Thomas raised an eyebrow. "Really? That is quite impressive. I knew you loved plants and their scents, but I had no idea you were so talented."
Rose blushed. "Thank you, Your Grace."
Thomas was clearly impressed by her passion and offered to purchase everything she needed to continue her experiments. "Consider it a gift," he said with a smile.
When Thomas offered to purchase everything that she needed for her experiments, Rose felt a rush of emotions. She was moved that someone had said something positive about her interest in science for the first time in her life, and she was surprised that Thomas did not find it weird or off-putting.
She looked at Thomas with a mixture of gratitude and disbelief. "Really?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. "You do not mind that I am interested in… that?"
Thomas chuckled. "Of course not. I find it quite fascinating, actually. It is not often that I meet a lady who shares my interestsand passions. Although plants are not my passion, I do find them interesting."
As they continued to talk, Rose found it easy to talk with Thomas. She found him intelligent, witty, and charming, and she was drawn into deep discussions with him.
"Have you ever heard of the Venus Flytrap, Your Grace?" Rose asked, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
"Indeed, I have," Thomas replied, a small smile playing at the corners of his lips. "A fascinating plant, is it not?"
"Oh, absolutely," Rose said, her voice filled with passion. "The way it can trap insects is truly remarkable. And the way it propagates, with new plants growing from the sides of the mother plant, is truly amazing."
Thomas leaned in closer, his eyes locked onto hers. "Yes, it is quite the marvel. But it is not just the Venus Flytrap that fascinates me," he said, his voice low and husky.
Rose felt her heart flutter at his words, and she could feel the heat rising in her cheeks. She looked away, trying to hide her blush. "Really? What other plants interest you?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
"You, Lady Rose," Thomas said, a sly smile spreading across his face. "You are a rare and beautiful flower, unlike any other. And I find myself drawn to you, wanting to learn more about you."
Rose felt her knees go weak, and she had to steady herself against the table. She cleared her throat and tried to think of another plant, but it was as if her mind had been wiped as clean as a slate. She reminded herself that this was all an act. "Well, let me tell you about the corpse flower then."
Thomas raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "The corpse flowers? I have never heard of that one before."
Rose smiled, feeling more confident now that she had a topic she was familiar with. "Yes, it is a rare and exotic plant that is known for its putrid scent, which is said to smell like rotting flesh."
Thomas chuckled. "Ah, Lady Rose, you are trying to distract me," he said with a twinkle in his eye. "Please, do continue."
Before she knew it, he was asking for her presence every evening to discuss politics and the reforms he aimed to pass. For her part, Rose found it exciting to be included in his thought processes and planning.
She found Thomas to be kind, considerate, and passionate about the world around him. They spent hours talking about everything from science to society, and Rose was amazed at how much she enjoyed their conversations.
As they settled into the sitting room one evening after dinner, Rose felt invigorated by their dinner conversation. She and Thomas had spent hours discussing politics and the reforms he was hoping to pass, and she was honored to be included in his thought processes and planning. The Dowager Duchess dozed ina nearby armchair which left Rose and Thomas alone with their drinks and conversation.
"I have been giving a great deal of thought to the bill for the relief of the poor," Thomas said, taking a sip of his brandy. "It's a complex issue, but one that I feel strongly about."
Rose nodded, fascinated by his dedication to helping others. "What exactly does the bill entail?"
"It's about providing support for those who are struggling, whether it be food, clothing, or shelter. It's about ensuring that no one is left to suffer in poverty."
Thomas went on to explain some of the other legislation that was being introduced that year, and Rose was struck by his intelligence and passion for politics. He was a man who truly cared about making a difference in the world, and she could not help but admire that about him.
As they talked, Rose often found herself laughing and joking with him as if they had known each other for years. When the clock struck midnight, she realized with a start that they had been talking for hours.
"I should retire for the evening," Rose said, standing up. "Thank you for the lovely evening, Thomas."
"The pleasure was all mine, Rose," Thomas replied, smiling warmly. "I look forward to our next conversation."
Rose made her way up the grand staircase with her mind still whirring with all the things Thomas had told her about his plans for the future. As she reached her bedchamber, she was greeted by Hannah, her lady's maid.
"Good evening, My Lady," Hannah said, her voice cheerful. "Shall I help you prepare for bed?"
Rose nodded, still lost in thought. As Hannah began to help her out of her gown, Rose found herself wrestling with conflicting emotions. On one hand, she was thoroughly enjoying her time with Thomas and their conversations, but on the other hand, she was chafing under the false engagement that had been forced upon her.
