A Daring Deception by Trentham Laura

Author:Trentham, Laura
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 978-1-946306-13-5
Published: 2021-01-25T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 14

There were advantages to being an early riser during house parties. Many of the ladies remained abed until luncheon after enjoying the late-night revelries, especially since the week of entertainment was coming to an end.

Voices had Simon pausing outside the drawing room doors. If necessary, he would tiptoe past and beg breakfast directly from Mrs. Potts. Minerva’s husky laugh mingled with Rafe’s deep voice. Simon sighed and entered the drawing room with a murmured greeting, not surprised to see the Wyndams had joined his sister and Rafe. Marcus tended to rise early to tend to his horses.

Simon was, however, more than a little surprised to spot Miss Tremaine tucked into the corner of the settee between the couples. Coffee, his preferred morning drink, was steaming from a pot on the table. He gratefully poured a cup and added a single cube of sugar.

“Dare I ask what the plans are for the day, Minerva?” Simon savored the strong brew, already perking up after his long evening with Miss Blackwell.

“A walk around the estate this afternoon if the weather holds and cards tonight. I expect you there to partner with the young ladies. And then tomorrow we will prepare for the dance. I’ve invited half of Lipton, so it should be a merry time.”

“I suppose I’m grateful you aren’t planning to auction my hand off as a parting gift,” Simon said dryly.

“I might consider it if you were in the dun.” Minerva sent a nakedly affectionate glance toward her husband. “I’ve been known to make bargains with the devil before.”

Simon barked a laugh, drained his cup, and poured another.

“You’re not hard on the eyes, as I’m sure you know. You could have your pick of ladies.” Delilah tilted her head and studied him as one would a marble bust before turning to draw Miss Tremaine into the conversation. “What do you think, Miss Tremaine?”

It was obvious the conversation was the last thing she wanted to be a part of. Dressed in drab brown, she sank into the corner like a mouse hiding from a barn cat. “He’s not ugly, I suppose.”

Rafe choked on his sip of coffee. After regaining his composure, he wagged a finger at Simon and grinned. “Not ugly. That’s how I’m going to describe you from now on.”

Miss Tremaine looked mortified, and if possible, she curled in on herself even more. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to offend.”

“Don’t pay them any mind. You are now a fast favorite with this bunch for putting me in my place.” Simon smiled ruefully, hoping to set her at ease.

A comfortable silence fell. Or at least comfortable for everyone else. Miss Tremaine glanced around with wide eyes and obvious nerves. “I’m sure when you meet a lady of appropriate breeding, you will settle down.”

“If only.” Minerva poked him in the leg. “The house is full of ladies of appropriate breeding, and my brother shows no interest whatsoever. It’s almost as if someone else has already garnered his affections.”

Minerva tread too close to the truth for his comfort.

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