Page 91 of When He Was a Duke
Rose felt hope budding in her chest. “How long before we see results?”
“A year, perhaps two for full recovery. But the foundation is solid. There’s something else to consider,” Hale continued. “The servants and villagers need to see that this manor is no longer a place of secrets. They need visible proof that you both mean to restore its honor.”
Rose glanced at Sebastian, an idea forming. “What if we host a wedding feast? Invite everyone from the village, share our plans for the future?”
“I think that’s splendid,” Hale said warmly. “We haven’t had a community celebration since your mother was alive.”
“We could make it annual,” Rose said, excitement building. “Tie it to the harvest, give everyone something to anticipate.” She turned to Sebastian. “What do you think?”
His smile was answer enough. “I am in full agreement. A new tradition for a new beginning.”
Rose felt her heart skip at the warmth in his eyes. “Then it is settled.” She turned back to Hale. “There is one more thing. Would you walk me down the aisle on my wedding day?”
Hale went very still. His eyes grew bright, and for a long moment he seemed unable to speak. When he finally found his voice, it was rough with emotion. “Me, my lady?”
“You’ve been our truest ally through everything. There’s no one else I’d rather have.”
Hale pressed his lips together, blinking rapidly. “It would be my greatest honor.”
After the meeting, Sebastian and Rose walked arm in arm to the rose garden. She untied her bonnet to feel the autumn sun on her face, breathing in the crisp air that promised winter’s approach.
“I should check on the roses,” Sebastian said. “Thorncroft hasn’t hired a replacement yet, and I won’t let aphids destroy your garden.”
Rose smiled. “Do you mean, our garden?”
“I shall forevermore think of it as yours, my love.”
They found the swing and Sebastian helped her settle onto the wooden seat before joining her, his thigh warm against hers.
“I’ll never forget the first time I saw you here,” he said. “You took my breath away.”
“You were quite mysterious yourself. The brooding gardener with gentle hands.”
He traced a finger along her jaw. “I’m beginning to remember who Sebastian Ashford was. It feels strange, but good.”
“And how do you feel now?”
“Like I am exactly where I belong.”
They swayed gently, discussing wedding plans and the harvest feast. The more they talked, the more Rose’s excitement grew. This would be their fresh start—not just as a couple, but as part of the community.
She did have one niggling worry, however. “I know nothing about… what happens between husband and wife.”
His hand stilled on hers. “It is of no consequence.”
Heat crept up her neck. “You’ll be patient with me?”
“Always.” His voice was tender. “I’ll take care of you. I promise.”
The sincerity in his tone made her chest tight with longing.
Sebastian reached into his jacket pocket. “I have something for you.”
He withdrew a delicate chain, sunlight catching on a deep blue sapphire set in tarnished gold.
“It was my mother’s,” he said, his voice roughening. “Ourhousekeeper smuggled it out before they seized everything. I’ve carried it for years, waiting for the right woman to give it to.”
Rose’s breath caught as he placed the necklace in her palm. The sapphire was deep as midnight, worn smooth with age. “Sebastian, it’s beautiful.”
