Thomas nodded, clearly grateful for the reprieve. "Yes, of course. Mr. James, please show our guests to the sitting room. I will join you shortly."
Rose followed the butler, her brothers in tow, a knot forming in her stomach at the confrontation that was to come. It was going to be a very long day.
As they entered the sitting room, Rose made the introductions. "Your Grace, may I introduce my brothers, William and Cassian Thornhill. Gentlemen, this is the Dowager Duchess of Everness."
The Dowager Duchess greeted them with a nod of her head. "It is a pleasure to meet you, gentlemen. Please, do sit."
As they all settled into the sitting room, a footman entered, carrying a tray of tea. The Dowager Duchess gestured for him to place it on the table and began pouring cups for everyone. The room was filled with an uncomfortable silence, the only sound being the gentle clinking of the teacups as they were passed around.
Just then, Thomas appeared in dry clothing, his hair neatly combed. He looked refreshed and in control, but Rose could sense the tension in him. He crossed the room and took a seat across from her brothers.
"Gentlemen," Thomas said, addressing Rose's brothers. "I trust that you have made my mother's acquaintance."
William and Cassian both nodded, but they said nothing. The tension in the room was palpable, and Rose took a sip of her tea to calm her nerves.
"I must apologize for my absence," Thomas continued. "I needed to change out of my wet clothing. I am sure you understand."
The room was silent for a moment before the Dowager Duchess spoke up. "Now, Thomas, why don't you tell us what is going on? Why have Rose's brothers come all the way to London to see her? I thought her family was in the countryside for the Season?"
Rose could see the turmoil on Thomas's face. "I have not been—"
"Someone has said that our engagement is a sham. I fear that this rumor has cost Thomas the vote he has worked so desperately to pass," Rose said.
The Dowager Duchess's eyes widened in surprise. "What do you mean the bill didn't pass? I thought it was a sure thing with all the support you had gathered."
Thomas cast a long look in her direction. "I do not need you to do this, Lady Rose."
The Dowager Duchess cleared her throat. "I am not quite sure what is going on between the two of you, however, I had heard talk that I should have told you about, Thomas."
Thomas's brow wrinkled in confusion. "What are you talking about, Mother?"
The Dowager Duchess shook her head. "I warned you not to trifle with Miss Jameson's feelings, Thomas. She has beenspreading the most vicious lies about you and Rose. I thought they would go away once we posted the official announcement this week, but it is clear that the damage has been done."
Thomas jumped up and his fists clenched at his side. "I cannot believe that she would do such a vile thing."
Rose leaned forward, her voice calm. "We should host a dinner party to dispel the rumors. Your reforms are too important to let Miss Jameson's lies get in the way."
But Thomas was having none of it. "I will not have my life dictated by a woman who is nothing more than a petty, spiteful gossip. I will find another way to deal with this."
Rose's heart sank at Thomas's rejection of her suggestion, but she refused to be defeated. She would find a way to help Thomas, even if it meant going against his wishes. "Thomas, if you would only listen to me–"
Thomas stood up from his chair, his eyes blazing with anger. "Lady Rose, I think it would be best if you left. I cannot have you interfering in this matter. It is too dangerous for you."
Rose rose from her seat, desperation creeping into her voice. "Please, Your Grace, I implore you to reconsider. Your reforms are too important to be derailed by Miss Jameson's lies."
Thomas crossed his arms over his chest, his eyes daring her to say more. "I have already made my stance clear, Lady Rose. I do not need your help."
"Come on, Rose. There is no point in continuing this discussion right now. It is clear that His Grace is not willing to address the matter," William said, his voice surprisingly gently. "The servants have opened the London townhouse. We will stay there for the next few days before returning home."
It was with a heavy heart that Rose left Everness House. The rain had slowed to a slow drizzle. It suited her mood. She clutched her cloak tightly around her as they rode their horses to their townhome on the West End. Her tears mixed with the rain, and Rose could not help but feel like she was losing everything that mattered.
As they reached the townhome, William dismounted and turned to her. "Rose, we are not going to let this matter rest. I promise you that. We are here for you, no matter what."
She looked at him, taking comfort in his words. "Thank you, William. I need your help. I need to fix this, but I do not know how."
Cassian stepped forward, his young eyes fierce. "We will not let your reputation be ruined."
"I have an idea," Rose said, slowly. "If you are truly willing to help, I will do anything. I will even marry someone of your choice if you just help me fix this."
