More Than Charming by Jomarie Degioia Read Free Book Online Page B

didn’t notice that a biscuit had fallen onto the hem of her pale green tea gown. But Geoffrey and Becca’s son Michael spied it and ran up to her, grabbing the biscuit and popping it into his mouth. He laughed at his victory and spit crumbs all over the front of his new suit—much to his father’s delight and his mother’s consternation. James smiled at his antics. The little boy was almost three years old and full of laughter and mischief. He possessed his mother’s big green eyes, and knew precisely how to use them to his advantage. Geoffrey’s niece, Ann, who had just turned six, sat quietly beside Rebecca.
    James guessed that the pretty blonde-haired girl was shy around the guests as she sat quite closely to Becca, holding fast to her hand. Ann was Patricia’s child with Geoffrey’s late brother John. After the terrible ordeal with John several years ago, Geoffrey and Becca insisted that Patricia leave the child with them. The woman held little affection for her own daughter, having always been more concerned with her own frivolities. Her name was never mentioned in company. Without Geoffrey and Becca’s love and guidance, James was certain that Ann would have been a little girl lost.
    Paul and Michelle’s daughter, Rose, eyed Michael closely as she toddled about the space, a much-loved rag doll clutched in her arms. She made her way toward Catherine and held her arms high in the air. “Up!”
    Catherine set her teacup aside and lifted the little girl onto her lap. Rose immediately began to play with Catherine’s skirts, twisting them in her chubby little hands. Her gown was soon pulled up to mid-calf, giving James a delightful glimpse of shapely legs and ankles. He lifted his eyes to her face and found her regarding him closely. He started to smile, at which she lowered her eyes. She was still hurt, then.
    He turned and joined his friends where they stood by the mantle.
    “Roberts,” Paul said in greeting. “We wondered if you would show yourself.”
    James held up his hands in a show of defeat. “I couldn’t stay away.”
    “It does promise to be most enjoyable,” Chester put in. “It’s all Constance has been talking about.”
    “And Rebecca,” Geoffrey said. “Although I daresay after a week or so of my son’s running about, we may find the manor in crumbled ruins around us.”
    James chuckled. “Where is the little mite?”
    Geoffrey flicked his head in Catherine’s direction. James’s eyes followed, widening as they found her once more. He watched as the little boy sat himself down at her feet and wrapped his arms around one of her bared legs.
    “It seems he’s jealous of little Rose’s monopolizing Catherine’s attention.” Geoffrey chuckled.
    “I don’t blame him,” James found himself saying. He flushed hotly. “It’s obvious she’s wonderful with the children.”
    Geoffrey nodded and turned back to the other gentlemen. James, however, couldn’t drag his eyes from Catherine.
    Becca stood then, announcing the child’s naptime.
    “Oh,” Michelle added. “I should put Rose down, as well.”
    “Let me do it?” Catherine offered, standing up with the little girl perched on her hip.
    Michelle smiled gratefully and nodded her assent. Not to be left out, Michael grabbed on to Catherine’s skirt. James watched her as she smiled down at the little boy.
    “You may come, too, Michael,” she soothed, taking the child’s hand. “Ann, I could use your help.”
    Ann hopped off the settee, taking measured steps toward Catherine. With a shy smile on her fair little face, she stepped close to Catherine and matched her steps with hers.
    James caught Catherine’s eye as she passed him. She nodded to him stiffly and walked quickly toward the stairs, bound for the nursery. He bit back a groan. He had a feeling he was in for a challenging time.
     
    *     *     *
     
    The next morning, all in attendance at the manor fell into the routine of a long country visit. The gentlemen