"Uses?" Thomas repeated, intrigued. Rose nodded, looking up at him.
"Yes, I use them to make perfumes, soaps, and other things," she said, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "I find it relaxing and it is a way to express my creativity."
"That is truly remarkable," Thomas said, his voice filled with admiration. "I have never met someone who was so passionate about plants. Or who could do what you do."
Rose smiled. "I suppose it is just a hobby of mine," she said, her voice soft. "But I find it so fulfilling and it gives me a sense of peace."
"It is wonderful to see someone with such a love for life," he said, his tone filled with admiration. "It is a rare quality, indeed."
Thomas felt a twinge of regret as he looked at Rose. She was so lovely with her rosy cheeks and eyes the color of the summer sky.
If only we had met under different circumstances.
Despite this, he could not deny that she was exactly what he needed to convince everyone of his sincerity in finding a wife. Her beauty and intelligence would help him win over the members of the House of Lords, who had been skeptical of his intentions. Rose would be the key to convincing them of his commitment to finding a suitable match.
Thomas continued to study Rose. Her delicate features and stunning beauty were undeniable, and he knew that her beauty and quick wit would be instrumental in convincing the members of the House of Lords of his sincerity in finding a wife.
"May I ask, Lady Rose, how well-known is the news of your recent events?" Thomas asked, breaking the comfortable silence. "I worry that you will invite scandal to be attached to your name."
Rose gave him a small smile. "The wedding was a small one, and the groom was from a remote part of Scotland. It's unlikely that anyone in thetonknows about it. At least not yet…"
Thomas nodded, relieved. "I see."Exactly what I needed to know.
Chapter Four
As Rose and Thomas made their way to the dining room, she felt a mix of conflicting emotions. On one hand, she had genuinely enjoyed their walk in the garden and the conversations they had shared. However, she also knew that her family was likely searching for her and worrying about her safety. This thought caused her to feel guilt and regret for causing them distress.
Yet, as she looked at Thomas and the way he carried himself, she was glad that she had not gone through with the wedding. The thought of being married to a stranger, someone who she had no connection with, filled her with dread. Despite her conflicting emotions, Rose pushed them aside, determined to enjoy this moment with Thomas. Perhaps it would be the last time she would ever see him, and she wanted to make the most of it, as it was the first time she met a man who made her heart race like that.
The dining room was grand, with high ceilings and ornate chandeliers that cast a warm glow on the elegant furnishings. Along, polished mahogany table dominated the room, surrounded by plush velvet chairs. The table was set with fine China, crystal glasses, and silverware, and the scent of delicious food filled the air.
Rose took a seat across from Thomas who poured her a small glass of wine. The table was covered in an array of dishes, including roasted meats, vegetables, and fruit. A footman stood at attention, ready to serve them. Rose felt a pang of nerves as she wondered if she would be able to keep up with the duke’s conversation. She had spoken extensively of her plants and own interests, but she worried that he would grow bored of such talk. But to her surprise, Thomas was surprisingly down-to-earth and kind.
As they ate their meal, Thomas told Rose about his family and his position in the House of Lords.
Thomas smiled, his eyes shining with pride. "My father was a great man, Rose. He was a member of the House of Lords and a passionate advocate for the poor and the downtrodden. He was always working to make a difference in the world, and I am striving to continue his work."
Rose listened intently as Thomas spoke, his love for his father and his passion for making a difference in the world evident in every word. She found herself drawn to him, and she admired his dedication to a cause greater than himself.
"I just wish that more people could understand the importance of these reforms," Thomas said, looking frustrated. "I amdetermined to do anything it takes to help this place become a better one for the less fortunate."
Rose listened intently, feeling a sense of respect for the duke. She could see the passion in his eyes, and she admired his dedication to his cause. "Why are they so obstinate to your suggestions?"
"It is not easy," Thomas admitted. "There are many in the House of Lords who are not supportive of my work. They see me as nothing more than a man who is playing at politics, and they doubt my sincerity when it comes to reforms for widows and children. Not to mention that many of them benefit from poor houses and keep all the donations to themselves."
Rose could see the frustration in his eyes, and she felt a surge of empathy for him. "It must be difficult," she said, "to fight against such opposition and greed."
"It is," Thomas said. "But I believe in what I am doing, and I will not let anyone stand in my way. I have a plan, and I am determined to see it through. This time things will be different."
With that, Thomas raised his glass, and Rose followed suit, not fully understanding what he meant with that last comment. They clinked their glasses together, and Thomas looked deep into her eyes. "To making a difference," he said.
"To making a difference," Rose echoed, a smile spreading across her face. Thomas gave her a wolfish grin that for a moment tookher aback, but then he lifted his glass and drank deeply from it. Rose dismissed it as a trick of the light.
After they finished their meal. Rose felt exhaustion overtaking her. It had been a long and emotionally exhausting day. "I apologize, Your Grace, but I seem to be quite tired. I hope you will not think me rude if I go up to bed."
"Not at all," Thomas said. "It is perfectly understandable. I shall see you in the morning, my Lady."
Rose gave him one last look as she left the sitting room. He was really quite handsome. She regretted not having a chance to get to know him better, but she needed to continue her escape lest she be found by her family and forced to marry.
