‘Sir Lawrence has come to spend the day with us,’ she said, in answer to the unspoken question in Sam’s round eyes. ‘And he thought you might like to renew your acquaintance with Bandit.’
Sam was on his knees, happily allowing the dog to lick his face.
‘I’m afraid we will have to lock her in the outhouse while we go to church,’ added Sir Lawrence, apologetically.
‘And will you be coming to the Woolers’ later, sir?’ asked Sam, getting to his feet.
‘I had forgotten,’ uttered Rose, dismayed. ‘Old Mrs Wooler invited us to join them for dinner this evening. We are the only guests. In light of their loss the family is observing a very quiet Christmas and as we were doing much the same thing—we will see them at the church, and I will ask them if they would object to you joining us.’
‘Do say you will, sir,’ cried Sam, his eyes shining. ‘Jem has said there will not be any dancing, but there will be games, like snapdragon and forfeits, and bobbing for apples! Jem says they have decorated the house with garlands—and mistletoe.’ He giggled and cast a mischievous look at Rose.
‘Then I do hope they will allow me to come,’ said Lawrence gravely.
A few minutes later the little party set off for the church. Rose was conscious of the curious stares as she walked in upon Sir Lawrence’s arm, but she held her head high. She was encouraged by the vicar’s kindly welcome, and by an approving nod and smile from old Mrs Wooler. That lady’s keen eyes accurately assessed the situation and as soon as the service was finished she sent Jem over with an invitation for Sir Lawrence to join them for dinner.
‘I think we may conclude that our marriage will generally be welcomed,’ murmured Lawrence as he escorted Rose away from the church.
‘I believe so.’ Rose wondered how it was possible to feel so happy without bursting.
‘It is starting to snow.’ Lawrence turned up the collar of his greatcoat. ‘I should have brought you in the gig.’
‘No, it is only a few minutes’ walk to get home. Besides, you have promised to use it to take us to the Woolers’ later.’ Mrs Molland and Sam were walking ahead of them and Rose could tell by her son’s eager steps that he was keen to get back to the cottage. ‘It was kind of you to bring Bandit; Sam is so excited to see her again.’
‘Perhaps we should let him keep her, once we have decided where we are to live. It will be company for the boy.’
Rose hesitated.
‘There is something I have not told you. I missed my monthly course.’ Lawrence stopped immediately and she said quickly, ‘It is early days, I know, but I went to see a doctor this week. A new man, just moved from Bath and said to be very experienced. He thinks there is no reason why I should not be able to have another child.’
Lawrence took her hands, giving her such a long, sober look that she began to panic.
‘Of course it is not confirmed, and very likely it is not what I think—after all that has happened this year—’
Lawrence put his fingers to her lips, silencing her.
‘If you are carrying my child, that would please me more than I can say, but if our family is never more than you, me and Sam, I shall count myself the luckiest man alive.’
‘Oh.’ She blinked rapidly. ‘Oh, what have I ever done to deserve you?’
His lips twitched.
‘I cannot think.’ The snow was falling heavily now, like a thick, white curtain, deadening all sound. ‘You know,’ he said, ‘if this continues, I might not be able to get back to Knightscote this evening.’
‘You should not even attempt it,’ said Rose, trying to sound serious. ‘We will put you up at the cottage.’
‘What, you would risk sharing your house with one of the country’s most notorious rakes?’
‘Not at all.’ She smiled up at him mistily. ‘I would share it with my own, true love.’
ISBN: 978-1-4592-8217-9
SNOWBOUND WITH THE NOTORIOUS RAKE
Copyright © 2011 by Sarah Mallory
All rights reserved. Except for use in any review, the reproduction or utilization of this work in whole or in part in any form by any electronic, mechanical or other means, now known or hereafter invented, including xerography, photocopying and recording, or in any information storage or retrieval system, is forbidden without the written permission of the publisher, Harlequin Enterprises Limited, 225 Duncan Mill Road, Don Mills, Ontario, Canada M3B 3K9.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events or locales is entirely coincidental.
This edition published by arrangement with Harlequin Books S.A.
For questions and comments about the quality of this book please contact us at [email protected].
® and TM are trademarks of the publisher. Trademarks indicated with ® are registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office, the Canadian Trade Marks Office and in other countries.
www.Harlequin.com
*Linked by character
Snowbound With the Notorious Rake Page 22