Page 61 of Trapped with the Beastly Duke

“What about the Earl of Whitstone and his wife?” Jane pointed to two names on the list. “Their second son, Johnathan or perhaps William… Regardless, I believe their second son has recently taken his orders and is awaiting his first placement.”

Rose nodded, the wheels in her mind spinning. “I think his name is William. Mother always said to know what you are selling, and what better way to sell yourself to a parent than to aid their son?”

Now, Rose saw the Whitstones standing beside a pillar on the edge of the dance floor. She gently squeezed Alexander’s arm and gestured towards them with a nod of her head.

“That is the Earl of Whitstone and his wife, the Countess of Whitstone.” Rose paused, looking for any sign of their sons but seeing none. “Let us speak with them a moment.”

Alexander nodded but did not say anything.

Rose held in a sigh and plastered a smile on her face.

I will show him that he can do this.

She could feel the eyes on them, and she made sure to walk with calm grace.

“Good evening, Lord Whitstone, Lady Whitstone.” She curtsied to the Earl and Countess. “It is so lovely to see you both once more.”

“Oh, Miss—I mean, Your Grace. How wonderful to see you! How are you?” Lord Whitstone beamed at her.

“I am well, thank you.” Rose smiled, noting the way the pair’s eyes darted from Alexander to her. “I do not believe you have had the chance to meet my husband, the Duke of Emberly.”

“Your Grace.” Lord Whitstone bowed to Alexander, before hastily looking away.

“Lord Whitstone.” Alexander returned the bow and then bowed to the severe-looking woman beside him. “Lady Whitstone.”

Lady Whitstone curtsied but did not say anything. She stood stiff, regarding him coolly.

“How was your journey?” Rose asked, as silence threatened to suffocate their small group. “If I recall, Whitstone Hall is quite far to the North.”

Lord Whitstone nodded. “Indeed. And we made the mistake of taking an alternative route so that we could visit the Baron Danby, yet we forgot how awful the roads were.”

“Honestly, it is a miracle we made it here this evening!” Lady Whitstone agreed, warmth in her voice as she looked at Rose.

“The road to Lord Danby’s estate is quite treacherous. If I recall, he has had some trouble with highwaymen as of late.” Alexander’s voice was pensive.

Lord Whitstone’s eyes widened, but he did not say anything. His wife’s expression cooled noticeably.

“Is this why you insisted on hiring guards for our journey and for our mothers’ journey as well?” Rose laughed softly and smiled at Alexander. “My dearest, you do worry so.”

“I would not see any harm come to those I love.” Alexander gazed at her, his features softening.

Out of the corner of her eye, Rose noticed the Whitstones see the softness in Alexander as he gazed at her.

Good.

Alexander stroked his chin. “The Baron must be a most valued friend for you to have risked so much and taken such a detour.”

Lord Whitstone nodded, finally meeting his gaze. For a moment, silence hung over, and then Alexander added, “If I do remember correctly, his estate would add at least a half day to the journey from Whitstone, no?”

“Indeed, yes.” Lord Whitstone looked surprised.

“Why make such a dangerous trip?” Rose asked.

Lord Whitstone glanced over his shoulder as he leaned closer to Rose and spoke softly, “In truth, we had heard that old Danby had a vacancy at the parsonage and we had hoped that he might consider our William for the position.”

“Oh, I heard that he had taken orders. How wonderful.” Rose clasped her hands together and risked a glance at Alexander. “I take it there is no such opportunity at Whitstone?”

“Unfortunately not. The last vicar passed away several years before William came of age, and the replacement is a young man of three-and-thirty.” Lady Whitstone sighed.