Page 84 of A Duke for Stealing
“Ready the carriage for me, please,” Rose asked, handing her bags to Gerald. “I shall need to leave momentarily. Where is my mother?”
“In the parlor, Your Grace,” Gerald replied, taking her luggage.
Rose hurried to the room, but stopped short at what she saw. Betty was not sitting at the table with her wine or gentleman guests, as was her routine as of late, but was instead sitting on the couch, a book in her hands. She looked different. Her hair was styled neatly, her cheeks were not overly flushed, and when she raised her eyes to Rose, they were sharp and clear.
“Rose,” Betty said, putting down her book. She stood and looked steadily at her daughter. Did not lean or wobble a single bit.
Then Rose realized the change. For the first time in as long as Rose could remember, Betty was…sober.
“Mama?”
Betty smiled, stretched her arms out, and before Rose could help herself, she went to her mother. Tears pricked her eyes as her mother held her tight. As she used to do all those years ago.
“I think I was asleep for a long time,” Betty rasped, her voice full of tears. “But your words the other day woke me up.”
Betty pulled Rose away but kept her hands on Rose’s arms.
“You were right. Everything you said. About me. About my choices. It was harsh but true.”
“I did not mean to hurt you, Mama,” Rose promised.
“I know,” Betty hastily replied, moving her hand to cup Rose’s cheeks. “I know you did not, sweet girl, but you were right. You have had to take care of me, of even this house at times, while I gave in to my most selfish whims. But no more. I am done with the drink. And I am done with the men. At least…until I can find someone who can love me. Truly love me, as you love Everett.”
Everett.
Rose had to go to him. Even if he did not love her, she had to be by his side so they could appease these rumors. To show people that she would not leave his side.
“I want to stay, Mama, talk some more, but I-”
“Go, darling,” Betty gently urged. “We have a better future ahead of us, but for now, you must tend to the present.”
Rose hugged her mother tightly, still in awe that her mother was sober. Not just sober, but accountable.
“I will visit again soon,” Rose promised.
“Bring your beautiful girls next time,” Betty urged with a smile, “I would love to have a second chance with them.”
Rose agreed, and after a final goodbye, she got into the carriage and went back to Stapleton.
Everett swallowed the whiskey and nearly gagged. He had spent years not able to get enough of the stuff. Now, though, he hated the taste. Wanting no more, he turned his cup upside down and slid it to the middle of the table. As they had done all night, his friends continued to look at him with quiet, wary gazes.
“Go on,” Everett said, unable to take the stares any longer. “Say what you want to say.”
“You have changed,” Dominic stated. “Something about you is dark.”
“We are worried,” Tristan said next. “Have been for a while.”
“Your sobriety is a healthy choice, I am sure, but everything else? Something is a mess, Everett, and you need to talk about it.”
“The Devil be blessed if I do,” Everett snarled.
“Are you this way toward Rose?” Tristan asked, “Has she been witness to your rank behavior as well?”
“Do not talk about Rose,” Everett warned, feeling his anger grow.
“I have known that young lady since she was a little girl. I have loved her as a sister, and I will not allow you to mistreat her!” Tristan warned back. “Theo has gone to see her, and I swear to God, Everett, if she comes back withanyreport that you have been ill toward her in any way, I will forget you and I are friends, I will take her far away from you.”
“You will not dare interfere with our marriage!” Everett snarled, his eyes glittering with challenge. “Rose is my wife, she is myeverything!”
