The Rake's Proposal. Sarah Elliott

we get on so well.”

      “You? Practical?” Kate asked with a smile as she rose from the table. “I’m not so sure if I agree, but if you prefer to think so, then go right ahead.”

      She turned to make her exit, satisfied with her patronizing tone. When she reached the door she turned again, hoping to get in one last jab at Robert. But it was too late—his spoon was at the ready, loaded with half a buttered crumpet. He cocked it back and fired, sending her running from the room with a squeal. The crumpet hit the door just as she closed it behind her.

      Robert grinned smugly. He rose from his seat, picked up his gloves and headed for the front door. On his way out, he grabbed the large bouquet of white roses and plucked the note from them. Without reading it, he placed it on the table by the door and left.

      Two minutes later, Mary entered. She had planned on bringing the flowers to Kate’s room and frowned at their absence. All that remained on the table was a small envelope. She picked it up.

      Mary knew she shouldn’t. She really did. But she slipped her finger under the seal, opened the note, and read it anyway. Her eyes grew wide and a pleased smile touched her lips.

      She put the note into her pocket and left the hall with a renewed spring to her step.

      The drive through Hyde Park was largely silent. Charlotte was too tired from the previous night’s escapade to speak much, and Robert was brooding. At least he’d managed to convince her maid to sit outside, next to his driver, leaving him alone inside the carriage with Charlotte. That should have made things all right.