Page 31 of Trapped with a Wicked Duke
Rose and Thomas rode with the Dowager Duchess in a black, ornate carriage toward Carrolton Hall. As they made their waythrough the West End of London, Rose couldn't help but marvel at the beauty of the city. Lamps illuminated the streets, casting an orange-yellow glow on the cobblestones and buildings. They passed by grand estates, their windows ablaze with light, and Rose could hear the sounds of music and laughter drifting through the air.
As they approached Carrolton Hall, its grandeur struck Rose. The estate was on a sprawling piece of land and was surrounded by immaculately tended gardens. The drive was lined with torches, casting a soft glow on the carriages as they made their way up the path. The sound of horses' hooves echoed through the night as they clattered toward the entrance of the grand estate.
As they alighted from the carriage, Rose felt a thrill of excitement. She was eager to dance and mingle with the guests. She hoped to aid Thomas in his pursuit of support, and many of the members of the House of Lords would be present at this ball. She took Thomas's offered arm, and they made their way up the steps and into the grand foyer of Carrolton Hall.
The walls of the foyer were adorned with intricate moldings and glittering chandeliers. The sound of laughter and the soft strains of music could be heard in the distance. Lord and Lady Carrollton stood at the entrance to the ballroom, greeting their guests with warm smiles.
As they approached, Lord Carrollton stepped forward, his hand outstretched in greeting. "Your Grace, Lady Rose, it is a pleasureto welcome you to our home," he said, his eyes twinkling with delight.
Lady Carrollton smiled and curtsied. "We are so glad you could make it," she said, her eyes flickering over Rose's elegant gown. "You both look lovely."
Rose blushed, feeling a bit self-conscious under the admiring gaze of their hostess. She took a quick glance around the room and was struck by the beauty of the decor. The ballroom was filled with guests, all dressed in their finest attire. The women were adorned in shimmering silks and satins, their hair styled in elaborate updos. The men were dressed in black tailcoats, crisp white shirts, and cravats.
The room was ablaze with light, and the walls were adorned with gold-framed paintings and mirrors. The crystal chandeliers sparkled above, casting a warm glow over the room. The dance floor was already crowded with couples, twirling to the music of the orchestra.
Rose felt a flutter of excitement in her chest as she took in the scene. She was eager to dance and mingle with the guests and hoped that her presence would help Thomas secure the vote. She squeezed his arm, a smile on her face, as they made their way into the ballroom.
He leaned in and whispered, "I am sorry, Rose, but I must excuse myself for a moment. I will be back soon."
Rose nodded and watched as Timothy disappeared into the crowd. She then turned to the Dowager Duchess and said, "Shall we say hello to some guests?"
The Dowager Duchess smiled, and they made their way over to a group of young women who gathered together in the far corner, gossiping. As they approached, Rose recognized one woman as Petunia Pearson, the daughter of a Viscount. Rose had always found Petunia to be quite tiresome, and she was no different this evening.
"Lady Rose, I did not think you would attend the season this year," Petunia said, her voice dripping with snootiness. "I heard that you and your family had moved to the wilds near the borders of Scotland."
Rose felt a flush of embarrassment creeping up her cheeks. She was not used to being the center of attention, and Petunia's words only made the scrutiny feel more intense. The Dowager Duchess stepped in and said, "Of course, Lady Rose had to attend the season. She and the Duke are courting."
Petunia's eyes widened in surprise, and she glanced away, returning her hawklike gaze to her next victim. The Dowager Duchess placed a comforting hand on Rose's arm, and they made their way over to a quieter corner of the room.
Rose gave a small smile, grateful for the Dowager's support. "Indeed, Your Grace. It appears her mother has passed on her love for spreading rumors and gossip." Rose glanced over at the group of young women, her eyes scanning the room forany sign of Thomas. She spotted him across the room, deep in conversation with Lord Carrolton and several other members of the House of Lords. Rose felt a sense of pride in the way he carried himself.
She took a deep breath, straightened her spine, and made her way over to another group of young women. It was time to put on her bravest face and do her part to support Thomas in his endeavors.
Thomas smiled absently as Lord Carrolton spoke to him, but his attention was elsewhere. His gaze strayed to the other side of the room, where Rose was surrounded by a group of young ladies. She was animated and vivacious, her laughter ringing out like music.
He couldn't help but feel drawn to her, even from across the room. Her beauty and intelligence were like a beacon, pulling him in.
"It appears you are quite enamored with Lady Rose," Lord Carrolton said with a jovial smile.
Thomas started, realizing that Lord Carrolton had caught him staring. He chuckled, feeling a little sheepish. "I can't deny it, Lord Carrolton. She is quite stunning."
Lord Carrolton clapped him on the back. "I don't blame you, my boy. I was smitten with my wife the moment I laid eyes on her. And she with me, I might add."
The two men shared a laugh and continued their conversation, but Thomas continued to steal glances at Rose. He was filled with longing, wishing that she could be his. But he knew that such a thing was impossible. Despite the fake nature of their courtship, he couldn't deny the attraction he felt toward her. But he reminded himself that it was just a means to an end. When this was all over and he had achieved his goals, she would leave and pursue her life of independence. It was for the greater good, he reminded himself.
When Lord Carrolton excused himself to talk to some of the other guests, Thomas wended his way through the throngs of people. Rose gave him a shy smile as he greeted the group of young ladies. He held out his gloved hand to her. "Shall we dance?"
Thomas watched as Rose's eyes lit up and she took his hand. He led her to the dance floor, and they took their positions for the next set. The music started and Thomas took Rose in his arms. As they moved together, he noticed how light she felt in his arms and how effortlessly she moved with him. He felt a warmth spread through him as he gazed down at her. She was so beautiful, with her hair styled in a delicate updo, and her emerald green dress that brought out the color in her eyes. He knew that this was all just a charade, but he felt so drawn to her. He wanted to stay here on the dance floor with her hand in his and let the rest of the world disappear. As they danced, Thomas regretted that this was all just a show. When this fake courtshipwas over and he had achieved his goals, she would leave and pursue her life of independence. But for now, he would enjoy this dance and the way she made him feel.
When the music ended, Thomas escorted her over to where the punch bowl was. The heat of the room made her face flush, and it made her even more attractive.
As they stood by the punch bowl, Rose sipped her drink while Thomas engaged in conversation with the Duke of Balderson. The duke was a large man with a booming voice, who seemed to relish being the center of attention. He was known for his opposition to Thomas's proposed reforms, and he was quick to voice his objections.
"Your Grace, these reforms are unnecessary and a waste of time," the duke declared, his voice echoing throughout the room. "The church can take care of the widows and orphans you speak of. It is not the role of the government to interfere in these matters."
Thomas was about to argue with the duke when Rose stepped forward, her eyes blazing with passion. "With all due respect, Your Grace, the church cannot take care of everyone. It is our duty as members of the nobility to help those in need, including the widows and orphans."
The duke huffed, his jowls shaking. "And what makes you an expert on these matters, Lady Rose?"
