Page 50 of Beauty and the Rake
She watched as the man disappeared and returned with a cloth-covered leather-bound book. He unwrapped it and pushed it across the counter for her inspection.
“You’re right, it is in superb condition. It’s been well taken care of.” She looked up at him. “I’ll take it.”
“Excellent choice. It’s the best I have to offer at the moment.”
“Can you send the bill to my brother? I don’t need the earl paying for his own gift.”
“No, you can’t. Just let me wrap it for you unless you have some more books in mind.”
“Just the one for today.” She glanced out the window and noticed how the sky was changing to a menacing dark gray. She needed to get back to Jameson House before the rain set in.Turning back around, she found the proprietor coming out of the back room, his hands full with a package.
“Here you are,” he said.
“Thank you.” She took the package from him. “I know he’s going to love it.”
Heading outside to her waiting carriage, Roxanne felt the first few drops of rain hitting her face as she ascended the steps. Today had been successful, and it was time to return home. She wasn’t one of those women who spend an entire day shopping. The meager funds Casper provided her as pin money had been so dismal. If there was something she really wanted to purchase, she would have to save for it, and by the time she had the funds the item was usually sold out. Now she could be as frugal or extravagant as she wanted. It just made her feel good knowing she had a choice.
*
Retreating to JamesonHouse just as the rain began to come down in droves, she ran across the reception hall and up the stairs to her bedchamber. She placed Graham’s gift on her desk, noticing letters which had been delivered today on the right of the desk. Turning her attention back to the book, she unwrapped it, making sure the rain hadn’t gotten to it. It was as dry as it had been in the bookshop, so she picked it up off the desk and put it in a drawer in a small nearby chest.
It was then she returned to the desk and took off her damp shoes. She picked up a letter she’d opened and began to read it. It was from a childhood friend, Lily, who had married an American and was living with her husband in Baltimore. He was an attorney and had quite a few public figures as clients. They were doing well and had welcomed a son, Matthew, into the family six months earlier. She apologized for not letting Roxknow, but everything was upended surrounding the birth and time had gotten away from her.
She continued to read the words. There was talk of a trip to the Continent and London. Partially a working journey for her husband, with the stops in London and Amsterdam being where he had meetings. It would be nice seeing her friend again and hearing all about her life in Baltimore.
As she finished reading, Roxanne put the crisp white paper aside. Hearing a rustling behind her, she turned to find her lady’s maid, her arms filled with boxes from the dressmaker. Roxanne had to smile. “Why didn’t you get a footman to help you with these?”
“I did, but I wasn’t going to allow him to come in here, even if it was through the back door.”
“That’s very thoughtful,” she replied. “Why don’t you put them on the bed. They’re new undergarments I purchased from the dressmaker.”
“Did you find a dress?”
“I did, but it was one a customer had abandoned. It’s not what I had in mind, but it’s elegant and I’ll be able to use it again and again. She will be here in a day or two for the final fitting. Just to see if there are any changes needing her attention,”
“You’re going to be a beautiful bride, milady,” she said as she arranged the boxes before opening each one with care.
“Thank you. I never thought I would ever marry again. My previous marriage was arranged, and it was nothing like what I expect my marriage to the earl to be.”
“You’ve got a keeper with him, if I may be so bold to say.”
“You may.” Roxanne had never had much interaction with the maid she had before, but the woman wished to stay with Casper’s family, and she wasn’t going to deny her.
Remembering her correspondence, Roxanne turned back towards her desk but thought twice about it. She really wantedto take another look at everything she’d purchased. “It’s getting close to time for tea. Would you see that it’s served in the drawing room? I’ll be down momentarily.”
“Yes, milady.”
“You may put all of these away while I’m having tea.”
She waited until she was alone to sit on the edge of the bed and run her fingers over the silky material. Not that she hadn’t had fine undergarments before, but this time it was different. It wasn’t just a necessity, it was something special, to be shared with someone important. The lingerie she’d chosen for her wedding night was probably the most beautiful of anything else she’d chosen. An off-white gown with the nightrail matching with detailed embroidery around the collar. She smiled, knowing good and well they wouldn’t be on her very long on their wedding night.
Graham had been after her since their last encounter, but it seemed as though there wasn’t an easy way for them to be together. She reminded him he needed to control his rakish ways and wait until their wedding night. It would be worth the wait.
Rising from the bed, she walked back to the desk and arranged the correspondence before placing it into the center drawer. She’d read all of it when she returned to dress for dinner. She reminded herself she needed to make a trip over to Graham’s to go through it and decide what, if anything, the home might need. It would be better to ask Graham if he would be present and answer any questions. Asking the housekeeper before she was married might be considered bad manners and or forward on her part. Besides, Graham’s staff seemed quite efficient, and she had decided to let things continue before she made any changes. If any were needed.
Tea was brought into the drawing room just as she arrived. She walked to the doors leading out onto a terrace while the staff were preparing the tea tray. The rain was still coming down andRoxanne was grateful she’d made the decision to return home rather than spend the afternoon running errands in the cool, damp rain.
The tea, cups, plates, and delights had been placed on the same familiar table it usually was. As the door closed behind the footmen, she came across the room and poured herself a cup of tea, adding only sugar. Placing it on a table next to one of her favorite chairs, she returned and picked up a plate to place her favorite sandwiches, biscuits, and scones. She added a healthy dollop of strawberry jam to her scone before returning to her chair and settling in. She picked a biscuit from her plate and bit into it. They had been fortunate to have on staff those who baked the best pastries. The only time she declined something new was if it was an item she detested to begin with. Today was quite enjoyable being on her own, not having to hold a conversation or smile all the time. She could just sit and be herself.
