Page 63 of Every Rake Has A Silver Lining

Simon leaned in, caressing her again with his warm breath. “Try to appear natural, not like you’re going to eat them.”

Odd, but the idea made her laugh, genuine and full-throated.

Lady Cheswick turned up her nose and tugged on her husband’s arm, giving Charlotte and Simon a wide berth as if they had some horrible disease. “Some people have no sense of shame.” Although muttered, Lady Cheswick’s words were clear enough.

“How good to see you, Lord Cheswick.” She nodded at them as they gawked, aghast. “Lady Cheswick, are you quite well? You appear a little green. Or perhaps it is the unfortunate color of your gown.” She shook her head, delivering a littletsk, tsk,and then forced the smile back, this time hoping it appeared as Simon had described.

Lady Cheswick tugged on her husband’s arm, muttering, “The nerve!”

Safely past them, Simon threw his head back and laughed. “Well done! How did it feel?”

“Marvelous. Like I’m myself again.”

“I must say, it’s good to have your sharp tongue directed at someone other than me.” When their gazes tangled, heat burned in his eyes, as if something naughty had crossed his mind. He coughed and turned away.

With her new approach, the stroll became enjoyable as each of them took turns in confronting each challenger with courage and wit.

Puddles remained from the previous day’s rain, most easy to avoid. But as they returned home by an alternate route, a muddy patch of water pooled in a dip in the path, obstructing their progress.

Simon removed her hand from his arm. “Wait here a moment.” He stepped forward, placing his booted foot into the puddle. Water rose past his ankle. “Damn.” He turned toward her. “Don’t suppose you have boots on?”

“No.” The whole idea had been so impromptu she hadn’t even thought to put on her half boots. Even if she lifted her skirts, her slippers would get soaked.

Returning to her, he said, “Put your arms around my neck.”

She stepped back as if pushed. “Wh—what?”

He huffed. “Never mind.” Instead of turning away, he moved forward, scooping her up and lifting her off the ground.

Instinctively, her arms went around his neck to anchor herself. “You’re mad!”

He traversed the puddle in three long strides, splashing water in his wake. “Kept you dry, didn’t I? Isn’t that a husband’s job? To protect his wife.”

Charlotte gritted her teeth. “Put me down this instant!”

“Capital idea, Mr. Beckham!” a voice called from behind.

Simon turned, still holding her in his arms.

Laurence and Beatrix Townsend approached, and imitating Simon, Laurence swung his wife up and carried her across the puddle.

“Down!” Charlotte demanded again.

Simon finally lowered her to the ground.

Beatrix, on the other hand, seemed delighted to be manhandled in such a fashion. However, one must consider the source. Beatrix had always been a strange woman. In fact, she rewarded her husband with a kiss on the cheek when he placed her back on her feet on the dry side of the puddle. “Don’t we have the most gallant of husbands, Lady Charlotte?”

Gallant?Is that what Simon’s action was meant to be? She stole a peek at her husband.

He certainly seemed pleased with himself, as did Lord Montgomery.

Lord Montgomery held out his hand to Simon. “Good to see you again so soon. I trust all is well?” Laurence’s eyes shifted toward Charlotte.

“Quite well, sir.”

“Good. Smart of you to make a public appearance and silence those wagging tongues. Bea and I have our own experience in that regard.”

Beatrix narrowed her sharp eyes on Charlotte. “To be clear, Lady Charlotte, I give little credence to what’s published in that rag—and neither should you. Someone should stop that abomination posing as news.”

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