Page 51 of Every Rake Has A Silver Lining

“He’s the Duke of Burwood’s man of business,” Weatherby said.

A sandy eyebrow hitched. “Is that so?”

Something about the way the man’s interest seemed to pique tickled Simon’s own intuition. And something in his features seemed familiar. Around Simon’s age, he looked to be in his early or mid-thirties. Women would call him handsome, no doubt, but with a hint of danger flashing in those eyes. A pale scar stretching from his cheek to his jaw added to the intimidating picture.

“So, were you a military man?” Simon asked. Perhaps they had something in common.

“Navy. Like my father.” A look of discomfort crossed his face. “Well, I need to get back to my office.” Without another word, he turned and strode away.

“Imposing fellow,” Simon said to no one in particular.

“He terrifies me.” Weatherby gave a little shudder.

Montgomery laughed.

But Simon had a strange sense that he’d met the man before. Shaking it off, he took the unoccupied seat at the table with Montgomery and Weatherby. “What’s the game?” He rubbed his hands together, eager for a distraction from arriving babies, loathsome aristocrats, and one all-too-tempting bride.

Montgomery shuffled the cards. “Speculation.”

At least it wasn’t vingt-et-un.

Yet with each hand he won, even as he pulled the markers toward him, kisses seemed far more valuable and satisfying. He thought about where he might be kissing Charlotte. The sensitive spot on her throat? The inner part of her elbow? Her lips?

“Beckham, are you quite all right?”

Blink. Unsure who had asked, Simon cleared his throat. “Pardon?”

“You . . . ahem . . . sighed. Exhausted from the day’s events, perhaps?” Montgomery asked, color rising to the tips of his ears.

Sighed?Surely, not. Although Charlotte’s lips stirred his blood and incited wicked ideas.

Montgomery laid down the winning card. “Word of friendly advice from someone who’s been where you are.”

The balding gentleman next to Simon groaned. “What’s that? To quit now?”

Montgomery ignored the man, and a slow smile stretched his lips. “Go home. Be with your wife. I’ve read the scandal sheets—well, Bea has read them to me. She detests that rag and says she only reads it to seek clues as to the author’s identity. And although I’ve not had many dealings with Lady Charlotte, neither Bea nor I have any admiration for Edgerton or Davies. I don’t know the true circumstances leading to your marriage, nor am I asking. But whatever they were, you did what any gentleman should. Now you should make the best of it. It might surprise you how good that best can be.”

Guilt slithered in his stomach. He’d deserted his own wife on their wedding day. “How long does it take for a child to be born?” It had always seemed an eternity with his mother, and he pushed back the memory of Alexander.

All three other men at the table laughed, but it was Weatherby who answered. “As long as it takes. There is no set time. My twin girls came quickly.”

Montgomery nodded. “True. My eldest took her time, almost as if she needed to have everything just so. Then the second came out so quickly we feared she would arrive before the doctor.”

What a horrible friend he was, leaving Drake alone when he should be by his side, supporting him. And Charlotte. Did she deserve a husband who would run away at the slightest sign of difficulty? Simon swallowed and rose. “It was a pleasure, gentlemen.”

He gazed around the establishment and gave an approving nod. “But I shall return, so save your blunt.”

As he stepped out into the night air, he tapped his hat, securing it on his head.

“Hartley. Would you be a good fellow and hail me a carriage? I’m going home.”

The question remained: Would his bride be happy to see him?

CHAPTER 15

After everyone had a glimpse of little Kitty, Drake ushered them all out with instruction to Frampton to provide whatever was necessary for his guests, but stating he would remain by Honoria’s side and take supper with her in her bedchamber.

Charlotte took it upon herself to act as hostess in Honoria’s absence. Grudgingly, she admitted she enjoyed Simon’s lively family. The younger girls filled any lulls in the conversation, chattering excitedly about the baby, the latest fashions, asking if they would have a Season since Simon resided in London with the duke and was married to a real Lady.

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