An Illicit Romance

Complications

Complications

Rose’s POV

I couldn’t believe it. Daniel kissed me. And I kissed him back. I couldn’t imagine what would’ve happened if anyone had found out. He was due to be married in a few months and I kissed him. I felt ashamed but somehow, I wanted to do it again.

I had purposely avoided him for a few days. Fortunately, I heard he was on a visit with Annabelle and Melanie. Part of me was glad I wouldn’t see him but the other part missed him. I didn’t know what would happen when he came back. Hopefully, he’d start to have feelings for Melanie and everything would be forgotten.

Lily asked numerous times what had happened when she left the room. I didn’t want to tell her. I assumed that the news would eventually find its way to Lady Harrington. But she was my best friend.

“Just tell me what happened with you two.”

I sighed. “We kissed.” I said finally.

Lily gasped in shock. “Rose! You can’t do that! It’s too dangerous-“

“I know. I’m ashamed of myself but,”

“But?”

“I wish it would happen again.” I admitted.

“Oh.” Lily was at lost for words. I didn’t blame her. Keeping out of trouble was the one thing I had promised myself I would do.

“What are you going to do now?”

“I don’t know, Lily. I don’t know.”

Daniel’s POV

“Where do you wish to be married?”

“The church, of course!” Melanie giggled excitedly while holding on to my arm. I frowned. I was stuck here with Melanie and this priest when all I could think of was Rose. And our kiss. I’d scared her off. She ran before I had the chance to talk to her.

I didn’t want to be here. I wanted to be with Rose. I missed her already.

“How many are attending?”

“A thousand and a few of our closest friends and relatives, right darling?” she looked at me.

I didn’t respond. Annabelle nudged me from behind.

“Right, of course.” I wasn’t paying any attention. I had to leave this place now.  

“And when-“

“I think it would be more suitable to wait until our parents are present to discuss the details, don’t you dear?” I looked to Melanie. Annabelle looked confused.

Melanie giggled annoyingly. “Yes, of course! It’s impolite to be speaking of this without them.”

“Very well. I’ll meet you two again in a few days.”

Thank God. Now I had the chance to see Rose.

We reached the house quicker than usual, due to me telling the driver to use every shortcut possible.

“What are you planning, Daniel?” Annabelle was suspicious.

“Nothing at all.” I ran rather than walked to the garden area. I knew Rose would be there.

I found her planting seeds in the soil. She stood up when she saw me.

“You never gave me the chance to explain,” I said to her. “The kiss-“

“It’s okay, Daniel. I know it was a mistake.” She began to turn away from me. I pulled her back. “No, I don’t think that at all.”

“Can’t we just be friends? I really enjoy talking to you and I don’t want to ruin it.”

I sighed. I didn’t want to be friends with her. I wanted something more.

Rose’s POV

Daniel looked disappointed when I spoke about us being just friends. I knew it was something he wanted to be. I didn’t either.

Lily spoke to me earlier about the amount of trouble I could get in kissing, or even thinking about kissing, the Duke’s son. The Harrington name was well-known in England. Any bad rumours would ruin it.

“Daniel’s back.” Lily said to me.

“I know, we spoke earlier.”

Lily turned me to face her. “Rose! Haven’t you been listening? You can’t be speaking to him!”

“I know! But he keeps talking to me.” If Daniel was like the other snobby, ignorant people around here, things would be easier.

“You,” Melanie peered through the door. I hope she hadn’t been listening. She pointed at Lily. “There’s a mess downstairs. Clean it up.” Lily nodded and went downstairs. Melanie glared at me and left.

I was on my own. It was dark and I dreaded sleeping on the hard, uncomfortable bed. The other two maids were downstairs. I wondered why I was the only one not assigned anything. One of the two candles was about to fade away.

“Rose!” someone whispered. I turned around. It was Daniel.

“What are you doing here? If someone saw y-“

“No one’s coming up.”

“I might have work to-“

“I made sure you didn’t get assigned anything. The others are doing everything.”

I sighed. He had done a lot just to make sure we could be alone. He went to close the door quietly, and walked back to me.

“What is it, Daniel?”

“I missed you.”

“I missed you too.” I admitted. He smiled at my words. I couldn’t help but smile back. He took my hand in his and pulled me towards him. We stood there holding each other for countless seconds.

“What about Melanie?” I reluctantly asked. I didn’t want to mention her but I couldn’t help it.

“I don’t love her. I never did.”

“But you’re engaged-“

“I’ll have to find some way out of it, won’t I?”

“If you’re family find out about this-“

He put a finger to my lips. “They won’t. You won’t get into any trouble, I promise.” He was willing to shame his family name just for me. It made me feel…special. It gave me a feeling I’d never felt before.

He kissed me softly. This time I didn’t want to pull away. I wanted to stay there with him for hours. The kiss grew more passionate and I was surprised at myself by feeling something for a man that I’d only known for a short time. His hands moved all over my back and my waist while my hand ran through his hair. 

A shout from downstairs broke the kiss.

“Daniel? Daniel!” It was Melanie, looking for him.

Daniel sighed, annoyed. “You have to go.” I said to him. He kissed me on the cheek and reluctantly left.

“I’ll see you soon.” He said, and shut the door.

I realised then that my life just got a whole lot more complicated.