As she made her way down the hallway, her eyes roamed over the portraits of regal ladies lining the walls—all so different from her. She reassured herself this was the right decision, not for her but for Augustus. And, if Rose had learned one thing during her time in London, it was that love sometimes meant giving up the person you wanted the most so they could live the life they were meant to.
If Augustus chose Rose, it would require much compromise and change on his part. Rose loved Augustus, the Duke of Sinclair, too much to force that on him.
*
Augustus walked intothe drawing room of his house to find his mother and sister. They were reading books. He asked, “Is Rose resting?”
Willa rose and picked up a message from the table close to the door. “She’s departed for the Duchess of Lusby’s townhouse, but she did leave this for you.”
He was shocked by her words. Why did Rose leave? He’d not expected her to depart until after they spoke with Hawley tomorrow. Augustus opened the letter and began to read.
Augustus,
I’ve decided to return to Lisbeth’s home. The events of the last few days are catching up with me. I need timeto think through all that has happened. I will see you tomorrow at our meeting with Lord Hawley. Please don’t reach out before then.
Rose
Something was amiss. He asked, “Did you see her leave?”
His mother shook her head. “She was gone by the time we returned.”
“What if someone has taken her again?”
He couldn’t fathom any logical reason that she would choose to depart. Augustus moved to leave, but his mother said, “Wait. Calm down, Augustus. Nothing is wrong. Our driver and a guard are the ones who brought her home.”
“Are you sure?”
Willa walked over to him and placed a hand on his sleeve. “Yes. Is there something you are concerned about?”
He shook his head, feeling foolish that he was getting so upset. Augustus was not an emotional man. His mother and sister frowned at him. He sighed and walked to a sideboard, pouring himself a brandy.
His family remained silent as he went to the sitting area and joined them. Finally, he said, “It has been a long few days.”
“Have you spoken to Rose about your feelings or courting her?” his mother asked.
He shook his head. A sense of foreboding rested on his shoulders. He’d not had a chance to discuss anything with her about their feelings.
Willa’s eyes widened. “She has been here for days, and you haven’t told her you love her?”
His eyes flew to her face, startled by her words. She smiled impishly at him. “What else would it be but love?”
He couldn’t deny it but also found himself unable to utter an agreement. He sensed from Rose’s note that things would notend without his heart being shattered. He’d asked her to think about staying. Had it been too much, too soon?
“We are very different. I care for her, but it doesn’t mean she will consider me as a suitor. She will have to give up much to be my wife.”
Willa sighed. “You always say that. We can help her. We can help you with the property. You always think you have to do everything on your own, but you don’t. Mother and I care about the dukedom just as much as you. You’ve already started to include me more in your estate meetings.”
His mother nodded. “Agreed.”
“She travels. I can’t leave England.”
His mother lifted a regal brow. “Why not?”
“I can’t ignore my obligations here for four to six months,” he said.
“No one expects you to abandon them, Augustus, but you can allow us to take care of them for you. Tillerson would work with us. Willa drives him crazy, but he still respects her opinions,” his mother said.
Willa scowled at the mention of their childhood friend, who was now their land steward. Augustus chuckled. “That man can get you fired up like no one else.”
