Page 76 of When He Was a Duke
Once she was in her nightgown and her face washed, Rose climbed into bed and curled onto her side, the blankets cool against her skin. Prudence moved quietly around the room, tidying as she always did, as if routine could hold the world together.
“Is there anything I can get you?” Prudence asked.
Rose reached for her hand and gave it a squeeze. “Before you go to bed, please ask Mr. Hale to meet me in my father’s study at eleven. I need to understand the legal matters. Once I do, I can begin making plans.”
“Yes, my lady.”
There was a long pause.
“Did the staff know about Sebastian?” Rose asked at last. “Who he really was?”
“No, my lady. I would have told you if I’d known.”
“I knew he was not who he said he was, but I could not have guessed that he was the eldest son of the man my father destroyed.”
“How could you?”
Rose nodded, tears brimming but unshed. “At least I know thetruth. About everything now. I feel lighter, somehow. Even though there are so many questions about what the future will bring.”
“I’ll be here by your side, no matter what.”
Rose smiled faintly. “Thank you, dear Prudence, for your loyalty and calmness. You provide me great comfort, as you always have.”
“It’s my pleasure, Lady Rose.”
“Please, go rest. I won’t need you until after ten.”
Prudence curtsied and then left the room.
Rose rolled onto her back, staring at the ceiling, the ache behind her eyes finally giving way to exhaustion.
She thought of Sebastian. Of his deception, yes—but also of his words earlier in the garden. He had been willing to walk away from all of this for her. But would he change his mind? Perhaps she would always be the daughter of the man who wrecked his life. Was there really any way for them to be together or was the past too complicated? Too tragic?
She slipped her hand beneath her pillow and pulled out his handkerchief, breathing in the faint scent of soap. It steadied her, softened her chest just enough to let sleep come.
And it was thus that she finally slept—alone, but no longer lost.
*
She woke latethe next morning to Prudence arriving to help her bathe and dress. While Prudence fixed her hair, she drummed up the courage to ask how the staff was doing. “How did everyone seem this morning?”
“They are fine. Mrs. Blythe brought us all together at breakfast to explain everything to the others. Most already knew, of course, having been on duty as everything unfolded.”
“They must be terrified of what happens next,” Rose said.
“Yes, they’re concerned for the future. As you know, most of uscome from the village and have known nothing else. The thought of working elsewhere is overwhelming. Yet, they all declared their loyalty to you, my lady. There’s not a servant in this house who thinks ill of you.”
“How kind,” Rose said softly.
She wanted to ask after Sebastian but didn’t have the words to do so. However, she needn’t have worried. Prudence brought him up first.
“Everyone’s reeling over who Sebastian really is. As you can imagine.”
“Yes, they have every right to feel surprised and perhaps duped.” Rose’s voice wavered. “Prudence, have you guessed how I feel about him?”
“Yes, my lady. I know you well.”
“And the others?” Rose asked.
