Page 2 of Trapped with the Beastly Duke

Rose glanced at her lady’s maid, who nodded in acknowledgment of the Viscountess’s words. “Yes, My Lady.”

Abigail could do everything perfectly, and Mother would still need to double-check and adjust things.

It had been the same at each of the three previous balls, and Rose expected it would continue until she was married.

Marriage.That’s what all this is for. A good match.

As if her mother had read her mind, she said, “There is so much at stake, my darling girl. A Season may seem like a long time, but it will fly by. We must capitalize on every moment.”

Because we cannot afford a second Season for any of our children.

The words hung between them, unsaid, but they weighed on Rose’s mind nonetheless.

“I will not let you down, Mother.” Rose squeezed her mother’s hands, ignoring the chafing feel of the necklace.

I will not let my sisters down.

The feel of her mother’s hand on her arm drew her back to the present.

“Rose! Look, over there! It is Miss Felicity Carstairs, and she appears to be in the company of George Gariston and DavidBlinkley.” Lady Cotswalts nodded her head towards a lady and two men standing at the far end of the room. “Let us join them.”

Rose followed her mother’s gaze and spotted the familiar bright red hair and curls of Felicity Carstairs. To her left was a shorter man with black hair and brown eyes dressed in fashionable tails, who had a crooked but pleasing smile.

Ah, David Blinkley.

On Miss Carstairs’ right was a taller man who sported longer, curly blond hair that put Rose in mind of a fully grown cherub. His piercing blue eyes seemed otherworldly, and he had an air of confidence about him.

George Gariston.

“If I recall, you danced with both men at your last ball. I am sure they will not mind another chance to win your hand.” Lady Cotswalts beamed and led Rose through the crowd towards the group.

“Yes, I believe you are correct, Mother. And I’m sure I would enjoy their company once more.”

In truth, Rose could not remember much about both men, besides their appearances and names.

Mother will no doubt elaborate on the important details.

Predictably, Lady Cotswalts did just that. “I believe George Gariston is the Earl of Verimoor—a very fine estate, to be sure. And I have heard that his finances are most secure. I seem to remember that David Blinkley is the Baron Goldstone, but his estate is quite remote. I suppose either would be a fine match, but perhaps an earl would be more suitable, and Verimoor is certainly a very prosperous estate. ”

“Perhaps it would be best to keep an open mind, there may yet be other men who wish to dance with me.” Rose smiled as she caught the eye of a dark-haired man to her left.

She held his gaze for a second, as her mother had told her, before looking away and not allowing herself to look back.

It’s all about keeping them interested but not seeming too eager. I must play the game and play it well.

She tried to ignore the way people seemed to stare at her as she made her way towards Miss Carstairs and her companions.

I suppose that is the price of being the Diamond of the Season.

The attention made Rose even more mindful of her appearance.

Am I smiling too much or not enough? What am I supposed to be doing with my hands?

She tried to focus on not letting the garnet necklace catch in her dress again, and on preparing to join the conversation with Miss Carstairs’ group.

“… and of course, you know what they say about Lady Eleanor Whitsby. Apparently, it is not the strength of their love that has the happy couple seeking a special license, but something rather more…urgent.” Miss Carstairs raised her eyebrows suggestively to her companions. “Although I suppose one could argue it is perhaps a sign of their passion. Still, she is lucky that the Marquess is wealthy, for they are to be married within the week.”

“Within the week?” Lord Goldstone exclaimed. “Goodness, that is very expeditious.”