Page 53 of Beauty and the Rake
Finished with dinner, Roxanne sat back in her chair for a moment. She’d tried everything presented to her as she didn’t wish to insult the cook since dinner had gone from three to one.
Retiring to the drawing room, she declined tea, instead choosing a glass of brandy. She certainly deserved it, and after pouring a snifter with the deep gold liquid, Roxanne walked over to her favorite place to watch the weather and gardens. The French doors let in much needed light even during the dark cloudy days or storms like today. Though the rain had finally let up, Roxanne noted lightning on the horizon.
Glass in hand, she took a sip of brandy before turning and walking out of the room. It had been a long day, and she would finish it off with time for herself.
Chapter Fifteen
True to hisword, Graham showed up at noon. He wore a dark-gray suit with a crisp white shirt and lighter gray cravat. She sighed at the sight of him as she realized why he’d easily played the part of a rake when he was younger. He was always meticulously dressed, and over time she noticed how he used it to drive women crazy.
“I apologize about yesterday. There is a deal Arthur and I are trying to shore up, and the seller was trying to change a couple of items in the original agreement.”
“It’s forgotten. You were kind about making sure I knew what was going on,” she said.
“I met with the bishop this morning and secured a special license,” he said, flashing a cheeky grin.
“That’s wonderful. Now we can decide when and where.”
“If it’s going to be a small affair, might I suggest we hold it either here or my place?”
She nodded. “Since there will only be you, me, and Arthur, we could have it in the drawing room.”
“Okay. Drawing room here. Wedding breakfast here. Now what day?”
“My dress should be delivered by Monday. Would Wednesday morning work for you?” she asked.
“I’ll check, but I think yes it will,” he said, leaning over and kissing her. “Shall we go to my house?”
“Yes, I can’t wait.”
“I’m glad to see you’re excited because I am as well. I never thought this would ever happen.”
“I don’t know why you wouldn’t. You’ve got so much to offer a woman.”
“And that woman is you. Only you.”
She placed a kiss on his cheek. “Come, let’s move on to your house before we find ourselves getting delayed because we can’t keep our hands off each other.”
“I’m not responsible on what transpires.”
He placed his hand on the small of her back and guided her out of the room and toward the front door. She accepted a shawl and watched as he picked up his black hat. They walked to his waiting carriage. The ride was so short to his family home, they could have walked.
“What would you like to do first?” he asked as he led her to the red drawing room.
“Have you discussed with the nanny about my upcoming role in Mary’s upbringing? If she’s awake, perhaps we could start there. If not, you may show me to our bed chambers.”
“I have spoken with the nanny in detail. Perhaps we can stop by the nursery first and see if she’s awake. Afterwards, we go to the bedchambers.”
“Excellent,” she replied.
Following Graham across the reception hall to the split staircase with its wrought iron railing she had always admired, she began to ascend the steps one at a time as he followed. She looked about as they continued their walk. There were minimal furnishings in this area. Not that there should be with the stairs. Artwork was scarce. Everything had a purpose.
The nanny cradled Mary in her arms, rocking her as she hummed something soothing. She glanced in their direction and smiled. “She’s just eaten, but if you’d like to hold her, I’ll get her cradle ready.”
Roxanne neared the nanny and gently took the babe out of the woman’s arms. Sitting down in the rocking chair, she peered down at the little bundle, who looked at her through her long dark lashes. Violet eyes met hers before the soothing motion shut them.
“She is a gorgeous child, Graham.”
“Yes, I’d have to agree.”
