The Possessive Lord's Contract Wife

Back in the capital, Rosalie sat before her vanity, thinking of her recent conversation with the town guards. Nothing made sense, and since the ball, her doubts continued to grow.

Cole resumed his usual activities, claiming his innocence in the matter.

There were yet to be any suspects for the attack.

Rosalie brushed her hair with gentle strokes. She stared at her reflection in the mirror, trying to determine whether she had the strength to face what she was up against.

How had everyone’s lives gone back to normal, yet she was the only one disturbed by the death?

Rosalie wanted to solve the murder, but Cole pushed for her to move on. She wanted to speak to Victoria, but as of late, Victoria had been distant as well.

The sound of the door opening filled the chamber, alerting Rosalie to Cole’s presence.

Rosalie’s gaze went from her reflection to Cole’s.

"Why are you sitting alone in the dim light? Where is your maid?" Cole questioned, searching the chamber for another presence. "Are the servants misbehaving?"

"No," Rosalie replied, lowering her brush. "I just wanted to do it myself."

Cole smiled, amused by Rosalie’s plans. He came to a stop behind Rosalie, placing his hands on her shoulders. "What has gotten into you? You haven’t been yourself of late."

Rosaloie found it odd that Cole didn’t know what troubled her.

"How can I be normal when one of our maids was killed? I know the town guards said we shouldn’t worry, but it’s hard not to be shaken up. I’m doing my best not to think too much about it," Rosalie said, offering a small smile. "I didn’t mean to worry you."

Cole rubbed Rosalie’s shoulders, missing the way she flinched at first. "You have a kind heart, Rosalie. I should have known this was still on your mind. If you want, we can offer her family a gift to help them. Money would be enough."

Rosalie turned around to face Cole. "Their daughter is gone. For us to offer them money as a gift might not be taken well. The funeral has long since passed, so we cannot offer to help with that. I sent flowers, and since they weren’t returned, they must have been accepted."

"Then why dwell on it? We must move on with our lives. The dead have been laid to rest, and soon her family will carry on with their lives. No one will judge you for moving on," Cole assured Rosalie.

"That’s not," Rosalie paused, lowering her head as she bit her lip. She slowly raised her head to meet Cole’s eyes. "Their daughter was brutally attacked, and thus far, the town guards have not found the culprit. I do not think they can simply move on from this."

"I know. Forgive me, that was not the best way to put it," Cole said, kneeling to be at Rosalie’s level.

"No, it wasn’t," Rosalie agreed with Cole for the first time in days. "You must be careful with how you speak of this matter."

"I will," Cole promised, giving Rosalie’s hand a gentle squeeze.

"Perhaps what I need is a distraction. I haven’t spoken to Victoria since the ball. She must think I am avoiding her. I heard she has been doing well with her suitors. She just might be married before we know it," Rosalie said, studying Cole’s expression carefully.

She noticed a flicker of annoyance cross his face.

Rosalie bit her tongue, angry that she had not seen it before. "I think Victoria is going to find herself a very handsome and wealthy husband. I have already asked my father to help her find the right man. She’s eager to have a child with her husband by the end of the year."

Cole squeezed Rosalie’s hand this time to hurt her. "Now it is you who must be careful with what you say. You know Victoria is only getting married because of her father’s pressure. Shouldn’t you speak to her father and tell him not to force her?"

"I don’t have any right getting involved in their family affairs. When I spoke to you about Victoria’s troubles, I didn’t think you were listening, but you surprised me. Victoria is eager to find a husband, so I will not speak to her father. I will help her to marry well," Rosalie said, her mind made up.

"If that is what you wish," Cole replied.

"I will visit her in the morning to offer my help. There are a lot of events for her to attend and men for her to meet. She will need my help in selecting dresses. Perhaps that can distract me from the tragedy," Rosalie said, moving her hand out of Cole’s hold.

"You should go and see her. I am certain Victoria would be happy to see you. All I wish is for you to be back to your happy self. You must start inviting more ladies to our home. You enjoy hosting events."

"I am still planning to meet with Eloise when she returns," Rosalie shared.

Cole laughed, entertained by the thought.

"What?" Rosalie muttered, puzzled by Cole’s reaction. "I spoke to you about wanting to get to know her."

"We had one death, and all of a sudden, the Hawthornes were against visiting our home. Why should you need to leave the comfort of your own home to visit them? Lord Hawthorne has many accusations pointed at him. His home is no better than mine," Cole explained.

"Everyone knows that Lord Hawthorne’s home is well protected. No one can get in or out without his permission. It is only natural for others to be wary after what they heard. We mustn’t hold it against them," Rosalie said, fully intending to see Eloise.

"Victoria is the only friend you need right now. Lady Hawthorne hasn’t found her place in town just yet, and quite frankly, her last name won’t be enough to help her. Her uncle tried to steal from her, and I heard rumours that she once accused him of killing her father," Cole said, viewing Eloise as a liability.

"A lady with that kind of trouble should never have been welcomed into our home. Damien knows you are kind, so he is trying to place his wife with you to help her enter society. Before she spoils your name, distance yourself from her," Cole advised Rosalie.

Rosalie stared at Cole, her lips parted, unable to respond at first. "I cannot believe you are saying this. I like her company, and I intend to keep my word that I will sit with her."

"No," Cole said, his tone leaving no room for further discussion. "You are not to see her."