Page 43 of Beauty and the Rake
“Tea would be wonderful. As far as lunch, you best consult the earl. He doesn’t know I’m here as I simply decided on a whim to come.”
“I’m sure he’ll be happy to see you. Now if you’ll follow me, milady.”
Roxanne began to follow the older gentleman. She knew Graham’s butler had been employed by the family for years. He’d always been here. In fact, she thought she remembered the butler’s own father had worked in the position before retiring and handing over his responsibilities to his son. She wondered if he had a son of his own to pass the torch to.
Upon arrival at the terrace, the older man made his excuses to see about tea and lunch and left after seeing she was seen to. Sitting at a table, she took in her surroundings, marveling at the well-maintained gardens that lay before her. The only real sound she heard was that of birds happily chirping.
The unexpected sound of a door shutting just behind her caused her to jerk her head around to see Graham coming toward her. She couldn’t really tell his mood, but if the scowl on his handsome face was any indication, he was annoyed.
“I’m sorry, I don’t recall us scheduling anything.” He sat down across from her.
She shook her head. “No, I had some questions and thought I’d stop by and check up on your charge.”
He nodded, running a hand through his thick black hair to tame an errant lock that kept falling over his eyes.
“I saw you giving lessons to a young lady as I came up the drive.” She knew she’d hit a nerve because he rolled his golden eyes.
“Yes. Her father purchased the bay you saw her riding and wanted to make sure they were a good match.”
“And how was she?”
“A royal pain in my arse. She is spoilt, stubborn, and rude. Thinks she knows best. I’ll have to have a word with her father because I’m not sure she and the gelding are suited.”
“And she bears some affection for you?”
“You saw that? That was the last straw.”
“I’m sure you’ll have everything under control for the next time,” she said dryly.
“Hmmm. Now tell me about why you’ve come.”
“The babe. Have you decided how you are going to resolve the issue?”
He shifted in his chair as he thought about how to respond. “My man is still attempting to find the babe’s mother with no luck to date. So we’re petitioning the court to have me assigned as her ward until sufficient time has passed.”
“I’m sure you’ll have no problem.”
“I certainly hope you’re right. My being a bachelor does not work in my favor.”
“So find someone to marry,” she said boldly.
“And who am I to marry?”
Roxanne simply sat there and stared at him in disbelief.
“What?”
Of course, lunch made its debut, and they sat in silence until the servants left the terrace.
Once they were alone, she passed him a plate filled with roasted chicken. As he speared a few pieces off the plate, she noted he was trying not to look directly at her. He knew he’d hit a nerve. “So what is bothering you?”
Dropping her fork onto her plate, she stared at him in disbelief. “I thought we’d discussed this, and I thought there was something developing between us.”
“Yes, I believe there is something profound happening between us and I want nothing more than to pursue it.”
“So explain to me what you mean by pursue it. Are we simply seeing each other, are we betrothed, what?”
He turned the tables on her. “What do you want?”
