Rose smoothed down her dress. Her mind was still filled with questions about Thomas and Miss Jameson. As she turned to leave, she felt a hand on her arm and looked up to see Thomas standing beside her, the breath suddenly stolen from her lungs. "Lady Rose, would you do me the honor of escorting you into dinner?" he asked, his eyes twinkling with amusement.
Rose took a deep breath and smiled, "Of course, Your Grace." As they walked, she leaned in and whispered, "We have much to discuss about you and Miss Jameson."
Thomas's expression grew serious, and he hissed, "No, we do not. Leave that door closed, Rose. Do not put your nose into things that are not your affair."
Rose's smile faded, and she straightened her posture. "I am only trying to understand you better, Thomas. I have heard things that concern me, and I want to know the truth."
Thomas sighed, his eyes softening. "I understand that, Rose. But some things are better left in the past. Trust me when I say that my relationship with Miss Jameson is nothing for you to worry about."
As they entered the dining room, Rose took in the magnificent scene before her. The long dining table was set with the finest China and crystal, and the silverware glimmered in the candlelight. Footmen stood at attention, ready to serve the first course, and the aroma of roasted meats and fresh bread filled the air. Despite her reservations about Thomas's past, Rose allowed herself to be distracted and impressed by the grandeur of thedinner. She took her seat, and Thomas sat beside her. His hand brushed against hers sending a small jolt of warmth through her body.
The conversation was lively, and Rose was pleased to be able to add her own thoughts and opinions. However, her mind kept drifting back to what Lady Marlton had said about Miss Jameson, and she wondered what Thomas's past was really like.
Chapter Fourteen
As Rose made her way to the drawing room, she could not help but feel a sense of nerves building in her belly. This would be her first time helping the Dowager Duchess as a hostess at Thomas's house, and she wanted everything to be perfect. Earlier in the afternoon, she had been trying to extract an essence for a perfume, but she was so nervous about the dinner that she fumbled and broke one of the beakers.
She took a deep breath as she entered the drawing room, where Thomas and the Dowager Duchess were already waiting. Lord Finn had not yet arrived, but she could already feel the tension in the air.
"Rose, calm down," Thomas said, coming over to her. "You look lovely. Do not be nervous. I am sure everything will go smoothly."
Rose forced a smile, though her nerves were frayed as she awaited their guests' arrival. "Thank you, Thomas," she said. "I just hope I do not make a fool of myself tonight."
"Nonsense," the Dowager Duchess said, joining them. "You will do a wonderful job. You have all the makings of a true Duchess, Rose."
Rose was grateful for her kind words, but she still felt a sense of nervousness. As they waited for Lord Finn and his wife to arrive, Rose kept busy by adjusting the placement of the flowers and making sure everything was in its place. When Lord Finn finally arrived, Rose relaxed and pasted her brightest smile. Tonight was important to Thomas's cause, and she would do her utmost to charm their guests.
He was accompanied by his wife, Lady Finn, who was wearing a stunning dove-grey gown with pink lace. Rose was in awe of her beauty and style.
"Good evening, Lord Finn, Lady Finn," Rose said, greeting them as they entered. "It is a pleasure to have you here this evening."
"The pleasure is all ours," Lady Finn said, smiling warmly at Rose. "Your gown is simply stunning. The blue brings out the color of your eyes."
Rose blushed, feeling a burst of pride. "Thank you, Lady Finn. It's all thanks to Her Grace's impeccable taste."
Lady Finn chuckled. "Her Grace has always had an eye for fashion and style. I remember when we were young, we used to cause quite a stir with our daring outfits."
The Dowager Duchess smiled, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "Indeed, Lady Finn and I have shared many mischievous moments together. Our days of causing a stir may be behind us, but we still know how to have a good time."
"Lady Finn lifted her chin and gave her a false smile. "I gave up my mischief when I married my husband." She laid a possessive hand on Lord Finn's arm.
Rose looked at the two women in confusion, not understanding.Could they mean…?She sensed that it was not appropriate to continue in this vein. The conversation then turned to the latest gossip and news of theton.
Lady Finn chuckled. "You must forgive me; I simply cannot help myself sometimes. Do you remember the punch incident at Parker's ball? Oh, the scandal that caused! I was enjoying a glass of punch when suddenly, I found myself drenched in the sticky liquid. I was a sight to behold, let me tell you!"
The Dowager Duchess chuckled. "Oh, Lady Finn, you always know how to lighten the mood. I remember that night well. I was trying to hold back my laughter as I watched you trying to regain your composure."
Rose smiled, relieved at the change of subject. "It sounds like it was quite an eventful evening."
"Indeed," Lady Finn said. "But enough about me, what is the latest gossip of theton? I simply must know."
The Dowager Duchess leaned in, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "Well, it seems that Lady Beatrice has finally found a suitor in Lord Hollister. It has been quite the courtship, I must say."
Rose listened as the two women chatted about the latest happenings of theton. She was happy to be a part of their conversation, even if she did not always understand the context. It was a welcome change of pace from the formalities of society.
They chatted and sipped on champagne as they waited for dinner to be served. Rose was pleased that the conversation flowed naturally. Thomas looked handsome in his dark blue coat with fawn-colored trousers and as he leaned forward to tell Lord Finn of another successful meeting, his cufflinks sparkled in the candlelight. Rose felt a flutter in her chest as she watched him, and she could not help but feel proud of him.
However, her joy was short-lived. As the men excused themselves to talk in the study, Rose was left alone with Lady Finn and the Dowager Duchess. Lady Finn started to talk of Rose and Thomas's impending nuptials.
