Chapter 21

Three days earlier

Charles had his horse saddled and he headed into town, despite the downpour. Something had changed that day that had opened a new door for him. Rose had said she wanted to claim her title, be the Marchioness De La Fleur,and that meant it was socially acceptable to ask her the question that had been weighing down his thoughts for the entire time she had been back.

Upon reaching the town, he headed immediately to the local bank on main street, asking to open a secure box he had. After a few minutes the clerk brought out a small metal lock box, to which only Charles had the key. He quickly opened it and extracted the particular item he sought. He then returned to Lorebury in such a rush that he did not notice the figure in the shadow of the bank.

He held his breath as he searched Rose's face.

"I am glad he is back. What did you want to show me?" She smiled sweetly at him and it caused him to adjust his jacket. After taking her hand in both of his, he knelt down on one knee and pulled the ring from his pocket. It was a simple gold band with three small rubies inlaid. A gasp escaped her lips and his gaze was drawn once more to her face. Tears began to well up in her eyes and she covered her mouth with her hands.

"Rose….Oh...um...I don't know your middle name..." He said, embarrassed. Rose laughed slightly.

"Vee."

"Rose Vee De La Fleur, You have brought me to life and I long to spend the rest of my days with you. You have become each breath and it is agonizing to be parted from you. I loved you before the knowledge of your title and your wealth, I only want you for the utter happiness you have brought into a life I did not know was so dull and menial an existence. End this torment, end my agony and consent to be my wife." Emotion almost choked him, and his planned speech had flown out the window. He watched her face as unknown thoughts flashed through her eyes, and her drawn face slowly pulled into a smile.

"I guess I had better move into my property in -shire immediately." Her voice was only just above a whisper. Charles stood, eyebrows furrowed, clasping both her arms in his hands.

"Why? I thought-"

"Because it would not do to have your fiance living under your roof," She only managed a small smile before Charles crushed her to him in a tight hug. He let out a haggard breath in relief and she chuckled slightly when he tightened his hold, kissing the top of her head.

"I thought you were saying no." Was all he said in explanation. She pushed slightly away from him and placed both of her hands on his cheeks. Her cool skin caused him to shiver.

"You are the only reason I am claiming my title. I don't want it, I only want that it will afford me the opportunity to be your wife." She kissed him gently before holding out her left hand, which shook ever so slightly.

Holding her wrist in his whole hand, he slid the ring onto her finger, surprised when it fit perfectly. The simple band seemed perfect for her.

"It was my father's first gift to my mother." Charles explained, taking both of her hand in his own and drawing her close. A cough suddenly drew their attention and both darted looks at the door to see Wesley leaning casually against the doorframe.

"I just get back and already I have to organize the packing of a wealthy womans belongings. Wherever am I to find the time to arrange that, plus the carriage needed to take her to her house, let alone beginning wedding preparations!?" He sighed dramatically. Rose beamed at him and looked back at Charles.

"I really do need to leave. Wesley, can I be ready to go by morning?" She couldn't wipe the fools grin from her face. Wesley looked up at the ceiling as if to glean some form of consolation or advice from its plain surface.

"Not even married and you already boss me around, but yes. We can have you ready to leave by morning." Wesley smiled and shook his head, "I'm back for a day."

"I am loathe to see you go my love." Charles kissed Rose's gloved hand as he handed her up into the carriage. She had worn a deep purple silk, with a tasteful traveling hat and parasol, the dark color drawing all light towards her.

"I will see you next week Charles. Besides, maybe my absence will remind you how much trouble I am. You may not want me once you realize how peaceful your life will be without me," She chuckled slightly, but in her heart it was something that she truly feared.

Charles scowled and pulled her from the carriage, resting his hands on her shoulders.

"Nothing can or will change my mind Rose. Nothing." He said in a quiet, almost deadly voice. She was taken aback at the vehemence in his tone, "Don't you EVER doubt me Rose. Don't."

"Alright. I won't." She said meekly. Charles placed her back in the carriage and shut the door, standing on the step so he could lean in the window.

"Promise me."

"I promise." He left her with a chaste peck on the cheek and he stood on the main steps as her carriage pulled away, heading to the coast.

Rose fidgeted in the carriage for the entirety of the trip. She had not been to this property since she was eleven and her parents had brought her here in the summer. The house came into view early the next morning, the sun just peaking over the roof. The walls had been faded by the sea air, leaving them a dull gray, but the windows were clean and new, the gardens well maintained, and a fleet of servants waited at the door to greet their mistress.

A footman helped her from the carriage, and the housekeeper introduced herself as a Mrs. Maclain. Rose stood in front of the two lines of servants, trying desperately to remember what her mother would say to them. It was expected that the Master or Mistress address the servants upon arrival. She tugged at her white gloves and finally looked over each member of her staff.

"Until recently, I worked as estate manager. I know the difficulties of running an estate, and I understand if you harbor any trepidation, as I am new to you. I am easy to please. Bring me my tea at the times I set ahead and leave me in general peace and I will be satisfied. WHich of you is to be my lady's maid?" A slim girl stepped forward, head bowed. Pale blonde hair stuck out from under her cap, and freckles dotted her face.

"What is your name?"

"Anamaret Miss." Came the quiet reply. The manner of the servants all mirrored Anamaret's. Quiet, and head bowed with eyes glued to the ground. This did not sit well with her.

"Right. My first command for all of you is that you must never look to the floor in my presence. You will not face the wall if I walk passed. You will speak at the volume of which you normally would. Really I am not any better than you. By the end of the week I hope to know you by name and face. Therefore I can't have you hiding the latter from me. Anamaret, come with me." She turned and immediately went to the room she remembered her parents sleeping in. It was at the end of a long hallway upstairs. She paused as she grasped the brass handles on the double doors. With a deep breath she entered the room. The furnishings were all white, giving the room a clean and aired out feel, and a small breakfast already lay on the small table.

"Do you wish to change miss?" Anamaret asked, her voice stronger than it had been outside.

"Yes. I believe some of my clothes have arrived in advance. Something light, please." Anamaret bowed and disappeared into the hall where a few of the trunks sat. She returned with a muted pastel lavender gown. "Lovely choice."

After changing, Rose entered the room she knew to be an office. Oliver Greye sat at the desk looking over ledgers.

"Mr. Greye." Was all she said to announce her presence. He shot up from his chair, looking as disheveled as ever, and he offered a small bow.

"Lady De La Fleur. I hope your travels went well." He smiled slightly when she gestured for him to sit.

"I trust you have the letters I asked for? Mr. Ruckstin should have had them sent."

"Yes, all of them have arrived. Might I ask why you need them?" Oliver barely caught the flicker of irritation that crossed her features.

"I have a feeling I will need them." She paused, seemingly dwelling on dark thoughts before turning her gaze to Oliver. "I need you to arrange for transportation to London in four days time. Did you receive a confirmation notice for the meeting I requested?"

"Yes my lady. It is set for the time you requested. Is there anything else?"

"No. Thank you Mr. Greye. Now if you'll excuse me, I am going to go enjoy a beautiful coastline that I just happen to own."

A/N This story is now being posted on Wattpad as well, under the title Gilded Lies. I will still post here