Page 57 of Every Rake Has A Silver Lining

“How is Honoria feeling?”

“She would lie and say she’s feeling marvelous, but the pain in her eyes when she moves about gives her away. And she insistson feeding Kitty herself rather than using a wet nurse, so she was up half the night.”

Charlotte spread the jam on her toast. “That does sound like Honoria.” As nonchalantly as she could, she asked, “Have you seen Simon this morning?”

Cup poised at his lips, Drake’s eyes widened. “No. I presumed he would be with you.”

“Did I hear someone mention my name?” Simon waltzed in as if he had nary a care in the world. His world, perhaps, especially since he seemed to live in one filled with fantasy.

However, when his eyes met hers, they didn’t match the easy smile on his face. “Good morning, darling. Sleep well?”

“Perfectly,” she lied. “And you?”

“Like the dead.” He jerked his gaze away quickly, as if even that bit of connection was too much for him.

Guilt slithered anew that her reaction had affected him as well, inadvertently accusing him of something he swore he would never do.

He strode to the sideboard. “Ah, breakfast. I’m famished.”

Drake’s attention bounced between them. He shook his head, then sipped his tea.

After Simon loaded his plate with what Charlotte was certain he couldn’t finish, he took a seat next to Drake. “I want to meet that beautiful daughter of yours as soon as she’s accepting callers.”

Tea sputtered from Drake’s lips. “Callers?! Good grief, don’t even make me think of that yet. She’s not even a day old.” He set the cup down and wiped his mouth with the serviette. “However, I do want you to meet her. Honoria and I have something to ask you.”

“Oh?”

“If I may,” Charlotte interjected, “I’d like to accompany you. I have something I wish to discuss with Honoria.” Charlotteavoided Simon’s eyes, finding a spot between Drake and her husband to direct her gaze.

The men exchanged a questioning glance, but Drake answered. “If you are asking my permission, you have it. I’m sure Honoria would be glad to see you.”

Simon stared at his plate of eggs, toast, and bacon. “Have my mother and sisters been pestering you to no end, wishing to hold the baby?”

Drake laughed, nodding. “And your father. He informed me not to hesitate to seek his counsel about rearing daughters. I may take him up on it, especially since the two oldest are yet unmarried. How has he kept the men at bay? Your sisters are all so lovely.”

“A gun. And he’s a crack shot,” Simon answered, then shoved a piece of bacon in his mouth.

Charlotte’s cup dropped on the saucer with aclink.“Truly? He shoots them?”

Simon’s gaze tangled with hers. The earlier discomfort had disappeared, and his eyes glinted with the merriment she’d grown accustomed to. “Doesn’t have to. He invites them into his study displaying his trophies. The gun hangs on the wall next to them, and he stands next to it as he explains in his sternest voice how he will not tolerate any disrespect of his daughters.”

“That’s bloody brilliant!” Drake shot an apologetic glance toward Charlotte. “I beg your pardon.”

She waved it off, more interested in Simon’s account of his father. “You’re jesting.”

“Not at all. You’ll see for yourself when we spend time there for our wedding trip.”

With Kitty’s unexpected birth, Charlotte wondered if leaving was such a good idea. “Can you manage without him, Your Grace?”

“I’ve already informed Simon that as much as I depend on him—and make no mistake, Lady Charlotte, I do depend on himas flighty as my friend may seem—I can manage my own books, and servants can assume any other duties. Go. Enjoy getting to know each other better.” Something unsaid lingered in the duke’s statement.

But she didn’t dwell on it. Enjoyment itself would be a tall order.

“Very well. I should like to see this so-called suitor detractor. It makes me wonder why your father goes to such lengths. Doesn’t he have faith in your sisters making an acceptable match?”

Simon laughed. “You’ve met my sisters. What do you think?”

“Frannie seems most sensible.”

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