Chapter 21

The Ball Is Here

As Rose sat across from Alexander in the carriage, she noticed a stiffness in him. His shoulders were squared, as if readying himself for a fight, and his honey-colored eyes were distant.

"You seem preoccupied. Is it tonight that troubles you or something else?" Rose tilted her head.

Alexander grimaced. "It is a little of both. Something happened while I was in town, but I do not wish to trouble you with it. In fact, that is the reason I was delayed this evening."

Rose frowned. "Perhaps I wish to be troubled."

Alexander shook his head, his smile tight. "I would rather not discuss it. There is too much I do not know, and I find that it only adds to my nerves."

"Your nerves?"

"I am not sure that this was a prudent idea. The last ball I went to… well, it was somewhat of a disaster." Alexander tugged at his collar. "You must remember how they reacted when I entered."

Rose nodded. "I do. And they shall probably react similarly when we arrive. But that does not mean we should not attend. Besides, not everything that came out of that night was so awful."

Alexander smiled, his eyes soft. "That is true."

The carriage rolled to a stop, and Rose took his hand in her own. "It is time."

Alexander swallowed, and she thought that he looked as though he were heading to the gallows. She resisted laughing and instead squeezed his hand as they made their way into the ballroom.

"His Grace the Duke of Emberly, and her Grace the Duchess of Emberly," the master of ceremonies boomed.

There were gasps from all around them. In the distance, the sound of glass shattering cut through the whispers. Servants darted forward, desperate to clean up the mess but unable to get through the crowd, which seemed somehow frozen in place. Rose felt Alexander stiffen beside her.

Rose surveyed the room, thinking back to the list she had made with her mother and Jane the day before.

Rose had frowned at the guest list laid out on the table in front of her as she said, "Well, Miss Carstairs must be within earshot. The woman loves to gossip, and we can use that to our advantage."

She had been in the drawing room. Sitting beside her was her middle sister, Jane, whilst her youngest sister Emily sat in the window seat, staring out at the gardens. Lady Cotswalts was pacing as she listened to their plans.

"But Miss Carstairs likes tawdry, sensational gossip. That is hardly going to help you and the Duke." Jane frowned, drumming her hands on the edge of the table. "Saying that the Duke isn't some malevolent villain is hardly an interesting tidbit."

Rose sighed. "I know. But in this instance, you must also remember that there is power in silence. If Miss Carstairs has nothing interesting to report, that in and of itself will be a triumph."

Jane's eyes widened.

Lady Cotswalts nodded approvingly. She pursed her lips thoughtfully and then said, "Though we need to make sure we spread some positive rumors as well."

"I am aware." Rose gestured to the list before her. "This is why I have tried to gather a list of attendees. We can assume that some will not attend, but from what the Dowager Duchess has told us, it is likely that most of the ton will be in attendance."

She paused, running a finger over the paper before her. Jane peered over her shoulder, while their mother tapped her chin in thought. Emily was humming to herself as she looked out the window.

"What about the Earl of Whitstone and his wife?" Jane pointed to two names on the list. "Their second son, Johnathan or perhaps William… Regardless, I believe their second son has recently taken his orders and is awaiting his first placement."

Rose nodded, the wheels in her mind spinning. "I think his name is William. Mother always said to know what you are selling, and what better way to sell yourself to a parent than to aid their son?"

Now, Rose saw the Whitstones standing beside a pillar on the edge of the dance floor. She gently squeezed Alexander's arm and gestured towards them with a nod of her head.

"That is the Earl of Whitstone and his wife, the Countess of Whitstone." Rose paused, looking for any sign of their sons but seeing none. "Let us speak with them a moment."

Alexander nodded but did not say anything.

Rose held in a sigh and plastered a smile on her face.

I will show him that he can do this.

She could feel the eyes on them, and she made sure to walk with calm grace.

"Good evening, Lord Whitstone, Lady Whitstone." She curtsied to the Earl and Countess. "It is so lovely to see you both once more."

"Oh, Miss—I mean, Your Grace. How wonderful to see you! How are you?" Lord Whitstone beamed at her.

"I am well, thank you." Rose smiled, noting the way the pair's eyes darted from Alexander to her. "I do not believe you have had the chance to meet my husband, the Duke of Emberly."

"Your Grace." Lord Whitstone bowed to Alexander, before hastily looking away.

"Lord Whitstone." Alexander returned the bow and then bowed to the severe-looking woman beside him. "Lady Whitstone."

Lady Whitstone curtsied but did not say anything. She stood stiff, regarding him coolly.

"How was your journey?" Rose asked, as silence threatened to suffocate their small group. "If I recall, Whitstone Hall is quite far to the North."

Lord Whitstone nodded. "Indeed. And we made the mistake of taking an alternative route so that we could visit the Baron Danby, yet we forgot how awful the roads were."

"Honestly, it is a miracle we made it here this evening!" Lady Whitstone agreed, warmth in her voice as she looked at Rose.

"The road to Lord Danby's estate is quite treacherous. If I recall, he has had some trouble with highwaymen as of late." Alexander's voice was pensive.

Lord Whitstone's eyes widened, but he did not say anything. His wife's expression cooled noticeably.

"Is this why you insisted on hiring guards for our journey and for our mothers' journey as well?" Rose laughed softly and smiled at Alexander. "My dearest, you do worry so."

"I would not see any harm come to those I love." Alexander gazed at her, his features softening.

Out of the corner of her eye, Rose noticed the Whitstones see the softness in Alexander as he gazed at her.

Good.

Alexander stroked his chin. "The Baron must be a most valued friend for you to have risked so much and taken such a detour."

Lord Whitstone nodded, finally meeting his gaze. For a moment, silence hung over, and then Alexander added, "If I do remember correctly, his estate would add at least a half day to the journey from Whitstone, no?"

"Indeed, yes." Lord Whitstone looked surprised.

"Why make such a dangerous trip?" Rose asked.

Lord Whitstone glanced over his shoulder as he leaned closer to Rose and spoke softly, "In truth, we had heard that old Danby had a vacancy at the parsonage and we had hoped that he might consider our William for the position."

"Oh, I heard that he had taken orders. How wonderful." Rose clasped her hands together and risked a glance at Alexander. "I take it there is no such opportunity at Whitstone?"

"Unfortunately not. The last vicar passed away several years before William came of age, and the replacement is a young man of three-and-thirty." Lady Whitstone sighed.

"I believe that there could be an opportunity at Emberly." Alexander met Rose's gaze, and she could see the question in his eyes.

Do you wish me to offer this to them?

She nodded imperceptibly as she surveyed the Whitstones. They both looked taken aback.

Rose met Lady Whitstone's gaze and widened her smile as she said, "Oh, I had quite forgotten that Reverand Thatcher has retired. That is a wonderful idea, dearest!"

The Whitstones relaxed, the worry replaced by a tentative hope as Alexander said, "The parsonage is in good repair, but I would have him visit first, to see if the parish is to his liking. Then, if he is happy, I shall make the arrangements and would ask that he advise me about any improvements he may wish to make to the building."

Lady Whitstone seemed to be searching Alexander's face for some hidden meaning. "I am sure William will not wish to make any great changes. He is rather sensible."

"I am sure he is. Yet, he will bear a heavy responsibility, and I would see that he does so without wanting for anything. The parsonage should feel like his home." Alexander looked thoughtful.

A beat passed as Lady Whitsone seemed to come to some decision. She smiled at Alexander—a genuine and kind smile. And Rose knew that she was seeing the real him.

"We shall never forget this most generous gift, Your Grace. And I thank you, most earnestly."

"There is no need to thank me." Alexander gave a small smile. "It is simply fortunate timing. As my wife mentioned, we have recently had a vacancy, and this has saved me many months of trouble."

Rose beamed at the Whitstones, and out of the corner of her eye, she noticed Miss Carstairs watching their interaction. She looped an arm through Alexander's and nudged him slightly.

That will allow Miss Carstairs to better see the Whitstones and Alexander.

"If your son is to live at the parsonage, you must come visit us at Emberly," Rose offered, ensuring that her voice was not so loud but that it would carry.

"Indeed. We would welcome your company, should your son decide to take up the position." Alexander nodded.

"Your Grace, you are too kind." Lord Whitstone bowed. "We are most grateful."

"Indeed. I shall write to William as soon as possible and let him know the good news." Lady Whitstone clasped her husband's arm, her excitement evident.

"Think nothing of it." Rose glanced over Lady Whitstone's shoulder. "I fear we have kept you to ourselves for far too long. Pray, forgive us."

She gently guided Alexander away from the Whitstones, scanning the crowd for familiar faces. Across the room, she spotted her mother and the Dowager Duchess deep in conversation with Lady Humphries.

Is Lady Humphries the one who was recently widowed or is it Lady Bately?

"Did you know their son was looking for a placement?" Alexander's breath tickled her ear.

Rose suppressed a shiver and a smile. "Yes."

"And that is why you suggested we speak to them?" Alexander cocked his head.

Rose nodded. "As Mother says, you must know what it is you offer. We had a placement we need to fill, they have a son who needs a parsonage. This way, we all win, and we have a family who will remember your kindness."

Alexander looked thoughtful. "But we only have one parsonage. We cannot offer everyone such a thing."

"Indeed. Yet, we have more to offer." Rose made her way towards a small group of people on the edge of the dance floor.

"And this is all part of your attempt to control the rumors?" Alexander's voice was soft, barely audible even at their close proximity.

"Yes." Rose glanced around them.

There were still eyes following them, but she could tell who had spoken to the Whitstones and who hadn't. The majority clearly had not, as there were still surprised and suspicious glances.

That will change before the end of the night.

Over the next hour and a half, Rose and Alexander spoke to the Davenports and discussed the various ways in which one could entertain children.

This will show them his softer side.

Then they spoke to Lord Danby, discussing matters of security and safety.

So that people might see how Alexander cares for the safety of those around him.

They spoke to Lord Goldstone, Miss Carstairs, and countless others. With each conversation, Rose made sure Alexander was given a chance to shine in some way, though some were more fruitful than others. And as they navigated the crowds, Rose noticed the looks and whispers become less hostile.

Of course, there was still curiosity. There was fascination. But there was little disdain or mistrust.

It is the curiosity about a new, interesting object rather than the fascination with a caged, wild beast.

They were just finishing their rounds when Alexander turned to Rose, an odd look in his eyes. Rose tilted her head to the side.

"Would you honor me with the next dance?" Alexander asked, his voice soft.

Her heart skittered in her chest, and she felt a rush of warmth flow through her body. "I thought you would never ask."

Alexander smiled, his mouth half open to reply, when a small, weasel-faced man appeared at their side. From his clothes, it was clear he was some kind of messenger.

Rose saw Alexander stiffen as the man approached him.

The man bowed low. "The Duke of Emberly?"

"Yes." Alexander's voice had an edge to it that Rose could not quite place.

"I have a message for you, but I was ordered to deliver it in private." The man glanced at Rose and then back at Alexander.

Alexander frowned. "And can this message not wait?"

"It is a most sensitive matter, Your Grace." The man inclined his head.

Alexander sighed and turned to Rose. "I fear I must tend to whatever this is. I… forgive me. I shall return as soon as I can."

Rose felt her heart twist, but she nodded, keeping her smile on her face. "Of course, I understand."

Alexander nodded to her, but there was a hesitation in him as he turned away from her and left with the man.

Rose watched both men as they left the room, wondering what urgent business would cause someone to interrupt a social event.

Is this the reason for his delay earlier?

"Your Grace." The liquidly charming voice of the Earl of Verimoor interrupted Rose's thoughts.

Rose turned to him and smiled. "Lord Verimoor."

"It is wonderful to see you. And looking so well after all this time." Lord Verimoor glanced around as though looking for someone. "It would appear that you have been left without a partner for this dance."

"My husband has been called away on urgent business." Rose's smile didn't falter, but she couldn't help but stiffen slightly.

"More urgent than his lovely wife? Goodness." Lord Verimoor smiled and held out a hand. "Well, no matter. His poor choices are my good fortune. A beauty such as you should not be left to wilt on the edges of dance floors. Would you care to dance with me?"

Rose glanced over her shoulder, but there was no sign of Alexander. She looked back at Lord Verimoor's outstretched hand. His smile widened as their eyes met.

"Very well. Let us dance." She took his proffered hand, trying to ignore the sinking feeling in her stomach.

At least he asked this time.

"Excellent." Lord Verimoor led her to the dance floor, and they began to dance. "I swear you look even more radiant than you did when I last saw you."

"You flatter me." Rose felt a twinge of discomfort as he looked at her. "I am sure I look no more or less than I did when we last met."

Lord Verimoor laughed. "Oh, how I enjoy your modesty. It is on par with your beauty. The belle of any room you are in. Truly, we would have been a perfect match."

Rose wasn't sure what to say but felt her discomfort grow. However, Lord Verimoor seemed unaware of this. As they made a circle, Rose risked a glance at the entrance, but there was still no sign of Alexander.

What is taking him so long?

Rose and Lord Verimoor continued to dance, and the Earl, unfortunately, continued to speak.

"It is such a shame that someone as wonderful as you has had to give up such a chance at happiness." Lord Verimoor shook his head. "I would have made you the happiest woman alive, the envy of everyone in the country. Everywhere we went, people would have watched us in adoration, wishing they were half as beautiful as us."

"I have not given up a chance at happiness." Rose felt a prickle of annoyance, but before she could say anything else, he spoke again.

"Oh, my dearest, sweet Duchess. Of course, you have. It is admirable to put on such a brave face, but you need not do so with me." Lord Verimoor's eyes glittered. "I should have been your husband."

Rose felt his grip on her hand tighten. She could smell something sweet and sour as they danced, and she felt her annoyance rise. "You presume much, Lord Verimoor. You assume I would have chosen you above everyone else in the land?"

Lord Verimoor seemed not to notice the coldness in her voice. "Of course. You were the Diamond of the Season. And I… well, I am me. Who would not choose to be with someone like me?"

I forgot just how highly he thinks of himself. Does he think it is only looks that matter to women?

Rose swallowed down her anger with difficulty. She was still a lady, after all, and she should not cause a scene.

I wish Alexander was here.

"I do not think this kind of talk is particularly appropriate. I am married, after all."

"Come now, you do not have to pretend with me. You were stolen. Stolen by some maimed duke who has not only taken you from me but the rest of Society as well." Lord Verimoor laughed derisively. "And while you do your best to feign contentment, it is clear that you are not truly happy. Not with a man like that."

"And what would you know of it?" Rose's temper flared.

"What anyone with eyes could see. He clearly does not deserve you. He is more man than beast. Why, I am surprised the ape can string more than two words together, let alone whole sentences." Lord Verimoor's tone was dismissive. "You should not be his. You should be with someone who is your equal, who deserves you. Do you not see how everyone looks at us and admires us?"

Rose did not bother to look around. She did not care if half the ton was looking at her with admiration.

I do not care about being admired or adored by anyone… except Alexander.

The thought hit her like a bolt of lightning and seemed to snap something inside of her. The dam holding her anger back crumbled, and she stopped, causing Lord Verimoor to stumble.

I do not want to dance with anyone but Alexander. I would rather never dance again than dance with another.

She took a step away from Lord Verimoor, even as he reached to grasp her hand once more. "I have had enough dancing for an evening. Thank you."

"Oh come, Miss Pembleton—" Lord Verimoor began, but his words broke her last ounce of self-restraint.

Fury unfurled within her, and she held up a hand, cutting him off. "I am Your Grace to you, Lord Verimoor. I am married to the Duke of Emberly, and whatever your thoughts on the matter, I find they are of little significance to me."

Her voice shook with rage, but she did not let it rise to a shout. "The Duke is a kind, caring, compassionate man. He is fiercely loyal and protective of those he loves. He is funny and charming. His scar is a mark of his bravery."

Lord Verimoor snorted, but Rose could see the fury in his eyes.

Let him be angry. Why would I care for this arrogant man?

"My marriage has been a gift. It has shown me that I would rather be with someone who has a beautiful soul than another whose handsome face hides something much more unpleasant beneath.

"Whatever you believe about my happiness or my life, let me assure you that I am happier and more fulfilled than I had ever thought possible. You may not understand or even wish to understand the wonderful man my husband is, but that is your loss. And quite frankly, I am not something to be owned or won. My husband understands this and respects this."

Rose turned away from the Earl. "I am a person, and I have no wish to spend any more time with someone who spends his time putting down people he does not know. Good evening, Lord Verimoor."

She strode away from him, not caring if she made a scene. She would not allow such disrespect.

How dare he?

She strode towards the entrance hall, with only one thing on her mind—she was going to find Alexander and enjoy an evening with him.

She only hoped her outburst had not hurt the careful work she had put into restoring his reputation.

You are the most wonderful man, Alexander Rokesby, and I will make them see it if it is the last thing that I do.

Out of the corner of her eye, she saw a tall figure disappearing out of sight. Was it Alexander? But if it was, why was he leaving instead of coming to find her?