Page 7 of Beauty and the Rake
Graham finally broke the silence between them. “Today people will know you’ve returned to London and invitations should begin to arrive.”
“True, but when they see I’m with someone other than Arthur, they’re going to immediately conclude there is something more at play between us.”
He chuckled. “Ah, I see how it is. Roxanne, you really need to stop worrying what other people think. You’re a widow enjoyingan afternoon out with a friend of the family. Nothing more, nothing less.”
“And you, sir, need to learn to be less arrogant and condescending. I understand why you’re not married. No woman would have you with those qualities,” she said, turning her head from him to the hustle and bustle of London outside the coach.
“You certainly have grown wiser than your years, dear Roxanne.”
“Don’t call me that.”
“What?”
“Dear. I’m not your dear anything.”
“I’ll keep that in mind,” he said smugly.
She inhaled deeply and turned her attention back to the creature before her. She studied him. He was broad of shoulder, tall, and dangerously handsome. His dark hair nearly brushed his shoulders, and a well-trimmed beard shadowed his jaw. Above the sharp cheekbones were a pair of startling golden-brown eyes. This was the man she’d been in love with since she was a child. A man who melted her heart until her father sold her off to Casper. Roxanne silently cursed herself as she felt those old feelings surfacing from where they had lain dormant for years.
No! This is not possible!
Roxanne’s thoughts were interrupted by that familiar voice. “What are you so deep in thought about?”
“Nothing.”
“Liar,” he said with a smirk. Something she wanted to slap from his face.
She turned her attention instead to outside the carriage window. The traffic was thick, meaning they were nearing the park. The horses had slowed to almost a crawl. More peoplewere out walking. The day wasn’t that dreary not to walk. Everyone headed in the same direction.
“Roxanne?”
“What, Graham? Can’t we ride along in peace? Conversation is not necessary, I can assure you.”
“I was going to ask if you’d like to walk the rest of the way. We may be a while if we wait in this.”
How should she respond? If they continued in the carriage, she would have to endure his drivel. If they got out, it would be too noisy to try and hold any sort of conversation.
“We might as well walk as we’re almost to the park gates.”
He tapped the ceiling of the carriage once again. One of the young men opened the door to see what Graham needed. “Tell the driver to stop. We’ll walk the rest of the way.”
“Yes, milord.”
Moments later, the carriage came to a halt and the pair descended. He paused to say something to the driver before returning to her and offering his arm. Roxanne hesitated for a second, but moments later linked her arm through his after being jostled by passing pedestrians. Everyone, it seemed, was not letting the possibility of rain ruin their plans today.
The farther into the park they went, the more the crowd thinned out.
“Should we head to where the concert is going to be given and make sure we can catch a glimpse of the orchestra?” Roxanne asked as they continued to walk.
“We can, though we might be better off on the edges in case it begins to pour.”
“Come on, Graham, live a little. What’s a bit of rain?” she taunted.
He glanced upward towards the heavens. “If those clouds do in fact open up, everyone is going to be soaked.”
They continued walking towards the grass where the concert would be held. Roxanne could feel eyes glaring at her, or them. She wasn’t sure which. Something caught her eye in her peripheral vision. She turned her head ever so slightly to see that Lady Mulbury was holding court with a small group of women. It was obvious who they were talking about. Being the center of the dragon lady’s gossip didn’t bother her. At least the ton would quickly know she’d returned from the Continent. She was sure they were also speculating about her and Graham being together. She detested gossips, but sometimes they could be useful.
Graham bent down and lowly spoke to her. “I see the dragon isn’t afraid of a little rain.”
