Page 42 of Beauty and the Rake
“You deserve it.”
“I can’t believe I haven’t ever been to Paris, though. My father believed women didn’t need to travel to faraway places and that they should be satisfied with staying close to home.”
“Well, Uncle Charles is changing all that. Take advantage of every stop you make and embrace everything a city has to offer.”
“I plan on that,” Violet said with a huge smile.
“Good.”
“You deserve a chance at marital happiness, Roxanne. Someone who will be your equal. Someone who will encourage you. Someone who’s a great listener.”
Roxanne grinned. “It might be difficult to find a man like that.”
“He’s out there. I know you don’t want to remain a widow for the rest of your life.”
“No, I don’t, but I’ll accept whatever hand I’m dealt.”
Violet arched a brow. “I’ve never known you to be someone who doesn’t fight for what they want. Someone who simply settles.”
“You ought to have endured what I had to when I was married to Casper.”
“I can only imagine, but you’ve got to move on. It’s been years now. This is your time, Rox.”
“I know, and I’m trying hard to do that.”
“While you’re searching for a bride for your brother, why don’t you eye the eligible men?”
“I’ve been trying just that. That’s easier than trying to find a bride. I suppose once we return to London I’ll be able to work more at what young ladies are available.”
“True. Have you thought of hosting a country ball or house party?”
“It had crossed my mind, though a house party is something for the future.”
“Then a ball it is! I wish I could be here for it, but I know you’ll do splendidly.”
Roxanne watched her aunt as she continued to examine each skein of thread in the basket next to her. “I wish you could be here as well.”
*
Her uncle andaunt’s time seemed to fly by. Charles had not given them much chance to stay because he and Violet were excited about the next leg of their adventure, the Continent. It wasonly after she persuaded their uncle to spend some time upon their return to England that her aunt agreed because she felt, given the time, there would be many changes by the time they returned.
After seeing them off, Roxanne headed to the rose garden to pick some blooms. She hadn’t been able to spend time alone with Graham and she was anxious to find out how his young charge was doing.
Chapter Thirteen
Having sent Grahama note regarding the babe, Roxanne began to question herself. Though she hated to admit it, her feelings had only deepened for the man. They both acknowledged that there was something between them that was far more than plain friendship. They had made love, sharing the deepest intimacy a man and woman can share. He seemed to have become more settled of late, but she was sure that was due to the fact he’d found himself a father in charge of raising a mere babe. She was sure it was daunting to him. Especially because she was a girl, and her needs were different than those of a boy. She was going to need a mother or mother figure but until Graham found himself a bride, he was going to have to rely on others. Nannies would be filling in until then.
Growing tired of waiting for his reply, Roxanne had the gig readied. This way, she didn’t have to ride, and she could take a few baked goods for him with her.
As she turned down the drive leading to Graham’s house, she noted movement to one side of the trees lining either side of the long drive. Upon moving closer, she realized it was Graham in the company of a young woman. She was on a dark bay horse who was on a long lead which Graham seemed to be in control of. Roxanne wondered if she was the daughter of a friend of his and was here for a lesson upon a horse her father had purchased from Graham. The girl appeared to be an adequate rider but that didn’t mean a thing when she was in a controlled environment.
She continued to sit in the gig watching what was transpiring in front of her. She listened as Graham gave the woman a thorough critique of her efforts. A smirk briefly crossed the rider’s face before becoming solemn once again. It occurred to Rox at that moment the young girl was attempting to flirt with Graham. And not doing a very good job at it because he quickly became agitated by her lack of seriousness. He said something to her, bringing the bay to a stop. Nearing the horse, the two began to have some sort of conversation. He was putting an end to the lesson and asked her to dismount the horse. She acted as though she hadn’t heard him. He repeated her task and stood and waited for her to do as he asked. Bending over, she appeared to be looking at the ground, saying something. Graham shook his head and made it clear if she didn’t dismount, she could sit in the side-saddle while the horse was led back to the stables. Finally, she slid off the bay and stood as close as she could get herself to Graham. He backed away, and she quickly threw her arms around his shoulders and kissed him firmly on the lips. Graham untangled himself from her, said something to her before turning and gathering the bay’s reins, leading him back to his stables. She stood there for a moment, scheming before joining Graham as he walked back to the stables.
Roxanne smiled at this turn of events and waited until the pair were out of sight before continuing to Graham’s house. The butler and footman greeted her as she slid down off the cart.
“He’s finishing up with his pupil, so he should be here shortly,” she said as she tried hard not to show her amusement at what she’d just witnessed.
The butler followed her into the entry hall. “Would you care for some tea out on the terrace, and will you be joining the earl for lunch?”
