Page 92 of When He Was a Duke
“Turn around. Let us see how it looks on your beautiful neck.”
She shifted so her back faced him. His fingers were gentle as he fastened the clasp, then brushed the sensitive skin at her nape. The sapphire settled coolly against her collarbone, and she shivered at both the touch of the stone and his hands.
“Perfect.” He turned her to face him again. “I wish my parents could have met you.”
“I believe they’re here with us,” Rose said, touching the pendant. “Along with my mother and Lizzie. All of them would want us to be happy.”
Sebastian took her hands, his thumbs stroking across her knuckles. “I love you, my beautiful Rose.”
“And I love you.” She grinned. “I never thought it was possible to be this happy.”
The garden was quiet except for the whisper of wind through the roses and the distant call of birds preparing for evening. Rose closed her eyes, memorizing this moment. The weight of the sapphire at her throat, Sebastian’s hands warm around hers, the promise of their future stretching bright before them. Nothing could ever be sweeter.
If she had known during her darkest hours that they would lead to this joy, she might not have despaired so deeply. But perhaps those moments of desolation made one all the more grateful for the joyful ones.
*
Rose stood atthe drawing room window, watching the carriagemake its way up the drive. She pressed her dampened palms together and drew in a deep breath to calm her nerves. Sebastian’s siblings were arriving for the wedding, and she was eager to welcome them into the family. But what if they were not as keen on the idea as she?
“I must confess to nerves.” She turned to Sebastian, who was adjusting his cravat near the fireplace.
“It will all be fine.” He came to stand beside her. “Sophia has been looking forward to this since James told her about you.”
Rose touched the sapphire at her throat. His mother’s necklace had become a treasured comfort. “I do hope we get along well.”
“You will,” Sebastian assured her. “She’s going to adore you.”
The sound of voices in the foyer made Rose’s heart quicken.
Mrs. Blythe appeared in the doorway moments later, beaming while simultaneously wiping her eyes with a hanky. “Mr. Ashford and Miss Ashford have arrived.”
Sebastian took Rose’s hand. “Send them in, please.”
James entered first, his familiar easy smile warming the room. Behind him came a blonde, petite, young woman with soft blue eyes.
“James, Sophia,” Sebastian said, embracing his brother warmly, then opening his arms to his sister. Sophia melted into the embrace, and Rose caught a glimpse of her face relaxing against Sebastian’s shoulder. When she pulled back, those blue eyes turned to Rose.
“Sophia, may I present Lady Rose,” Sebastian said.
Rose took a careful step forward. “I am pleased to meet you, Miss Ashford.”
Sophia’s cheeks flushed pink. “I’m pleased to meet you too.” She offered a small curtsy, her hands clasped tightly together. “I’ve been looking forward to getting to know you. And please, call me Sophia. We are to be sisters, after all.”
“Only if you will call me Rose.”
“I certainly shall,” Sophia said.
James stepped forward, kissing Rose’s hand. “It is nice to see youagain, Lady Rose.”
She exchanged a warm smile with James before gesturing toward the sitting area.
“Please, won’t you sit?” Rose asked. “I’ve asked Mrs. Blythe to bring tea.”
They settled around the hearth.
Rose drew in another deep breath, knowing this conversation could not be avoided. She must just get on with it. Say the words. Open the wounds. “Sophia, I must say how deeply sorry I am for the pain my father caused your family. I know the truth about what he did now and I’m deeply ashamed for his actions. Your brother has told me about what you endured.”
Sophia’s eyes filled with tears that she quickly blinked away, but when she spoke, her voice carried a gentle strength that surprised Rose. “You don’t need to apologize for your father’s actions. I imagine it must be excruciating for you—learning such terrible truths about someone you loved.”
