Page 7 of Trapped with a Wicked Duke
Mr. James nodded, but he still seemed unsure. "I comprehend, Your Grace, but what if she does not agree to aid you?"
Thomas dismissed the query. His determination was steadfast. "Shewillaid me, Mr. James," he replied confidently. He pivoted to gaze at the portrait of his father which hung on the wall. "My father labored tirelessly to attain his vision and pass reforms that would benefit so many people," he said, his tone filled withpassion. "If I am to continue his legacy, I will require all the support I can get."
She will have to agree to help me with this. She might be my last hope.
Thomas sighed as he remembered the days when he was still carefree and did not worry about his reputation. He used to be the life of the party, never missing an opportunity to enjoy himself, but that all changed when his father passed away. He was left with the responsibility of carrying on his father's work and making a name for himself that would make his father proud.
His mind then drifted to the day when his mother's scandal with a married man became public knowledge. He felt a twinge of pain as he remembered how it had tarnished the family name and left a permanent stain on their reputation. He had seen first-hand the power of a person's reputation and the impact it could have on their lives. He could not let that happen to him. Not when he had the chance to bring about such a change in the world and end the suffering of many.
He turned his attention back to Mr. James and the matter at hand. "Yes, she will aid me, Mr. James," he repeated, his tone firm. "I will make sure of it."
He gathered a pile of letters from his desk and began to go through them. He read the rejections from his peers who did not concur with his noble cause. Piles and piles of replies who didnot even consider heeding anything he had to say. Despite the setback, he remained hopeful that things would soon change.
"I will pen a letter to my mother immediately," he said as his mind already brimmed with plans. "She needs to be ready. I will be traveling to London with a Lady."
Mr. James nodded, and his demeanor softened as he looked at him. "Very well, Your Grace. I will ensure everything is prepared."
Thomas could not help but feel a sense of thrill at the thought of his plan coming to fruition. He could already picture the look of shock and awe on the faces of thetonwhen he presented Rose as his bride-to-be. And most of all, he could not wait to see the expression on his peers' faces when they realized that Thomas, the black sheep of the Wallace family, had finally secured his place as the Duke of Everness in the House of Lords.
Thomas sat at his desk, a quill in hand, as he gazed out the window at the rolling hills of his estate. He took a deep breath, steeling himself for the task ahead. He dipped the quill in the inkwell and began to write.
"My dearest mother,
I hope this letter finds you in good health and spirits. I have news to share with you that I think will bring a smile to your face.
I have met someone who I believe will be the perfect addition to our family and will help me in my cause to continue my father's reforms. I have decided to bring her to London so that you may meet her, and we can make arrangements for a grand introduction to society. I understand that this may come as a surprise, but I assure you, this is a decision I have not made lightly.
I will arrive in London within the week, and I look forward to seeing you soon.
With love and affection, Thomas."
Thomas sanded the letter to dry the ink quickly and sealed it, feeling a sense of satisfaction. He rang the bell and summoned a footman to deliver the letter to his mother immediately. He leaned back in his chair and let out a sigh, feeling a sense of relief wash over him.
He was one step closer to achieving his goal and stepping into the footsteps of his later father.
As he finished his correspondence, he heard a soft knock on the door. "Your Grace," Mr. James announced, "Lady Rose is ready and awaits you in the gardens."
Thomas was eager to show Rose the beauty of his estate, and to see her reaction to the stunning gardens he had created. He stood up and straightened his waistcoat, feeling a sense of pride as he made his way outside.
The later afternoon sun was shining, casting a warm glow on the lush green grass and the vibrant flowers that surrounded them. The fragrance of roses, jasmine, and lavender filled the air, and the sound of birds singing filled the background. Thomas led Rose through the maze of paths and offered her a seat on a stone bench that overlooked the pond.
"What do you think of the garden, my Lady?"
"It is beautiful, Your Grace," Rose said, as she looked out at the stunning vista before her.
Thomas smiled. "I am glad you like it," he said. "It is one of my favorite places on the estate."
They sat in companionable silence for a moment, each lost in their own thoughts. Then Thomas spoke up. "I wonder if we have any mutual acquaintances?"
Rose shook her head. "I am not sure," she replied. "I am sure we may have passed each other at one of the many balls I attended the past two seasons. My family only recently purchased the castle outside of London."
"Ah, well," Thomas said with a shrug. "It does not matter. Let me show you the rest of the garden." He felt a knot of worry ease. She would not be acquainted with his family's scandal nor his own reputation. It should make his plan easier to put into place.
They continued their tour of the gardens, talking about the different plants and flowers, and Thomas could not help but feel a sense of pride as he showed Rose the beauty of his estate.
Thomas felt impressed by Rose's extensive knowledge of the plants and flowers. She seemed to know the name and use of each and every one of them. "How do you know so much about these plants?" Thomas asked, as he plucked a fragrant flower from a bush and handed it to her.
Rose blushed, looking down at the flower in her hand. "I have a love for plants," she said, her voice filled with a sense of pride. "I have always been fascinated by their beauty and their many uses."
