Page 59 of Once Upon a Devilish Duke

“It sounds wonderful.” Rose turned to the duke. “You should bring a sketchbook, Your Grace.”

“I doubt I will be going.”

“Edward, surely you can spare a few hours to spend with your family.” His mother did not look at all happy.

“Mother, I have much to do. I will see Gabrielle and Charles at dinner tonight. So, I see no need for my presence again on Sunday.”

“Oh, but it will be such a pleasant afternoon, and you need some fresh air.”

“Let me be the judge of how much air I need. If you will excuse me, I have matters of national importance to see to.”

The duke gave his mother a glacial look before leaving the room.

Rose went instantly to her side. “I do not know why I bother, but something inside tells me I must try to keep him interested in the rest of the family.”

“I’m sorry. It must be difficult. I could try to talk to him.”

“If I thought you had half a chance of persuading him, I would give my blessing, but I do not want you to bear the brunt of his anger.”

“I rarely see him truly angry. Upset and annoyed, yes, but he rarely yells.” Other than the night little William had been born.

“He doesn’t need to yell to get his point across, I’m afraid. I love my boy, but he is…changed, and I fear he will be lost to us, eventually,” the dowager said, as she dabbed at her eyes.

Rose put a comforting arm around her. “My brother is also difficult, but whereas my brother can be cruel with no remorse, I have seen Edward regret many things and then try to undo them. He does not always do it gracefully, but he does like to right his wrongs.”

“I wish he would do so for Max’s sake.”

“It is never too late for him to make amends, if Max would be open to it. She is a strong child with a sharp mind. If he knew her, I am sure he would love her as we all do.”

“If only he would try.”

“A wise woman once said to me when I was down that tea won’t change anything, but it won’t hurt either. Shall I ring the bell?”

She nodded. “You are a dear. I can see why Marianne has kept you as a friend for so long.”

“It is Marianne who has been a true friend to me.” Rose hugged the dowager before rising to go to the bellpull.

Chapter Fourteen

Rose had never laughed so much. Gabrielle was so entertaining; she had a dry sense of humor that Rose appreciated. Her husband, Charles, was a quiet man who was quite nervous, even though he was with his own family. He constantly adjusted his cravat as if it were choking him. In a way, she felt sorry for him.

The duke revealed nothing. He did not seem happy nor unhappy. It was as if he was just marking time until he could leave. Lord Dunstan was well received but spent most of his meal whispering to Marianne, who smiled and laughed at whatever he said. Rose was happy for her friend. She had not seen Marianne so happy in a long time. The dowager enthusiastically recounted details of William. How much he had changed, how his hair could be red, and that neither Lucinda nor the baby were sleeping well.

“I blame Tony,” she said. “He was a dreadful child when it came to sleeping. We had to get a night nurse so that poor nanny could get some sleep.”

Gabrielle nodded. “Aubrey was like that, but he settled after a few months. Hopefully, William will too. I understand that Lucinda insists on feeding him?”

“Yes. I cannot understand it. A wet nurse is a godsend.”

“It is unusual, but she is stubborn, and if she feels it is best for her child, then I see no harm in it.”

“Dearest, I think we should talk of something else,” her husband suggested. “Keep this kind of conversation to the parlor.”

Gabrielle looked at her husband, nodded, and then down at her plate. Rose could not see Charles’s face, but it must have been enough to make Gabrielle pause. All this talk of babies was not the usual fare of a dinner party, and everyone seemed to be looking towards the duke.

Edward looked up, and with everyone’s eyes on him, he said, “Tony and Lucinda must do what they think is right.” He then motioned the butler. “It is time for the next course, I believe.” But he kept his eyes on Rose.

It was a strange look, an intense gaze that made her cheeks heat. Like he wanted her to be the next course. She mentally shook herself for letting her thoughts run wild.