Page 89 of When He Was a Duke
“Shall we tell them about this afternoon? The sea breeze and the way you looked at me when I asked if I could kiss you at long last?”
“Are you asking?”
“I am.”
“If we kiss, you must marry me.”
“Yes,” he said, grinning. “I surrender completely.”
She tilted her face up to his, eyes soft and unafraid. “I’m ready.”
Sebastian cupped her cheek, his thumb tracing her jaw. She leaned into his touch, lips parting slightly. He closed the distance slowly, giving her time to pull away. She didn’t.
The first brush of his lips was gentle, questioning. When Rose responded by curling her fingers into his coat sleeve and pressing closer, he deepened the kiss, his hand slipping to her waist as the world fell away around them.
When they finally broke apart, both were breathing unsteadily.
“Oh my, that was quite pleasant,” Rose said, wonder in her voice.
“Indeed it was.”
“Perhaps we should practice more before the wedding.”
Sebastian laughed, the sound carrying across the water. “I think that’s very wise, Lady Rose. Very wise indeed.”
Chapter Twenty-Two
The day afterher trip to Brighton, Rose stepped into the servants’ hall, knowing this conversation was necessary. They deserved to hear directly from her that she and Sebastian were to marry.
The long wooden table was filled with staff taking their morning tea. Mrs. Blythe pouring fresh cups, Finch halfway through a biscuit, Prudence mending one of Rose’s gowns. At the sight of her, those sitting stood respectfully.
“Good morning,” Rose said, her voice warm but serious. “I hope you don’t mind me interrupting your breakfast, but I wanted to speak with you all about something important.”
“Of course, Lady Rose,” Mrs. Blythe said, though Rose could see the slight tension in her shoulders. The uncertainty of recent days had affected everyone.
Rose looked around at the faces that had been her constant through so many years. “I know you’ve all witnessed quite a lot these past weeks. You’ve seen Sebastian’s true identity revealed, you’ve watched constables come and go, and I’m sure you’ve wondered what all of this means for Wentworth Manor. For your positions here.”
A few of the younger staff exchanged worried glances. Even stolid Mrs. Carter seemed to be holding her breath.
“First, I want to thank you for your unwavering loyalty, not just recently, but throughout my entire life. You’ve been my family when Ihad no one else.” Rose’s voice caught slightly. “You protected me, cared for me, and stood by me even when doing so might have put you at risk. I will never forget that. I hope my news will make up for some of the turmoil. My father has left me the estate and everything else, other than the illegal aspects of his business. I can do as I choose now.”
Mrs. Blythe dabbed at her eyes, and Rose could see several others looking emotional.
“In addition, Sebastian and I are engaged to be married. As soon as the arrangements can be made, we will marry.”
This brought smiles and murmurs of approval, though Rose could tell they were still waiting for the more practical information.
“I know some of you may be wondering what this means for the estate, for your positions. My father’s illegal activities are finished forever. Sebastian, Mr. Hale, and I are committed to returning this estate to completely legitimate business. It may take time to rebuild, but we will do it properly.”
She saw shoulders relax around the room.
“More importantly, you all have positions here for as long as you want them. This is your home too, and Sebastian understands that. In fact, he’s specifically asked me to assure you that he values the kindness you showed him during his time here.”
Finch, who had been looking particularly worried, visibly sagged with relief.
“There will be some changes, of course. Finch, Sebastian will need a proper valet—are you interested in the position?”
Finch nearly choked on his tea. “Me, my lady? But I’m no one important. Hargrave always said I was near useless.”
