Page 56 of Trapped with the Beastly Duke

“I was just telling Rose how wonderful the castle looks.” The Viscountess gestured around them.

“Yes, it is all thanks to your daughter.” The Dowager Duchess beamed at Rose. “She has quite an eye for decor.”

Rose felt her cheeks redden at the praise. “You are too kind.”

“My mother is right.” Alexander gestured to the grounds. “You have brought new life to the castle.”

Rose’s blush deepened further, and she looked away from him. “There is still much to be done. The gardens…”

“Yet, when it is complete, Emberly Castle shall be the talk of the ton.” Lady Cotswalts beamed at her. “I am sure of it. Indeed, I was just saying that it would be the most spectacular location for a ball. Do you not think?”

Rose’s heart twisted as her mother said the words. She glanced at Alexander, who was still smiling, though she noticed a tension in his shoulders that had not been there before.

“We have not had a ball at Emberly for many years.” The Dowager Duchess’s voice was soft. “Though, perhaps a ball would do us all some good.”

“I would not want to open the castle until it’s ready.” Rose met Alexander’s gaze.

I will speak to you before I agree to anything.

She was surprised that the Dowager Duchess seemed so open to the idea of Emberly Castle hosting such an event.

“Oh, of course not. You want your first ball to be remembered for the right reasons.” The Viscountess glanced sideways at Rose.

She heard the unspoken words.Presentation is everything.

Rose swallowed, but before she could say anything, the Dowager Duchess said, “Interestingly, we have just received aninvitation from the Marquess of Gladstone. It seems he is having a small get-together next week and has invited us all.”

Rose glanced at Alexander, whose face was blank. He stood straight and stiff. Her mother appeared not to notice the change in his posture.

“Oh, goodness. It has been many years since I saw the Marquess and his wife.” The Viscountess pursed her lips thoughtfully. “Will you attend?”

The Dowager Duchess glanced at Alexander before nodding. “It is Olivia’s first Season, and I would like us to make the most of it.”

Lady Cotswalts nodded. “Yes, of course. It is such an important time in a young lady’s life.”

“Indeed. It is a shame your other daughters will not be able to attend.” The Dowager Duchess tutted. “For they are not yet out, unless I am mistaken?”

The Viscountess shook her head. “No, indeed not. Next year, Jane shall be out, and once Emily is of age, she shall debut.”

“A prudent approach. I am most grateful that my Olivia and her sisters are so far apart in age. I can only imagine how much more complex it would be to manage girls so close in age.” The Dowager Duchess linked her arm with Lady Cotswalts’s.

Rose was so taken aback that, for a moment, she stopped trying to catch Alexander’s eyes. She felt her heart flutter in her chest as the two women began to walk arm in arm, laughing as they talked about small things.

It is as if they are old friends.

Alexander was also staring after the women. “It seems you had little to fear. Our mothers seem quite fond of each other.”

Rose nodded and looped her arm through his. “Indeed.”

They walked a little behind their mothers. Birds chirped overhead, and Rose glanced up at Alexander. She could see the tension in his jaw.

“I would not arrange a ball at the castle without discussing it with you first.” She squeezed his arm reassuringly.

“I know.” Alexander rolled his shoulders. “But I am glad to hear you say it.”

“I do think that when the castle is ready, a ball could be a splendid way to celebrate.” Rose felt him tense up.

“I am not sure it would be a prudent idea.” His expression darkened. “There are so many rumors surrounding my family. Half the invitees would attend out of sheer curiosity and the other to see what kind of gossip they could spread.”