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Chapter Nine
Elsa had come into the room and shut the door behind her as usual, before handing her the latest correspondence from the Marquess.
Rose turned the letter over in her hand as her lady’s maid watched on.
Knowing that the Marquess had presented his bill in the House yesterday, she’d been waiting eagerly for any news to know how it all went.
When her father had returned from parliament yesterday, she’d made an effort to find out what had happened to Lord Walsrock’s bill, with as much subtlety as she could muster. Unfortunately, her father had been more interested in having his dinner and retiring for the night.
When she’d woken up this morning, she’d raced toward the study in search of her father, only to be informed that he had set out at first light on official business. However, he had left a letter for her, and a note which informed her that Lord Rockgonie was going to call on her today.
Lord Rockgonie was the last person on her mind, however, as she needed to know what had happened to Lord Walsrock’s bill. Her only other recourse on finding out was to wait for Lord Walsrock’s letter which she knew was coming at noon today, like it always did.
Lord Walsrock hadn’t begun the letter as he had on previous occasions. Reading the first line, her breath caught in her chest. By the time she had gotten to the fourth paragraph, she could have sworn that her heart was literally beating outside of her chest.
Lady Rose,
Yesterday did not turn out as I anticipated. My fellow Lords shut down the bill before I even had the chance to finish reading it on the floor.
I should have known better than to expect their understanding and cooperation, knowing fully well that my ideals have always been a bone of contention between me and a majority of them in parliament.
As a result, I was left in such low spirits, pondering and wishing for a way to ensure that my bill succeeds in parliament.
Unfortunately, this was not to be the end of my predicament. Thinking to myself that it could not get any worse, I followed a company of Lords to the gentlemen’s club. Your father was there. And so was your betrothed, the Earl of Rockgonie.
How could I not have known you were betrothed? Why did you keep such news from me? I do not even know which hurts more; the failure of my bill in parliament, or the knowledge that she whom I love is betrothed to another and has kept me in the dark.
These thoughts have continued to plague me and even as I write this, only one thing is clear. I cannot continue to remain in correspondence with you.
I wish you the best in all your endeavors.
Sincerely,
The Marquess of Walsrock.
Rose was in shock and clearly hyperventilating by the time she was done reading the letter. Not only had Lord Walsrock found out about her betrothal to the Earl of Rockgonie, he had also decided to end all correspondence between himself and her.
The way he had even addressed the letter was clearly an attempt to absolve himself of any wrongdoing if ever their secret correspondence came to light. It had been formal, direct, and straight to the point.
She couldn’t feel betrayed, however. The truth was, she had hidden this from him. His reaction was only normal and expected.
She turned to look at Elsa as her eyes began to mist.
“My Lady,” Elsa said simply after noticing her distress.
“He knows,” Rose found herself saying as she struggled to hold back the tears. Thankfully, she didn’t have to explain further as she was certain Elsa knew what she was talking about.
The letter fell from her hand to the floor as she struggled to rein her emotions in. The strength in her knees waned, causing her to waver.
She blamed herself. She’d had ample opportunity to tell the Marquess about her betrothal. Yet she had shied away every time until it was now too late.
Her eyes must have closed at some point because suddenly, she felt Elsa’s hand over hers in a grip, steadying her. Her lady’s maid must have rushed to her side to keep her from falling.
“He knows,” Rose repeated, completely distraught.
And he doesn’t want to have anything to do with me anymore.
Of everything, that was the part that pained her the most. How was she going to move on from this, knowing that her very soul was bonded to the Marquess’?
