Page 14 of A Duke for Stealing
She studied his hand for a moment, then tentatively slipped her hand into his grasp. Again, she felt that shot of warmth in her hand as she had before, and blushed.
“Come along, wife,” he said, his tone once more cheerful as he tucked her hand into his elbow. “Let me introduce you to the staff. Show you around, and introduce you to the girls. I am sure they are excited to meet you.”
Rose could not help but smile as she looked up at the vast Stapleton estate. It was no dreary castle, nor did it hold the appearance of a haunted monastery. Instead, the large stone blocks that made up its outer walls were clean and white. The front garden was lush and well-kept, with bushes full of pretty, multi-colored flowers surrounding it on either side. Vivid green and well-trimmed topiaries spotted the front lawn, as well as several tall, pretty Greek statues.
The large home was as well-preserved on the inside as it was on the outside. There wasn’t a speck of dust that she could see, and every room was flooded with warm sunlight thanks to the open windows. Even the staff seemed to glimmer with light, with their bright smiles and clean uniforms.
“This is Mrs. Mulberry, my head housekeeper,” Everett explained, waving toward a particularly cheerful woman.
“A pleasure to meet you, Your Grace,” Mrs. Mulberry said politely as she bowed.
“I am taking care of the tour today, Mrs. Mulberry,” Everett said before Rose could respond, “But you may need to show her around again tomorrow, give her more details on the house and how it works.”
“Of course, Your Grace,” Mrs. Mulberry replied obediently. “Your nieces are in the nursery when you see fit to visit them.”
“I hear your subtle hint, Mrs. Mulberry, and I accept it,” Everett replied with a charming grin and wink.
The housekeeper bowed again and stepped back in line.
“Come along, wife,” Everett announced, pulling Rose along with him. “Much to see!”
Rose found herself smiling and occasionally even giggling as Everett showed her room after room, including the library that was to be hers and the solarium, which she found would need very few improvements. She’d caught glimpses of Everett’s charm before, but it was often overshadowed by arrogant remarks or drunken foolishness. Now, though, as he charmingly led her through the house, she could see why so many women talked of him.
He was an effortless flirt, someone who could put anyone at ease if he felt like it, and could make a person feel as if they were the only person in the world he wanted to pay attention to. Which was exactly how Rose felt by the time he finished their tour in her new bedroom.
“It is so beautiful here,” Rose said with awe as she looked around the pretty, light-filled rooms.
“I am glad you like it,” Everett replied, looking pleased with her reaction. “I must agree that my late sister-in-law had excellent taste.”
Rose nodded, delicately touching a white and gold vase filled with pink roses. Flashes of her mother’s home in London hit her then. It had once been beautiful and bright, too. But as her mother’s drinking worsened and her ability to remember to pay staff on time became sporadic, there had often been stretches of time when the dust had gathered and messes had been left untidied. Drapes were often drawn not out of mourning, but to keep their world from seeing the unclean state of their lives.
Messy. It had all become so messy. And for the first time, Rose realized that it was not her mess to take care of anymore. She drew in a deep breath, overcome with the realization.
“Rose?” Everett’s deep voice beckoned her out of her thoughts.
She looked at him, and only then felt the sheen of tears that had gathered in her eyes. She blinked them away and smiled at his look of concern.
“I am alright,” she said.
Everett studied her as he took a step toward her, the playfulness he’d exuded only moments before gone.
“Come here,” he urged, holding out his hand.
Though she did not fully understand why, Rose found herself obeying. Instead of just taking her hand, he pulled her to his chest, wrapping her in a tight embrace that made her feel warm, safe, and emotional. She fought the urge to let herself sob in his embrace, and silently demanded her stinging tears to stay back.
“I know this has been a lot for you,” he said, his tone surprisingly sincere. “I know it is not what you wished for. But I will repay you for your loyalty, Rose. I promise you.”
He pulled her back enough to look at her face and smiled charmingly. Rose forced herself to smile back, told herself that his embrace was not a romantic gesture. After all, it was Everett, and as he said in the carriage, there was a difference between romance and pleasure.
“I do not say this about many women, you know, but after what you have done for me, I consider you a friend. And Rose? I takeverygood care of my friends.”
“I will hold you to that,” she replied. She pressed her hands to his chest, ready to push him away, but she stilled. He felt so…warm. Solid. She could do with solid. Something- someone steady to lean on.
Could that possibly be Everett? Playful, lustful, rakish Everett, who took so few things seriously?
Everett’s smile slowly faded, and he gave her a look that made her feel as if he was seeing right through the facade she was trying to put on. He stroked his fingers along her cheek, sending licks of fire into her bloodstream. Then he gently slid his palm to the back of her neck, and he pulled her close again. With his other hand, he tilted her chin up, and to Rose’s astonishment, he kissed her.
His lips felt warm and gentle against hers as he gave her her first lesson ever on the subject, stoking a passion that started as embers and slowly formed into brilliant flames. Rose felt her body relax and her mind cease as his kiss deepened, and she simply gave into the pleasure of it.
