Page 25 of Beauty and the Rake
“Wine, whiskey, or brandy?” Graham asked.
“I think a glass of wine will suffice.”
Graham walked over to a sideboard lined with decanters and glasses. Arthur followed, pouring a whiskey for himself. He poured a second while Graham was pouring the wine. They looked at each other, trying not to let their faces show any emotion.
“Arthur, do you think we could have the burial at the estate?”
“Of course. Whatever you want.”
“I can contact the vicar on your behalf. I assume you would like to use the family chapel for the service?” Graham said.
“Yes,” Roxanne said.
“I’ll get word to the staff and have everything readied. When do you want to go?” Arthur asked matter-of-factly.
“As soon as it can be set up.” She turned to Graham who was standing by the hearth. “You’ll be in attendance, won’t you?”
“Yes, of course.”
“Thank you.”
“Are you going to invite Casper’s son?” Arthur asked.
Roxanne shook her head. “I see no point in it. It’s not as though Thomas had a will. Any money sent from Casper’s people will end as soon as they hear the news, which I’m sure they have.”
“Agreed,” her brother said.
She rose from her chair and faced the men. “If you gentlemen will excuse me. Unless there is something else I’m needed for, I’m going to lie down for a while.”
“Of course. I understand,” Arthur said.
“I hope you feel better,” Graham added.
She gazed at Graham without any emotion. “Thank you. I’m sure you’ve had a great lark with all of this.”
He looked puzzled. “I’m sorry, I don’t follow.
“You know, playing the concerned friend, bringing me back to London while all along pretending you knew nothing of why I was truly being brought back.”
“I asked him not to tell you,” Arthur inserted.
“It matters not now, does it?” She placed her glass onto the table between two chairs and walked out of the room without another word.
A look passed between the two of them after the door closed. “She’s hiding her feelings,” Arthur said lowly.
“Yes, she is. I can’t imagine having to live with that. I’m sure she feels as though she failed him as a mother,” Graham said.
“Casper never gave her a choice or a say in the matter.”
Graham went to refresh his drink. Arthur followed. “I had an idea. You know how Roxanne enjoys taking pictures? I was thinking of purchasing her whatever she needs to take and develop her own images. Your estate might be the perfect place to get her started,” Graham said.
“I think that’s a wonderful idea. I’m not sure if she’s going to accept such a lavish gift from you.”
“I know, but if she rejects me, I’ll just leave it there, and I think she’ll be too curious to let it just sit.”
Arthur turned and glanced at the clock on the mantel. He took a sip of his drink. “I have a feeling Rox isn’t going to feel up to a big dinner. Why don’t we go to the club for dinner?”
“One of their steaks might just be what we need,” Graham said.
