Page 28 of Beauty and the Rake (Endless Love #1)

T rue to his word, Graham showed up at noon.

He wore a dark-gray suit with a crisp white shirt and lighter gray cravat.

She sighed at the sight of him as she realized why he’d easily played the part of a rake when he was younger.

He was always meticulously dressed, and over time she noticed how he used it to drive women crazy.

“I apologize about yesterday. There is a deal Arthur and I are trying to shore up, and the seller was trying to change a couple of items in the original agreement.”

“It’s forgotten. You were kind about making sure I knew what was going on,” she said.

“I met with the bishop this morning and secured a special license,” he said, flashing a cheeky grin.

“That’s wonderful. Now we can decide when and where.”

“If it’s going to be a small affair, might I suggest we hold it either here or my place?”

She nodded. “Since there will only be you, me, and Arthur, we could have it in the drawing room.”

“Okay. Drawing room here. Wedding breakfast here. Now what day?”

“My dress should be delivered by Monday. Would Wednesday morning work for you?” she asked.

“I’ll check, but I think yes it will,” he said, leaning over and kissing her. “Shall we go to my house?”

“Yes, I can’t wait.”

“I’m glad to see you’re excited because I am as well. I never thought this would ever happen.”

“I don’t know why you wouldn’t. You’ve got so much to offer a woman.”

“And that woman is you. Only you.”

She placed a kiss on his cheek. “Come, let’s move on to your house before we find ourselves getting delayed because we can’t keep our hands off each other.”

“I’m not responsible on what transpires.”

He placed his hand on the small of her back and guided her out of the room and toward the front door. She accepted a shawl and watched as he picked up his black hat. They walked to his waiting carriage. The ride was so short to his family home, they could have walked.

“What would you like to do first?” he asked as he led her to the red drawing room.

“Have you discussed with the nanny about my upcoming role in Mary’s upbringing? If she’s awake, perhaps we could start there. If not, you may show me to our bed chambers.”

“I have spoken with the nanny in detail. Perhaps we can stop by the nursery first and see if she’s awake. Afterwards, we go to the bedchambers.”

“Excellent,” she replied.

Following Graham across the reception hall to the split staircase with its wrought iron railing she had always admired, she began to ascend the steps one at a time as he followed.

She looked about as they continued their walk.

There were minimal furnishings in this area.

Not that there should be with the stairs.

Artwork was scarce. Everything had a purpose.

The nanny cradled Mary in her arms, rocking her as she hummed something soothing. She glanced in their direction and smiled. “She’s just eaten, but if you’d like to hold her, I’ll get her cradle ready.”

Roxanne neared the nanny and gently took the babe out of the woman’s arms. Sitting down in the rocking chair, she peered down at the little bundle, who looked at her through her long dark lashes. Violet eyes met hers before the soothing motion shut them.

“She is a gorgeous child, Graham.”

“Yes, I’d have to agree.”

She shifted her eyes to him. “She also seems to have a calm disposition.”

“Just like her father,” he quipped with a grin.

Shaking her head, she stroked the babe’s cheek with a finger. “You’re anything but calm.”

“You really know how to hurt a man,” he replied, with a mock look of horror on his face.

“I’ll be glad once everything around her is settled.”

“It won’t be long. My attorney assured me everything was close to being resolved.”

“I’m glad to hear that. Everything needs to be settled now rather than later when Mary might get swept up in the proceedings.”

“I couldn’t agree more. She’s just a babe, a small child and doesn’t need to be used as a pawn in anything.”

Roxanne noticed the nanny hovering in the background, almost out of sight. She nodded at the woman. “Let’s allow Mary to stay on her schedule. It’s important at this young age. I’ll come visit again once I’ve settled in.”

Giving the older woman the child made her sad for a moment. It was an odd emotion, and she didn’t understand why she should be sad when in fact she should be grateful the babe would have only the best life had to offer.

As she and Graham reached the end of the corridor, he stopped, leaned over, and brushed her lips with his. “You’re going to be an amazing mother.”

“I don’t know how you can say that when I only spent ten minutes with her.”

“All of that’s about to change, but in those few minutes, I could see how much of yourself you had to give.”

“You don’t have to play the rake with me, Graham, with your flowery words. Just be yourself.”

He stopped in front of a closed oak door, placing his hand on the knob. “I can assure you I’m not. This is the real me.” The door opened and she passed him and into the chamber.

“This will be your bedchamber. You may do whatever you like to make it your own.”

She walked around the room, her fingers occasionally touching a piece of furniture or object. The room was done in lavender with shades of purple worked in as accent color. She couldn’t have chosen a better color. There was a closed door, which she immediately knew led to his domain.

Sensing her hesitation, he neared. “That leads to my chambers, but it is my desire that we share the bed, and you simply use the countess’s chambers for dressing.”

“I’ve never had that option before,” she whispered.

“Now you do.” He diverted her attention away from the door to the other side of the chamber. “There’s a dressing room along with a bathing chamber. I hope it meets with your approval. The house has the latest of everything, so when you want to bathe, you have hot water almost instantly.”

She walked through each room with a smile on her face. “This is more than adequate, Graham, and I can’t think of a thing I’d change right now.”

“When you decide you want to, let me know and I’ll hire the workmen.”

Roxanne lovingly placed her palm on his cheek. “Would you care to show me your bedchamber?”

“Yes,” he groaned. Taking her hand, he led her to the painted white door.

On the other side of the door was a large room done in shades of blue and gold. At one end of the room was a large, mahogany bed situated on a pedestal. It was quite regal, and Roxanne thought it fit Graham’s personality perfectly.

“Did you have this room re-done?”

“Yes. My father had had it done in dark, oppressive colors. It was almost depressing to come in here.”

“I can tell you had a hand in the job. It is very much you with the colors.”

“Thank you.” He reached for her hand once again.

There was a writing desk that sat at the far end of the room, near the hearth where a settee and chairs were placed. Masculine but not overly so.

“Is this one of those ‘if these walls could talk’ rooms?” she asked, turning away from him so he wouldn’t see the grin on her face.

“I’ve never brought a woman here. You will be the first and only.”

She neared him and placed her hand over his heart. “You’re serious, aren’t you?”

“I’ve tried to tell you that part of my life is over. Has been for a while. I’m not that man.”

“I believe you. Now kiss me and prove it.”

“My pleasure, milady.”

He closed the space between them. He cupped her face with both hands and lowered his lips to hers.

It started out as a lazy, slow kiss but as he probed her mouth deeper, she responded with fiery passion.

She moaned as he traced the seam of her mouth.

Knowing they needed to show some sense of decency, he gently pulled back, breaking the kiss.

“Again,” she moaned.

“As much as I would love to spend time ravishing you, I don’t think this is the wisest of times. Anyone could come knocking on the door or worse.”

Placing her hands on his chest, Roxanne looked up at him. “I know you’re right, and Wednesday will be here before you know it.”

“Not soon enough for me,” he said. “Are you hungry? Because I believe I asked for lunch to be served on the terrace. No reason to waste a beautiful day.”

“I’m famished. I think we’ve covered everything for now. I’m going to wait before I make any changes.”

“Whatever you wish, my love.”

Graham took her hand and led her out of the bedchamber and down to the terrace.

A table was set for them, and the minute a footman saw them he had the food brought out and placed on the table.

A platter of rare beef cut into slices was served.

Another held baked chicken while cold asparagus awaited them along with a fruit and cheese platter.

“This looks so delicious. I’m certainly happy I didn’t have a heavy breakfast because I have to try everything here.”

He beamed at her words. “The beef is exceptionally good, and you must try the cheddar. It’s made on my estate up north. I’m told it’s some of the best.”

“I believe I had this at your estate. It’s some of the finest I’ve tasted.”

They ate in relative silence, which made Roxanne happy that they could do that. Some couples felt they had to talk all the time when they were together. There was a slight breeze that made her pull her shawl closer.

“If you’re cold, we can move inside,” Graham said.

“No, I’m fine. Really.”

The butler stepped through the doors and walked up next to Graham. “I’m terribly sorry to interrupt, but there’s a gentleman here to see you. He has no appointment with you but says it’s urgent he speak with you.”

“Who is he?”

“Mr. Gregory Crenshaw.”

“Tell him I’ll see him, but he only has ten minutes.”

The older man nodded, turned, and disappeared as quietly as he’d arrived.

“I’m sorry, my dear, but I’m sure this is about the ship I’m looking to purchase.”

“You go ahead. I’m going to finish my meal and enjoy this marvelous terrace and gardens.”

“Thank you. I won’t be long.”