Page 59 of Every Rake Has A Silver Lining

Simon was none of those things. How could Drake even think of asking him to be Kitty’s godfather? He would more likely lead her into the jaws of danger, eager to tackle the next challenge and stare down the next dangerous beast.

But wait. Charlotte was to be the child’s godmother. Surely, she would balance him out. He couldn’t imagine the woman taking any type of risk. Rather, she would calculate every potential danger and forge a safe and unexciting path.

At least he was good at soothing. Pretty words, and soft smiles, he could give. Stability and safety—not really.

“You have a gift, Simon.” Honoria drew his attention from the infant. “I will miss you and Charlotte, but Drake is right. You need the time alone to begin your lives together. If I may, could I speak to Charlotte in private?”

“May I keep holding her for a while?” Simon asked.

Drake placed a hand on Simon’s shoulder. “Of course. Your family was in the drawing room earlier. Let’s take Kitty down there and let your mother have some time with her before they leave.”

“I won’t keep her long, Simon,” Honoria said as he and Drake slipped out the door.

Unease tightened Simon’s chest, and Kitty squirmed in his arms. “What does Honoria want to talk to Charlotte about?”

Drake shrugged. “I don’t know. Perhaps she wants to know how things are going between you two.” Drake’s probing gaze indicated Honoria wasn’t the only one to wonder.

“About as well as one would expect for a forced marriage.”

The tips of Drake’s ears colored. “Um. Did you two...?”

“Consummate the marriage? Really, Drake, you’ve been married for a little over nine months and sex still embarrasses you?”

Simon almost laughed at Drake’s affronted expression.

“It’s not embarrassment. I’m trying to be delicate.”

“And yet, you asked anyway.” Simon held the infant closer to his chest as they descended the staircase. “The answer to your question is no. We did not. I promised I wouldn’t demand anything from her.” His mind jolted back to Charlotte’s panicked reaction the night before, and strangely it went to Davies. Had the man done more than strike her? For the moment, he brushed the uncomfortable thought aside and focused on the child in his arms.

“So, the state of Charlotte’s and your disheveled hair and clothing was?—”

“A ruse for my family’s benefit. They think I married for love,although I suspect my mother has read the scandal sheet and has her doubts.”

Drake shook his head. “Are you certain staying with your family is the wisest thing? You and Charlotte need time alone.”

“And we’ll have it. In the cottage my grandmother used. It’s far enough away to give us some privacy, but close enough to make an appearance or two to satisfy my family.” And he secretly hoped Charlotte would grow to love his family, not only as a support when he died but also to convince her to provide an heir to secure all of their futures.

Of course, he also hoped for some good fishing and hunting, but he kept all that to himself. No need to have Drake chiding him for his lack of romantic feelings.

At the foot of the staircase, Frampton greeted them. “The Countess Gryffin has come to pay her respects and see the baby, Your Grace. She wouldn’t allow me to announce her; she’s in the drawing room with Mr. Beckham’s family.”

Boisterous chatter rose from the drawing room, energizing Simon. He thrived on the lively conversation that busied his mind and distracted it from less pleasant things.

Such as how to win over his ice queen of a wife.

Charlotte straightenedthe counterpane around Honoria, busying herself to avoid her friend’s questioning. She had no doubt what Honoria wished to speak to her about. “Would you like some tea? Have you eaten?” She slipped into the role of caretaker with an ease that surprised her.

“Stop fussing and sit.” Honoria patted the mattress beside her.

The action pulled Charlotte back to the previous night and Simon on her bed.

“Are you certain it won’t disturb you?”

Honoria winced as she pushed against the mattress, pulling herself upright a little more. “No more than Drake did tossing and turning all night.”

What in the world had the man been thinking? His wife had just given birth! “Should I speak with him and suggest he stay in his own bed?”

Honoria laughed. “Only you would dare to reprimand a duke. No, he wanted to be close to me and Kitty. And I can’t refuse him anything.” Color flooded her cheeks. “Truth be told, we never sleep apart.”

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