Page 28 of His Grace, the Duke
Curled between his two closest friends, Rosalie resolved herself to breaking through his tough outer walls. She had more than enough love to give, and Burke and Renley seemed willing to share. Would James ever believe she could love them all? Could he let himself love her in return?
14
Rosalie
Rosalie woke alonein her bed. She was disoriented for a moment, her hands reaching out to feel the sheets to either side of her. Cool, crisp... empty. She blinked her eyes open, her mind full of memories of the previous night. She’d fallen asleep in Burke’s arms, turning in the night to be held by Renley.
She sat up, the sheet sliding off her bare shoulder. Her nipples pebbled in the cold air. The curtains were still drawn over the windows. The fire was out too, accounting for the sharp chill. She could just make out the face of the mantel clock.
Half past eight.
She slipped off the bed and tugged open the closest curtain, looking around the room. All evidence of Burke and Renley was gone. She tugged on her chemise, rubbing her arms to warm the chilled fabric.
Had she dreamt it all?
No... they were definitely here. They must have slipped out with the dawn. It was for her benefit. An unmarried lady’s reputation was worth more than gold... and given Rosalie’s low social standing, it was quite literally her only currency.
She should appreciate the gesture... but she didn’t. For now she stood cold and alone, her old nemesis self-doubt creeping in. To have them slink away made what they did together feel wrong. She couldn’t bear the idea of waking every morning to find them disappeared like puffs of smoke.
She moved back over to the bed and paused, a small smile quirking her lips. Not all proof of their presence had been removed. Three pillows still lined the top of the bed. She pressed a cool pillow to her face, stifling a smile. Salt and sunshine on a summer day.Renley. She snatched up the other one and her lungs were filled with a spiced currant scent.Burke.
She set the pillow down, smile falling. They had been here, but this is all she could expect. Stolen moments. Secret looks. Hidden kisses. Longing touches in the quiet of night. It was enough. It had to be enough. She was too afraid to dare want more.
***
Dressed in one of her new gowns—a pretty cream thing with a blue pinstripe—Rosalie went in search of breakfast. She paused in the doorway of the morning room, eyes wide. All three men were present. James and Renley sat side by side at the table near the window, with Burke standing between them. Soft morning sunlight filtered in around them as Burke leaned over, one hand splayed on the table’s top. They were discussing something, gesturing to the papers spread between them.
“Miss Harrow, my lord,” called the footman. All three men snapped to attention.
“Good morning,” she murmured, feeling the rush of warmth flood her cheeks.
“Morning,” they each repeated.
Feeling their eyes on her was... heady. She needed something fortifying. She followed the intoxicating smell of fresh coffee over to the buffet table.
Burke left the others by the window, meeting her in the corner. He looked at ease, dressed casually in breeches and boots with a simple red waistcoat and brown morning coat. Perhaps he’d already been for a ride in the park.
“Good morning,” he said again, helping himself to more coffee. “How did you sleep?”
“Exceptionally well,” she murmured, adding a cube of sugar to her coffee. Heavens, why couldn’t she look at him? She was being ridiculous. Nonsensical. Childish. Three words Rosalie loathed to associate with herself.
He leaned in, brushing his shoulder against hers as he reached for the sugar too. “Everything alright?”
“Of course,” she replied, tasting the lie on her tongue.
He sighed, setting his cup down and placing a hand at her elbow. “Better to just come out with it, love. You’ve clearly got a bee in your bonnet.”
She sniffed, replacing the cream jug on the silver tray. “I am not wearing a bonnet, sir.”
“Rosalie . . . why can’t you look at me?”
She glanced up. Burke’s stormy grey eyes watched her intently. “It’s nothing,” she started to say. “It’s silly... I feel silly even thinking it.”
He just waited, raising one dark brow in question.
She let out a slow breath, giving her coffee a stir with a slender silver spoon. “It’s just that I woke and... you were gone. Which, of course, is fine. It’s... you obviously couldn’t stay...”
He was quiet for a moment, lips pursed. “I see... and now you question everything.”
