Page 11 of Beauty and the Rake (Endless Love #1)

T he closer she got to the house, the more excited Roxanne became.

The Italian renaissance style home was exactly as Georgiana had described it.

Large and an off-white in color, Georgiana and her husband, Jeremy Black, Duke of Dorset had purchased the home after falling in love with the structure the first time they saw it on a walk they’d taken on the beach.

Her husband had made discreet inquiries and paid over market value for the property.

This was where they spent their summers now while the duke had his country estate renovated.

A long overdue project and one he wasn’t rushing.

To look at the home, one would think nothing else while passing it by.

Just another luxurious home of a member of the aristocracy.

She wondered if Georgiana had been inspired to incorporate the property into one of her books.

Her friend was a novelist and often weaved real places and people into her novel. This would be fun.

The carriage slowly began the journey down the long, crushed-shell driveway.

If she remembered what her friend told her, the front looked out on the street from a distance while the back of the house overlooked the sea.

There was a beach where Georgiana mentioned they could use her bathing machine to swim.

Bathing machines had become all the rage along the beachfront villages which dotted the coast. Roxanne had always wanted to try one, but it never seemed to work out.

A few moments later, the coach came to a stop. She waited for the door to open, but Georgiana had rushed down the stairs and flung open the door. It was obvious from the first glance at Georgiana that she was happy. One day Roxanne hoped to find that same kind of love and happiness.

“I can’t believe you’re here,” Georgiana exclaimed as she pulled Roxanne from the carriage.

“Neither can I. For a moment, I thought it might not happen.”

“Come, you can tell me everything. I’m sure you’d like to freshen up first, after which we can have tea and catch up.”

“Has Pamela arrived?” Roxanne asked.

“No, she’ll arrive tomorrow. She made a quick stop to see her sister.”

“I can’t wait to see her. It’s been ages since I’ve seen any of you.”

Georgiana hugged her after she exited the carriage. “I know. Let’s get you to your room. I think you’ll like the room I chose for you.”

“I’m sure whatever you chose is going to be beautiful.”

The pair walked up the stairs arm and arm and into the great hall of the house. It was magnificent with its black and white marble floor and a dramatic double staircase toward the rear of the room. Vases of flowers graced various tables along the walls and one in the center of the hall.

“This is breathtaking, George.”

“Thank you. We fell in love with the house the moment we stepped foot in this room. It sets the tone for the rest of the residence.”

“It does, and I haven’t even seen anything beyond this room,” Roxanne said.

“Follow me.” George smiled.

Roxanne followed her friend up the stairs and down a hallway to a closed door.

Inside, the room was breathtaking. Done in shades of lavender and purple, Roxanne thought it was the most beautiful bed chamber she’d ever seen.

A small sitting area surrounded the fireplace while a huge white four poster bed dominated the far wall.

Lastly, a large window let lots of light into the room.

“The dressing area is just beyond that doorway. I hope you’ll make yourself at home.”

Roxanne walked around the room, taking in all the detail put into the décor. “May I ask a question?”

“Of course you may.”

“Did you and Jeremy purchase the house furnished or did you do all this yourself?”

“The house was completely empty when we purchased it except for a couple of heavier pieces which remained. I was able to use those. The job is not quite finished.”

“I imagine it was quite the undertaking.” Roxanne gazed around the room, taking in all the details.

“One I’ve enjoyed immensely,” George said. “I’ll let you get settled. When you’re ready, join me in the drawing room. We’ll have tea and catch up.”

“How will I ever find it?”

“The footman I’ve posted outside your room will escort you. The house can be like a labyrinth if you’re not familiar with its layout.” George headed to the door. “I’ll see you shortly,” she said with a smile and disappeared.

Hearing her maid rustling around in the dressing room unpacking her trunks, Roxanne headed in that direction. “Are there any dresses ready for me to wear?”

“Yes, milady. The sage colored one is ready.”

“Good. I’ll change into that. Be sure something is readied to wear to dinner.”

“I will. I was thinking the dark-blue silk.”

“That will be perfect,” Roxanne said.

A short time later, Roxanne left her chamber dressed in sage-colored cotton. The footman was diligently keeping post at her door. “Drawing room? Can you tell me how I get there?”

“I’ll show you the way, milady.”

Roxanne knew she wasn’t going to get out of the young man escorting her, so she didn’t even try to talk him out of it.

Instead, she followed him through the house until they ended up at two large oak doors.

He opened one door and stepped back so Roxanne could pass.

Attention to detail was evident in this room.

George had done it in shades of red and cream.

The damask covered furniture complemented everything else.

The pleasant red complementing cream made the furniture stand out.

“What do you think? Too much?” George asked.

“Not at all. You’ve tied everything together quite nicely.”

A knock on the door kept her friend from saying anything. A footman pushed a cart into the room as the butler watched from the doorway.

“Come, let me pour you tea,” Georgiana said after the door closed. “I think you’ll find everything to your liking.”

“You’re spoiling me, and I’ve only just arrived.”

Georgiana smiled. “You’re on holiday. Enjoy being fussed over.”

“I’ve been on holiday for three years.”

“I don’t consider those years a holiday for you. You had just lost your husband, regardless of the situation.”

“True.”

“Now tell me all about what you’ve been up to since your arrival in London,” George said, raising her teacup.

“I’m staying at Arthur’s, acting as his hostess if the need arises.”

“How’s that working out?”

“Good. Casper had left me a derelict house in an unsavory neighborhood. Arthur stepped in and offered to see the property sold, and until I could find a place of my own, I could stay at the family home.”

“Have you found anything? A townhome?”

“I haven’t begun to look. For now, I’ll stay with Arthur.”

“What about men? Has he introduced you to any of his friends?”

“No, he hasn’t. The only man I’ve had any contact with is his friend Hawksbury, but I’ve known him since we were children.”

George arched a brow. “Is he a contender?”

“Heavens, no!” Roxanne snapped back. “He’s still the same arrogant, brash man he’s always been.”

This time George bit back a laugh. “You certainly were quick to dismiss him.”

“Bollocks! He’s never nor will he ever have a chance with me. He needs to look elsewhere for a good time. I’m not going to be one of his playthings.”

“I’m sure if you mentioned what troubles you to Arthur, Hawksbury might settle.”

Roxanne shook her head. “The man will never change, George. I’m merely civil to the man when I see him.”

“Jeremy and I plan to host a ball while you and Pamela are here.”

“You shouldn’t.”

I don’t want to hear anything about it.”

“You know I can only stay a fortnight.”

“I know. I read your letter. Pity you can’t stay longer but I understand family comes first.”

“Then know I plan on cramming every hour of the day and evening with somewhere to go.” She was too.

Her promise to her brother would never be broken and she looked forward to seeing her aunt and uncle.

They were about the only family they had on their mother’s side of the family.

A handful of cousins, one being their daughter.

Until she had to return to London, she would have the best time.

“That’s what I want to hear.”

The next two weeks seemed to go by in a flash.

She and Georgiana kept busy every day with shopping, rides along the seaside, and sitting in the garden talking, reading, and painting.

Georgiana would spend time writing in a notebook with ideas for an upcoming book.

Roxanne was amazed with how her friend made it look so easy.

How could she take scribbles of notes and turn them into a bestselling novel?

Word came from Pamela that she was having to postpone her holiday because her father had fallen ill and she had promised her mother she would stay on for a while.

Her mother hated to be alone during a time like that, and since none of Pamela’s other siblings were coming, she felt it was the least she could do for the woman who had birthed her.

“I’m sorry I won’t get to see Pamela,” Roxanne said as she and George sat on an iron bench in the garden. The afternoon was delightful with a blue sky and big fluffy white clouds ambling slowly across the sky. She sighed.

“As am I. I was looking forward to a reunion,” George said.

“We’ll have to make plans and do it next summer for sure.”

George nodded. “We will because this visit hasn’t been as expected. Not that I haven’t loved seeing you, I have.”

“It’s just that life seems to be getting in the way, doesn’t it?”

“I couldn’t have said it better.”

“I will give you the name of my modiste I use in London. That is, if you need one,” George said.

“I would appreciate that,” Roxanne said.

George’s butler appeared at that very moment and handed her a calling card. “He says it’s urgent.”

“Show him in and make sure tea is served on the terrace,” George said.