Rose Heart

Chapter 5

"Oh dear, I'm so sorry,  Mr. Windsor. I think I've overdone it today. My feet are killing me." Rose said as she looked down at her feet.

"My lady, you look pale. Let me get you somewhere to rest."

"I don't want to trouble you..." She spoke as she smiled weakly.

"No trouble at all. Come, I know just the place."he replied smiling back at her.

He gently takes her arm and leads her to the old oak tree, its branches stretching out like a canopy above them. They sit down in the shade, and James pulls out a handkerchief to gently wipe the sweat from her forehead.

closes her eyes, feeling a sense of relief."Thank you, James. This is lovely." She spoke.

smiling he replied. "I'm glad you like it. I come here sometimes to think and write. It's my favorite spot in the whole city."

opens her eyes, looking up at him. "It's beautiful. And peaceful. I can see why it inspires you.

looks into her eyes, his gaze soft."Yes. It does inspire me. And so do you, Emma."he spoke looking into her eyes.

They sit in comfortable silence for a moment, the only sound being the rustling of leaves and the distant chirping of birds.

smiling Rose spoke. "James, I've had such a lovely time talking with you. I wish I didn't have to leave, but I really must get back home."

disappointed James spoke.
"Oh, already? I feel like we've just begun to get to know each other."

"I know, me too. But I promise, I wish to see you again soon. May I?" She said while laughing

"Absolutely! I would be delighted to call on you, if you'd like." He replied happily.

"I'd like that very much....But for now, I really must go. My carriage is waiting."

James stands up, offers his hand to help her up "Of course, let me walk you back to your carriage."

They stroll back through the market, hand in hand, enjoying the warm sun and each other's company.

James: as they reach the carriage "Until next time, Rose May it be soon."

smiling up at him"I hope so, James. Good day."she said.

He helps her into the carriage, closes the door behind her, and watches as it drives away, feeling a sense of joy and anticipation for their next meeting.

When she got home she stepped into the palour

Rose's heart sank as she entered the room, seeing Blackwood and his mother sitting with her parents. She had been dreading this moment for weeks.

"Ah, Rose, dear, come join us," her mother said, patting the seat beside her.

Rose hesitated, feeling a sense of trepidation. "What's going on?" she asked, trying to sound calm.

"Blackwood and his mother have come to discuss the details of your upcoming marriage," her father replied, his voice firm.

Rose's eyes widened in shock. "Marriage? But I thought we were just considering it!"

Blackwood's mother, Mrs.Blackwood, smiled condescendingly. "Oh, Rose, dear, we've already discussed this. You're a lovely girl, and Philip is a fine young man. It's a perfect match."

Rose felt her heart racing as she looked at Philip, who was gazing at her with a smug expression. She knew she had to think fast, or her fate would be sealed.

"But I...I don't love him," she stammered, trying to sound convincing.

Her parents and Philip's mother looked at her in shock, as if she had said something absurd.

"Love will come later, dear," her mother said, patting her hand. "What's important is securing your future."

"My dear tell us do you agree to marry Philip. His mother asked Rose.

She glanced at her parents who were starting into her soul daring her to refuse."y-yes I. I will." She replied which caused her mother to smile.

" I am very tired I wish to go to bed." she spoke rising from her sit.

"Very well the duke wishes to meet you tomorrow for you to get to know each other." Her mother spoke.

"Okay mama." She replied her and was about to leave and then the duke spoke. "I will pick you up tomorrow after breakfast." Philip said.

"Yes your Grace." she replied and walked up the stairs to her bed room where she cried her self to sleep.

The next morning Rose's heart sank as she saw Blackwood's carriage pull up outside her house. She had been dreading this moment, knowing that she would have to spend time with him, pretending to be interested in getting to know him better.

She took a deep breath, put on a smile, and went outside to meet him. "Good morning, Lord Blackwood," she said, trying to sound cheerful.

"Good morning, Rose," he replied, bowing slightly. "I hope you're ready for a lovely day out. I thought we could take a walk in the park and get to know each other better."

Rose nodded, feeling trapped. She knew she had to go through with this, but her heart wasn't in it. She would rather be spending time with James, not Blackwood.

As they walked to the park, Blackwood talked about himself, his interests, and his plans for the future. Rose listened politely, trying to appear engaged, but her mind kept wandering back to James and their conversation the day before.

When they reached the park, Blackwood suggested a game of chess at a nearby store. Rose agreed, hoping that the game would distract her from her thoughts.

But as they began to play chess, she found herself making mistake after mistake, her mind preoccupied with thoughts of James and their shared love of literature.

Blackwood, on the other hand, was in his element, gloating over his victories and lecturing her on her mistakes. Rose felt her patience wearing thin, but she knew she had to keep up the charade, at least for now. Little did she know, her life was about to take a dramatic turn, one that would change everything.

As they played chess, Blackwood's eyes gleamed with triumph, but his mind was working on a larger scheme. He had no intention of simply marrying Rose and living happily ever after. Oh no, he had far greater ambitions.

He would use Rose's beauty and charm to further his own political career, and once he had achieved his goals, he would discard her like a worn-out shoe. He would make sure she was trapped in a loveless marriage, with no escape.

But for now, he would play the charming suitor, win her over with false flattery and pretentious charm. He would make her believe he was the perfect husband, until it was too late.

As they finished their game, Blackwood smiled, his eyes gleaming with deceit. "Rose, my dear, you are as lovely as you are intelligent. I am so fortunate to have you as my betrothed."

Rose smiled back, unaware of the schemes brewing in Blackwood's mind.

When they finished playing the game they decide to head home but she spoke "you can go ahead your Grace I wish to have sometime alone and stroll in the morning I will return home after that."

"Very well m'lady. He took her hand and kissed the back of her hand.
She immediately walked away.