Page 73 of Beauty and the Rake
She pointed out an apple tree that was beginning to be weighed down by the fruit. “What do they use the apples for? Besides eating?”
“Depending on variety, some are used for cider, others are made into pies. There’s much more like canning for use in the winter. The possibilities are endless.”
Roxanne tucked her hand into her husband’s arm. “Is that your gardener, Mr. Young?”
Graham studied the man who was studying the sky with two others. “Why yes, it is.”
“I fear we’re going to get rained upon,” Graham said as they neared the gardener.
She made the mistake of looking up and saw the sky was blackening. “Oh my, we best head back to the house or we’ll be soaked.”
He stopped by a large apple tree. “Stay here for a moment. I need to have a quick word with Mr. Young. Then we’ll race to see who can get to the manor before the rains begin.”
“You can be such a child. Hurry because I refuse to run all the way to the house.”
She stood against the tree trunk, watching him quickly walk to where the small group was. She couldn’t hear what they were discussing but knew part of their conversation had to do with the impending rain. All heads suddenly tipped upwards at the sound of a crack of thunder. The group dispersed and Graham headed towards her in almost a sprint. She met up with him and the pair hurried towards the house.
Thunder boomed and lightning lit up the darkening sky. Rain had yet to start falling and she said a silent prayer that it would wait until they were to the house.
As they finished crossing the meadow and garden, drops began to come down from above. Graham grabbed her hand and led her up the steps to the terrace and into the drawing room. One large burst of thunder with lightning lighting up the sky and the storm opened up with all its wrath.
Laughing, Roxanne sat down and removed her boots. “The weather has been very unusual this year. I hope the rain subsides and we can have some nice summer days to enjoy outside.”
“As do I. Too much rain can be bad for the crops.”
She stood up with her boots in hand. “Let me take these upstairs so my maid can see they get dried and cleaned. I’ll find something dry to put on.”
“Would you care for some company?” Graham asked with a smirk.
“I’m sure I can manage.”
He pursed his lips. “You know how to spoil things.”
“I’m not doing such a thing. Besides, I’m sure your valet and my new maid are both busy getting our things organized.”
“Very well. I should see if there’s anything needing my attention. I’ll be in my study.”
“Would you like me to have some tea brought to you?”
He shook his head. “No. Maybe later.”
“Very well,” she said, brushing a kiss on his cheek. “I’ll see you shortly.”
“Don’t take too long.”
“I want to go check in on Mary and see how well she’s taken to the move.”
“She’s a mere babe. I doubt she knows she’s not in her bed in London.”
“Would you care to wage a bet on that?”
“I would be a fool to wager on something like that. Something I’m not well-versed in.”
“Smart man,” she said with a smile.
*
The rain seemedto be here to stay. Graham was sure he would go mad if he looked at one more ledger or wrote one more letter.He’d brought along a new novel, a murder mystery he’d had to force himself to limit how much he read. Something fun was needed by both him and Roxanne. They’d played cards, billiards, which she was quite good at, and still the time inched along.
