Page 8 of Trapped with the Beastly Duke
Out of the corner of her eye, she saw her mother’s eyes following the newcomers. Lady Cotswalts made it her business to separate truth from fiction.
She always says knowledge is power, and what better source than the people themselves?
As soon as Rose had that thought, her mother broke away from Miss Carstairs, confessing a desire to move around the room and asking Miss Carstairs to keep Rose company in her absence.
Rose was still watching the group as her mother departed, and she found herself relaxing as a young man approached the Duke’s sister. He seemed to know the family, and Rose wondered who he was.
“That is Nigel Maxton, the Duke of Glassley, an old friend of the Duke of Emberly’s. A very respectable family. A most ample fortune as well.” Miss Carstairs was nodding approvingly. “Such a kind young man, to dance with the young lady.”
Rose nodded, still watching the Duke and his mother. She was dimly aware of Lord Verimoor muttering something. She assumed he was responding to something Miss Carstairs said. She felt a hand grasp her arm firmly and tug her towards the dance floor.
“I believe, Miss Pembleton, it is time for our dance.” Lord Verimoor pulled her towards the dancers, not bothering to wait for a reply. “Let us go.”
Shock at his actions coursed through her, followed swiftly by anger.
How dare he grab me so? Pull me as though I am some horse to be led to a trough.
Without thinking, Rose whirled around, pulling her arm out of his grasp. “No. I do not want to dance,” she spoke without thinking, her anger getting the better of her.
Lord Verimoor’s eyes widened in shock and then narrowed in displeasure. From behind him, Rose noticed the stares of those around her, including the disapproving look of her mother.
Oh God, what have I done?
In an instant, her anger left her, turning instead into intense shame. “My Lord, I am sorry. I did not mean… I… I-I must go. I am not feeling quite myself. Pray, forgive me. I-I must take the air. Yes, some fresh air will do me good.”
Without waiting for a reply, Rose fled. She knew that by all rights, she should wait for a chaperone, but she found that the very air around her was stifling. She longed to be free, to be outside and away from the scene of her outburst.
Foolish, selfish girl. You cannot afford such mistakes.Think of your sisters, your family.
Rose felt a lump form in her throat.
I must not cry. It would be ridiculous to cry.
She was barely aware of leaving the ballroom until she felt the sting of the cool night air on her cheeks.
She did not slow down, instead making her way towards the ornate maze. The large hedgerows would be an excellent place for her to gather her thoughts, and she thought it unlikely to encounter anyone else.
There is a chill in the air, and no one would be foolish enough to leave the warmth. Not alone.
The gardens were mercifully empty, and Rose was glad, for company would only complicate matters. She did not want anyone to find her, so she went deeper into the maze.
She should not have let her temper get the better of her. Her mother had taught her better than that.
Mother.
She thought of her mother’s disappointment, and her shame only deepened. Her mother would be furious.
Rose exhaled, and said aloud to a nearby statue, “We cannot all be perfect, Mother.”
She was not sure why she was talking to the statue—it did not even look very much like her mother.
Some statue of Venus, I believe. Or Aphrodite, perhaps?
Yet, even as she acknowledged the lack of resemblance, she found herself unable to stop speaking.
“I am trying. I really am.” She glared at the statue. “You were the daughter of a merchant, you have given up everything to make sure we can have everything we desire in life. You have worked for everything you have, and all you ask is for us to follow your example.”
“Yet, how can I? You married Father for love, not just practicality. Yes, Father needed money, and your family waswealthy. And I know neither of you planned this life. After all, no one could have imagined Uncle John would succumb to illness.”