Page 22 of Trapped with the Beastly Duke

Her breath caught in her throat. His hands were softer than she had expected, his movements deliberate and sure. There was an unexpected gentleness to him as he released her hand.

It reminded her of their moment in the maze. The moment of laughter they had shared before everything had come crashing down around her.

Yet, now, he is all cold formality. Was that man nothing more than a facade?

Thoughts of the maze vanished as she prepared to kneel before the Bishop. Her gown and train, though beautiful, were difficult to kneel in. Though both Jane and Emily helped rearrange her train, she almost fell.

Alexander caught her, his fingers wrapping steadily but gently around her arms. Heat rose to her cheeks. Alexander said nothing as he carefully supported her, using his height to their advantage as he helped her kneel with him. Their eyes met, and he released her.

“Thank you,” she mouthed to him.

He nodded imperceptibly, his expression distant. The Bishop continued the ceremony, apparently unaware of Rose’s clumsiness. She was barely aware of the rest of the proceedings.

The day passed in a daze. Faces she half recognized offered their congratulations and wished her every happiness. The banquet was exquisite, yet she found she had little appetite.

Everything seemed far away, as though she were watching the world through a window. As the meal drew to a close, she noticed Alexander stand up. Her chest tightened.

It is time.

Chapter Eight

The Beginning Of The End

“Ladies and gentlemen, may I have your attention please?” Alexander boomed, his deep voice cutting through the noise like a knife.

He swallowed as every eye turned towards him. He glanced at Rose, who nodded imperceptibly.

This speech was her request. Hopefully, I will not disappoint her.

They had agreed that the festivities would last well into the night, but they themselves would depart as soon as the meal was over. It would signal a desire to be alone together and hopefully further convince the gossiping busybodies of their genuine affection and Rose’s good fortune.

He cleared his throat as he tried to keep his expression neutral. “Firstly, I would like to thank all of you for being here today. I have no gift for words, and so I shall make my speech short.”

A few members of the congregation laughed nervously, as though they were afraid to upset him. Beside him, Rose laughed softly, which encouraged others to be more bold in their amusement.

She truly has an art for this.

He wished he could navigate the world with the same grace and certainty that she did.

And yet what good has that knowledge done her?

Alexander shook his head, refusing to allow his maudlin thoughts to take over. “I had not considered myself a particularly fortunate man, but recent events have forced me to reconsider.”

He paused, making sure he had the room’s attention. His nerves threatened to overwhelm him, and he forced them down, taking a steadying breath. His eyes found Olivia, and he smiled, remembering how she had helped him prepare.

“Brother, are you a man or a statue?” Olivia had prodded his chest.

Alexander scowled at her. “I am not good at this. I feel like a fool. I loathe such public declarations”

“You are speaking as though you are simply discussing the weather.” Olivia glanced at the paper in his hand. “There is no feeling. Nothing. Let me see what you have written.”

Alexander handed her the paper, and her frown deepened. She looked at him and sighed deeply. “Brother, please tell me this is only your first attempt?”

Alexander glanced at the small pile of crumpled paper on his desk and felt color bloom in his cheeks. “Come, Olive, they cannot be so bad as that.”

Olivia gave him a deadpan look and said in a ridiculous imitation of his voice, “You have my sincere thanks and gratitude for your attendance. I am sure I speak for both my wife and myself when I say that I gratefully and wholeheartedly appreciate your well-wishes for our future happiness.”

“Well, what am I supposed to say? I knew I should never have agreed to Rose’s request!” Alexander flushed.