Page 17 of Trapped with the Beastly Duke

“It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance.” Alexander bowed low to each of the girls in turn.

Miss Emily giggled, which earned her a sharp look from both of her older sisters.

“I believe Mother is looking for you both.” Rose motioned for her sisters to leave. “Besides, the Duke and I have much to discuss.”

“About your wedding?” Miss Emily asked.

“Yes, about our wedding.”

“Oh, please, can we stay? I would so love to hear about your plans.” Miss Jane’s eyes widened, and she looked at her elder sister hopefully.

Rose shook her head. “Some things must be settled between a woman and her future husband alone. I promise, you will hear everything later. But for now, please give us some privacy.”

Alexander saw the warring curiosity and disappointment on the younger sisters’ faces. They hid the latter well but were clearly not as practiced as their older sister. Yet, both did as they were asked, leaving him, Rose, and her maid alone.

He forced himself to remain still, even as he felt the uncomfortable silence between them grow. He did not want to alarm the woman.

“Your sisters are…” Alexander paused, wondering what would be an appropriate thing to say. “Charming.”

“They are still young and still have much to learn. Jane has not even had her first Season. She will come out next year when she is eighteen,” Rose said coolly, then indicated a chair. “Shall we discuss our wedding? I would prefer to sit if it would please you, Your Grace.”

Alexander nodded. Sitting was often easier, he found, as it made his height less imposing.

Rose sat across from him, a very different woman from the one he had spoken to the day before. There was a strength about her that he hadn’t expected.

“You said you would need time to think of the arrangements?” he prompted.

“May I be candid?” Rose held his gaze, and he knew that it was not a question, not really.

He nodded. “You may.”

“I have no wish to let my life be dictated by the whims of the ton. A rumor may have forced our hand, but it need not stifle us forever.” Her eyes flashed with anger.

Alexander felt his shoulders tense. He heard the unspoken words.

I will not be like you.

Once more, he felt guilt tug at his heart. This woman, so young and with such a bright future, was braver than he could ever hope to be. The full weight of the scorn of the ton sat on her shoulders, but she would not let it defeat her.

She should be with someone worthy of her.

He schooled his features into a blank expression. “What do you propose?”

“Our wedding should be a spectacle. The kind of celebration the ton will be speaking of for years.” Rose’s eyes were alive with fire. “I would have everyone see the scandal as nothing more than two young people who could not help but be drawn to each other. I want our wedding to show the world that I am truly blessed to be marrying someone like you. That I am to be a duchess and that brings the kind of luxury and power few can dream of.”

Alexander’s mouth opened in surprise, before he caught himself. “I have the means to easily arrange such extravagance. I take it you will want only the finest gowns and a breakfast fit for royals?”

Rose nodded. “And I would have everyone believe that we are choosing one another.”

Alexander canted his head, confused. “I am afraid I do not understand.”

“For this day, this one day, I wish for the world to see us as a happy couple. For us to appear in love, and for it to seem as though all of this extravagance is born of your desire to spoil me.” Rose flushed. “I do not mean to suggest that you must be overly affectionate, but I would at least like for us to look the picture of happiness. I want everyone who sees us to understand the strength and appeal of the match, and therefore to understand the benefits of a match with one of my sisters.”

Alexander nodded. “What did you imagine this might look like?”

“I would have you at the very least call me Rose.” She smiled.

“And would you wish to call me Alexander?” he asked, genuinely curious.