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Chapter Eight
Kenneth leaned back in his seat, feeling the onset of fatigue. He hadn’t slept all night and knew he was in dire need of rest as soon as possible.
He was in the study and making final preparations for today’s appearance and session in the House of Lords.
It had been a week since he’d left the final draft of his bill for his father to read. It had also been a week since his garden adventure at the Somerholm manor.
Both events had recorded positive progress since then.
In spite of a slight hiccup, he was discussing the bill with his peers today on the floor of the House of Lords, thanks to initial efforts from his father.
When the Duke had read the bill, it had led to yet another argument between them. His father had gone on to say that he was pulling his support of the bill if Kenneth didn’t amend some parts that the Marquess considered extremely crucial.
However, thanks to the Duke’s initial support and efforts, the popularity of the bill was already swelling. A lot of Lords were already talking about it in anticipation of its presentation. As such, today had been earmarked as the day the bill was going to be presented on the floor of the House of Lords.
Even though his father was no longer in support, Kenneth felt he could pull it off with the excitement and attention the bill was currently getting. He just had to ride this wave of popularity and steer it toward achieving its passage in parliament. And what a win it would be for the common folk of England.
And as for Lady Rose?
Their private garden party had been cut short by an approaching intruder. However, thanks to Elsa’s quick movements, they’d been saved from discovery. In his continuing correspondence with Lady Rose, he had enclosed a little gift for Elsa in appreciation. Her vigilance and quick thinking had saved her lady, and him, from embarrassment.
Eventually, he found out in the letter from Lady Rose the next day that the intruder had been none other than the Viscount of Hartington, Rose’s brother. He knew of her brother and was doubly grateful that the Viscount hadn’t walked in on them.
More importantly, he’d also gotten a response from her to the last thing he’d said before he was forced to take flight. The same letter where she’d revealed the identity of the intruder, was also where she’d finally declared her love for him.
It had been a small portion of her letter but it had resonated for a long time in his mind.
…as it is something I can no longer ignore. I too am in love with you, Lord Walsrock. In the coming days, I hope to…
He remembered that section fondly and smiled as he got out of his seat. Their correspondence had definitely metamorphosed this past week, filling him with glee.
A knock sounded at the door as he heard Leonard announcing his entry.
“Have you managed to at least take a break? You need your wits about you today, you know,” his valet remarked as he walked in and placed a tray filled with tea items on the table.
“There will be time enough to rest once I’m done with today. For now, I have to make sure I’m adequately prepared for any eventuality. This is a very important bill. I cannot allow myself to be caught off guard,” Kenneth responded, as he walked to the window in a bid to exercise his tired muscles.
He looked out through the window as Leonard filled his cup with tea and brought it to him.
“Well, if you ask me, I think you are as ready as you could possibly be.”
“Thank you, Leonard. I appreciate your vote of confidence,” he responded as he received the cup of tea. “Unfortunately, I am going to need more than that if this bill is going to be passed in the House of Lords,” he said truthfully.
“Well, you first have to make it to parliament in one piece, Kenneth,” his valet responded, obviously worried at the state he was in.
He chuckled at the worry he heard in his valet’s voice.
“I’ll be fine, Leonard. Thank you, once again, for your concern.”
“When do you want to leave?”
“In about half an hour.”
“All right, then. I’ll have your curricle brought to the front for when you are ready to leave. Would that be all?” Leonard said.
“Yes, Leonard. That will be all.”
“All right, then. Good luck.” Leonard said, as he turned and exited the study.
