Page 16 of Trapped with the Beastly Duke

What am I doing?

“I would like some time to think. Pray, would you do me the honor of returning on the morrow and we might discuss the arrangements then?”

The Duke glanced at her hand on his arm, a flash of something in his eyes. For a moment, Rose thought it was anger,but soon she realized it was surprise. Hastily, she dropped her hand.

“Apologies, Your Grace. I meant no offense.” She felt a flush creep up her cheeks.

“None taken.” The Duke was still staring at the spot where she had touched him. “I shall return tomorrow, and we will discuss everything then. I will speak to your parents once more, and then I shall depart. Good day, Miss Pembleton.”

“Good day, Your Grace.” Rose curtseyed as he walked out of the room.

She could still feel the firmness of his arm beneath her fingers, the unexpected warmth she had felt at the brief touch. She shook her head, trying to clear it. Her mind swam.

I am to marry the Duke of Emberly.

She looked at Abigail and saw the fear etched on her face. It was a look of pure terror, her already fair skin now deathly pale. The sight of the woman’s stark terror hardened something in Rose’s heart.

I will not be the helpless damsel in this story. My life may be over, but that does not mean I cannot make my sacrifice matter.

Rose found her mind suddenly clear. Nothing had changed, not really. She had always known she would marry to improve her family’s standing and increase her sisters’ chances of securing advantageous matches. And, after all, few could hope for a match better than a duke. She would be a duchess.

My sisters will not share my fate. I shall make sure they have the happiness they deserve.

Rose nodded to herself. She was not powerless. She would not let rumors control her life. She may be doomed to a loveless marriage, but she would not let anyone else see the truth. After all, if there was one thing she understood, it was how to use a dire situation to her advantage.

Chapter Six

Arrangements

Alexander arrived at Pembleton Manor the next day, nodding curtly at the butler. The servants hid their emotions much better than the day before, but he could still sense their unease. It was clear that Miss Rose Pembleton was well-loved by all in the Cotswalts household.

And you are to take her away from everything to live a miserable life with you.

Alexander shook his head and tried to distract himself by looking around the drawing room. He noticed an aged pianoforte in the corner and wondered if Miss Pembleton played.

The sound of the door opening caught his attention, and he turned, expecting to see his fiancée. Instead, he found himself face-to-face with two young women. They shared the same brown hair as Miss Pembleton, and he guessed that they must be her sisters.

The older of the two regarded him with curiosity, while the younger one seemed to flush with embarrassment. He guessed the older one would be Olivia’s age.

What must they think of me, stealing their sister’s happiness?

Alexander surveyed both girls, eventually bowing to each of them. “Allow me to introduce myself?—”

“We know who you are,” the younger of the two, a girl of about fifteen, interrupted.

“My apologies, Your Grace, my sister forgets herself.” The older one elbowed the younger, and Alexander had to force down a smile.

“There is no need to apologize.” Alexander looked down at both of them, trying not to draw attention to his scar. “As you know who I am, perhaps you might introduce yourselves to me? So we are on more equal footing.”

Both girls flushed, but before either could answer, Miss Rose Pembleton entered the room. Her eyes widened at the sight of her sisters, and she looked between them and Alexander.

“Your Grace, I hope my sisters have not been bothering you.” She shot both of her sisters a pointed look.

“They have not. Yet, I fear we have not been properly introduced yet.”

Rose sighed, and Alexander was struck by the mix of love and frustration on her face as she shook her head at her sisters. She took each by the hand and held his gaze as she introduced them both.

Rose gestured first to the older of the two, then the younger one as she said, “This is my middle sister, Miss Jane Pembleton, and this is our youngest sister, Miss Emily Pembleton.”