Page 24 of Trapped with the Beastly Duke

Perhaps I should offer to dance with her? No, it is better she understands the reality of the situation now. There would be no dancing in her future.

He strengthened his resolve, letting the walls he had spent years building encapsulate his heart.

They made their way through the crowd, nodding at various well-wishers. As soon as they were in the carriage, and the door was shut, he felt relief. Finally, the day was over. He glanced at Rose, whose smile had also vanished.

Silence filled the space between them, smothering them in its embrace. Alexander shifted, absentmindedly tapping his fingers on his thighs.

“Thank you.” Rose’s soft voice broke the oppressive silence.

“I simply did as you asked.” Alexander rolled his shoulders back, massaging a crick in his neck. “I hope the day was to your satisfaction?”

“Indeed. It was everything I had hoped for.” Another pause stretched between them, before Rose asked, “We are to journey to Emberly House?”

Alexander nodded. “Yes, it is not too far from here. I have been assured that our rooms have been prepared. Mrs. Thomas will show you around the house and introduce you to the rest of the servants.”

“As I said, this is a marriage in name only. We will not share a bedroom. Your rooms are in the East Wing, mine in the West,” he clarified.

His hope had been that in ensuring such distance between their rooms, he would give her space and freedom.

An odd look crossed her face, but it was replaced by a stony neutrality before he could decipher its meaning.

“I will be away much of this week on urgent business.” Alexander kept his voice neutral. “You may come and go as you please, but I would ask that you let Mrs. Thomas know your plans in advance.”

“My plans?” Rose raised an eyebrow at him.

Alexander nodded. “Yes. Where you are going, who you are seeing, when you expect to return. This will allow the servants to adjust to your schedule.”

“I see.” Rose bit her lip.

“Of course, you will be accompanied when you leave the house. Mrs. Thomas will arrange a suitable escort if you have not done so yourself.”

Rose frowned. “Am I to have an escort everywhere I go?”

Alexander canted his head, confused. “A young woman should never be alone. It is not safe.”

“Will my maid, Abigail, be a sufficient escort?” Rose’s voice had an edge to it.

Why is she angry?

Alexander frowned. They had agreed that Rose would be able to bring her maid with her, though Mrs. Thomas had raised some objections. While Alexander understood, he had no time to navigate the hierarchy of servants. And he felt he owed Rose some small comfort.

“Yes, she is sufficient.” Alexander glanced out the window, hoping to see some sign of Emberly House.

“Is there anything else I ought to be aware of?” Rose asked.

Alexander thought for a moment, before replying, “You may take breakfast in your rooms, should you desire it. If you need anything, ask either Mrs. Thomas or Mr. Black, my butler, and they will arrange it.”

“And when will you return from your trip?”

“I am not sure. I may visit Emberly Castle to see how my family is faring. I will let Mr. Black know when I plan on returning.” Alexander paused. “You need not worry. I expect we shall see each other very little.”

For a moment, Alexander thought he saw sadness on Rose’s face. She turned to the window, looking at the street without saying another word. He could understand why she would feel a certain sadness, but he had hoped to reassure her with his absence.

Perhaps it is all too fresh.

He glimpsed Emberly House and clapped his hands together. “We have arrived.”

As he helped Rose down from the carriage, he could sense her discomfort. Deciding to do what he could to alleviate her suffering, he turned to her as they crossed the threshold.