If lightning struck from the clearest of summer skies, Rose would not have been more shocked than she was at that moment, hearing Mr. Hancock’s explanation.
“I apologize for being so suspicious of you,” he continued, carefully choosing every word. “And for being so cold. My loyalty to the duke and his family has been unwavering for many years, and I feared that your arrival here might disrupt everything, especially His Grace’s life. Everything I did, I did to protect him.”
“I know,” she nodded. She felt the urge to gently place her hand on the man’s shoulder, to assure him that his apology was not only accepted but also highly appreciated, but she didn’t want to overstep her boundaries. “I could see how loyal you were to him from the first moment I stepped into this mansion. And there is absolutely no need to apologize for anything, Mr. Trent. You were doing your duty, and the duke is fortunate to have someone like you by his side.”
“Thank you for saying that, Miss Rose,” Mr. Hancock smiled. It was yet another thing that caught her off guard. If she had ever seen him smile, it was from afar, when talking to someone else, and it was just a flicker that seemed to disappear as hastily as it had appeared. But now, that smile lingered, and it was aimed at her.
“I understand you have always been protective of the duke,” she added. “I know how that feels.”
“If you don’t mind me saying, I have noticed that,” he replied, words that made Rose immediately blush at the implication.
“There is also something I wanted to tell you as well,” she said, in an effort to change the topic. “That night in the kitchen with Mr. Trent… I never thanked you for being there.”
Mr. Hancock shook his head, a look of puzzlement on his face. “I’m sure I do not know what you mean. I merely walked into the kitchen by accident, and it happened to be at the right moment.”
“Oh,” she said, locking her hands in front of her. “Well, even if it were an accident, I would still like you to know that I am grateful for your arrival. You… saved me.”
Mr. Hancock sighed heavily, then he nodded. “I was merely keeping an eye on Mr. Trent,” he explained, obviously deciding not to hide his intentions any longer, for which she was grateful. She wanted him to know that she was on his side, that she wasn’t his enemy. On the contrary, they were both passionately protective and loyal to William. “There was something about him I just didn’t like,” he admitted further. “I pride myself on being a good judge of character, but with you, Miss Rose, I made a mistake, and I apologize yet again.”
“Your apology is accepted,” she smiled.
“At least I was right about Mr. Trent,” he added. “And he will receive the punishment he deserves. I do believe that everyone receives their due in the end. Don’t you?”
“I do,” she nodded. “Fate has a way of arranging things thusly.”
“Indeed,” he confirmed. He glanced out of the window, into the garden. Then he looked at her again. “I do believe that His Grace is waiting for you in the garden right now.”
Rose’s eyebrow rose. “How do you know this?”
He smiled reassuringly, which only seemed to deepen the mystery. “Just go, Miss Rose.”
She hesitated for a moment, then she turned around and rushed out in the direction of the garden. She had no idea what to expect, but the very thought that William was waiting for her there was enough to make her feet run so fast, as if they were not even touching the ground.
Chapter 29
As Rose stepped out of the manor house, she squinted against the bright afternoon sun. The manor’s grounds were bustling with activity, but her attention was immediately drawn to William. He stood near the main gate, speaking with the last of the workers who were packing up their tools, ready to leave for the day.
Among the workers, she recognized two familiar faces—her brother’s former friends. These were the very troublemakers who had once attacked William. Seeing them now, a pang of mixed emotions ran through her.
She noted the shame in their expressions when they spotted her, their eyes avoiding direct contact. It seemed they were making a genuine effort to atone for their past actions, but Rose couldn’t help feeling relieved that her brother had distanced himself from their influence.
She knew that her brother had a good soul. But he was easily led astray by those so-called friends of his. It pained her to remember everything he had done, everything they all had done to William, but she knew that there was no point in dwelling on the past, especially now that everyone was showing genuine remorse, willing to make up for their wrongdoings and turn over a new leaf.
The thought made her smile. She could already imagine how the entire village would thrive, as they all worked together. It was a wonderfully hopeful idea which she knew would slowly come to life. Rose approached William, her steps light on the gravel path. He looked up as she neared, his stern expression softening into a smile. The workers, including the two former friends, nodded respectfully to her before continuing their tasks.
“Rose,” William greeted warmly, “I was just finishing up with the workers. It seems the repairs are coming along nicely.”
“I’m glad to hear that,” Rose replied, her eyes briefly flickering to the two boys who had caused them so much trouble. “It looks like everyone is putting in a good effort.”
William followed her gaze, his expression understanding. “Yes, even those who once made mistakes. People can change, given the chance and the right motivation.”
Rose nodded, appreciating William’s perspective. “I suppose you’re right. I’m just glad my brother has chosen better company now.”
“Your brother is a good boy, Rose. He’s learning and growing, just as we all are,” William said reassuringly.
The two former friends glanced over again, this time with a hint of remorse and perhaps a silent plea for forgiveness. Rose acknowledged them with a slight nod, a gesture of tentative acceptance. She hoped they would continue on a better path.
As the last of the workers began to depart, William turned to Rose, offering his arm. “Shall we take a walk? There’s something I’ve been meaning to discuss with you.”
