Page 22 of Beauty and the Rake (Endless Love #1)

H aving sent Graham a note regarding the babe, Roxanne began to question herself.

Though she hated to admit it, her feelings had only deepened for the man.

They both acknowledged that there was something between them that was far more than plain friendship.

They had made love, sharing the deepest intimacy a man and woman can share.

He seemed to have become more settled of late, but she was sure that was due to the fact he’d found himself a father in charge of raising a mere babe.

She was sure it was daunting to him. Especially because she was a girl, and her needs were different than those of a boy.

She was going to need a mother or mother figure but until Graham found himself a bride, he was going to have to rely on others. Nannies would be filling in until then.

Growing tired of waiting for his reply, Roxanne had the gig readied. This way, she didn’t have to ride, and she could take a few baked goods for him with her.

As she turned down the drive leading to Graham’s house, she noted movement to one side of the trees lining either side of the long drive.

Upon moving closer, she realized it was Graham in the company of a young woman.

She was on a dark bay horse who was on a long lead which Graham seemed to be in control of.

Roxanne wondered if she was the daughter of a friend of his and was here for a lesson upon a horse her father had purchased from Graham.

The girl appeared to be an adequate rider but that didn’t mean a thing when she was in a controlled environment.

She continued to sit in the gig watching what was transpiring in front of her.

She listened as Graham gave the woman a thorough critique of her efforts.

A smirk briefly crossed the rider’s face before becoming solemn once again.

It occurred to Rox at that moment the young girl was attempting to flirt with Graham.

And not doing a very good job at it because he quickly became agitated by her lack of seriousness.

He said something to her, bringing the bay to a stop.

Nearing the horse, the two began to have some sort of conversation.

He was putting an end to the lesson and asked her to dismount the horse.

She acted as though she hadn’t heard him.

He repeated her task and stood and waited for her to do as he asked.

Bending over, she appeared to be looking at the ground, saying something.

Graham shook his head and made it clear if she didn’t dismount, she could sit in the side-saddle while the horse was led back to the stables.

Finally, she slid off the bay and stood as close as she could get herself to Graham.

He backed away, and she quickly threw her arms around his shoulders and kissed him firmly on the lips.

Graham untangled himself from her, said something to her before turning and gathering the bay’s reins, leading him back to his stables.

She stood there for a moment, scheming before joining Graham as he walked back to the stables.

Roxanne smiled at this turn of events and waited until the pair were out of sight before continuing to Graham’s house. The butler and footman greeted her as she slid down off the cart.

“He’s finishing up with his pupil, so he should be here shortly,” she said as she tried hard not to show her amusement at what she’d just witnessed.

The butler followed her into the entry hall. “Would you care for some tea out on the terrace, and will you be joining the earl for lunch?”

“Tea would be wonderful. As far as lunch, you best consult the earl. He doesn’t know I’m here as I simply decided on a whim to come.”

“I’m sure he’ll be happy to see you. Now if you’ll follow me, milady.”

Roxanne began to follow the older gentleman.

She knew Graham’s butler had been employed by the family for years.

He’d always been here. In fact, she thought she remembered the butler’s own father had worked in the position before retiring and handing over his responsibilities to his son.

She wondered if he had a son of his own to pass the torch to.

Upon arrival at the terrace, the older man made his excuses to see about tea and lunch and left after seeing she was seen to.

Sitting at a table, she took in her surroundings, marveling at the well-maintained gardens that lay before her.

The only real sound she heard was that of birds happily chirping.

The unexpected sound of a door shutting just behind her caused her to jerk her head around to see Graham coming toward her. She couldn’t really tell his mood, but if the scowl on his handsome face was any indication, he was annoyed.

“I’m sorry, I don’t recall us scheduling anything.” He sat down across from her.

She shook her head. “No, I had some questions and thought I’d stop by and check up on your charge.”

He nodded, running a hand through his thick black hair to tame an errant lock that kept falling over his eyes.

“I saw you giving lessons to a young lady as I came up the drive.” She knew she’d hit a nerve because he rolled his golden eyes.

“Yes. Her father purchased the bay you saw her riding and wanted to make sure they were a good match.”

“And how was she?”

“A royal pain in my arse. She is spoilt, stubborn, and rude. Thinks she knows best. I’ll have to have a word with her father because I’m not sure she and the gelding are suited.”

“And she bears some affection for you?”

“You saw that? That was the last straw.”

“I’m sure you’ll have everything under control for the next time,” she said dryly.

“Hmmm. Now tell me about why you’ve come.”

“The babe. Have you decided how you are going to resolve the issue?”

He shifted in his chair as he thought about how to respond. “My man is still attempting to find the babe’s mother with no luck to date. So we’re petitioning the court to have me assigned as her ward until sufficient time has passed.”

“I’m sure you’ll have no problem.”

“I certainly hope you’re right. My being a bachelor does not work in my favor.”

“So find someone to marry,” she said boldly.

“And who am I to marry?”

Roxanne simply sat there and stared at him in disbelief.

“What?”

Of course, lunch made its debut, and they sat in silence until the servants left the terrace.

Once they were alone, she passed him a plate filled with roasted chicken. As he speared a few pieces off the plate, she noted he was trying not to look directly at her. He knew he’d hit a nerve. “So what is bothering you?”

Dropping her fork onto her plate, she stared at him in disbelief. “I thought we’d discussed this, and I thought there was something developing between us.”

“Yes, I believe there is something profound happening between us and I want nothing more than to pursue it.”

“So explain to me what you mean by pursue it. Are we simply seeing each other, are we betrothed, what?”

He turned the tables on her. “What do you want?”

“Ultimately, I would like nothing more than to marry you, Graham. In the meantime—at least through the summer, we should court.”

“I can live with that,” he said, popping a piece of chicken into his mouth. He was enjoying this way too much.

“I’m at the end of what I can tolerate, Graham. This going back and forth and dancing around the subject is beginning to wear on me hard.”

“I didn’t mean to upset you.”

“I know you didn’t, but let’s decide what we’re doing. Today.”

“Then I propose we make our relationship public.”

“What of Arthur? I don’t want to blindside him, though I suspect he knows more than he lets on,” Roxanne said.

“Yes, he knows quite a bit more, and I can assure you he wants nothing more than for us to marry.”

“Men! You’re all alike, and you band together like a bunch of naughty schoolboys. Always sticking together, and you always have each other’s backs.”

“Of course. Women are too petty. The claws come out and you play viciously,” Graham said.

“Touché! I must agree with you. That’s why my circle of women is only a select few.”

“I can live with that. When we finish here, we should go to the nursery and check in on Mary.”

“I would like that very much. How is she?”

“Thriving!”

“That’s wonderful, Graham.”

“Her nanny tells me she’s finally fallen into a routine.”

Roxanne found herself getting excited about becoming a part of this baby girl’s life.

Whether Graham knew it or not, he was the best thing to enter her short life.

He could sit back and let nannies oversee this babe’s upbringing or do what he was doing.

Instead, he was becoming a hands-on father and loving every moment.

“That’s good because I have friends whose children aren’t, and it makes life a little more challenging.

” She picked up a piece of apple and chose some stout cheddar cheese.

She studied the cheese for a moment before taking a bite.

Graham’s estate was well known for making some of the best cheese in the area.

The estate had been making two varieties of cheddar, each aged for different lengths of time to give it the distinct sharp flavor.

“I hope she continues to be sweet.”

“Don’t count on it. I’m sure she’ll have her moments. All children do,” Roxanne said with a sly smile.

Graham threw his head back and laughed in that deep baritone of his. “The key is not to over-indulge them.”

She arched her brow. “Or give in to their every whim.”

He laughed again. “What is that look for? Do you really think I’d spoil her?”

“You already are. Not that it’s a bad thing, but as she gets older, the more likely she’ll be to just wrap you around her little finger. You won’t know what happened.”

“I suppose you’re right, and it would be unfair to her siblings. Everyone should be treated equally.”

“Siblings? You certainly are sure of yourself, aren’t you? Putting the cart before the horse?”