Page 18 of Trapped with the Beastly Duke

Rose flushed but nodded. “On our wedding day, yes. Yet, I do not expect to continue to do so after, if it displeases you.”

“And after we are married? What shall we call each other, then?” He had meant it as a joke, but his words came out harsher than he had intended.

“You may continue to call me Rose.”

“Not Duchess?”

“Duchess will be my new title, and perhaps, one day, I will get used to it, but for now, I would prefer to remain Rose.” A sad look crossed her face.

Alexander turned away from her, unable to see the pain he was causing.

She wishes to hold on to something of her life, that much I can understand.

It reminded him of his own feelings when he had become the Duke of Emberly eight years ago.

Even now, some part of him balked at the title. Of course, he had known that one day he would cease being Lord AlexanderRokesby and become the Duke of Emberly, but he had always imagined being forty or more years old when the time came. Not a boy of seventeen.

Shaking his head, he realized that he had fallen silent. He looked back at Rose, who was studying him with a most curious expression on her face.

“I shall call you Rose if that is what you desire.” Alexander hesitated.

To call one by their Christian name is a most intimate thing, yet how can I deny her this if it will bring her comfort in the days to come?

“If you wish to call me Alexander, you may. At the very least, you do not need to call me ‘Your Grace.’ You are not my inferior.”

Rose smiled. “Thank you, Your Grace—I mean, Alexander.”

The sound of his name on her lips tugged at his heartstrings. It was odd to have someone he knew so little of call him such, and yet there was a warmth in her voice as she said his name. Almost as though she were testing it to see if it fit him.

“Is there anything else you desire, Miss—erm… Rose?” Alexander stumbled over her name, finding the intimacy uncomfortable.

“Perhaps you might hold my hand or take my arm as we leave the church. Dare I hope for a smile or two on our wedding day?” Rose’s lips quirked up. “You do know how to smile, don’t you?”

Alexander felt a surge of anger. The impudence of this girl. “I have been known to smile, yes. Though it can be a source of discomfort.”

Rose blanched, but she did not back down. “I am sorry, I did not realize that smiling might cause you discomfort. Is there some other way you might display your pleasure?”

Alexander studied her, trying to see if she was being earnest. “It is not smiling that causes me discomfort, but the fear of others.”

“Perhaps it is because you do it so rarely.” Rose seemed surprised as she said the words and looked away. “Regardless, if you are able, I would appreciate at least one smile when we are married. At the very least, if you could look like you do not hate everyone present, I would be most grateful.”

“I shall do my best.” Alexander canted his head towards her.

“Is there anything you wish from me?” Rose looked as though she were searching for something on his face.

Alexander swallowed. “There is nothing I can think of. I shall tell my butler to spare no expense and arrange for Mrs. Thomas, my housekeeper, to liaise with you directly. If you have any problems, write to me at your earliest convenience.”

“Then you agree to my terms?” Rose’s eyes went wide in surprise.

“They seem most reasonable to me. I have heard that most women spend many hours planning their wedding day. I myself had not planned on taking a wife, and have therefore given little thought to the matter.” Alexander ran a hand through his hair and frowned. “I will take care of applying for a special license.”

He then pursed his lips thoughtfully. “I shall speak to the Duke of Glassley about a venue. I believe his family once leased Aldington Palace for a ball, and it is a venue that can accommodate many people. It is in London and would be easily accessible.” He looked over to see Rose’s mouth fall open in astonishment. “Did you have another venue in mind, good lady?”

Rose closed her mouth, then replied, “No. I… Aldington Palace. Yes, I think that will be most adequate.”

“Then it is agreed.” Alexander stood up, put on his hat, and inclined his head towards her. “I shall have my man confirm everything with you and your father.”

“Thank you.” Rose’s voice was soft, but her smile was genuine.