Page 99 of How to Wed a Courtesan

‘By one of us,’ Andrews muttered as he strode by.

Sarah cast him a pointed look. ‘The house party will be an enormous success and everyone will have a grand time.’

‘Did someone say a grand time?’ Evander asked loudly, swooping in from the drawing room with a dark-haired little boy perched on his shoulders, who erupted in a giggle.

‘A grand time,’ their son parroted.

‘We love a grand time, don’t we?’ Evander asked.

‘Yes,’ Rory cheered.

Lottie laughed at their antics. The two were always making a ruckus, filling the house with a loudness that made her shake her head and chuckle.

‘Come now, Rory, get down from there.’ Lottie gave Evander a chastising look. ‘You’re supposed to keep from getting too excited.’

‘I’m afraid that is not possible,’ Evander said, even as he lowered Rory gently to the ground. ‘As he was already enormously excited before I picked him up.’

Rory hit the ground and tore off with a roar towards Silky, who strolled casually in the opposite direction.

‘Heaven help me, that boy has energy in spades,’ said Sarah with exasperation, before racing off after him.

‘Rory,’ Lottie called. ‘You must be calm if you want syllabub later.’

The pounding of his feet came to an abrupt halt.

‘Thank you,’ Sarah panted from the other room.

Lottie and Evander looked at one another and laughed. ‘Thank goodness for the promise of sweets,’ Evander said.

‘And for wonderful little boys who bring so much happiness.’ Lottie tilted her head grudgingly. ‘As well as a bit more noise.’

‘A bit?’ Evander arched a brow. ‘I think we need to try harder.’

Lottie put her hands on her hips in feigned anger. ‘Don’t you dare.’

‘Or what?’ Evander pulled her into his arms.

His embrace was comfortable and familiar in all the best ways.

‘Or I’ll have to kiss you so much you won’t be able to make a peep,’ she threatened playfully.

‘There are worse threats in this world, my love.’

He leaned forward and captured her lips.

Even after all these years she loved his kisses, craving them with the same intensity as when they first wed. She leaned into him and deepened their kiss with a little flick of her tongue. He drew her more tightly to him and Lottie’s blood went hot in her veins.

Someone cleared their throat and they leapt apart like guilty children. Andrews stood primly by, with his hands folded behind his back. ‘Forgive the interruption, my lady, but it appears your first guests are arriving.’

Lottie and Evander shared a sheepish look at having been caught, and dutifully moved towards the door.

‘Yes, I see,’ Evander said. ‘Thank you, Andrews.’

Andrews gave austere nod as the gravel outside crunched under the wheels of a stopping carriage. A cacophony of voices came from outside—the occasional agreement of a man’s voice and the incessant chatter of a small feminine one.

‘Presumably Lord and Lady Dalton,’ Andrews said dryly.

It was an accurate guess as Violet’s daughter, Juliette, was notorious for speaking almost without stopping. Lottie hid a smile behind her hand and the corner of Andrews’ lip flicked upwards before swiftly disappearing.