Page 43 of Trapped with the Beastly Duke

Her heart rate quickened, but she held her ground. “I would like to decorate, perhaps look at other improvements that could be made to the main castle. And I feel the gardens are in need of more dedicated attention.”

“Decorate?” Alexander frowned.

Rose nodded. “It is rather drab. There are some rooms that are still in mourning colors. Others that are in need of repair… I am not proposing that I fully renovate the castle. I simply want to bring it out of hiding.”

“Restore it to its former glory?” Alexander smiled wryly.

Rose felt her heart twist as she said excitedly, “Exactly! It would not take much work, but the benefits would be significant. I would have the castle feel like a home.”

“Very well. You may do what you like. After all, you are the lady of the castle now.” Alexander paused, his expression suddenly hardening. “But you must promise me one thing.”

Rose frowned. “And what promise would you need from me?”

“You will not enter the library in the East wing, nor will you enter the Duke’s study.” His tone made it clear this was not negotiable.

“I do not think I have been to either room yet.”

Rose tried to remember if she had been shown to those rooms on her tour, but suspected not.

Why does he not call it his study? He is the Duke, after all.

The East wing was full of locked, closed doors, and they had not remained there long.

I wonder if that is why.

“Nor will you. No one goes to those rooms.” Alexander looked at her, his expression indecipherable. “Do I have your word? You will not enter the library or the Duke’s study?”

Again, Rose wondered why he seemed unable to claim the study as his own but decided against asking him. Small steps, small changes. “I give you my word. I shall not enter either of those rooms.”

“Good. Thank you.” Alexander nodded in satisfaction. “Anywhere else in the castle or the grounds, you may go. You may change whatever you like, though I expect my family may voice some objections if you wish to change any of their rooms.”

He gave a small, wry smile as he said this, and Rose felt an odd fluttering sensation in her belly.

Is he making a joke?

She laughed, feeling some of the tension between them dissipate. “I would not dream of changing your family’s rooms without their involvement. Though, perhaps I should suggest doing so to Olivia. I am sure her reaction would be something to behold.”

Alexander chuckled. “I would not advise provoking my sister’s temper. When she was a child, Mother once removed a broken cabinet, and she flew into such a rage that even the dogs fled.”

“I do not find that difficult to believe.”

Strong tempers clearly run in the family.

Surprisingly, the thought did not evoke any fear in Rose, just an odd kind of fondness. “I shall avoid bringing her wrath upon you all.”

“And we shall all be deeply indebted to you for such consideration.” Alexander returned to his food.

“Will you need to tell the staff that I have leave to make improvements to the house?” Rose thought of her conversation with Olivia earlier in the day.

Alexander looked surprised as he looked up at her. “You are the Duchess of Emberly, why should they not do as you command? They should not need to be reminded of their duties.”

“What about financial considerations?” Rose asked, blushing furiously.

“What about them? Funds are of little concern.” Alexander ran a hand through his hair, pursing his lips in thought. “Unless you are planning such improvements that might put the King himself to shame. Yet, I doubt you would do such a thing.”

Rose felt herself blush but found she could give no answer.

“Where do you plan to start?” Alexander asked.