Page 30 of Trapped with the Beastly Duke

Out of the corner of his eye, Alexander noticed Rose stiffen. “The Dowager Duchess loves an excuse for such things.”

“They do.” Olivia lapsed into silence, before adding, “You know, I think this has been the most talkative I have seen you all evening.”

Alexander frowned at her. “What do you mean?”

“Well, before that exchange, I had scarcely heard a word from you.” Olivia turned to Rose. “He has been most silent, hasn’t he?”

Rose glanced at him and nodded. “Is he usually more talkative?”

“Oh, yes, it is almost impossible to get him to be quiet.” Olivia laughed. “To have him sit in complete silence is quite unnerving. Honestly, it is like trying to talk to a stone.”

“That is untrue. I have spoken before now.” Alexander kept his voice level, feeling anger and embarrassment rising within him. Attempting to keep his voice light and humorous, he pointed out, “I said ‘I hope the food is to your liking’ as we took our seats at the table. That is not silence. In fact, it iseightwords.”

After a moment of silence, Olivia laughed. “If we were not in polite company, I would have thrown my napkin at you.” She waved the item threateningly.

“Yet, I know you would not do such a thing, because that would be deeply childish and not befitting of your station.” Alexander prepared to take a bite of his food, but a moment later, something soft hit the side of his head.

His sister’s napkin slid down his face and came to rest on his shoulder. He reached towards it, intending to fold it into a hat and wear it on his head, but, at the last moment, he remembered that Rose was in the room.

She will think me a fool, and I have no wish to add to her bad opinion of me.

Instead, he placed the napkin on the table and met his sister’s insolent stare. “I am sure my dear wife does not wish to be subjected to such childishness at the table.”

Olivia rolled her eyes. “Do not pretend you are above such things. The last time you were at the castle, I am quite certain you threw a pea at Peter.”

“I am certain I did no such thing. You must be mistaken.” Alexander gave her a meaningful look that said,Do not embarrass me.

Olivia ignored the look. “I am quite sure I saw you fling a pea at our younger brother. In fact, I distinctly remember it.”

“You are mistaken.” Alexander took a sip of his wine before adding with a straight face, “It was a piece of broccoli. A pea does not have a sufficient weight to cover the distance between us effectively.”

Olivia let out a delighted laugh.

Rose, who had made the mistake of sipping on her wine, choked and spluttered. Alexander made to reach for her, but she was already waving her hand dismissively.

“I am fine. Really. Do not worry.” Her voice was hoarse. “It was my fault.”

“I blame Alexander.” Olivia grinned at her brother. “Do you not know it is dangerous to make someone laugh while they’re drinking?”

“My apologies.” Alexander inclined his head towards Rose. “Perhaps it would be better if I?—”

“If you try and escape to your study, I shall tell Mother of your frightfully bad manners and bring the whole family here to teach you a lesson.” Olivia nodded, before turning to Rose. “You need only write to me, and I shall bring them all with me, and we shall knock some sense into him.”

Rose laughed, and Alexander found that he quite enjoyed the sound. It surprised him. Perhaps it was the novelty of it.

A fresh wave of guilt crept through him.

She would not be so at ease if it weren’t for Olivia. Do not think she will laugh like this again.

“Perhaps you might like to visit Emberly Castle?” Olivia’s eyes were wide and hopeful. “Oh, I am sure you would love it.”

“Oh, I don’t know…” Rose twisted her napkin and continued to look down at her plate.

“If you would like to go, you should. We can make the arrangements.” Alexander tried to make his voice soft, but it came out cold and unfeeling.

“Actually, I think you should both stay with us.” Olivia smiled. “The twins are desperate to see you, and I’m sure that everyone would love to get to know their Aunty Rose better.”

There was silence as Alexander studied Rose’s face. In truth, he had missed his family and wanted to see them. Yet, he did not want to force her into something that would make her uncomfortable.