"Thomas, I—"
Before Rose could pull away, Thomas leaned in and captured her lips in a kiss. She was caught off guard, but as she relaxed into the kiss, she could not help but feel a flicker of passion deep within her.
As the kiss deepened, Rose felt her heartbeat quicken until it seemed to echo in her ears. Their mutual excitement seemed to have elated them both and Thomas pulled her closer to him and deepened the kiss even further. They melted together, and Rose arched up and allowed his tongue to flick and stroke her own. He groaned and she threaded her fingers into the dark, silky tendrils at the base of his neck.
His lips released hers and she exposed her throat and he gently trailed kisses down her jawline. He licked and nipped the sensitive places where her collarbone met her neck. When he moved to her earlobe, Rose shuddered with pleasure.
Thomas lifted his head, and his eyes were hooded and intense as they gazed down at her. With the tip of his finger, he traced her clavicle following it down to the neckline of her dress. His lipsexplored the curve of her breasts as they threatened to escape from her gown and Rose gave out a heavy moan.
The sound of a door closing above them stopped further exploration. Rose pulled herself from his arms and quickly straightened her dress. "Someone is coming."
"I–I did not expect to–" Thomas stammered, still trying to catch his breath.
"Neither did I," Rose replied, her voice just as unsteady. They stood there in silence for a moment, looking at each other. Rose felt like she could look into Thomas's eyes forever.
Suddenly, the sound of footsteps echoed again through the hall and they both turn to see Hannah, Rose's lady's maid, approaching them. "Lady Rose," Hannah said, with a small curtsy. "Her Grace, the Dowager Duchess, said you would be looking for me."
Rose nodded, feeling a sense of disappointment. She had been so caught up in the moment with Thomas that she had forgotten all about Hannah. "Yes, of course," she said, clearing her throat. "I think it is time for me to retire for the night."
Thomas nodded, a small smile playing on his lips. "Yes, it has been a long day," he said. "I am going to retire to my study. Goodnight, Lady Rose."
"Goodnight, Your Grace," Rose said, watching as he strode down the hall and into his study. Confusion filled her as she thought about the feelings and the passion that Thomas had ignited within her. She was not sure what to do, but she knew one thing for certain – she was not quite ready to say goodbye to Thomas just yet.
Chapter Fifteen
Rose sat at her vanity while her lady's maid, Marie, styled her hair. She gazed out the window at the garden below, her thoughts drifting to her beloved plants. She had always had a passion for botany and loved to escape to her greenhouse to tend to her collection.
Marie caught her eye in the mirror and gave her a warm smile. "My lady, why do you enjoy your plants so much?" she asked, her gentle voice breaking through Rose's reverie.
Rose smiled back at her. "I find peace in their quiet presence," she said, her voice filled with wonder. "Each one is unique and has its own story to tell. When I care for them, I feel as if I am part of something greater than myself."
Marie continued to work on her hair, her deft hands pulling and pinning with care. Rose closed her eyes, allowing herself to be fully present at the moment. She was grateful for Marie'scompany and the opportunity to speak with her about her plants.
As Marie put the final touches on her hair, Rose took a deep breath and stood, ready to face the evening ahead. Though there was no longer any talk of an engagement with Thomas, she was still excited to spend the evening with him at the ball. She couldn't wait to dance and make memories that would last a lifetime.
Rose took a deep breath and made her way down the grand staircase of Everness House. She had been looking forward to this evening for days, ever since Thomas had extended the invitation for her to accompany him to the ball. She had heard that there would be many influential people in attendance and Thomas had confided in her that this was a crucial time for his reforms. She was eager to be by his side and support him in any way she could.
As she reached the bottom of the stairs, she expected to see Thomas waiting for her, but she found the Dowager Duchess. "Good evening, Your Grace," Rose said with a polite curtsy.
"Good evening, my dear," the Dowager replied. "I am afraid Thomas has been delayed at the House of Lords. He should be down shortly."
Rose tried not to show her disappointment as she followed the Dowager Duchess to the sitting room. She took a seat on the couch and tried to focus on the beautiful room around her. The Dowager took a seat opposite her.
"I have heard from many people that you have been an asset to Thomas," the Dowager said with a warm smile. "Your support of his reforms has not gone unnoticed. I am sure he will secure the vote he needs."
Rose felt a sense of pride and a flutter in her chest. "I support the work that Thomas is doing," she said. "I believe in the reforms he is proposing. They will make a real difference in the lives of so many people."
The two ladies continued to chat, discussing Thomas's plans and the progress he had made in the House of Lords. The Dowager was proud of her son and his work, and Rose felt grateful to be a part of it all. She couldn't wait to see Thomas and hear all about his day.
As Rose and the Dowager Duchess settled into the sitting room, the older woman sighed and leaned back into her chair. "I remember the days when I used to support my husband in the House of Lords. It was a different time then, but no less important." Rose smiled politely, intrigued by the Dowager's reminiscing. "It must have been quite a journey, Your Grace." The Dowager nodded, her eyes distant. "Yes, it was. The Duke was a great man. He worked tirelessly to make this country a better place for all of its citizens." Rose noticed a hint of sadness in the Dowager's voice and wondered what had caused it. "Did something happen?" she asked softly. The Dowager looked up and met Rose's gaze. "There is always loss when one dedicates their life to a cause, my dear. It is a heavy burden to carry, but one that must be shouldered if we wish to see change in the world." Rose understood what the Dowager was saying. She, too, was dedicated to helping Thomas and his cause. "I couldn't agreemore, Your Grace," she said, smiling. "I believe that Thomas's reforms will make a real difference in people's lives."
As Rose and the Dowager Duchess continued their conversation, the sound of footsteps caught their attention. Rose turned to see Thomas entering the sitting room, and her breath caught in her throat. He was dressed in a pristine midnight blue coat and breeches, his dark hair styled to perfection. The cut of his coat emphasized his broad shoulders, and the fabric hugged his lean frame in all the right places. As he approached, Rose admired the way he carried himself with such effortless grace and confidence.
Thomas greeted the Dowager Duchess with a bow, before turning his attention to Rose. His eyes met hers and a small smile played at the corner of his lips. "Lady Rose, you look stunning," he said, his voice warm.
Rose felt a flush rise to her cheeks. She had never been one to blush easily, but something about Thomas's gaze was disarming. She looked down at her hands, hoping to hide her embarrassment. "Thank you, Your Grace," she said softly.
The Dowager Duchess stood, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "Well, now that you're both here, let us be on our way. I have a feeling tonight is going to be quite the event." She took Thomas's arm and led the way out of the sitting room, leaving Rose to follow in their wake.
