Page 23 of Trapped with the Beastly Duke

I should not have used her name. What kind of conclusion will Olivia draw now?

“Rose?” Olivia raised an eyebrow. “I am surprised you’re already on a first-name basis, Brother mine. I had not thought it possible.”

“She requested I use her name. I think it is so she might hold on to some part of herself, and I have already taken so much from her that I would not deny her such a simple request.” Alexander turned away from his sister, shame forming a knot in his throat.

Olivia sighed and squeezed his hand. “Perhaps we should try a different approach. Do not think of appearances, think ofher. What is it you most want her to hear?”

The question caught Alexander off guard. “I would like her to know that I understand the pain that I have caused and that I will do my best to see that no further harm comes to her.”

“Hardly romantic, but perhaps you could use the sentiment to find the right words.” Olivia gestured to the paper. “Let us try.”

In the present moment, Alexander saw Olivia smile encouragingly. He took a steadying breath and turned to Rose. Their eyes met, and he saw hers widen imperceptibly.

I need you to know how sorry I am, and I wish that you were not tied to me.

Alexander plastered on a smile, knowing that he could not show the guilt he felt. “Meeting my wife has changed my opinion and my life. I know now that I am among the most fortunate of men.”

He held her gaze, willing her to hear the unspoken truth in his words. “I scarcely deserve such luck. That I have been honored with the affection of a woman who is not only beautifulbut the epitome of all that it means to be good in this world is almost beyond belief.”

I do not deserve you, and I know this.

“Her affection is a gift I do not deserve.”

I know you must despise me, and I ask for nothing more.

Alexander found himself captured by Rose’s doe-like eyes as he said, “Yet, it is a gift I will celebrate always. And I will do everything in my power to be worthy of such a gift. My Rose, as long as I live, you shall know safety.”

Her name on his lips felt strangely intimate, but it had felt like the right thing to say in the moment.

I cannot give you love, but I can give you this. I will keep you safe. Let that be enough.

Rose flushed, tilting her head at Alexander. Some emotion flashed in her eyes, but he could not place it. He only hoped that she had understood his meaning and that she knew of his regret.

He turned away from her, facing the rest of the room once more. “I know that you will all join me in a toast to my wife, the Duchess of Emberly. And that you will all wish us every happiness.”

A chorus of voices cried out, “To the Duke and Duchess of Emberly!”

Alexander held his glass aloft a moment, before pressing it to his lips and drinking deeply. He then placed his empty glass on the table and held his hand out to Rose.

She took it, and he helped her to her feet. Her hand felt so small in his that he feared he might break it. As she stood up, Alexander marveled at the way she seemed to light up the room with her smile.

What a waste for her to marry a man like me.

“I must thank my husband for his kind words, and all you good people for attending and celebrating our union.” Rose beamed at the crowd, her light voice carrying surprisingly well.“I truly am blessed to have found a man who is so willing to do everything in his power for myself and, of course, my family.”

She briefly turned her smile towards Alexander, and his chest tightened as she continued, “I had not expected to find such kindness and generosity of spirit, yet my husband exemplifies both. These last weeks have given me such hope for the future, and I am glad to have shared it with all of you today.”

She took a deep breath, and Alexander noticed the slight tension in her muscles.

She knows we must leave.

“Though, I confess, I must beg your forgiveness. For the Duke and I must take our leave, and depart to begin our new life together.”

There was a swell of murmurs as the guests looked at one another. Alexander suppressed the prickle of anger, taking a steadying breath and linking his arm with Rose’s.

He nodded to the orchestra, who struck up a lively tune. “Pray, enjoy the evening. We would not wish you to stop on our account.”

Rose smiled at him, and he led her through the crowd. He noticed Nigel leading his sister to the dance floor and other couples joining them. He glanced at Rose, who was watching the dancers, and felt a twinge in his chest.