Page 37 of Every Rake Has A Silver Lining

“I worried she would change her mind,” Simon continued, completely ignoring her. “You women are so mercurial, especially my lovely wife.”

“Come to my senses, you mean,” she muttered.

Turning toward her, he grew serious. “Would you like to go somewhere? There is a very nice cottage on my father’s estate. Fully equipped, and the hunting and fishing are marvelous.”

Surely, he wasn’t serious?

Lady Gryffin gawked in disbelief. “Good grief, man!” She turned toward her great-nephew. “Talk some sense into him, Drake.” She speared a kipper and shook her head. “Fishing and hunting. On a wedding trip. Take her somewhere romantic. To Florence. Venice.”

“What about Scotland?” Kate asked.

Lady Gryffin shook her head. “Don’t go to Scotland this time of year, much too cold.”

Location wasn’t Charlotte’s concern as much as the fact that she would be alone with Simon for an extended period. “Perhaps we can discuss it later?”

Simon patted her hand. “As you wish, dumpling.”

Dumpling!!

“Thank you, pudding face.”

Georgie spit out her milk.

Burwood chuckled into his serviette. “If you would all excuse us. I think I will get my wife upstairs to rest for a while. Please make yourselves at home.”

An awkward silence filled the space Honoria and Burwood left with their departure.

“Would you like to rest as well, dearest?” Simon said, with only the slightest trace of acid in the endearment.

Beth giggled.

“What’s so funny?” Georgie asked.

Charlotte darted a glance at Simon, who grinned like the cat who got the cream. “You are incorrigible,” she whispered.

Simon rose and pulled out her chair. He leaned down, his warm breath tickling the nape of her neck. “So you’ve told me. Now, shall we go up and allow my family to imagine all sorts of things?”

Only married to the man for a few hours, Charlotte already regretted it.

As Simon led Charlotte upstairs,he formulated a plan. His father’s words rang true. He never gave up on a challenge.

And wooing Lady Charlotte Talbot—err, Beckham—would be a monumental challenge. Determined to crack her hard outer shell and reveal the heart that he knew resided within, he would persevere until he prevailed. Not that he wanted her to fall in love with him.

Heaven forbid! The wistful romantic thoughts he’d had earlier must have been because the wedding ceremony addled his brain. But if the marriage had any chance of providing an heir, she’d have to allow him to touch her.

Oh, how he wanted to touch her—and more.

He slid a gaze over at her.

Passive? No. Not in the least. Determined was more like it. Determined to resist his charms.

A slow smile tugged at his lips.

We’ll see about that, my lady.

When he paused and opened the door of the room next to his, she sent him a quizzical look. “My room is at the end of the hall.”

“It was. Yes. I instructed Frampton and Rose to move your belongings to the room next to mine. For appearances, you understand.”

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