Rupert’s lip curled. “Whatever you say, Your Grace.”
Wilhelm led the way into the library and shut the door behind them. He turned to face Rupert. “Father had not yet signed the proclamation making you the bishop of Hagenheim. You will not be bishop. I’m bestowing the position on the cathedral priest.” He crossed his arms.
“I see.”
“But I have a proposition for you.” Wilhelm said a quick prayer and let his arms fall to his sides. “I want to marry Rose.”
Rupert blinked.
“I propose that the two of us change places. I will abdicate all my rights as the oldest son to you. You will be duke, and Duke Godehard’s daughter, Lady Salomea, will then be betrothed to you. I will inherit only the land, tenantry, and house that were formerly entailed to you.”
Neither of them spoke while Rupert stared wonderingly at him. He lifted his eyebrows. Then he put his hand to his chin and stared at the wall.
Wilhelm’s face grew hot as he waited for Rupert to speak.
Finally Rupert looked at him and asked, “Are you sure this is what you want?”
“Yes.”
“Then I agree.” Rupert’s eyes glittered as he smiled.
“Very well. But I must first make the offer to Rose.”
“Very well.” Rupert’s look was triumphant.
“Listen to what I heard from Margrite, one of the serving maids at the castle.”
Rose sat at Hildy’s kitchen table, having convinced Frau Geruscha to allow her and Wolfie a visit to town. She didn’t feel much interest in the gossip, but she was glad to be with Hildy and away from her own life in the southwest tower.
“Margrite said that Lord Hamlin—I mean, Duke Wilhelm—told Lord Rupert he couldn’t be bishop. His father had not yet made it official, and Lord Hamlin—the duke—would not go along with it.” Hildy arched her eyebrows. “Furthermore, I heard Lord Rupert was after Lady Anne. They were seen having a private tête-à-tête in the apple orchard several days ago.”
“That sounds like the Lord Rupert I know.”
“But at least you know he preferred you to her.”
“Not exactly. He knew a duke’s daughter would never consent to becoming his mistress, but he believed a woodcutter’s daughter would jump at the chance.” Rose tapped her fingernails on the wooden table. “Don’t worry, Hildy. It doesn’t upset me. I realize that power and wealth mean more to him than love. He only wanted me when he thought he could have it all. And frankly, I’m glad I’m not Lady Anne, because I wouldn’t want to be married to Lord Rupert.”
“Wouldn’t you?”
“No. He would only break my heart until I grew to hate him. He’s a selfish, self-centered man.”
Hildy stared.
“I’m sorry, Hildy, but it’s true. I don’t love Lord Rupert, and I don’t think I ever did. Frau Geruscha was right. I should have asked God his will for me. But instead I let my emotions control me, for all the wrong reasons.”
Rose hoped Hildy would understand.
Hildy slowly nodded her head. “Lord Hamlin is the one you love, isn’t he?”
“Oh, let’s not talk any more about it, please, Hildy. I’ve thrown myself on God’s mercy and I’ll just have to see what he does for me.”
It was five weeks before Christmas, three weeks since Lord Hamlin’s father had died, making him His Grace the Duke of Hagenheim, or Duke Wilhelm, as his equals would call him. In three more weeks Duke Wilhelm’s betrothed would be brought out of hiding and presented to him at Hagenheim Castle. A week after that, they would be wed.
Rose didn’t want to think about it, tried to tell herself it didn’t matter to her, and that if God was merciful, she would be leaving town after Christmas anyway.
Today was also Rose’s birthday. Frau Geruscha gave her a new pair of gloves and had the cook bake her an apple cake. Her father came to wish her a joyful day before heading out to his work in the forest.
“Thank you, Father.” She gave him a quick kiss on the cheek, and he smiled.
A pang went through her at her father’s attempt to act as though everything was normal between them. She should have already gone to him and thanked him for taking her in, should tell him she appreciated him, and that he was a good father. But she hesitated and the opportunity was gone.
In the afternoon someone knocked at Frau Geruscha’s door. Rose opened it to find Duke Wilhelm standing before her.
“Good afternoon, Rose.”
She recovered her composure, curtsied, and stepped back to let him enter. “Your Grace.”
Duke Wilhelm winced, then gave her his one-sided grin. “How are you, Rose?”