Rose could not help but laugh at the image. "What did you do?"
"I clung to the horse's mane with all my might and prayed to make it back to the stable in one piece. Eventually, the horse slowed down, and I was able to jump off and run back home. My pride was a little dented, but my spirit was unbroken."
Rose smiled, charmed by his story. She started to relax, and the tension of the day slowly melted away. The scent of leather and the sound of the horses' hooves on the road created a peaceful background as they talked, and Rose felt that a divine force had sent this man to rescue her in her moment of need.
As they approached Everness House, Rose was in awe of the beautiful estate. The sprawling mansion sat atop a hill surrounded by meticulously kept gardens and a large pond. The building was made of stone, with tall columns and intricate carvings adorning the exterior. Rose was amazed by the size of the place as it was far larger than her own family's castle.
As they drove through the gates, Thomas informed Rose that his home was originally built by his great-grandfather and had been passed down from generation to generation. She was struck by the sense of history and tradition that surrounded the place, and she could not help but feel a bit intimidated as her own family had bought their castle the previous year.
The carriage pulled up to the entrance, and Thomas stepped out, offering Rose his hand. She took it, feeling a thrill run through her as she stepped out onto the cobblestone drive.
"I hope you like my humble country abode."
Thomas led Rose up the steps and into the grand entrance hall. The space was filled with light from the tall windows, and Rose could see intricate moldings and paintings adorning the walls. The sound of their footsteps echoed through the marble floor, and Rose was struck with a sense of grandeur.
This place is quite far from what one would call humble.
"Mr. James, please see to it that a room is prepared for our guest, Lady Rose," Thomas called out to his butler as they entered the house. "Also, it is proper that she has a maid by her side as a chaperone at all times."
"Of course, Your Grace," Mr. James replied, bowing. He gestured to a maid, Marie, who stepped forward. "Marie, please lead Lady Rose to the bedchamber and bring her a clean gown."
It is fortunate that he is concerned with keeping my reputation intact. This means I do not have to worry about him having any devious thoughts for me. Not that I would be too disappointed if he…
Marie curtsied and led Rose up the grand staircase and down a long, ornate hallway. The room she was shown to was a beautiful and spacious chamber with a large four-poster bed and a view of the gardens. Rose could not help but feel grateful for the kindness and generosity Thomas had shown her. Despite her reservations about him, she was looking forward to spending the night in the luxurious surroundings of Everness House.
Chapter Three
Thomas watched as Marie led Lady Rose up the stairs. He had found himself delighted in their conversation as they rode in the carriage. She was not only beautiful, but intelligent with a sparkling wit that he rarely found in other women of theton.
She would do perfectly for what I need.
"Your Grace, what brings you back home so suddenly?" Mr. James asked, bowing his head in respect. "Were you not supposed to attend the House of Lords tomorrow?"
"I happened on an accident on the road and had to come back. I should depart for London again soon enough, but what is the point, James? They still see me as nothing more than a rake and doubt my sincerity when it comes to any of my suggestions and reforms." Thomas frowned. "I understand their skepticism, but I am no longer the man I used to be. I have a genuine passion for helping those in need, and I am determined to makea difference. They will see that eventually and give me their vote of trust."
Mr. James nodded, "I have faith in you, Your Grace. You will succeed in your mission, and I am honored to be by your side in this endeavor."
"Thank you, Mr. James. I appreciate your unwavering support."
"Have you considered any course of action that might benefit your noble endeavors, Your Grace?"
"This chance encounter with Lady Rose gave me an idea I should like to explore. It might be the solution to all of my problems." Thomas grinned, feeling a sense of excitement building within him.
"I do not understand, Your Grace," Mr. James said, looking perplexed.
"I remembered something my father told me one day. A man alone is half a person, but a man accompanied by the right woman, he has the power to turn tides."
"His Grace was a wise man. Especially when it came to politics. But how does this relate to the woman we are hosting?"
"My peers at the House of Lords think of me as nothing but a rake and a libertine. My words hold no value for them because even my mother has sullied our good family name. Gettingmarried or even engaged to a bright and proper lady might change their opinions of me."
"So, you intend to officially court this lady, Your Grace?"
"Yes and no, James. She is a woman who has fled from home and a marriage she does not want," Thomas explained, his voice filled with excitement. "And that means she might be desperate enough to agree to anything I ask of her. If I am to convince my peers that Idocare about widows and orphans, I need to show them I am no longer the rake they think I am."
"I am sorry, Your Grace, but I am failing to understand how the arrival of her ladyship will help you if you do not court her." Mr. James's brows drew down even further in confusion.
"If she will pretend to be my betrothed, then the others will see that I am a changed man who is committed to family and those less fortunate. Lady Rose is beautiful, well-spoken, and in desperate straits. Don't you see that this will solve all my problems?" Thomas practically crowed in delight.
