Page 94 of Every Rake Has A Silver Lining

His father shrugged as he removed the fish from the hook. “Dinner or set the poor bastard free? What do you think your wife would want?”

Simon froze at the last question. What was his father getting at? “Why do I have the feeling you’re not talking about the fish?”

His father chuckled. “Because you’ve always been a smart lad.”

The steady fall of raindrops creating concentric circles on the river’s surface slowed. Bright sunlight broke through the clouds, sparkling like diamonds on the water.

Peering up, Simon shielded his eyes. “Looks like you made the only possible catch today. Set him free before he dies. Let’s see if he can grow as big as Gus.”

With aplop, Simon’s father released the big fish back into the river, and he swam off as fast as he could.

Simon trudged out of the river and sank onto the bank, mulling over his father’s words. “Charlotte didn’t want to get married. Truth be told, she doesn’t like me much, but I was the lesser of two evils, so to speak.”

His father joined him, stretching out his legs. “Between you and...?”

“Another man her brother wanted her to marry—Lord Felix Davies. Davies and her brother discovered us together.” Simon shook his head. “And for once in my life, I was completely innocent, as was she. But the bruise on her cheek spoke of how Davies would have treated her, and I couldn’t allow that.”

His father grasped his shoulder, the grip not as strong as Simon remembered. “As I said, I’m proud of you for that. But you’re wrong. I think she likes you just fine.”

Simon snorted, the sound oddly reminding him of Charlotte. “Then you’re not paying attention.”

“Your mother couldn’t stand me at first.”

Simon’s head jerked toward his father. “I don’t believe it. She adores you.”

“Now. But then . . .” He shook his head. “In truth, I didn’t care much for her either. But we discovered we had made false assumptions, and when we grew to know each other better, we found not only a common bond, but a deep respect and love. Hate isn’t the opposite of love, indifference is. Love and hate are very similar, both deep emotions. There can be a push-pull between them. Perhaps it’s not that Charlotte hates you, but that her feelings frighten her, so she pushes you away.”

Although his father was known for being loquacious, Simonhad never heard him wax so philosophically. It rendered him speechless.

Which was good because his father continued. “I will admit, learning your wife was Edgerton’s sister took me aback. But the sister isn’t the brother, and it’s unfair to judge her by someone else’s actions or reputation.”

Finally finding his voice, Simon shook his head. “She’s disagreeable in her own right.” And truthfully, he couldn’t imagine Charlotte being frightened of anything.

“Then it’s up to you to find out why. If it’s truly who she is, then you will have to choose to accept it or not. But, I suspect buried underneath her prickliness lies a kind, loving woman.” He rose and stretched. “Now, I’m going to keep fishing before the sun drives them all deeper.”

Simon gathered his rod and tackle and bade his father farewell. As he strode back to the cottage, he pondered his father’s words. Was there a reason for Charlotte’s abrasiveness? If so, what could it be? Granted, living with Edgerton couldn’t have been pleasant. But Simon had known men who had harsh upbringings and grew to be perfectly congenial fellows.

Had he been quick to judge her the moment he learned of her familial connections at Drake’s house party the previous summer? Did those judgments color his actions and, in turn, affect hers?

Questions bouncing in his mind made him uncomfortable. He pushed them aside, vowing to ponder them later. More a man of action than thought, perhaps he would discover the answer to those questions by engaging Charlotte in different activities—hopefully leading to one activity in particular.

If he were honest with himself—which he truly tried to be—he wanted to bed Charlotte more than he had any woman since Joy. The similarity ended there. Apart from his desire for them, the two women were nothing alike.

He took a circuitous route back home, stopping at the stables.Why, he had no idea. But a preternatural tugging pulled him as if someone or something awaited him.

Joseph, the groom, looked up from where he was brushing out one of the horses. “Mr. Simon. I understand felicitations are in order. I wish you joy upon your marriage. Is your lady wife with you?” The man craned his neck to peer around Simon.

“Thank you. No. She’s back at the cottage.”

Joseph cocked his head. “Will you be wanting a horse saddled?”

Did he? With the sun coming out, a ride would be nice. Then he remembered Charlotte and his father’s words. “No. I have no idea why I’m here. Just an impulse.”

Soft mewing came from the corner, catching Simon’s attention. Cuddled together in a bed of hay, a mother cat lovingly cleaned her kittens, the little fur balls climbing over her, vying for her affection.

“Ah. You’ve seen Daisy and her new litter. Miss Georgie has laid claim to the black one. Now that they’re eight weeks old, I was going to bring him to the house later today when the rain let up.”

“I can take him.” Simon squatted down by the little family. He held his hand out for the mother cat to sniff, then scratched behind her ears. A calico kitten attacked his finger with its little teeth. He chuckled. “The fierce warrior defends his family.”

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