Page 31 of Beauty and the Rake
“I’m hoping we’ve worked it out for the most part. She’s lost her mother at a very important time in her life. She and her father are both healing.”
Graham leaned back in his chair and unfolded his long muscular legs in front of himself. “Any idea which way he’s leaning when it comes to the horses?”
“Weren’t you there in the room with us, Graham?” Arthur said with a smirk. “Too busy thinking about the ladies?”
Graham bit back a laugh. “Not that one. She’s trouble.”
Roxanne said nothing. She had said what she wanted and wouldn’t betray anyone’s trust by talking about private conversations.
“To answer your question,” Arthur drawled, “I believe you are going to be the lucky one. He’s leaning toward the gray gelding for his daughter and is quite interested in the bay stallion.”
“Excellent! That’s what I like to hear. No hard feelings?”
“The sale is not final. He may have a change of heart come tomorrow.”
“Not likely,” Graham said. He glanced over at her and with one hand, pushed his black unruly hair back.
“I think I’ll leave you two. Lots going on. Guests leaving, guests due to arrive,” Arthur said.
“Sleep well, brother,” Roxanne said as she watched her brother walk through the drawing room door.
She turned in Graham’s direction. “Thank goodness he’s gone. Now we can talk more freely.”
“I thought you didn’t want anything to do with me.”
“Quit with the dramatics, Graham. Tell me what’s going on with the babe.”
He chuckled. “She is under my protection. Since she’s so young, I’m thinking of taking her to my estate outside Leeds.”
“You’ll hire the necessary people to look after her?”
“Of course I will. I understand through my solicitor that word has reached the babe’s mother’s sisters, and they think they ought to be appointed her guardians.”
“They see money,” Roxanne said. She swirled the amber liquid left in her glass but didn’t drink. “Have you named her?”
He smiled proudly. “I didn’t think it would be appropriate to use family names, but I’ve decided to name her Mary.”
“I love it, Graham. Excellent choice. If I may ask, why did you decide to send her away, and to one of your lesser estates?”
“I’m glad you like my choice. I go to Leeds only a few times a year. Virtually no one knows I have family property in the area. So I think it’s perfect.”
“Sounds like you’ve put a lot of thought into this.”
“I have.” He glanced at the clock on the mantel. “It’s late. I best be leaving.”
They both stood, and as they did, Graham approached Roxanne. “I had a delightful time. I will see you tomorrow?”
“Yes. I suspect if these deals are finalized, they are going to want to leave for home.”
Graham arched a brow. “Yes, I imagine her father will want to be getting her back home. And I’ll bet you she’s back to her old ways tomorrow.”
“If you want to lose, you’re on. I’m quite confident she’s seen the error of her ways.” She wasn’t so sure; she agreed with Graham’s observation of the situation.
“Thank you for a lovely evening, Rox.”
“My pleasure.”
At that precise moment he took both her hands in his and pulled her closer. She didn’t resist as they gazed into each other’s eyes. One of his hands cupped her cheek as his lips met hers. When he saw he was going to get no resistance from her, he deepened the kiss. She sighed as his mouth ravished hers. He tasted like the brandy and port he’d consumed with a hint of cheroots they’d partaken in.
