Cassian nodded in agreement. "We had to delay our trip back to London, but when we heard the rumors, we decided to come to get you."
Rose was shocked. "What? I cannot believe this has reached our parents' ears."
William's expression softened. "Father got sick, so Mother stayed behind to nurse him back to health. We came to see if the rumors were true. They had been all the way to Scotland, Rose. Only to find out you were never there."
"And we have heard that you have been quite enchanting to the members of theton, so I had a hard time believing you were the same person they were talking about," Cassian added, a hint of a smirk on his face. "Thank goodness they have not learned of your behavior yet or our family's reputation would already be in ruins."
Rose sighed, feeling overwhelmed. "I did not mean for any of this to happen," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. There was a crack of thunder and a light rain began to fall.
William shook his head. "That does not excuse the fact that our family's reputation has been tarnished in some circles of the countryside already. The earl left in quite a dither, and I am sure that news will eventually reach theton. And what about Daphne's prospects? Did you think about that before running away?"
"I do not want to get married," Rose replied, her voice firm. "I want to live my own life. You would not listen–"
Cassian stepped forward. His expression was serious. "If the Duke does not marry you, I will kill him," he said, his voice low and dangerous.
Rose's eyes widened in shock. "Cassian, you are too young for such things," she said, placing a hand on his arm. "And I do not intend to marry Thomas."
"Thomas?" William stepped between them, and his eyes locked on Rose's. "We need to speak with him, especially if you are on such familiar terms," he said, his voice firm.
As the rain intensified, pummeling the ground outside the stables, Rose stood her ground, determination etched on her features. "I am leaving, no matter what. This is what brings me happiness."
Suddenly, Thomas appeared at the door of the stables, his face a mask of despair. Rose's heart sank at the sight of him. Something was very wrong. She looked behind him. "Thomas? Where is your carriage?"
He sighed, raindrops dripping from the brim of his hat. "I decided to walk home. I needed to clear my head."
"Thomas," she said softly, taking a step toward him. "What happened?"
"I failed," Thomas said, his voice heavy with defeat. "Everyone voted against me. The bill did not pass."
Rose shook her head, disbelief written all over her face. "That cannot be possible. We were so sure it would pass. But everyone had said–"
"Stop looking for excuses," Thomas said, his voice growing more desolate. "I am a loser, a disappointment. I failed everyone, including you."
Rose's heart ached for him, but she did not know what to say or do to make things better. She stood there, watching as Thomas's shoulders sagged in defeat, rain pouring down.
Thomas looked up and it must have dawned on him that others were present. He looked from Rose to her brothers. "Gentlemen, to what do I owe the honor?"
William stepped forward, a determined look on his face. "I am William, Lady Rose's eldest brother, and I demand to speak with you."
Thomas arched a brow, his expression unreadable. "I am sorry, but now is really not a good time."
William's expression darkened, and Rose could see that he was not used to being challenged. "I know who you are, Your Grace, and your reputation. And I have come to speak with you about my sister."
"And your alleged engagement," Cassian chimed in, puffing out his chest.
"Cassian, please," Rose said, trying to calm her younger brother. "Thomas and I are not engaged, and there are no plans for us to be."
Thomas's eyes narrowed. "I do not know how you would have learned of an engagement. There have been no official announcements."
Cassian's hands tightened into fists. "Are you saying you do not plan to marry my sister? Then, I shall challenge you to a duel. I will not have you ruining her reputation."
Thomas raised a brow. "A duel? That seems rather extreme, don't you think?"
William stepped forward, a hand on his brother's shoulder. "We received word that Rose was under the Dowager Duchess's wing, and rumors of an engagement were spreading throughout theton. We have heard from one quarter that you are to be married and others have claimed that there is no engagement and Rose is living as your mistress. We came to investigate the matter and ensure that Rose's reputation remains unscathed."
Rose looked at her brothers, feeling torn. On one hand, she was grateful that they had come to check on her. On the other hand, she did not need their protection. "Gentlemen, I appreciate your concern, but I assure you, there is no engagement. And even if there were, I am quite capable of handling my own reputation," Rose said.
Just then, Mr. James, the butler, appeared in the doorway of the stable, dripping wet from the rain. "Pardon me, Your Grace, but the Dowager Duchess has demanded that everyone come inside out of the rain."
