Romancing Rose

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Fifteen 

Heeding her father's advice and her aunt and uncle's support, Rose finally decided to return to the Cecil residence. The journey had been more lively than she had expected. William had grown more vocal and apologetic for his sins to a point of almost annoyance. Multiple times she had told him things were fine so that he wouldn't beat himself up for what he did. She was touched that he attempted to right all wrongs.

It seemed like the climate was starting to warm too. Charlotte and grandmother Fanny welcomed Rose back with open arms.

She had almost expected to return to her normal routines. And yet she was surprised at the small changes that began to happen. The servants would deliver her fresh flowers, each time with a note from William. It was as if he was wooing her. Sometimes the words he chose would send her cheeks burning furiously red. She too attempted to send back a letter though it was nowhere as romantic as his. But in those words, she spoke earnestly and honestly pouring out the words she was too shy to utter. And by his reactions, he seemed pleased.

"We're so grateful that Lady Rose has finally returned," one of the servants who had taken a fondness to dressing Rose admitted.

"What happened while I was away?" Rose asked curiously, she hadn't expected anything to change since her disappearance.

"Lord Cecil threw fits," she squeaked nervously, her eyes daring around as if William was around the corner.

"Fits?" Rose said with widened eyes.

"Fits or he'd lock himself in the room and sleep," another servant chimed in nervously.

"Well I'd never expected that."

"Since your grace has returned, his mood has much improved. He loves your grace aplenty. He's scared off several of the newer maids as well."

Imagining William misbehaving brought a smile to her face - the scene altogether sounded quite absurd but knowing William, it wasn't too far fetched.

"You pine after Rose as if she weren't your wife," Jonathan remarked with a chuckle.

"Well I didn't quite follow conventions like yourself," William shrugged in defense.

"Who'd have predicted the day one would witniss William Cecil besotted."

"If it can happen to you, it can happen to anyone," William remarked with a smirk.

"It seems like the household has turned into paradise with her return. It's much nicer to see you in a pleasant form. Prior behavior was quite unfortunate."

"I can't help how I feel Jonathan, you understand too don't you? With Charlotte," he grinned.

"Indeed, I know what you mean."

Rose began to slowly take over charge from Charlotte's reigns, learning to manage the Cecil household quickly. She felt more like a proper Lady now that she busied herself with duties. The servants were quick to respect her seeing how it was either the kind Lady Rose or the vengeful wrath of sharp tongued Charlotte.

She had also taken up the pianoforte as part of her daily schedule. She usually played in the afternoon alone where everyone in the house was busying themselves. Most of the times granny Fanny was her audience, the old women would excitedly clap after every song even if Rose misplaced multiple fingers. She didn't seem to care at all, just pleased that someone was making use of the instrument seeing how Charlotte hated it with a loathing passion.

Rose was slowly getting better at each song, humming along at times. When she finished her last song, she heard rapid clapping expecting it to be Granny Fanny again. But to her surprise, the intruder was none other than William who was beaming.

"You play wonderfully," he complimented.

"Thank you, I wouldn't say wonderfully but decent enough for the ears I suppose." She mumbled as her cheeks pinked.

"No, please Rose, it's lovely." William remarked with much conviction.

She smiled softly, eyes meeting his. It was as if in this moment she could really see the handsomeness that everyone had complimented William Cecil for. He had broad shoulders, the sharp lines of his features molding together quite pleasantly. His eyes set him apart just like her own. He approached her, seating himself next to her. Then he turned his face, the brilliant greens enchanting her where she felt like her throat was knotted together.

"May I indulge in my wife?" He leaned in whispering softly.

Rose nodded, her heart swelling at his touch. Her face was flushed and she could feel the pounding of nerves but she welcomed him. As he leaned in, she could catch a whiff of his skin. He smelled profoundly fresh.

His lips met hers every so softly, molding against hers as she reciprocated. Such passion was unfamiliar but it seemed to satiate a need she hadn't know. Hungrily, he kissed her like his life depended on it and she didn't skip a beat - her arms finding themselves around his neck, pulling him in deeper. His arms situated themselves around her waist as their mouths enveloped each other. When he parted, she let out a sigh, a shy smile gracing her features as her lashes fluttered. Oh handsome and gorgeous he looked, his figure being lit by the rays of the dawning sun. No wonder women had swooned at the sight of William Ceceil.

"A smile suits you Rose," he said pressing his lips to her forehead.

"As it does for you William," she murmured, letting her head rest against his shoulder. 

A/N: I plan to upload the remaining chapters of this story in a couple of hours so stay tuned. Again, apologies for taking so much time to update but I'm glad to still have the original story for this saved on my computer! Anyways, as always, feel free to comment and favorite.