Page 20 of Beauty and the Rake
“No, he hasn’t. The only man I’ve had any contact with is his friend Hawksbury, but I’ve known him since we were children.”
George arched a brow. “Is he a contender?”
“Heavens, no!” Roxanne snapped back. “He’s still the same arrogant, brash man he’s always been.”
This time George bit back a laugh. “You certainly were quick to dismiss him.”
“Bollocks! He’s never nor will he ever have a chance with me. He needs to look elsewhere for a good time. I’m not going to be one of his playthings.”
“I’m sure if you mentioned what troubles you to Arthur, Hawksbury might settle.”
Roxanne shook her head. “The man will never change, George. I’m merely civil to the man when I see him.”
“Jeremy and I plan to host a ball while you and Pamela are here.”
“You shouldn’t.”
I don’t want to hear anything about it.”
“You know I can only stay a fortnight.”
“I know. I read your letter. Pity you can’t stay longer but I understand family comes first.”
“Then know I plan on cramming every hour of the day and evening with somewhere to go.” She was too. Her promise to her brother would never be broken and she looked forward to seeingher aunt and uncle. They were about the only family they had on their mother’s side of the family. A handful of cousins, one being their daughter. Until she had to return to London, she would have the best time.
“That’s what I want to hear.”
The next two weeks seemed to go by in a flash. She and Georgiana kept busy every day with shopping, rides along the seaside, and sitting in the garden talking, reading, and painting. Georgiana would spend time writing in a notebook with ideas for an upcoming book. Roxanne was amazed with how her friend made it look so easy. How could she take scribbles of notes and turn them into a bestselling novel?
Word came from Pamela that she was having to postpone her holiday because her father had fallen ill and she had promised her mother she would stay on for a while. Her mother hated to be alone during a time like that, and since none of Pamela’s other siblings were coming, she felt it was the least she could do for the woman who had birthed her.
“I’m sorry I won’t get to see Pamela,” Roxanne said as she and George sat on an iron bench in the garden. The afternoon was delightful with a blue sky and big fluffy white clouds ambling slowly across the sky. She sighed.
“As am I. I was looking forward to a reunion,” George said.
“We’ll have to make plans and do it next summer for sure.”
George nodded. “We will because this visit hasn’t been as expected. Not that I haven’t loved seeing you, I have.”
“It’s just that life seems to be getting in the way, doesn’t it?”
“I couldn’t have said it better.”
“I will give you the name of my modiste I use in London. That is, if you need one,” George said.
“I would appreciate that,” Roxanne said.
George’s butler appeared at that very moment and handed her a calling card. “He says it’s urgent.”
“Show him in and make sure tea is served on the terrace,” George said.
She passed Roxanne the card. A scowl crossed her face as she read the name. Hawksbury. What did he want and how did he find her? “I told you he was a rogue,” she said as they rose from their bench and walked to the terrace.
“Let’s not jump to conclusions. I’ve never met the man.”
“I specifically asked him to leave me alone if he happened to come to the coast. The man can’t even follow simple instructions.”
As they neared Hawksbury on the terrace, Roxanne couldn’t help but admire him. In spite of his infuriating personality, she had to admit he cut a fine figure. But what was he doing here? He’d been one that for years broke all the rules. Whatever it was he wanted, she was not going to let him off that easily. How dare he blatantly ignore her wishes.
