Page 76 of Trapped with the Beastly Duke

Rose nodded. “Indeed. All is resolved. All that remains is to enjoy the future and a life full of joy and laughter and love.”

Nothing could ruin this day.

She wondered what Alexander was doing at that moment. Was he thinking of her? She pictured him standing in his study, a serious look on his face as he surveyed the gardens of Emberly.

“Your Grace!” a voice called, pulling Rose out of her pleasant daydream.

She turned and had to suppress a sigh as she saw Lord Verimoor striding towards her, his usual smile wide on his face. Manners stopped her from simply ignoring the man and continuing her walk.

He may be a boor, but I do not need to stoop down to his level.

Besides, even Lord Verimoor could not ruin her good mood.

She nodded her head to him. “Lord Verimoor.” She kept her tone polite but uninviting. “I had not expected to see anyone else in the park so early in the day.”

I had not wished for company.

“Well, it seems we are both early risers! I myself love walks at this time of day. There is no one around, and a man can be quite alone with his own thoughts.” Lord Verimoor fell into step with her.

“Indeed. It is an excellent time to be alone with one’s thoughts. It gives one a chance to collect oneself before the day begins.” Rose paused, hoping that he would understand her meaning.

To her disappointment, the man seemed painfully oblivious. “Of course, of course. Although, I am rather partial to an early walk with friends. It is as if we are the only people awake in the world. There is something magical about it, do you not think?” He inched closer to her.

She moved aside, adjusting her course slightly as she did so.

You shall not touch me.

“I suppose. Though I would hate to keep you from the pleasure of your own company.”

Lord Verimoor laughed. “What man would prefer his own company to that of a fine, beautiful young woman like yourself? Any man who would choose to walk alone rather than with you is a fool, indeed.”

Rose was unsure of what to say, so decided to remain silent. She glanced at Abigail, who looked confused and a little taken aback by Lord Verimoor’s forwardness.

“I am surprised your husband has not joined you on your little walk.” Lord Verimoor had an odd look on his face.

“The Duke is busy this morning. But we plan to meet for lunch later.” Rose only just kept herself from emphasizing Alexander’s title.

He is your better in every way.

“He does seem to have rather a knack for leaving his beautiful wife unattended. And I confess, it does rather suit me.” Lord Verimoor looked like a fox who had been let into the hen house.

Rose tried again to change her course and move further away from him, but the man seemed intent on dogging her steps. His movement made her step away just to avoid being within arms reach.

“I am not unattended. I am with my maid.” Rose nodded towards Abigail, who had not quite managed to wedge herself between them.

The man is as slippery as a snake.

“Of course.” Lord Verimoor smiled. “If you were my wife, I could not bear to have you out of my sight. No, wherever you would go, I should follow. I would want the world to know that you are mine and mine alone.”

“Perhaps my husband does not feel the need to control my every move. Perhaps he simply trusts that I would respect the sanctity of our marriage. Even when others do not.” Rose’s words held a barbed edge to them that went straight over her unwanted companion’s head.

Why will he not leave?

“Perhaps he is simply a fool and does not realize just how fortunate he is.” Lord Verimoor moved to her other side, forcing her to move once more to avoid his attempt to be closer to her. “Regardless, another man’s loss is my gain.”

“Was there a particular reason for your interrupting my walk, Lord Verimoor?” Rose found that her patience had quite run out, and she did not care if she insulted him.

“Do I need a reason to enjoy your company?” Lord Verimoor smiled in a way she was sure he thought was charming.