Page 69 of Trapped with the Beastly Duke

And I saw the truth of my selfishness tonight. I understand just how much I have robbed you of, and I detest myself for it.

“I shall remain in my chambers tonight.”

“Oh.” Rose’s voice was small and soft.

The rest of the journey passed in silence. When they finally reached the castle, Alexander did not wait for her to get out of the carriage. He did not trust himself to resist her.

If she grabs my arm, even just for balance, I will not have the strength to leave.

The dream of the last few weeks was over. As he lay down, alone in his bed for the first time in weeks, he thought he heard the muffled sound of crying. But he knew it could not be.

It was more of his vanity. His hopeful pride, daring to think that someone could care enough for him to mourn his loss. He knew the truth of things. He knew what he deserved.

No woman will ever weep for me, for no one could ever love someone like me.

Chapter Twenty-Three

Mother Knows Best

Rose had not slept. At first, she had been too angry to sleep. Then the tears had come, a trickle at first and then unrelenting streams. And when they stopped, she had lain awake, hoping that perhaps Alexander would walk through the door and hold her in his arms.

He did not.

Rose let Abigail dress her in a daze. She knew that her eyes were red-rimmed and that she looked awful, but she could not summon the will to care.

I do not understand. What have I done to make Alexander turn away from me?

“Abigail?” Rose looked at her maid. “What do you know about men?”

Abigail blushed deeply and looked away. “Your Grace?”

Rose shook her head.

I cannot ask Abigail. She is kind, but I need to speak with someone who better understands the world.

“Do you know where my mother is? I wish to speak with her.”

Abigail looked visibly relieved. “I believe she is in the drawing room with Miss Jane. The one with the pianoforte.”

Rose nodded. It was then that she noticed the breakfast tray Abigail had laid on the table before her. Her heart twisted, and she suppressed fresh tears.

Abigail noticed her glance. “The Duke said you may wish to break your fast in your rooms this morning. He did so himself, and the rest of the family has already eaten.”

He is avoiding me.

Rose took a bite of the toast Abigail had brought, thanked her, and made her way to the drawing room. She needed to talk to her mother.

She will be able to make sense of all this.

Yet, to her frustration, when she entered the drawing room, she found only Jane. She made to leave, but Jane caught sight of her and her face.

Her sister’s eyes widened in surprise, and at once she rushed to her side.

“Rose! You look dreadful, whatever has happened?” Jane led Rose to a nearby chair. “Sit. Sister, please, tell me what is wrong.”

Rose shook her head, a lump forming in her throat. “It is nothing.”

“It is clearly not.” Jane held Rose’s gaze, an unusually serious look in her eyes. “Please, I know I am only seventeen, but I am still your sister. And I would know what has caused you such distress.”