Thomas chuckled. "I know, but these soirees are where the real work is done. It is at events like this that we can mingle with the right people and make important connections."
He looked around the room, taking in the sights and sounds of the party. He was determined to use this opportunity to further his cause and make a difference in the lives of the widows and orphans of London.
Rose shifted her shoulders and sighed. "Although your mother has excellent fashion sense, this dress is most uncomfortable."
Thomas leaned closer to her and said, "I would much prefer to see you in something much more… comfortable." He allowed his words to trail off leaving no chance for her to misunderstand. Since their passionate kiss, he had thought of nothing else but her lips against his. He had found his mind wandering to thoughts of Rose when he should be focused on his political career.
Rose's cheeks blushed a bright pink and she lowered her eyes. "You are most improper, Your Grace." She stepped away from him ever so slightly causing him to chuckle.
"Are you going to monopolize your betrothed all evening, Everness, or shall we all have a chance to speak with her?" The Duke of Marlton's voice boomed across the room, causing Thomas to turn and face him.
Thomas straightened his jacket, knowing that he was being scrutinized by the other members of the House of Lords. He knew that he had to be careful with his words and actions. He stepped forward, his hand extended in greeting. "Good evening, Your Grace. Lady Marlton. It is a pleasure to see you again. Thomas turned to Rose and gestured for her to join him. "LadyRose, may I present His Grace the Duke of Marlton, and his wife, Lady Marlton."
Rose stepped forward, her head held high and a polite smile on her face. "Good evening," she said, her voice calm and collected. "It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Your Grace."
The duke took Rose's hand and placed a kiss on the back of it. "The pleasure is all mine, Lady Rose," he said, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "I have heard much about you and your reputation with plants. His Grace has spoken often of your skill. I am eager to hear more about your interests and projects."
Lady Marlton smiled warmly and took Rose's arm. "Come "and have a drink with us, Lady Rose," she said. "I am well-acquainted with everyone else, so I am eager for a fresh face and new conversation."
Rose smiled, and together, she and the duchess made their way over to the sideboard. Thomas watched them, his mind already turning to the political discussions he knew he would be having later in the evening.
As he followed them, Thomas could not help but feel a sense of pride at Rose's poise and grace. He had always known that she was special, and it was clear that others were starting to take notice of her as well. He turned to the duke and began speaking of some of the obstacles he had faced in his efforts to bring about change in the law. He spoke of the resistance he had faced from some members of the House of Lords and the challenges of navigating the complex political landscape.
The duke listened attentively, nodding in agreement at points. "It appears that you are finally leaving your rakish behavior behind, Everness," he said when Thomas had finished. "It bodes well for your future in the House of Lords."
Thomas smiled, grateful for the duke's words of encouragement. He had indeed changed, and he was determined to make a difference in the lives of the people. With Rose by his side, he felt that anything was possible. He felt a small pang of guilt at the subterfuge he had used, but as another member of the House of Lords came up to speak with him, Thomas pushed it aside. It was all for the greater good, and no one would ever be the wiser.
Rose smiled politely as she took a sip of her wine, trying to hide her growing discomfort. Lady Marlton's questions were becoming increasingly pointed, and Rose was not sure how to respond. She was still trying to figure out her feelings for Thomas, and she did not want to give away too much information lest they discover their engagement was a sham.
"So, Lady Rose," Lady Marlton began, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "His Grace has told us much about you, but I am eager to hear more about your relationship with him."
Rose felt her cheeks flush and she fidgeted with her glass. "Well, I am honored to be betrothed to His Grace," she said, her voice slightly shaky. "He has been very kind to me. And his mother, the Dowager Duchess, has taken great pains to take me under her wing while my mother is ill."
Lady Marlton nodded, a small smile playing at the corners of her mouth. "Yes, I have heard that the Dowager Duchess is quite enchanted with you. She has told everyone about your kindness and your work with plants. And His Grace speaks highly of you. Are you planning to marry soon, or will it be a long betrothal?"
Just then, Lady Finn joined them, a glass of wine in hand saving Rose from answering. "Good evening, Your Grace," she said, her voice warm and friendly. "I hope I am not interrupting."
Lady Marlton smiled and shook her head. "Not at all, Lady Finn. We were just discussing Lady Rose and her betrothal with His Grace."
Lady Finn raised an eyebrow, and Rose could see the curiosity in her eyes. "And what have you learned?" she asked.
Lady Marlton chuckled. "Not much, I am afraid. Lady Rose is being quite tight-lipped about their relationship."
Rose's heart began to race, and she took a deep breath, trying to calm herself. She did not want to give away too much information for fear that she would be caught in a lie. But she was also eager to learn more about Thomas and his past.
"I do have one question, if I may," Rose said, her voice steady. "His Grace has mentioned Miss Jameson. What can you tell me about her?"
Lady Marlton and Lady Finn exchanged a look, and Rose could sense the tension between them. "Miss Jameson was a young woman who had caught His Grace's eye," Lady Finn said, her voice tight. "But it soon became clear that she was not suited to be the wife of a member of the peerage, so the courtship was ended."
Rose's heart sank, and "he could feel her thoughts whirling. She had heard that Thomas had a reputation as a rake, but she had not expected to hear about a failed courtship. She wondered what had happened between Thomas and Miss Jameson, and why the courtship had failed.
Lady Marlton leaned in, her voice low. "I must warn you, Lady Rose. Miss Jameson did not take the end of the courtship well. She has a sharp tongue and is not afraid to use it. I would be careful if I were you."
Rose was grateful for the warning, but she was also more determined than ever to learn the truth about Thomas and his past.
Lady Finn nodded in agreement with Lady Marlton's warning. "Yes, my dear. Miss Jameson has more than just a waspish tongue. She has been known to spread vicious rumors about any young lady that His Grace has shown an interest in. I would be cautious around her if I were you."
Just as Rose was about to ask Lady Marlton more questions, the butler's voice echoed through the room, "Dinner is served."
