Free Bride Who Fell in Love with Her Husband by Cheryl Ann Smith

and danced and chatted with Byron and Priscilla. It was easy to see how much the couple cared for each other.
    â€œI didn’t want to tell Thomas this, but Byron and I have been meeting secretly in Regent’s Park,” Priscilla confessed to Rose when they had a private moment. “He wants to marry me.”
    â€œOh, Priscilla. That is wonderful.” Rose hugged her tightly. She was truly happy for the couple. “Byron must speak to Thomas immediately and get an engagement in place before your mother finds a way to frighten him off.” The women shared a knowing glance. “Though you do not need his permission, as the acting head of the family, your brother will be put out if you do not include him.”
    â€œWe will.” Priscilla pulled back, her eyes misty. “I can never thank you properly for what you have done for us. I would have never found my way to Byron if not for you.”
    Rose blinked back tears. “I only pointed out what the two of you did not see. You have found love all on your own.”
    Thomas and Byron rejoined them. Thomas’s face was tight. “Will you excuse us, sister? I need a moment alone with my wife.”
    He took her arm, his grip firm, and led her from the ballroom at a rapid clip. Confused at his sudden anger, she begged, “Thomas, please slow down.” Her plea was ignored. He didn’t slow until he found an empty parlor and led her inside. A single candle flickering in a wall sconce lit the room.
    Rose spun around and put her hands on her hips. “Tell me why you are so angry? Have I done something wrong?”
    Thomas closed the space between them. “Why did you not tell me of Wilkinson’s visit? You know I do not want him near you, yet he came to the house and you met with him alone.”
    Rose blanched. Had Wilkinson’s vile proposal come to light?
    No. If it had, Thomas would be even more furious. She had to explain the visit away, and quickly.
    â€œHow did you find this out?”
    â€œWilkinson told me. I stumbled upon him in the foyer.”
    There was only one reason he’d mention his visit to Thomas. He wanted to torment Rose. Somehow he’d know she’d keep the visit to herself. He was out to create strife in their marriage, to remind her of how easily a well-placed word could destroy everything she held dear.
    The evening was ruined. She couldn’t face him, not with his vile blackmail hanging over her. She’d find an excuse to return home.
    However, first she had to convince Thomas that she was not considering an affair.
    â€œI did not think it worth mentioning, as he came only to congratulate us again on our marriage. He did not know you were out and I made certain the parlor doors were kept open. There was nothing improper about the visit.” The lie burned on her tongue.
    The assurance did not soothe him. “I saw the way he looked at you in the park. He is a cad, a bounder. He hunts women, innocent, married, whores, anyone to appease his unhealthy appetites. You must stay away from him. If he comes to the house again, have the footmen toss him out.”
    If only it were that easy. “Yes, dearest.” Rose reached out her hand and placed it on his arm. “I assure you that I will never be seduced by that man. He is distasteful.” And so much worse. “Trust me?”
    It took a moment for the anger in Thomas to abate, slightly. The tension was still clear.
    She squeezed his arm. “I am devoted to you, Thomas. We took vows. I intend to keep them.”
    A muscle in his jaw pulsed. He took her by the hands and his eyes locked onto hers. “You are mine forever. I love you, Rose. I’ll kill any man who touches you.”
    Rose nodded, her eyes downcast. She reclaimed her hands. “I should return to Priscilla. She will be worried.” She hurried away without a backward glance.
    Thomas growled low in his throat and resisted the urge to find