Loving the Scarred Soldier (Second Chance Regency Romance Book 1) by Rose Pearson

Author:Rose Pearson [Pearson, Rose]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Landon Hill Media
Published: 2021-03-30T23:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eleven

Three weeks later

James became, once again, a frequent visitor to Caldor House, and on this particular day, the sun was shining brightly on him as he and Charlotte played shuttlecock. His coat was off and the racquet felt good in his hand. William kept score, with little George seated on his lap watching.

“Another point down, Charlotte,” William called as the shuttle fell to the floor once more.

“No fair,” Charlotte protested. “I was distracted by George’s giggling.”

“Not a good enough excuse,” William countered.

“You’ve always favored James over me,” Charlotte continued with a laugh. “Ever since we were children.”

“I protest,” James interrupted. He smiled broadly at her. “As I recall, it was the other way around. Your brother always favored you when we were children. After all, he is your brother. My fortunes now are purely due to my efforts.”

Charlotte chuckled.

“I have my version, and it is the one I am holding to. You are trying to cheat, James Watts!” she laughed.

“Never!” James protested merrily.

He almost didn’t recognise his own voice. It had been so long since he’d had a reason for joy. In the past few weeks, his reasons had multiplied and he knew exactly who was responsible for that.

“Mama!” George called for Charlotte. He raised his small hands in the air, closing and opening his palms to her.

Charlotte set her racquet aside.

“I believe that we must take a break from this match. It seems that we have an unexpected interruption.”

She crossed the lawn and went to her brother, plucking George from his hands. The child nestled against her immediately as James stood silently and watched.

Charlotte and George were a walking dream to him. Watching the woman he cared for, with her son, knowing it was a picture devoid of a husband and father, was almost mesmerizing. James found that he couldn’t help but watch them with great fondness. He’d always known Charlotte would be a good mother, but she was better than anything he could have imagined.

George’s love for his mother was apparent, as was the case was with every child, at least at first. However, Charlotte’s devotion to her son was remarkable, especially for someone who’d had little maternal care in her own life. His stepmother had done her best, but she was not Charlotte’s mother.

The child began to fret and Charlotte cooed to soothe him.

“I think it is time for his lunch,” she informed them. “And so, we shall be going inside.”

“Very well,” said James with good humor.

William got to his feet and strode toward the house, following his sister. James collected his jacket and caught up with them on the lawn and they all entered the house together.

The staff at Caldor House were beginning to get used to his presence, James thought, although the stares continued.

“James, would you hold George please?”

James stopped short at the question. He looked at Charlotte in surprise.

“Me?”

She grinned.

“Yes, you. I need to see about his food. Cook does not like it when I bring him into the kitchen.”

She passed her son to James, who didn’t know what to do.

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