Rosalind looked at him apologetically. “I do not dislike it. But it is… overwhelming. And loud…and busy. And I never quite feel as though I belong.”
She spoke in a rushed tone as if she had been holding back her truth and now, she could finally release it.
Alexander swallowed. “Rosie…why did you stay if you hated it so much? You are old enough to leave.”
Her answer came without hesitation. “I stayed for you.”
Alexander froze. He moved to London for her sake, but she stayed for his.
Rosalind continued gently. “You were alone here. And when I came of age I thought… if I left, you would be lonelier still. So, I stayed. To keep you company.”
Her words brought on a fresh wave of guilt..
She had stayed and endured London for him. And he had not even noticed how selfish he was being.
“Rosie…” His voice was rough. “I had no idea you still found it difficult to live here.”
She smiled faintly. “I know. I did not want you to.”
Alexander felt like the worst brother alive.
He leaned forward, elbows on the table. “How would you like it if we left London for a bit?”
Her eyes widened with excitement. “Where would we go?”
Alexander beamed. “Somewhere quieter. Somewhere you feel… safe.”
She stared at him, stunned. “You mean it?”
“Yes, I do.”
Her breath hitched. “I… I would like that very much.”
“Where would you like to go?” he asked softly.
“Home.” Rosalind did not hesitate.
Alexander nodded even though he, personally, did not want to return home. It would be a stark reminder that his parents were gone because of him.
“I mean…our country estate,” she clarified, her voice warming. “The gardens. Mother’s orchard. And the lake in our backyard. I miss it all. I miss the quiet and the fresh air. I miss…” She paused, her eyes dropped as if she realized she was confessing too much.
“I miss home too.” Alexander felt guilt, affection, and regret twist inside and tangle together as he looked at Rosalind. “Forgive me, Rosie?”
Her head snapped up. “What for, Alex?”
“For thinking I was doing the right thing for you when in fact it was the right thing for me. I was selfish.” His apology was sincere.
Rosalind smiled softly at him. “You did what you thought was best for me, and for the Dukedom.”
“And you sacrificed your own happiness just to be here with me.”
She nodded. “But now… now you have Miss Dowell.”
Alexander nearly choked on a breath. “I—what?”
Rosalind’s smile was small but knowing. “You have her. And she is good for you.”
He opened his mouth to protest, but nothing came out. His mind flashed with images of Theodora’s doe green eyes, her stubborn chin, the way she had looked at him in the carriage, and the way she made him feel alive and furious and unsteady all at once.
