The Heart of the Rose

1

England 1819

Ethan strode into his study to find his brother Evan Drinking.

"A bit too early for that I dear say."

Evan looked up at his elder brother. Grateful he was older by five whole minutes and smiled at him?

"If you saw what I did from by chamber window this morning you would be drinking also. When did you arrive?"

Ethan piqued his brow.

"This is my bloody home who cares when I arrived?",

Evan Laughed.

"I am sorry let me rephrase that. It is good to have you home your Grace."

"What are you trying to forget?"

"The Lady Primrose Hillary. Rose to those she considers a friend and Rosy in your wildest dreams. She was climbing a tree outside my chamber earlier in breeches wonderful view. I have never admired my view so much before she moved in."

"The Earl of Ruislip Fredrick Hillary has a daughter?"

"Had old boy, he died while you were gone, and mother was bequeathed the lovely."

"He didn't have an heir?"

"Of course, he did. You remember him, Flynn we went to school with him."

Ethan groaned, he couldn't abide stupidity. Flynn Hillary was a blithering idiot. He couldn't imagine what an uneducated female with the same familial donor would be doing at the super table? Drooling he supposed he took a breath before speaking. "What was mother thinking taking in an idiot? Dose she at least has, manners?"

Evan laughed,

"I don't think anyone has ever used idiot to describe the lovely Rose. Her father left her in charge of the Earls estate and he must come to her for money. It seems the King owed the Earl a favor and so it was granted that she is the one in control of the purse strings."

"Then why not live at her family Estate?"

"Kings conditions old man. Mother was chosen to take care of her until she is married."

What more could the King demand of this family? Ethan and Evan were both in his secret inner circle. His mother as well. She was cousin to him and did what he asked. He would have to talk with her, and learn what exactly the conditions. Right now he had a collection of paperwork to catch up on. Six months is a long time to be away from all his business dealings, he could not put it off anymore. To his surprise all his books where in order. All his properties making money and the household accounts were operating efficiently. His mother was amazing. He never knew she was business smart this was a side of her he at no time would he have thought her capable. He would have to congratulate her on all her efforts.

Rose took exceptional attention to her appearance tonight. The Duke was home and she wanted to make an excellent impression. She was under his care like it or not. She waited till everyone was in the dining hall before she entered. Rose needed the support of the Duchess to help her through this. She was not used to being around people. The room became quiet as if the air had escaped from the room.

Ethan caught his breath she was exquisite in her pale blue gown adorned with silver ornaments the words were not in his head they vexed him. Her tiny waist was wrapped up in a silver ribbon. She was like a present waiting to be unwrapped. He shook his head where did those thoughts come from? He tried to regain his composer waiting for his mother to introduce her. She was captivating. Her black hair against her ivory skin was exotic at best. It was her eyes that drew him he needed a closer look but he could swear they were violet not a color for a mere mortal only a god or goddess would have such a color.