Page 22 of Every Rake Has A Silver Lining

Charlotte’s typically sharp mind jolted, trying to make a connection. And why didn’t she receive something fromHonoria? She would puzzle that out later. First . . . “Why did Honoria’s letter cause you more concern?”

Miranda rolled her eyes. “Because the groom said you were staying at Burwood’s.”

Simon, who had remained blessedly silent up until that point, raised a hand. “If I may suggest. Why don’t you read us what has you so concerned?”

Charlotte blinked at his sensible request. “I was going to suggest that.”

He chuffed a laugh. “Of course you were.”

A tiny smile flitted across Miranda’s lips. “Yes. Well.” She cleared her throat again and held up the horrible paper. “‘Some falls from grace are sharper than others. Just ask Lady Charlotte Talbot. This reporter has it on good authority that she refused Lord Felix Davies’s honorable proposal?—’”

“Honorable, my foot!” Charlotte wanted to tear the paper in half. But first she needed to hear everything it said.

“Shall I continue?” Miranda lifted her dark brows. “‘Refused Lord Felix Davies’s honorable proposal to fall into a bed of iniquity with Mr. Simon Beckham. Or should that be inequity, as said Mr. Beckham is not of the peerage and clearly beneath her.’”

Charlotte studied Simon, who appeared unfazed by the insult. No, not exactly unfazed—amused. Not sure she heard him correctly, he appeared to mutter, “Beneath her” before snorting a little laugh.

Gah!That man!

Thankfully, Miranda’s attention remained on the atrocious accusations. “‘Furthermore, Mr. Beckham serves as man of business to the upstart new Duke of Burwood, who perpetuated the despicable ruse upon society last summer—a ruse that Mr. Beckham took full part in. Should society expect anything less from such uncivilized and uncouthgentlemen?’”

Simon straightened in his chair. “Now they’ve gone too far insulting Drake.”

Miranda nodded. “I’m afraid it gets worse. ‘Sources confirm Lord Felix is heartbroken over the incident and, while assuaging his sorrow with a fine whisky, let slip that Lady Charlotte was caught in Mr. Beckham’s bedchamber while the man was in a complete state of undress. No doubt the duke has fully sanctioned and encouraged such behavior, allowing them full access to his home.’”

Miranda lowered the paper and waited.

“Is that all?” Simon asked.

“All? Is that all?” Charlotte hated how her voice escalated to a soprano pitch.

“Only that it fails to report several crucial elements.”

Miranda leaned forward. “Such as?”

“That Lady Charlotte and I are to be married. I’m taking the marriage contract to her brother today. And Lord Felix Davies is a blackguard who doesn’t deserve her. To quote the lady, ‘Honorable, my foot.’ And I would add my skepticism to the heartbroken assertion as well. Clearly, that report is skewed with the intent to damage.”

“Well, yes,” Miranda said. “It’s whatThe Muckrakerdoes.”

Charlotte’s mind had stuttered onwho doesn’t deserve her. She gaped at Simon, who remained oblivious and continued to prattle on to Miranda.

“—on my doorstep with a bruise upon her cheek. That cad struck her! And I couldn’t . . .” His gaze snagged hers. “What is it?”

“You’re defending me?”

“Of course I’m defending you. That’s what a future husband should do, isn’t it?”

Something odd squeezed her chest, but before she could examine it further, Miranda began her line of questioning.

Simon’s conscienceinsisted he remove himself so the women could speak freely, but before he could rise and take his leave, Lady Miranda fired forth a barrage of questions at Charlotte.

“So you really are going to marry Mr. Beckham? Was the . . . other part true?” Miranda’s gaze darted toward him. “And did you truly turn down Lord Felix? Although that shouldn’t surprise me, the man is vile. But why did you come here of all places? And?—”

“Miranda!” Charlotte said, her dark eyes fiery. “You sound like Anne.”

As much as Simon enjoyed Charlotte’s passionate arguments, as a gentleman, he felt compelled to say something in Lady Miranda’s defense. “Really, Lady Charlotte, was that necessary? Not that I don’t think Miss Weatherby is a delightful distraction.”

Charlotte glowered at him. Glowered! “She stopped talking, didn’t she?”

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