Page 129 of Every Rake Has A Silver Lining

Ten minutes later, he finally finished dressing, wishing to God they didn’t have to leave so soon.

When they arrived in Swindon, the festivities were in full swing. Brightly colored streams of ribbons dangled from a tallpole in the middle of the town’s main street. People had dressed in their finest for the occasion, waving as Simon pulled his curricle up and handed Charlotte down. It only took a moment for him to realize they were greeting Charlotte rather than him.

“You’ve attracted a crowd, Wife.”

A girl about four-years-old approached, holding out a bunch of flowers. “For you.”

Simon flung a hand to his heart. “For me? How thoughtful.”

The child’s dark curls bobbed as she shook her head and giggled. “No! For her.” She pointed at Charlotte.

Simon couldn’t help but imagine his own daughter with Charlotte’s dark hair and eyes and feisty spirit. True, he needed a son, but he wanted a daughter just as much, especially if she looked like Charlotte.

Charlotte crouched before the child, smiling warmly. “Don’t mind him. He’s a bit of a nodcock. What’s your name?”

The girl cast her gaze to the ground, then peeped up under her lashes, giving Charlotte a shy smile. “Lizzie.”

“These are lovely, Lizzie. Thank you.”

Flowers delivered in Charlotte’s hands, Lizzie grinned up at Simon, then raced back to her family, burying her face in her mother’s skirts and sneaking peeks at Charlotte and then Simon amid her giggles.

Simon sighed. “Charmed by a fair lady, only to have my heart broken once again.”

“She’s a little young for you, don’t you think?” Charlotte’s lips curved up slightly, making him want to kiss her right there in public.

“I want all ladies to feel special and beautiful. It’s my mission in life. Besides, she might wind up with our son someday, and I want her to like me.”

Charlotte’s dark brow arched. “Our son, who isn’t even possibly conceived?” She scoffed a laugh. “You haveextraordinary faith in your abilities, husband. And she would be at least several years older.”

“There’s something to be said for older women. Speaking of”—he winked—“I never asked your age.”

“Because it’s rude to do so.”

He waved it aside. “I should know how old my wife is, don’t you think?”

“You first.”

“Twenty-nine.”

Her lips twitched as if holding in a secret.

Interesting.He most definitely needed to find a secluded spot and whisk her away for a kiss. “Your turn,” he said.

“Also twenty-nine.”

“Ah, but when is the date of your birth?”

She hesitated, then sighed. “Tomorrow, actually.”

“And you didn’t tell me?! We’ll celebrate today.” Keeping his voice casual, he added, “Mine isn’t until December, Christmas Day, to be exact.” He leaned in and whispered in her ear, “I rest my case about older women.”

Before she could answer with a scathing retort, his gaze snagged on his family descending from their carriage, and he waved to catch their attention. “Our family has arrived.”

Her lips opened in that enticing littleo. Her eyes shimmered with a thin line of moisture forming at the rim. She blinked it away. “Ourfamily?”

“Well, yes. You’re a Beckham now whether you like it or not.” Did she like it? He hoped so, but she averted her gaze so quickly, he worried he may have offended her. “Charlotte, I know you didn’t choose me but?—”

“Simon!” Georgie raced forward, throwing herself in his arms. At least his sisters liked him. Well, most of them, at least. Frannie and Beth were questionable.

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