Page 55 of Trapped with the Beastly Duke

“To say I was peeping at you would imply a level of discretion and secrecy that is clearly absent.” Alexander smiled in a way that lit up his entire face. “I was simply observing you. And I have not been doing so for long.”

“You would think that perhaps after nine nights together, you would grow used to the sight of me sleeping.” Rose smiled at him, feeling her heart flutter in her chest.

Ten days since we kissed.

Alexander laughed, pulling her into his embrace. “I do not think I shall ever grow used to your beauty.”

Rose mumbled something unintelligible as she nestled into his arms. She breathed in his familiar smell. The first frost of winter.“How long have you been awake?”

“At my best guess? I would say half an hour.” Alexander’s voice rumbled in his chest, the vibrations reminding Rose of their proximity. “I should return to my room. Your family are due to arrive this morning, are they not? I must be dressed when they arrive.”

Rose grumbled, nodding but not releasing him from her embrace. “Are you sure you do not mind having them stay?”

“Of course not. There is plenty of room in the castle. And my own family are most anxious to meet them.” Alexander gently extricated himself from her embrace and then climbed out of bed.

“But what if our mothers do not like each other? I love Mother, but she can be… Well, she can be quite a lot.” Rose felt a flutter of panic in her chest.

“They have already met.” Alexander was moving towards the door.

“Have they?”

“The night of the ball. They spoke, did they not?” Alexander raised an eyebrow.

“Oh, yes, but that was such a short meeting. This will be nearly a fortnight!” Rose swallowed nervously.

“I am sure they will get along perfectly. And if they do not… well, there is plenty of space for people to avoid each other, should the need arise.” Alexander smiled once more at her and then ducked out of the room with a wink.

“Rose?” Once more, Lady Cotswalts’s voice pulled her out of her thoughts. “You seem rather distracted this morning.”

There was an odd note in the Viscountess’s voice that Rose couldn’t quite place. She felt color rise to her cheeks and shook her head, trying to clear it.

Rose forced herself to look at her mother. “My apologies, Mother, I am quite distracted this morning. Pray, could you repeat what you said once more?”

“I was simply saying that married life seems to suit you well. You seem happy.” The Viscountess surveyed their surroundings. “And the castle looks simply wonderful.”

“Thank you, Mother. I am happy.” Rose smiled, feeling the happiness well up within her.

Happier than I would have thought possible.

“I am glad. You deserve happiness.” The Viscountess took Rose’s hands in her own. “Truly, sometimes the most unexpected things are blessings in disguise.”

Rose nodded. “Indeed, they are.”

“Such a place would be a most excellent venue for a ball, do you not think?” The Viscountess was looking around, and Rose could see the calculations she was making.

“Perhaps in the future.” Rose bit her lip, wondering if Alexander would agree to such a thing. “There is still much work to be done in the gardens.”

Lady Cotswalts nodded. “Yes, I suppose there is. What plans do you have for them?”

Rose was about to answer her mother when she spotted the Dowager Duchess and Alexander making their way towards them, and she raised a hand in greeting. Her heart fluttered. Though whether it was in excitement or worry, she could not say for certain.

“Good morning!” Alexander called, his deep voice booming as he swept into a low bow. “Lady Cotswalts, Rose.”

Rose smiled at Alexander as she curtsied. She resisted the urge to take his hand in hers.

“Your Graces.” Lady Cotswalts curtsied to Alexander and his mother.

“Lady Cotswalts.” The Dowager Duchess smiled.