun was just beginning to rise, casting a warm glow over the room. Rose sat in front of her vanity, her mother and sister Jasmine by her side. In a nearby cradle, Jasmine's baby slept soundly, nestled under a fluffy blanket. Marie, the lady's maid, was busy fixing Rose's hair, twisting it into a delicate updo. As Marie worked, Rose and her mother discussed the latest gossip.
"Can you believe the scandal of Poppy Jameson and her father?" Rose's mother said, aghast. "Poisoning the Duke! I am just glad His Grace has made a full recovery."
Jasmine nodded. "It's all anyone is talking about. I can't believe they would stoop so low."
Rose sighed. "It's a shame. Thomas worked so hard to pass those reforms and they almost ruined everything."
Marie stepped back to admire her handiwork. "There you are, My Lady," she said. "You look beautiful."
Rose smiled, admiring her reflection. "Thank you, Marie."
Just then, the door burst open, and in rushed Rose's younger sister, Daphne. She was dressed in a frothy pink gown, and her curls bounced with each step. "Rose!" she cried, stopping in her tracks. "You look absolutely beautiful! The guests are arriving, I hope you stay for the ceremony this time."
Rose stood up and her sister a half smile, smoothing down her elegant wedding dress. "Thank you, Daphne."
She took in the details of her dress. It was a beautiful creation made of creamy white silk, with delicate lace trimming the hem and sleeves. The bodice was fitted, with a sweetheart neckline and tiny buttons running up the back. The skirt was full and billowed out in soft pleats, giving her a regal appearance. She twirled, feeling the fabric swirl around her legs, and a smile spread across her face. She felt like a vision of beauty and grace on her wedding day. This time, everything felt right.
She turned to her mother and Jasmine. "Are we ready?"
Her mother smiled, tears in her eyes. "We're ready."
Jasmine picked up the sleeping baby from the cradle. "Let's go make you a Duchess."
They all linked arms and descended the grand staircase. Rose's head was buzzing, and she was filled with joy. This was the day she could never have dreamed of when she was younger, but now, she couldn't wait to marry Thomas.
As they reached the bottom of the stairs, her father, the Earl of Thornhill, was waiting for them. "Goodness," he said, his eyes shining with pride. "I am the luckiest man alive to have so many beautiful women in my life."
Rose smiled at him and leaned in for a kiss on the cheek. "Thank you, Papa."
Her father took her arm and led her to the waiting carriage. As they approached, he looked down at her and a proud smile spread across his face. "My little girl, a Duchess. Who would have thought this would happen?" he said, his voice filled with emotion. He helped her into the carriage, making sure she was settled before taking his own seat across from her.
"Off to the chapel," he said, tapping the roof of the carriage to signal the driver.
As the carriage started to move, butterflies danced in Rose's stomach as she was filled with nervous excitement. She was about to marry the man she loved and become a Duchess. He supported her love of botany and valued her opinion. It was more than she had ever thought possible.
The clatter of hooves echoed on the cobblestone road as the carriage made its way to the family chapel. Rose sat across from her father, her heart beating with excitement. The servants had decorated the outside of the carriage with flowers and garlands, and the sweet fragrance filled the air.
Her father reached out and took her hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. "You look so beautiful, my dear," he said with a smile. "I couldn't be prouder of you."
Rose felt tears prick at the corners of her eyes. "Thank you, Papa. I am so grateful for you."
The sun was shining, the sky a brilliant shade of blue, and Rose felt like she was living in a fairy tale. Her father placed a gentlehand on her knee, bringing her attention back to him. "You know, Rose, married life is about compromise."
Rose looked at him, surprised. "Compromise?"
Her father chuckled. "Yes, my dear. It's how your mother and I have managed to have such a happy marriage. It's about finding a balance between your own wants and needs and those of your spouse."
Rose smiled, touched by her father's words. "Thank you, Papa. I will remember that."
Her father patted her hand. "Just love each other, Rose, and the rest will fall into place."
As the carriage pulled up to the chapel, Rose gazed out the window, taking in the scene before her. Guests were streaming into the chapel, dressed in their finest attire. She caught a glimpse of her older brother, William, waiting nervously by the steps. She smiled, knowing that he was probably worried she would be a runaway bride again.
The chapel walls were made of warm, creamy stone and the steeple rose high into the sky, its weather vane glinting in the morning sun. The entrance to the chapel was adorned with lush greenery, wreaths of fragrant herbs, and bright blooms. Rose spotted the telltale signs of lavender, rosemary, and white roses, all symbols of love, loyalty, and purity. As the carriage door opened, Rose stepped out, and took a deep breath, inhaling the sweet fragrance of the blooms, and made her way up the steps, her father at her side.
