Page 49 of Trapped with a Wicked Duke
"Of course, I am here," she replied, her voice gentle. "I wouldn't leave your side."
Thomas's brow furrowed, and confusion etched on his face. "But I thought you left. I thought you were gone."
Rose's heart ached at the hurt in his voice. She took his hand in hers, giving it a gentle squeeze. "I would never leave you, Thomas."
Thomas's eyes searched hers, and she could see the emotions warring within him. He took a deep breath and then spoke, his voice firm. "Rose, I was a fool to let you go. I need you by my side. I need you to marry me."
Rose's eyes widened in shock. She had never expected Thomas to propose to her. She opened her mouth to reply, but Thomas cut her off. "I know it's a lot to ask, but I need you. I need you to be by my side, to support me, and to love me."
Tears filled Rose's eyes as she listened to Thomas's words. She had never thought she would marry, but the thought of being by Thomas's side, supporting him and loving him, filled her with a warmth she had never felt before. "Thomas," she began, her voice shaking. "I need to tell you everything that Poppy and her family did. Not only did she poison you, but she and her father also bribed members of the House of Lords to vote against your proposed reforms. They did everything in their power to stop you from making a difference in the lives of the widows and orphans."
Thomas's eyes grew dark with anger as he listened to Rose's words. "I will make sure they pay for what they have done. But first, I need you to be my wife. I cannot go another day in my life without knowing that you are mine. Will you marry me, Rose?"
Rose took a deep breath, her heart fluttering in her chest. She looked into Thomas's eyes and saw the love and devotion shining within them. Rose felt her heart swell with emotions she had never experienced before. She leaned in closer, her eyes closing as she prepared for his lips to touch hers. Just as theirlips were about to meet, a discreet cough interrupted them. Rose's eyes flew open to see Mr. James, the butler, standing just inside the door.
"Excuse me, Lady Rose, but the duke’s mother, the Dowager Duchess, has requested your presence in her private sitting room," Mr. James said, his tone apologetic. Rose straightened, feeling a blush creeping up her cheeks. She couldn't believe she had almost lost control like that in front of Mr. James. The butler would have been shocked at such behavior.
"Of course, Mr. James," she said, her voice a little shaky. "I will be there shortly."
Thomas's hand reached for hers, his fingers curling around hers in a warm grip. "I will be waiting for your answer, Rose," he said, his voice low and full of passion.
Rose gave him a small smile, feeling a warmth spread through her chest. She was glad she had stayed, glad she was here to save Thomas, and now she had a decision to make. She squeezed his hand before reluctantly pulling away and following Mr. James from the room.
Thomas sat up in bed, feeling a rush of frustration that Rose had left his bedchamber before she had answered his question. He decided he couldn't wait. He needed her in his life, forever. If she said no, then he would have to convince her. He loved her and he would be damned if he would let her walk out of his life again.
He roared for Mr. James to assist him, but the butler protested, reminding him of the doctor's orders that he must rest.
"Mr. James!" Thomas bellowed. "Help me, I need to get dressed."
"Your Grace, the doctor instructed you to rest," Mr. James said, wringing his hands. "You mustn't overexert yourself."
"Doctor be damned," Thomas growled. "I have something I need to finish, and I won't let a little illness stop me." He swung his legs over the side of the bed, determined to get up and find Rose. He couldn't wait any longer to ask for her hand in marriage and make her his duchess. He needed to act now before it was too late. He ignored the pain in his head.
Mr. James brought his silk banyan, and he slipped it on. A small wave of dizziness hit him, but he waited for it to pass. This was too important.
Thomas strode determinedly down the hall, Mr. James trailing behind him, trying to keep up. He was done with being confined to his bed. He had a woman to win and a future to secure. He reached the door to his mother's bedchamber and without waiting for a response, threw open the door.
"Mother, where's Rose?" Thomas shouted as he burst into the room. "I love her. I want her to be my wife."
"Thomas! Get back in bed at once!" The Dowager Duchess shrieked, sitting up in surprise. "You shouldn't be out of bed. Dr. Carson specifically said you needed to rest."
"I don't care," Thomas retorted, not backing down.
Rose, who had been sitting by his mother's bedside, looked up in surprise. "Thomas, what are you doing here? You need to rest."
He ignored her protests and took her hand, pulling her up from her seat. "I have rested enough. I love you, Rose, and I need you to be my wife. Say you'll marry me. Please."
He looked down into her eyes, searching for a sign of her answer. When she finally nodded, a smile spread across his face, and he pulled her into a passionate kiss.
The Dowager Duchess clapped her hands in delight from her bed. "Finally! The wedding I have always wanted for you two!"
Thomas broke the kiss and looked down at Rose with a grin. "I will make you the happiest woman in all of England, my love."
As they held each other close, the room filled with the sounds of laughter and joy, a stark contrast to the fear and uncertainty of just a few hours before. Thomas had never felt such a strong connection with anyone before, and he never wanted to let her go. He pressed his lips to hers in a tender kiss, feeling the love and affection that they shared at that moment.
"I love you, Rose," he whispered, gazing into her eyes. "I promise to love and cherish you for the rest of my life."
Rose's eyes sparkled with happiness as she returned his kiss. "And I love you, Thomas. I can't imagine my life without you."
