Page 47 of Trapped with the Beastly Duke

He watched the pain flicker in her eyes as she spoke of the disappointment she saw in the dream.

I understand what it is like to be a disappointment to those around you. Yet, at least for Rose, it was only a dream.

“I told you, it is silly.” Rose dabbed at her eyes with the corner of her sheet. “What must you think of me? I am utterly ridiculous, to be so rattled by something so trivial.”

Gently, Alexander reached towards her hand, taking it in his own. He half expected her to pull away from him, but to his surprise, she didn’t. Instead, she let him curl his fingers around her delicate ones. The warmth of her hand in his was reassuring.

He gave her hand a gentle squeeze as he said, “I do not think it is a silly thing to care so much for one’s family that you would do almost anything for them. It is no trivial thing to feel that we have somehow disappointed those we love most. It would have caused distress to anyone.”

Rose tilted her head, staring at him as though she had never truly seen him before. Alexander resisted the urge to look away, instead holding her gaze and trying to keep his expression soft.

“But it was just a dream,” Rose murmured, as though trying to reassure herself.

“It was. And now you are awake.” Alexander ran a hand through his hair, trying to think of what else he could say. “And you have done everything within your power to secure your family’s future. No mother could ask for more.”

Rose’s doe-like eyes met his own, her mouth slightly upturned in a brittle smile. She placed her other hand on top of their joined hands, gently squeezing.

“Thank you.” She hesitated before adding, “I am glad that your family is at Glassley this week. It would have been most embarrassing to wake them all.”

Alexander nodded, thinking of the invitation they had received a few days ago. They had all been invited to Glassley for a fortnight, but Rose and Alexander had felt that their presence was needed at the castle. The improvements and repairs were well underway and required direction.

“Though I understand your embarrassment, they would have felt as I do. Our main concern would be your safety.” Alexander paused and then added, “Though having ascertained that you were safe, I suspect Olivia may have teased you, especially if she had seen you punch me.”

“Perhaps she would have said you deserved it.” Rose laughed softly.

“No doubt she would have.” Alexander smiled wryly. “Though I confess, I do not think in this instance she would have been correct.”

Rose laughed. “Perhaps not. Though I doubt that would have stopped her.”

“Indeed, it would not have.” Alexander rolled his shoulders back, feeling them grow stiff as he sat on the floor. “I shall need to think carefully about how to wake you up in the future.”

“Do you plan to wake me up often?” Rose’s voice was teasing.

“Only when is necessary.” Alexander gave her a sidelong glance. “Although, it would appear that it would be best to do so from a distance. I heard that a bucket of water is a most excellent solution.”

Rose’s jaw dropped, and she shook her head. “I suspect it would be rather hard to carry a bucket of waterandyour sword.”

“Perhaps I shall simply have the servants leave a bucket in your chamber for such an occasion.” Alexander grinned. “I think it is a perfect plan.”

“And I think there is a fatal flaw which you have overlooked.” Rose’s eyes narrowed.

“Really?” Alexander attempted to look innocent, although he was not certain that he had succeeded.

It feels as though my face has forgotten how to display emotions.

“Pray tell, what is this flaw?”

“Well, the aim of your plan is to avoid any blows from my sleeping self, yes?”

Alexander nodded. “Indeed.”

“Yet, you fail to consider that if you throw a bucket of water on me, you shall be faced with the wrath of my waking self. And I daresay she has better aim.” Rose reached behind her and threw a pillow at him.

He ducked, laughing. “Then it seems I must resign myself to come to harm.”

“If you are determined to wake me up in such an unpleasant way, then yes.” Rose laughed, too.

“And what would you propose, then?”