"I have seen firsthand the struggles of those in need," Rose replied, her voice firm. "I have worked with the widows and orphans in my family's estate. Our responsibility is to help them. We have a duty to those who cannot help themselves."
The duke blustered for a moment, clearly taken aback by Rose's words. "Well, I must admit, Lady Rose, you make good points. Perhaps I have been too hasty in my opposition."
Thomas watched as the duke walked away, his mind whirling with thoughts of Rose's passion and dedication. A deep admiration for her and her unwavering commitment to helping him secure the vote filled him.
Rose's heart raced as she watched the Duke of Balderson retreat, her mind still simmering with anger at his dismissive attitude toward the plight of the less fortunate. She had always known that she was a passionate person, but she had never felt such a powerful urge to stand up for what was right before.
As she walked alongside Thomas, she could feel his warm hand at the small of her back, guiding her through the crowded ballroom. She was grateful for his support, and she felt a sense of pride knowing that she had helped sway the Duke of Balderson.
Thomas turned to her, a warm smile on his face. "Rose, I cannot thank you enough for your quick thinking back there. You truly are a remarkable woman."
Rose felt a blush rise to her cheeks, feeling a sense of warmth at Thomas's words. She had never been appreciated for her intellect before, and it felt good to be valued for something other than her beauty.
As they reached a secluded corner of the ballroom, Thomas took her hand, his thumb tracing sensual circles on her glove. The touch sent shivers down her spine, and she felt a flutter in her stomach. She was suddenly very aware of how close Thomas was, and she felt a little breathless.
Rose felt a shiver run down her spine as Thomas's hand lingered on hers. He looked at her with a smoldering gaze, causing her heart to race. She knew that she needed to pull away and put some distance between them before they caused a scene.
"Thomas," she whispered, her voice barely above a whisper. "We need to mingle with the other guests. People are starting to notice."
Thomas released her hand, a regretful expression on his face. "You're right," he said. "We cannot compromise your reputation."
Despite his words, the way he was looking at her promised so much more. The tension between them was palpable, and Rose's heart fluttered in her chest. She knew she needed to be careful and not let a brief flare of passion for each other get the best of them.
"Come," she said, taking his arm. "Let us go and speak with Lord and Lady Finn. They have been asking about your speech in the House of Lords."
Thomas nodded, a smile playing at the corners of his mouth. "Of course. Lead the way."
Rose pasted a smile on her face as she turned to Lady Flinn, determined to keep her feelings under control. But she could not help the turmoil that was building inside her. She was more attracted to Thomas than she had ever been to any man before, and it was both exhilarating and terrifying. She had promised herself that she would remain free of emotional tangles with men, but now she was not so sure she would be able to keep that promise. She felt frustrated with herself, knowing that she was falling deeper and deeper under Thomas's spell. But she was powerless to stop it, and that only made her more determined to keep her distance and guard her heart, no matter how much she longed to be near him.
Chapter Sixteen
As Thomas and Rose stepped into the front hallway of his home, he could feel his chest swelling with pride. The dinner at the Earl of Parham's estate had been a success, and he had managed to secure even more support for his proposed law. The two of them had been to several dinner parties and a ball over the past fortnight, and this evening, he believed that he had secured the last of the support he would need.
He turned to Rose and smiled, taking her hand and bringing it to his lips. "You were magnificent tonight," he said, his eyes shining with admiration. "I cannot thank you enough for your help."
Rose smiled demurely and lowered her eyes. "It was my pleasure, Your Grace," she said, her voice soft and demure. "I am always happy to help."
As they made their way to the sitting room, Thomas could hear his mother's voice calling out from within. "Thomas, you and Rose come and join me for a nightcap."
Thomas smiled and led Rose into the sitting room. The Dowager Duchess was sitting in her favorite chair, a glass of brandy in hand, and she beamed as they entered.
"I am so pleased you two could join me," she said, her voice warm and welcoming. "I was hoping to hear about your evening at the Parham estate. Did everything go well?"
Thomas grinned and poured himself a drink, taking a seat across from his mother. "It was a resounding success," he said, his voice filled with confidence. "I managed to secure even more support for my proposed law, and I owe much of my success to Rose."
The Dowager Duchess smiled and raised her glass in salute. "To Rose, then," she said, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "She is a true asset to this family."
Thomas nodded, his eyes never leaving Rose's. "Indeed, she is," he said, his voice low and filled with meaning. "I am the luckiest man in the world to have her by my side." Rose could swear for a split second that he really meant it.
"I am so pleased to see you both back safely," The Dowager Duchess said as she took a sip of her brandy. "Now, I have something of great importance to discuss with the both of you."
Thomas's smile faded as he caught the tone in his mother's voice. "What is it, Mother?"
"It is about your engagement. You have delayed your marriage for long enough. It is time for you to set a date and start planning the guest list," she said, looking at both of them intently.
Rose shifted in her seat, looking uncomfortable. She did not look at Thomas and instead gave the Dowager Duchess a benign smile. "I apologize, Your Grace, but my mother is not well, and I cannot think about planning a wedding until she is better. I want to make sure she is well taken care of before making any big decisions."
"Indeed. Your mother's health is most important." Thomas cleared his throat and avoided direct eye contact with his mother. "Mother, we have been quite busy with other things. I assure you that the wedding plans are on our minds."
