The Possessive Lord's Contract Wife

Inside, Rosalie escorted Victoria back to her bedchamber so she could sit down and have a moment to herself.

"If you had told me that you were unwell, I would have sent the guests away and taken care of you," Rosalie said, going to the windows to open them. "I should have given us all more time before I planned this gathering. I hope you can forgive me."

"That is why I didn’t mention it to you. I didn’t want to ruin this day, when you have been looking forward to being a host. You mustn’t worry about me," Victoria said, wanting Rosalie to leave. "I can take care of myself. You must go back to your guests."

"How could I leave you alone and return to my guests? Do you see me as cruel?" Rosalie asked as she walked back to Victoria’s side. "I am your best friend, and you matter more to me than all those guests. I hate to think that I have made you ill."

"You have not," Victoria assured Rosalie. "I am just feeling under the weather for a moment. I will be fine once I have rested. What are you doing?" She asked, watching as Rosalie made herself comfortable on the bed.

"I am staying here to watch over you," Rosalie replied, making herself comfortable.

"The host cannot be away from her guest for long. Weren’t you excited to meet Lady Hawthorne? How can you get to know her if you are here?" Victoria asked, trying to nudge Rosalie off the bed.

Rosalie folded her arms. "Why does it feel as though you are trying to get rid of me, and it has nothing to do with how you feel? Have I upset you in some way? Did I not properly thank you for staying here to help me?"

"You have," Victoria said, reaching for Rosalie’s hands. "You have thanked me, and I accepted it. There is a lot on my mind because of what I must do this season. I assure you that you have not upset me in any way. I am grateful for all you did for me, so taking care of you was a way to show my appreciation." 𝗳𝐫𝚎𝗲𝚠𝚎𝗯𝕟𝐨𝘃𝚎𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝗺

"If finding a husband is what plagues your mind, why don’t you allow me to aid you? My father knows a lot of the bachelors around the town, and you are quite like family. My father and I could put in a good word for you, and I could accompany you," Rosalie offered.

"That is too kind of you. I would rather you keep to your plans to enjoy the season and not worry about me finding a husband. I do not want to trouble your father," said Victoria.

"Trouble? He views you as his second daughter," Rosalie said, certain her father would help. "If I tell him that you are seeking a husband, he would put more care into helping you than he did with me. Do not for a second forget how much he adores you."

Victoria frowned, haunted by the fact. "He does care for me as though I am his daughter. I must confess that, along with feeling unwell, it was a bit uncomfortable for me to sit amongst two married couples. I am used to you and your husband, but with others, I feel out of place."

"That is partly my fault. I should have thought of how you would feel to be without someone at your side. I should have sent the men away, but Lord Hawthorne doesn’t want to leave his wife’s side. Can you believe that he has fallen in love?" Rosalie gossiped.

"It is hard to fathom, but there is someone in this world for everyone. Lord Hawthorne has found his partner," said Victoria.

"And she appears to be a lovely woman. I don’t want to see her ruined by other ladies who were eyeing Damien, so I want to invite her back another day. Will you join me, or have you had enough of my home?" Rosalie jokingly asked.

"Perhaps she would prefer an outing. To see the town and where all the ladies gather. You wouldn’t want her to feel as though you are hiding her away," Victoria said, hoping Rosalie would take the suggestion. "You have been in your home for a month. Don’t you want an outing?"

"You might be right, but she could also feel like I am trying to parade her around the town to be seen together. I have already told her that I will invite her here, and she accepted, so I will stick to that plan," Rosalie decided.

"Very well," Victoria replied, having no choice but to agree.

The door opened, and instead of a maid or doctor, Cole had to check on both ladies.

"I sent for a maid to get the doctor. He shouldn’t be long," Cole informed Rosalie.

"Good. You were right that I should have kept him a few days in case I were to be ill today. Then Victoria could have been seen already. Thank you for your help," Rosalie said, wanting to hug Cole, but she remained at Victoria’s side. "Can you entertain the guests while I am away?"

"I can, but you are far better than I am at socialising. Perhaps I might need to get one of your events started," said Cole.

"Please, take her with you. I will be down in a moment after having some time to myself. If you do not take her, I will be forced to push her out the door," Victoria said, finally meeting Cole’s gaze. "You must take her back to be with her guests."

"Rosalie, if Victoria is asking for time alone, then it is best that you allow it. When the doctor returns, you can come back here. For now, come with me," Cole said, offering his hand to Rosalie.

"Very well," Rosalie sighed as she stood up. "But do not think you are rid of me for long."

Rosalie started to guess that Victoria didn’t like the crowd, but it made no sense since Victoria was always the energetic one between them. There was more to Victoria than feeling unwell, but Rosalie didn’t know the reason now.

Rosalie didn’t push the matter since Victoria would eventually share the truth once they were alone.

"I will send a maid with water and food for you. You must lie down for a moment, and if it does not get better, you must send a maid to find me. I will return to you soon. I am ready," Rosalie said, holding Cole’s hand to leave together.

Cole smiled, trying to put Rosalie back in a good mood. He spared a short glance at Victoria before leaving with Rosalie.