Rose hesitated, not sure how to answer. "I did, Your Grace," she finally said, taking a seat across from her. "It was quite an experience."
"I am glad to hear it," the Dowager Duchess said, pouring a cup of tea for Rose. "I must say, you made quite an impression last night. People are already talking about you."
Rose felt a flutter of nervousness in her stomach. "Really?"
"Indeed," the Dowager Duchess confirmed. "You have a natural charm and grace that makes people take notice. And do not even get me started on your conversation skills. You were quite popular with the gentlemen."
Rose could not help but smile at the compliment. "Thank you, Your Grace. I do my best."
The Dowager Duchess chuckled. "I have a feeling you will do just fine. You will make a suitable wife for Thomas as well. It is important for him to have a wife who will help him advance his cause. Any hint of scandal would ruin his career."
Rose hesitated, not sure if she wanted to bring up Poppy Jameson or her own scandal but she had to know. "Pardon me for asking, but what about Miss Jameson? I heard that she was quite taken with His Grace."
The Dowager Duchess's face darkened. "Miss Jameson is a problem that needs to be dealt with. She is not the kind of woman that Thomas needs in his life. She is trouble, pure and simple. But Thomas can handle her. He always has."
Rose nodded, taking in the Dowager Duchess's words. She could not help but feel a twinge of sympathy for the young woman. No one deserved to be treated that way, but she also knew that Thomas had his own ambitions and that anything that threatened those ambitions would have to be dealt with.
The Dowager Duchess poured them both a cup of tea. "Now, let us not talk about that unpleasantness anymore. Let us talk about you. You have a busy day ahead of you. We have appointments with the modiste and the milliner. You will need a new wardrobe if you are going to be the belle of the Season."
Rose nodded, keeping her thoughts to herself. She was not excited about the prospect of a new wardrobe, but she knew it was necessary. All of her things were back at her family's estate, and she needed something to wear. Internally, she longed to be back amongst her beloved plants and experiments. But she forced a smile and made small talk with the Dowager Duchess, knowing it was best to keep her true feelings to herself.
As she sipped her tea and enjoyed the breakfast spread before her, Rose thought about Thomas and the passion she saw in him as he spoke to the other members of the House of Lords. Despite everything, she could not deny that she admired his drive to help others. But as she thought about their kiss, she could not shake the feeling that she was in over her head.
The Dowager Duchess chattered on, unaware of Rose's internal turmoil. Rose tried to focus on their conversation, but her mind kept wandering back to Thomas and the confusing mix of emotions he stirred in her.
Rose and the Dowager Duchess arrived at the modiste, a small shop on a busy street. The sound of horses' hooves and carriage wheels echoed off the cobblestones as they stepped inside. The smell of fabric and thread filled Rose's nose as she looked around the shop, taking in the bolts of fabric and the needles clicking as the seamstresses worked.
The Dowager Duchess greeted the shopkeeper with a warm smile. "Madame, I would like to order a new wardrobe for my companion here."
Madame, a plump woman with rosy cheeks, beamed at Rose. "Of course, Your Grace. We have the latest fashion from Paris."
Rose stifled a groan, not at all interested in the latest fashion. The Dowager Duchess, however, was in her element. She spent the next hour flipping through fashion plates, ordering gowns and accessories with abandon.
As they were leaving the shop, the Dowager Duchess turned to Rose. "I must say, it was a successful trip. You will be the belle of the ball."
Rose smiled politely. "Thank you, Your Grace."
The Dowager Duchess chuckled. "You are very welcome, my dear. Although I must say, I do believe that you would have preferred to be back amongst your plants." She laughed. "My son told me about your passion for flowers. A most admirable hobby."
Rose's eyes lit up. "Yes, I would have. But I do appreciate the new wardrobe. I will make sure to put it to good use."
The Dowager Duchess patted her arm. "I know you will, dear. And who knows, you may find yourself enjoying the events of the Season."
Rose smiled good-naturedly. "One can only hope, Your Grace."
Rose was in the library, admiring the shelves of books when Mr. James knocked on the door. "Good morning, Miss," he said, bowing. "His Grace has asked that I give you access to the greenhouse. He thought you might enjoy it."
Rose smiled in delight. "Thank you, Mr. James."
She made her way to the greenhouse, where she was greeted by the gardener, Mr. Tibbs. "Good morning, my Lady," he said, tipping his hat. "How may I assist you?"
Rose explained that she was interested in plants used in perfumery and asked if she could take a few back to the library to perform some experiments. Mr. Tibbs happily showed her around and helped her choose a few specimens, including lavender, rose, and jasmine.
Back in the library, Rose set up a small table and got to work. She was happy to be back working with her plants and it made her feel a sense of normalcy. She carefully distilled the oils from the plants and took notes on their scents and properties. As she worked, she could not help but think of the duke and his passion for helping others. Despite her reservations about her situation, she was drawn to his energy and drive.
She was so engrossed in her work that she did not even hear Thomas enter the room. "What are you working on?" he asked, peering over her shoulder.
Rose turned to him, a smile on her face. "I was just experimenting with some plant oils. I thought I might be able to create a new perfume."
