Page 15 of Trapped with the Beastly Duke

“Thank you,” Rose spoke without thinking.You have just implied you think he is rude.“However, I think no apology is needed. A visit from someone such as yourself is always an honor.”

The Duke raised an eyebrow but did not speak.

Rose forced herself not to shift her weight from one foot to the other, wondering how the man before her appeared so unaffected by the situation. The silence was so thick that it felt as though someone was sucking the air out of the room.

Finally, Rose could bear it no longer and asked, “If it is not too bold, might I enquire as to the purpose of your visit, Your Grace?”

“I would have thought that obvious.” The Duke cleared his throat, still refusing to look directly at her. “Following our… meeting last night, I have come to ask for your hand.”

“My hand?”

He cannot mean marriage. Surely he cannot.

Rose tilted her head at the man, blanching as the walls around her seemed to shrink.

“In marriage.” The Duke looked at her, his eyes meeting hers.

“Oh.” She swallowed. Behind her, she heard Abigail gasp.

To his credit, the Duke did not react to her maid’s rudeness.

Rose pulled herself together.

Presentation is everything.

“I have spoken to your parents, who have agreed to the proposal. Subject to your assent, of course.” The Duke rolled his shoulders back. “I am aware of the harm our meeting has caused your good self and your family. I will not force you into a union against your will.”

Rose only just managed to stop herself from laughing.

There is no choice here. If I turn the man down, what future will I have? And who knows what his temper might drive him to do?

She swallowed her bitterness and anger. He had not even asked her before speaking to her parents.

“I understand if you do not wish to marry me.” His voice was soft. “I shall go.”

You would wash your hands so easily of this, wouldn’t you?

“No, Your Grace. Pray, do not leave. My silence isn’t a rejection of your proposal. In fact, I accept.” Rose kept her voice level, not wanting him to sense her anger. “I can see it is the mosthonorable way forward. My parents have given their consent, and I would not want to go against their wishes.”

An unreadable look crossed the Duke’s face, but before she could decipher its meaning, it had vanished. “I wish to make clear the terms of my proposal.”

“The terms?” Rose’s heart began to race.

What more does he want from me?

“Yes. Our marriage shall be in name only. I am under no illusion that this would not be your choice. Yet, given the circumstances, I must do my duty.” His voice was cold, as though he were talking about his estate’s accounts, not something that would change his whole life. “You will live with me in my London townhouse, Emberly House, but we will have entirely separate bedrooms. I will provide all that you require to feel safe. You shall be free to pursue whatever activities you wish. You will owe me no more than you wish to give.”

Rose was not sure why his words caused her such hurt. After all, she did not love the man, and she certainly did not want to have arealmarriage with a monster like him.

I have never expected to marry for love. Yet, somehow, the reality of the situation is almost more than I can bear.

“Are these terms agreeable to you?” The Duke surveyed her.

Rose nodded, unable to find her voice.

The man seemed to shrink somewhat, sighing as he put his hat on his head. He nodded once. “Then I will make the arrangements.” He moved past her towards the door.

“Wait.” Rose caught his forearm.