Page 35 of Trapped with the Beastly Duke

“Perhaps you would be my guide?” Rose’s blush deepened, but she held his gaze.

Alexander hesitated.

I should keep her away, give her directions so that she might find it on her own.

“Very well.”

His answer surprised him. The look of hope in her eyes caused his heart to clench, and he found that he did not have the heart to extinguish it. Besides, it was only a short walk to the center of the maze. What was the worst that could happen?

The last time you were in a maze together, you ruined her life.

As if Rose had read his mind, she said, “At least this time, if we are discovered, we are already married and there will be no scandal.”

Alexander looked at her, expecting to see sadness in her eyes. Instead, he found that she was smiling, albeit somewhat uncertainly.

He smiled back, feeling lighter. “Shall we go?” he asked, nodding towards the nearest entrance.

“Lead the way, Golden Eye.” Rose laughed and fell into step with him.

As they entered the maze, they fell silent. The sound of birdsong filled the space, coupled with the sound of their footsteps. The wind rustled through the leaves, and Alexander inhaled, catching the smell of oranges.

Rose.

He turned to look at her but found that she had stopped and was standing a few steps away, peering at something in the hedges. He followed her gaze.

“It’s a wren.” He kept his voice quiet, taking in the little bird before shifting his gaze to her face.

She smiled. “I know. I have always loved them. They are so small yet so full of life. I have always been fascinated by the way they live in such harsh plants like brambles so that they are safe, and yet they are brave enough to venture out when the fancy takes them.”

Her tone was almost wistful.

Perhaps she longs for that same bravery? Or freedom?

“They often nest here. That is in part why the hedges are somewhat unruly. I will not have them trimmed until September, at the earliest.”

Rose’s eyes widened, and she looked up at him. “My father often refuses to cut our hedgerows for the same reason. I thought he was the only one.”

Alexander shook his head, anger rising within him. “There are not many who feel as your father and I do. If it were withinmy power, I would make it law in the land. I have seen too many nests destroyed for the sake of vanity.”

“You are truly a most mysterious man, Alexander Rokesby.” Her voice was full of wonder, and he flushed.

How long has it been since someone has said my name like that? No disgust, no anger. Just warmth.

Alexander shook himself and glanced at Rose, who was still studying him curiously. “I have been called many things in my life, but never mysterious. Uncanny. Unnatural. Enigmatic. But not mysterious.”

He had meant the words as a joke, but they came out clipped, his hurt evident.

Rose’s eyes softened, and for a moment, Alexander thought she would try to move closer to him, but she remained where she was.

“Well, to me, you are mysterious.” She smiled at him and gently tilted her head in a suggestion that they continue their walk. “There is far more to you than meets the eye, and that is intriguing.”

Alexander swallowed but found he could not look away from her. “And what has brought you to this conclusion?”

“I know few men who would care so much for the welfare of birds.” Rose paused thoughtfully. “Or, indeed, who would think up such elaborate games for his family to play.”

Alexander flushed. “They are not so elaborate as that.”

“I have played many games with my sisters, especially as children, yet nothing so intricate as this.” Rose laughed. “Alexander, you have created multiple puzzles and clues, created intrigue and false trails. I cannot imagine the hours it must have taken you to do so.”