Page 36 of Every Rake Has A Silver Lining

Thankfully, before the rogue could say something else and embarrass her further, Frampton opened the door again, and Simon’s family poured into the entryway. Charlotte imagined a rapid, rushing stream, unfettered and wild.

What had she got herself into?

His father shook rain from his hat and handed it to Frampton. “A devil of a day to be married, but rain does make young things grow.”

Simon laughed, loud and hearty. “Father, I think that’s only for plants.”

“Nonsense. Why, Rebecca was conceived in the worst possible storm imaginable.”

Mrs. Beckham’s face whitened. “Teddy! You’re embarrassing our new daughter.”

Charlotte blinked, the description ofdaughtercatching her off-guard.

Once Honoria and Drake arrived, they all gathered for a sumptuous wedding breakfast. Charlotte, however, had little appetite, and she pushed her eggs around her plate with her fork.Keeping her responses succinct, she answered everyone’s questions as truthfully and carefully as possible.

Kate lifted a scone from her plate. “When did you know you loved my brother?”

Well aware Simon studied her, Charlotte smiled. “Who says I love him? Perhaps he simply wore down my defenses?”

Mr. Beckham barked a laugh. “That does sound like Simon. Never one to give up on a challenge.”

Burwood nodded. “I believe I said the very thing to Miss Weatherby last year when she indicated interest in him. Of course, that’s when she thought he was the duke.”

Simon’s eyes widened. “You did? Was that before she latched herself onto you?”

“Yes. During the fox hunt.”

Like Charlotte, Honoria pushed her food around aimlessly. “Let’s not rehash that debacle.” She moaned a little as she shifted in her seat.

Burwood placed a hand on Honoria’s arm, his brow furrowed. “Darling, are you feeling unwell?”

“Simply tired.”

Mrs. Beckham exchanged a look with her husband. “Your Grace, forgive me. But when is your confinement expected?”

“Not for another few weeks. However, I wish it were sooner. If I grow any larger, I won’t be able to reach anything.”

True, Honoria’s girth prevented her from sitting closer to the table.

And although the food was perfectly prepared and delicious, guilt soured Charlotte’s stomach like bad fish. Honoria would still be with her family in Somerset, the Beckhams would be attending to their lives in Wiltshire, and she would be . . . She pushed that thought from her mind. Even if Roland hadn’t arranged the horrendous match with Felix, since Nash had left for America, her life under Roland’s critical eye had grown unbearable.

At least marriage to Simon would provide some freedom—and hopefully not imprisonment of a different variety.

“Lady Charlotte.” The Countess Gryffin pulled Charlotte from her depressing musings. The old woman had been unusually silent throughout the day’s events. “Is this rascal going to take you anywhere exciting for your wedding trip?”

Charlotte’s fork clattered to her plate. Alone with Simon. She hadn’t thought about that. “Are you?”

A chagrined grimace passed over Simon’s face. “Well, everything was so rushed, I hadn’t actually thought about it.”

“And why was it rushed, brother?” Beth asked.

Mrs. Beckham sent her daughter a castigatory glance. “Beth! Forgive her, Lady Charlotte. Beth tends to speak her mind.”

A trait Charlotte admired, for the most part. Except at that moment.

“Um.” Simon swallowed an overly large bite of toast and wiped his mouth with the serviette.

Perhaps he would choke. Charlotte smiled at the thought.

---