Page 80 of Every Rake Has A Silver Lining

Confused and disoriented, she bolted awake. She rubbed her eyes and gazed around her.Oh, the carriage.Simon as her pillow. “Have you reached your breaking point of sitting still?”

“No. Well, not exactly. We’re here!”

As the last dregs of slumber left her cobwebbed mind, comprehension dawned that the carriage had stopped.

The door opened, and rather than allow her to exit first, Simon hurried out and stood before the door. “Close your eyes, Charlotte.”

“Don’t be ridiculous. I will not close my eyes!”

“Please? Humor me. I won’t allow you to fall.”

She shouldn’t trust him. He hadn’t earned that, which to be honest was a difficult feat for anyone. Yet, Honoria’s words took that very moment to seep through Charlotte’s stubbornness.Give him a chance.

“Very well. But I warn you.” Closing her eyes, she fumbled for the frame of the carriage, rose, then stretched out her hand.

“Trust me.” Simon grasped her hand. “One step ahead. Move your foot a little more forward. That’s it. Now, one more and you’ll be on the ground.”

Annoyed, she huffed. “How long must I keep my eyes closed?”

Gently grasping her shoulders, he turned her a quarter revolution. “You may open them now. Welcome to Rosehaven Park.”

Prepared for a dingy little house, possibly surrounded by pig styes or cows chewing their cud, she opened her eyes.

Not to be left out, her mouth joined in, dropping in awe. Charlotte wanted to laugh, to cheer, to spin around like a child. Like a flash of understanding, she knew how Elizabeth Bennet felt upon seeing Pemberley.

Simon placedhis hands on his hips, holding in the grin he wanted to release. He gazed out at the expanse of a well-manicured lawn, neat groupings of spring flowers, and best of all, the magnificent house that rivaled the finest in the county.

“This is the main house. What do you think?” He really didn’t have to ask. Her expression spoke for her. She was impressed. But would she admit it? Why did he desperately need her to?

When her hand slid around his forearm, he darted a glance,first to her hand—not quite believing she had touched him voluntarily—then to her face. She lifted her other hand to her mouth.

Oh, she loves it.Pride swelled in his chest.

“Well? I’m waiting for your discerning assessment.” He tempered his impatience with a soft chuckle.

“It’s . . . adequate.” Yet, even with her lips pressed together so tightly they became a sliver of pink, he could make out the slight depression of her dimple as she fought the smile.

“Adequate?!” Before he could question her further, Georgie practically spilled from the front door.

“They’re here! Hurry up!” She raced toward them, her skirts flapping around her legs so wildly, Simon worried she would trip and fall.

Arms outstretched then wrapping around his waist, Georgie connected with him so forcefully they both almost tumbled backward.

“Oomph! You’ve gained weight,” he teased, patting her back.

Georgie raised a dark brow, reminding him of Charlotte. “In two days?” Not that Georgie needed any tutelage exhibiting offense.

“Simon, it’s rude to comment on a lady’s size.” Charlotte turned her attention to his sister. “Hello, Georgie.”

Like a row of ducklings, the rest of his family filed from the house, led by his mother.

“Darlings!” his mother said, rushing forward with less exuberance than her youngest child, thank goodness. And unlike Georgie, she greeted Charlotte first, pulling her against her well-endowed bosom. “Did he drive you mad on the journey, my dear? How many times did you have to stop for him to stretch his legs?”

Charlotte sent him a smug look. “I lost count. But suffice it to say, I’m glad we have arrived and he can run willy-nilly without disturbing me.”

Frannie cracked a burst of a laugh. “I knew I liked her. Simon, you best treat her well so she doesn’t leave your sorry a?—”

“Frannie!” Amusement in his father’s eyes softened his admonishment. After giving instructions to the carriage driver to proceed to the cottage with their trunks, Brown, and Rose, his father waved them toward the house. “Let’s get you two inside for some refreshment.”

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