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“It was a good outcome, though it will be interesting to see what he comes up with by tomorrow.” He bowed and left them on the steps of the courthouse. The carriage was waiting for them.

“Cecil left in a hurry, that is for sure,” Tony said as he ushered the two women forward as the crowd from the upper stands began to descend upon them. “I hope the judge will take the time to read through all the testimonials. There are some damning ones in there, not to mention his IOUs.” He followed them into the carriage.

“You have been so helpful, Lord Anthony. How can I repay you for all your kindness?”

“Make my brother happy. That is all I request in return.” At her shocked face, he laughed. “Mother sent a message over last night to inform us, though I would have liked to have been told face to face.” He tilted his head towards his brother.

“There was no time this morning, but rest assured I will do my best to ensure Lady Rose’s happiness also.”

“You had better. I am quite fond of our dear friend Rose.” He winked at her.

This made Rose return his smile, though she could not show the happiness he was likely expecting at such news. His smiling face reminded her of the wild boy he had been when she was a child. The kindness of everyone overwhelmed her. The announcement was to be in the morning’s post tomorrow, which was sure to make Cecil blow smoke from his ears.

Her only sadness was that they all thought Edward had fallen in love with her, and she knew it was not true. Only Marianne and Edward knew the truth. She had instinctively pushed aside any deeper feelings she had for the duke. Ever since the night of his attack, she had spent her time talking herself out of what she thought she felt for him. Now it was even more important to hide them away, to protect herself. This would be over soon, she hoped, and then she could break the engagement and get on with her life.

That night dinner was a full cast of family, including Lord Dunstan. Edward’s mother cried three times during dinner alone; she was so happy about the current events. Rose felt awful that she was duping them. Giving them false happiness. And the court case was not yet won and hung above her like a thundercloud ready to send a bolt of lightning to smite her.

Rose glanced towards the duke, whose face was his usual bored façade. She wondered what he might think of all this fuss and how happy the rest of the family was about his engagement. Her face hurt from all her fake smiling. She could not wait to retire, but it seemed the family was determined to celebrate.

For a moment she was able to steer Marianne away from the group. “I cannot stand this,” she said.

“It is only for one night. To be honest, this is much more than I expected. They had better have the same reaction when I announce my engagement or I will be very disappointed.” Her tone was lighthearted, but was there an undertone of worry in her voice too? That they may not be this excited about her imminent engagement?

“I am so sorry.”

“Sorry for what?”

“I do not know, taking this away from you somehow.”

“Dunstan and I have agreed not to announce anything until the end of the season, so you are not stepping on my toes.”

“Rose, my dear, come sit by me. We must talk through your trousseau.”

She gave one glance at Edward before going to sit next to his mother. “I hardly think it necessary.”

“Nonsense. You must have pretty things, and we must think about your dress.”

Edward stepped forward to address the dowager. “We have set no date, Mother. We are in no hurry.”

“I certainly hope not. People will talk if you marry too quickly after an engagement. It might fly in the country but not in London. Everyone will think you must be increasing.”

“I assure you I am not. We have never…”

The dowager waved her words away. “I am only concerned about you being prepared for the wedding, as you have no mother to guide you.”

“Thank you. I am sure your guidance will be most appreciated.”

“I was thinking, a light pink dress, just the merest hint. It will suit your complexion and bring out your eyes. Although blue would do just as well. Gabrielle, do you think a pink or blue dress for Rose?”

Gabrielle raised a delicate eyebrow and said, “I think whatever color she chooses will be the best one. She is the one who will be wearing it after all.”

“True, true. We will go to the modiste and see what she has in both pink and blue.”

“That will be lovely,” Rose said. “But the wedding will not be for a long time yet.” This was the kind of thing she had not thought about when she had agreed to this sham. Having a dress made to get married in when she knew she would never wear it in a church. They will all know she and Edward had deceived them. Her gut churned with guilt; no wonder she could hardly eat a thing all through dinner. The hot and heavy feeling of dread only got worse as the night wore on. And then there were the nerves about going to court again tomorrow. It was all too much.

She dutifully played the pianoforte and nodded here and there until Edward finally stood. “I believe that all this excitement has worn out my intended. I shall walk you to your room.”

“Yes, I have not slept well and I am very tired. Thank you all for a wonderful evening. I have court again in the morning.”