His father rubbed his chin, looking thoughtful. "This is not good, William. We need to organize a search party and find her before something bad happens."
William nodded in agreement, but his mother's voice interrupted them. "Wait a minute," she said, holding up a hand. "How did she get a horse? Did you help her escape?"
William's face turned red with embarrassment. "No, Mother, I had no idea she was planning to run away. I swear it."
His mother huffed and crossed her arms. "Well, this is just great. Your sister has run away on the day of her wedding, and you had no idea. What kind of brother are you?"
William hung his head in shame, feeling like a failure. He had let his parents down and now he had to find Rose before it was too late.
Just then, the twins and Jasmine came running over with the jilted Earl of Wathen following behind, looking flustered.
"What's going on?" Jasmine asked, looking worried.
"Rose has run away," William said, giving the Earl a sympathetic look.
The Earl's face turned red with embarrassment. "Run away? On the day of her wedding? This is unacceptable! I suppose providence saved me from getting married into this circus!"
"Well, one could say providence savedher," the twins chimed in, trying to stifle their giggles that were quickly stifled by a stern look from their father.
The Earl scowled at them. "That is not funny. I cannot believe this. What kind of family raises a daughter who would leave me at the altar? What about my reputation?"
William mounted his horse, determined to find his sister and bring her back. "I will take care of it. Don't worry, I will find her and bring her back in no time."
"Just make sure she is in one piece!" The countess called after him. "And do not let her damage her gown. We still have a wedding to hold."
The Earl snorted. "It doesn't matter whether she returns or not. I am returning to Scotland today. You will need to find someone else to marry your ill-mannered daughter, and I wish you luck with that!"
Chapter Six
The morning sun was just peeking through the windows of Everness House as Thomas sat at the head of the grand mahogany dining table, eagerly digging into his breakfast of eggs, ham, and toast. He had expected Rose to join him for the meal, but she was nowhere to be found. Frustrated, he rang for a servant and asked him to fetch the lady's maid, Marie.
A few moments later, Marie appeared at the doorway, looking flustered. "Your Grace," she said, curtsying. "Lady Rose refuses to get out of bed."
Thomas set down his fork with a clatter, anger rising within him. He had gone to great lengths to save her from a terrible fate, and now she was acting like a petulant child. "Take me to her," he said, pushing back his chair and striding across the dining room.
As he made his way up the stairs, Thomas' annoyance filled him. She had agreed to help him last night, and now this morning, she was being difficult. He had expected more from Rose after hehad explained his plight with the House of Lords. Her refusal to cooperate was starting to try his patience. When he reached her bedchamber, he threw open the door and strode inside.
Rose was lying in the middle of the large four-poster bed, the covers pulled up to her chin. She looked up at him with a mixture of fear and defiance in her eyes.
"What is the meaning of this?" Thomas demanded, crossing his arms over his chest. "I expect you to be ready and dressed when I am."
Rose sat up in bed, her eyes flashing. "I will not be treated like a prisoner, Your Grace," she spat. "I shall be ready when I am ready. I refuse to be dictated to by you."
Thomas took a step closer to the bed, his anger beginning to dissipate as he took in the fear in her eyes. "You are not a prisoner," he said softly. "But you will comply with my request. We are to travel to London today, and I will not have you causing a scene."
He held out a hand to her, but Rose pushed it away. "You are an odious man, and if you try to control me, then I will not go anywhere with you," she said, her voice shaking. "You will need to find someone else to help you because I shan't."
Thomas sighed, feeling a sense of frustration. He had hoped to win her trust, but it seemed as though she was determined to make things difficult. "Very well. Take as much time as you need this morning," he said, turning to leave the room. "Butremember, Lady Rose, your reputation is in my hands. I would advise you to be more cooperative in the future."
He stormed back down the stairs causing the servants to scurry away like mice in his wake. Back in the dining room, he found his appetite had vanished.I need Rose to work with me if we are to convince them that I am a changed man and no longer the rake they expect.
Mr. James appeared at the door. "Your Grace, may I bring you anything?" he asked, looking concerned.
Thomas shook his head. He paced about unable to sit down at the table. "No, thank you, Mr. James. I am just trying to figure out what to do with Lady Rose."
Mr. James nodded understandingly. "She appears to be quite a handful, Your Grace. But I am sure you will find a way to handle the situation."
Thomas stopped pacing and looked at Mr. James. "Do you think so?" he asked, feeling a glimmer of hope.
