Page 26 of Beauty and the Rake (Endless Love #1)

Retreating to Jameson House just as the rain began to come down in droves, she ran across the reception hall and up the stairs to her bedchamber.

She placed Graham’s gift on her desk, noticing letters which had been delivered today on the right of the desk.

Turning her attention back to the book, she unwrapped it, making sure the rain hadn’t gotten to it.

It was as dry as it had been in the bookshop, so she picked it up off the desk and put it in a drawer in a small nearby chest.

It was then she returned to the desk and took off her damp shoes.

She picked up a letter she’d opened and began to read it.

It was from a childhood friend, Lily, who had married an American and was living with her husband in Baltimore.

He was an attorney and had quite a few public figures as clients.

They were doing well and had welcomed a son, Matthew, into the family six months earlier.

She apologized for not letting Rox know, but everything was upended surrounding the birth and time had gotten away from her.

She continued to read the words. There was talk of a trip to the Continent and London. Partially a working journey for her husband, with the stops in London and Amsterdam being where he had meetings. It would be nice seeing her friend again and hearing all about her life in Baltimore.

As she finished reading, Roxanne put the crisp white paper aside. Hearing a rustling behind her, she turned to find her lady’s maid, her arms filled with boxes from the dressmaker. Roxanne had to smile. “Why didn’t you get a footman to help you with these?”

“I did, but I wasn’t going to allow him to come in here, even if it was through the back door.”

“That’s very thoughtful,” she replied. “Why don’t you put them on the bed. They’re new undergarments I purchased from the dressmaker.”

“Did you find a dress?”

“I did, but it was one a customer had abandoned. It’s not what I had in mind, but it’s elegant and I’ll be able to use it again and again. She will be here in a day or two for the final fitting. Just to see if there are any changes needing her attention,”

“You’re going to be a beautiful bride, milady,” she said as she arranged the boxes before opening each one with care.

“Thank you. I never thought I would ever marry again. My previous marriage was arranged, and it was nothing like what I expect my marriage to the earl to be.”

“You’ve got a keeper with him, if I may be so bold to say.”

“You may.” Roxanne had never had much interaction with the maid she had before, but the woman wished to stay with Casper’s family, and she wasn’t going to deny her.

Remembering her correspondence, Roxanne turned back towards her desk but thought twice about it. She really wanted to take another look at everything she’d purchased. “It’s getting close to time for tea. Would you see that it’s served in the drawing room? I’ll be down momentarily.”

“Yes, milady.”

“You may put all of these away while I’m having tea.”

She waited until she was alone to sit on the edge of the bed and run her fingers over the silky material.

Not that she hadn’t had fine undergarments before, but this time it was different.

It wasn’t just a necessity, it was something special, to be shared with someone important.

The lingerie she’d chosen for her wedding night was probably the most beautiful of anything else she’d chosen.

An off-white gown with the nightrail matching with detailed embroidery around the collar.

She smiled, knowing good and well they wouldn’t be on her very long on their wedding night.

Graham had been after her since their last encounter, but it seemed as though there wasn’t an easy way for them to be together. She reminded him he needed to control his rakish ways and wait until their wedding night. It would be worth the wait.

Rising from the bed, she walked back to the desk and arranged the correspondence before placing it into the center drawer.

She’d read all of it when she returned to dress for dinner.

She reminded herself she needed to make a trip over to Graham’s to go through it and decide what, if anything, the home might need.

It would be better to ask Graham if he would be present and answer any questions.

Asking the housekeeper before she was married might be considered bad manners and or forward on her part.

Besides, Graham’s staff seemed quite efficient, and she had decided to let things continue before she made any changes. If any were needed.

Tea was brought into the drawing room just as she arrived.

She walked to the doors leading out onto a terrace while the staff were preparing the tea tray.

The rain was still coming down and Roxanne was grateful she’d made the decision to return home rather than spend the afternoon running errands in the cool, damp rain.

The tea, cups, plates, and delights had been placed on the same familiar table it usually was.

As the door closed behind the footmen, she came across the room and poured herself a cup of tea, adding only sugar.

Placing it on a table next to one of her favorite chairs, she returned and picked up a plate to place her favorite sandwiches, biscuits, and scones.

She added a healthy dollop of strawberry jam to her scone before returning to her chair and settling in.

She picked a biscuit from her plate and bit into it.

They had been fortunate to have on staff those who baked the best pastries.

The only time she declined something new was if it was an item she detested to begin with.

Today was quite enjoyable being on her own, not having to hold a conversation or smile all the time. She could just sit and be herself.

At that moment, as she was taking a sip of tea, the door to the drawing room flung open. She jerked her head towards the noise. In front of her stood a very wet, red-faced and flustered Perry, Casper’s son and heir.

“Excuse me, milady, he pushed right past me,” the butler said.

“Not to worry,” she said, staring Perry down. “He has two minutes to make his peace and leave.”

The staff nodded as Perry’s face was more flustered. “Who do you think you are? Putting the house up for sale. It’s not even yours to do what you please with. My father gave you the house for your use while you are alive. No mention of ownership being transferred.”

“Tea?” she offered.

“Tea? Woman, I’ll not stand before you while you offer me a cup of tea.”

“Your choice. Now what can I do for you, Perry?”

“I want the title and all money from this sale.”

She shook her head and picked up her teacup. “There has been no sale. I’m sure you recall your father gave me that house. You know that better than anybody.”

“When I heard of a sale pending, I came rushing over.”

“I don’t know where you’re getting your information, but whoever it is, is incorrect.”

“Bloody hell, woman. You’re lucky to leave with anything but the clothes on your back when Papa died.”

She arched her brow. “Your father was a cruel man, Perry. I hope you do not turn into him.”

“Hmmph! Since you can’t seem to be rational about this matter, I’ll take it to my attorneys and let them handle the matter.”

“Feel free. Make sure, however, that all future communication is handled between our attorneys. I have nothing further to say to you,” she said. It was taking all her strength to keep her voice calm. “My man will show you the front door.”

“This isn’t the end of this!” Knowing he had no choice but to leave with the butler and footman, Perry retreated.

The sour look on his face showed Roxanne just how much anger consumed him.

She was sure it was due to his father and how he demanded his children to be the best. The man had been a tyrant.

He and his heir deserved not one further thought from her.

She returned to her tea, watching the rain plummet down outside. Roxanne wondered how Graham’s day was going since she hadn’t heard from him and was curious to know if he’d met with the bishop or not. Then she remembered he had business meetings and thought Arthur was included on some of them.

Men! They were strange creatures, and she knew they thought the same of the female sex.

Sometimes it was as though they thought women should be mind-readers and know what their plans and schedules were.

She counted herself among the lucky ones as she had lived through both types.

Casper barely acknowledged her existence and Graham, for the most part, was thoughtful and tried to make sure she was kept apprised of his comings and goings.

Roxanne hadn’t noticed she had been picking at a piece of scone on her plate until she heard Arthur’s familiar voice. “Are you going to eat that or smash it into a thousand bits?”

She arched a brow and laughed at his comment. “My mind was elsewhere.”

“Obviously.”

“I had an unexpected visitor a while ago. That’s not right. He stormed in, past the butler and footmen. Perry dropped by in a fit of anger because he thought the house had sold and had no intention of allowing me any of the profits.”

Arthur picked up one of the cucumber sandwiches and ate it in two bites. “The man has no manners. It must run in the family.”

Shaking her head, she agreed and offered her brother tea, handing him an empty plate so he could fill it with what he wanted. “I agree. He’s as nasty as his father was.”

“Well, you got rid of him. At least for now.”

“Yes.”

Waiting until he finished his second sandwich, he pursued Roxanne. “How was your day? Did you get everything done you set out to do?”

“Yes, until the rain came in, then I headed back. Have you seen Graham today? I thought you had a meeting together.”

“He showed me a ship he’s interested in purchasing. Quite amazing the changes these ships have undergone transforming from sail to steam.”