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Chapter Seven
Rose was plagued with a mixed feeling of excitement and dread.
She’d barely eaten anything at supper and was out almost immediately after it was over, under the pretext that she was headed for her bedroom. Elsa had followed behind her, already aware of what the plan was.
After going through the motions of heading to her chambers, they had made a detour and sneaked out of the house to the garden.
Between her and Elsa, they’d combed every inch of the Somerholm manor from their childhood to this present day. The knowledge gleaned hadn’t ever been put to good use till now.
When they’d arrived at the garden and didn’t see the Marquess, she figured that in her haste, they’d made it earlier than planned.
After waiting for a few minutes, it dawned on her that Lord Walsrock was probably finding it difficult to locate the hole in the hedge that she’d described.
She’d decided then to send Elsa after him, with a stern warning to avoid being seen.
In the time she’d waited alone for their return, anticipation and excitement had built up within her. A dread of being discovered was also building alongside.
What in God’s name are you doing, Rose? If anyone finds you out here with the Marquess, your reputation is finished.
Of course, the Marquess would most likely go on to have a reputation that would eventually draw more ladies to him if they were discovered tonight. She, on the other hand, wouldn’t be so lucky.
A slight wave of jealousy swept over her at the thought that other ladies might be drawn to the Marquess. It passed, though, as her excitement and dread continued to build.
I need to tell him about Lord Rockgonie. In all honesty, I really just want to see him again.
She began fiddling with her fingers in the chilly night air, trying to pass time and curb her anxiety.
Suddenly, she heard movements and looked at the point where the path merged into the clearing, just as Elsa and the Marquess emerged.
The sight of him calmed her beating heart and filled her with bliss. As he approached, she was on her feet in excitement. By the time they’d reached her, she could have literally burst into flames from all the excitement within her.
Be still my beating heart. Dear Lord!
Elsa proceeded to leave them alone and stand guard as they had discussed, and then he opened his mouth to speak.
Suddenly, her dread returned when he asked her about the urgency that was contained in her letter.
How do I tell him? Just open your mouth, Rose, and say the words.
In spite of how hard she was encouraging herself, she couldn’t still find the courage to tell him that she was betrothed and that her betrothed was on his way back to London as they spoke.
Eventually, he’d sought to put her at ease and now they were hand in hand and strolling in circles around the garden.
“I never told you my opinion on your paper,” she said after a brief moment of silence.
“You didn’t need to. I could already tell you share my sentiments,” he responded, causing her to blush lightly.
“Very perceptive, My Lord. But how could you tell?” she asked.
“Well, if I wasn’t sure before now, the bond between you and your lady’s maid, which is reminiscent of the one between me and my valet, is a clear indication.”
“Elsa and I are practically like sisters. We grew up together and till this moment are completely inseparable,” she chuckled.
“I could tell. I can identify such a bond when I see one.”
“Is that the foundation for your political ideals? Is that what encouraged you to pursue a bill that addresses the issues between thetonand the commoner?” She turned and looked at his face even as he continued to stare ahead.
“Since childhood, I’ve always been close to some staff in my family’s employ, including my valet. However, the exact trigger occurred two years ago, around the same time my father resigned from the House of Lords,” he responded.
