have to leave for London in another hour at the latest, asking them to spend almost a year apart would be maddening!
“I don’t think I could attend otherwise,” Juliet said weakly, pressing her lips together in a way that would suggest she was trying not to cry. Rae doubted it was that important to Juliet, given normal circumstances; however, every time her mother increased she turned into a watering pot about the most inconsequential things. Juliet was no different, it would seem.
“How about we do it here. In August?” Rae suggested. “That will give you plenty of time to have your grand event and not require that you travel, and everyone will be getting ready to leave London for their country homes so they can come here first.”
“Whoever would have known that the wedding of the Season would be held right here at Crumbles?” Drake commented dryly, shaking his head.
“I suppose we can make this happen in August,” Juliet said primly, her eyes bespoke a different story: she was just as excited as Rae that it’d be able to happen sooner. “But we’ll have to send for the modiste this afternoon, and you will be fitted for a proper gown.”
That didn’t bother Rae so much; there was only one thing that concerned her at the moment. “Will I have to stay here until the wedding, or will I be allowed to visit London?”
Juliet’s triumphant smile would have annoyed Rae even a day ago, but today it made her all giddy and excited like a young girl. “Of course, far be it from me to force you to resort to scandalous measures to see your beau before the wedding.”
“Oh, so I won’t be staying with Lady Townson this time?” Rae quipped.
“Perhaps the dowager. I hear she can tell stories about her wedding night that will make even the most experienced madame find a way to attach weights to the hem of her skirt.” She winked. “But I won’t subject Simon to that.” She jotted down a few notes. “How about in a week?”
A week seemed like an eternity, but she’d survive it if it meant she’d be in London and able to see Simon every day until they married.
“I think I can manage another week,” Simon said. It wouldn’t be easy, but it was necessary. For as much as Simon would have loved to leave for Scotland that very minute, he was somewhat relieved to know he had a little while yet to get things settled in London—namely a house to take his new bride home to! A week should give him plenty of time to find such. And then there was Giles. Not that Simon had any part in helping Giles plead his case of competency, but he did need to see to their clients’ investments while Father helped Giles or there wouldn’t be any money to spend on a wedding trip with his new bride.
“Now, about the decorations…”
Simon ignored Juliet and looked to Rae. She looked just as excited about this talk as he felt. He reached for her hands and gave it a light squeeze.
She squeezed back, her face relaxing marginally.
“Perhaps you could wait to torture Henrietta until after her beau has left,” Lord Drakely intoned, looking as disinterested as Simon felt.
Simon gave a curt, grateful nod in the man’s direction. “Shall we take a turn of the garden before I have to leave?” he asked Rae before her sister could press forward with more details.
“I’d be delighted to,” Rae said, standing.
Simon was on his feet less than a second later, holding his arm out to her.
“Perhaps while the two of you are out there, you can be thinking about wedding flowers,” Juliet said helpfully.
“I’m sure that’s exactly what they’ll be doing.” Drake’s lips dripped sarcasm.
“This way,” Rae murmured. “Through that door.”
Simon opened the door and ushered her out. Then as soon as the door closed behind them, Rae’s lips were on his. He reveled in her taste and pulled her closer, crushing her breasts against his chest. Winding her arms around his neck, she dug her fingers into the back of his hair.
His blood thundered in his veins and his kiss became more needy. Rae responded by parting her lips beneath his. Simon took advantage of her parted lips and swept his tongue inside her mouth. She tasted of plums, sweet. Simon pressed even closer to her, his body thrumming with excitement.
“We should stop,” he panted, pulling back.
Rae blinked, her kiss-swollen lips, forming a perfect O, drawing