Page 51 of Beauty and the Rake
At that moment, as she was taking a sip of tea, the door to the drawing room flung open. She jerked her head towards the noise. In front of her stood a very wet, red-faced and flustered Perry, Casper’s son and heir.
“Excuse me, milady, he pushed right past me,” the butler said.
“Not to worry,” she said, staring Perry down. “He has two minutes to make his peace and leave.”
The staff nodded as Perry’s face was more flustered. “Who do you think you are? Putting the house up for sale. It’s not even yours to do what you please with. My father gave you the house for your use while you are alive. No mention of ownership being transferred.”
“Tea?” she offered.
“Tea? Woman, I’ll not stand before you while you offer me a cup of tea.”
“Your choice. Now what can I do for you, Perry?”
“I want the title and all money from this sale.”
She shook her head and picked up her teacup. “There has been no sale. I’m sure you recall your father gave me that house. You know that better than anybody.”
“When I heard of a sale pending, I came rushing over.”
“I don’t know where you’re getting your information, but whoever it is, is incorrect.”
“Bloody hell, woman. You’re lucky to leave with anything but the clothes on your back when Papa died.”
She arched her brow. “Your father was a cruel man, Perry. I hope you do not turn into him.”
“Hmmph! Since you can’t seem to be rational about this matter, I’ll take it to my attorneys and let them handle the matter.”
“Feel free. Make sure, however, that all future communication is handled between our attorneys. I have nothing further to say to you,” she said. It was taking all her strength to keep her voice calm. “My man will show you the front door.”
“This isn’t the end of this!” Knowing he had no choice but to leave with the butler and footman, Perry retreated. The sour look on his face showed Roxanne just how much anger consumed him. She was sure it was due to his father and how he demanded his children to be the best. The man had been a tyrant. He and his heir deserved not one further thought from her.
She returned to her tea, watching the rain plummet down outside. Roxanne wondered how Graham’s day was going since she hadn’t heard from him and was curious to know if he’d met with the bishop or not. Then she remembered he had business meetings and thought Arthur was included on some of them.
Men! They were strange creatures, and she knew they thought the same of the female sex. Sometimes it was as thoughthey thought women should be mind-readers and know what their plans and schedules were. She counted herself among the lucky ones as she had lived through both types. Casper barely acknowledged her existence and Graham, for the most part, was thoughtful and tried to make sure she was kept apprised of his comings and goings.
Roxanne hadn’t noticed she had been picking at a piece of scone on her plate until she heard Arthur’s familiar voice. “Are you going to eat that or smash it into a thousand bits?”
She arched a brow and laughed at his comment. “My mind was elsewhere.”
“Obviously.”
“I had an unexpected visitor a while ago. That’s not right. He stormed in, past the butler and footmen. Perry dropped by in a fit of anger because he thought the house had sold and had no intention of allowing me any of the profits.”
Arthur picked up one of the cucumber sandwiches and ate it in two bites. “The man has no manners. It must run in the family.”
Shaking her head, she agreed and offered her brother tea, handing him an empty plate so he could fill it with what he wanted. “I agree. He’s as nasty as his father was.”
“Well, you got rid of him. At least for now.”
“Yes.”
Waiting until he finished his second sandwich, he pursued Roxanne. “How was your day? Did you get everything done you set out to do?”
“Yes, until the rain came in, then I headed back. Have you seen Graham today? I thought you had a meeting together.”
“He showed me a ship he’s interested in purchasing. Quite amazing the changes these ships have undergone transforming from sail to steam.”
“So it’s not a play toy like some who purchase for personal use.”
