Authors: Nichole Matthews
Piper tilted
her head towards Persephone. “Has anyone told you how Rockwell and I met?”
Persephone glanced ove
r her shoulder. “No, they have no
t.”
“My intention last Season was to research the best literary clubs in London so that I could emulate their success with one of my own.”
Persephone’s brow furrowed. “Are not the best literary clubs in London for men only?”
“That is exactly why it was so very dangerous.” Piper’s grin grew wide, that of a Cheshire ca
t.
Persephone spoke with the maid that answered her call, order
ed
a tea tray
,
then moved back in front of the fi
re to listen to Piper’s tale.
Piper humorously related the incident where
dress
ed
as a
young
man
about town, she e
nter the hallowed halls
of one club
with her cousin
. She saw that
Rockwell also attended which had surprised her because of his rakish reputation and when he found out of her reckless behavior did everything in his power to protect her
and also teach her a lesson
.
Persephone’s hand flew
to her mouth. “I cannot believe you had the nerve.” Her laugh reverberated off of the low ceiling.
“That is why you were asking me if I’
d
ever worn men’s trousers before.”
Piper giggled, nodding her head at the same time.
Parker stepped back into the shadows as the maid delivered their tray not want
ing
to interrupt the time Persephone and Piper were takin
g to get to know one another.
“Believe me,” Piper cut in. “I was soundly scolded for my behavior.” She rolled her eyes. “Not
only from Parker, but Rockwell
as well.” She smiled. “Which truth be told, I did not mind. I carried a
secret
tendre
for Rockwell for several
Seasons. Not at all the thing!
”
She let out a
nother
girlish giggle.
“How very romantic that the two of you should marry after such a scandalous meeting.” An image rose in her mind of her and Parker wed and living happily into their dotage. It was a fleeting dream.
An u
nattainable
dream
.
“
He made it quite clear that he
enjoyed my company,
of course,
” Piper added. “But it was
no
t until after I had been kid
napped that I realized I no longer
want
ed
to fight his sincerity.”
“
Kidnapped?
”
Persephone
exclaimed
, her eyes wide
.
“A story for another day
,
perhaps
.
”
Piper looked down at the baby in her arms.
Parker
kno
cked lightly on the
doorframe;
Persephone looked up at the sound. He stepped
into the room with a bright smile. “Is this a private affair, or can anyone take part?” When Persephone looked up, he forgot all about everything else except the way she lit up when
she saw him.
“Parker,” Piper cried enthusiastically. “Have you seen a more delicious creature?”
She
sighed
contentedly. “I could just gobble
her up.”
A delicious thrill ran over Persephone’s
body
as their gazes collided
and a broad smile spread across his face.
Her cheeks warmed under his blatant admiration.
It gave him a kick in the gut that she
was obviously glad to see him.
“Don’t allow
Poppy
to hear you say such a thing
.”
Parker laughed softly.
How he loved seeing Persephone in every room in his
home. His home. His refuge.
“
I have no doubt that she
would agree one hundred percent,
”
Piper added.
Parker
ambled
forward
and pulled up a footstool to settle comfortably
next to the women.
“Persephone,” he said
. “I hope you have enjoyed a splendid day so far.”
“I have.”
She blushed at his attention. “Thank you for asking, my lord.”
Piper looke
d up at Persephone. “She has the
perfect amount of rolls.”
She
leaned to the side to
look around Parker. “Did Rockwell not join you?” She flashed a questioning look at her brother.
“Don’t
worry,
sweeting.” He chucked her under her chin. “Where you ar
e, he is never too far behind.”
Persephone smiled at their easy relationship. Love evident in e
very gesture, word, and look.
“Knock, knock,” Rockwell called from
just inside
the door
way
.
“I intercepted a tea tray on my way up.”
Parker exchanged a look with Piper. She fairly glowed at the sound of his voice.
Rockwell
set the tray on a low table near the fire and se
nt a frown Parker’s way. “Tea
and biscuits.” A wide smile split hi
s face
. “I requested something a bit stronger. There is a decided nip in the air
today
.”
He leaned down and pressed a kiss to Piper’s forehead.
“Excellent.” Parker rubbed his hands together
.
Pers
ephone leaned forward preparing their tea
and handed a cup to Piper
.
Piper lifted her teacup and took a small sip, her nose wrinkled. “More sugar, please.”
“Of course,” Persephone replied with laughter in her voice. “I had forgotten.
Your aunt advised me that you
prefer more sugar to tea.”
“It is a vice
I am unable to rid myself of
.” Piper laughed. “One I
’
m sure th
at I will come to regret when I’
m no longer able to lace my stays, but until that time I cannot say no.”
Her eyes closed with delight.
Parker sat back and watched their interchange. He watched her smile and her eyes light up with their easy banter. He was grateful Piper had decided to arrive early, no matter her reasons or her interfering ways.
“Do you not prefer your tea sweet, as well, Persephone?”
She couldn’t stop the blush that colored her cheeks. “I do.”
Parker lifted the sugar spoon and scooped t
w
o large
spoonfuls
into her
cup. “Then by all means, indulge.” He leaned back and stared at her. “Is life not too short to deprive oneself of such simple pleasures?”
She took a sip, her eyelids fluttered shut for a brief moment as the delightful sweetness spread over her tongue. Parker watched the ripples of her throat and the enjoyment
that
cov
ered her face as she indulged.
Rockwell reclined on the floor leaning back on his elbows, narrowing his eyes
at the scene playing out in front of him
and popped a biscuit into his mouth
.
He was pleased that his friend was allowing emotions to rule his mind and body for once.
He generally over analyzed every small thing before he stuck his toe in. It was good to see him diving in head first for a change.
“What is that look, Rock?” Parker’s brows drew together.
The corner of Rockwell’s mouth turned up
. He held
up
his hand and barked an order for them to quiet down
from his indelicate sprawl on the floor in front of the fire.
“I wager one pound to the first person to quote a nursery rhyme.”
“A fitting wager fo
r the nursery,”
Parker
drawled just as a footman arrived with two glasses and a decanter of brandy.
Rockwell jumped
up and retrieved the delivery, pouring
them both a tumbler before plopping
back down
in front of the fire
.
Persephone eyes swung back and forth
between t
he two men,
nibbl
ing
at her biscuit.
Parker could see the wheels working in her head.
Piper rolled her eyes. “A whole pound?”
Persephone leaned back and sighed
. Her anxiety fled with each of their well-meaning jabs. It felt good to
be a part of their friendship.
Rockwell laughed. “A whole pound.”
“You
r generosity astounds
, my lord.” Parker
snorted
a hint of amusement in his voice.
Piper laughed. “Incorrigible!”
“Minx,” Parker spat back
good-naturedly
.
Persephone’s brow creased in concentration for a mo
ment as the
whole room erupted in a chorus of quotes and laughter, of exclamations and more laughter until
Parker held up his hand.
“I believe Persephone might take you up on that wager, Rock.”
His eyes narrowed. “The look upon her face
is far
too
deep for such an occasion.”
Rockwell sat up. “Is that so?” He grinned at her. “Don’t hold back, Miss Smith. I can take it.”
He popped a bisc
uit in his mouth and chewed as
he waited.
“Take his money, Persephone,”
Piper encouraged, stroking Tillie’s hair
, twining red curls around her finger
.
“Bear in mind, Ash,” Rockwell added. “She has a decided advantage. She is after all a mother. I believe she
is
overqualified to participate.”
“Are you fearful she may take your pound?” Parker scoffed.
Piper cut in, “You cannot add qualifiers to your wager after it has already been accepted, darling.” Piper looked in Persephone’s direction. “
I would take great pleasure in your lightening his pocket. He is too arrogant, by half.”
Rockwell sent Piper
a withering stare. “You are supposed to be my champion, my dear.”
Piper choked back a laugh at his serious expression.
Rockwell held up his hands in surrender. “Proceed, Miss Smith.”
Persephone tapped her chin twice before starting.
“
There was a crooked man and he walked a crooked mile,
h
e found a crooked sixpence upon a crooked
stile
.
He bought a crooked cat, which caught a crooked mouse.
And they all lived together in a little crooked house
.”
Her smile smug as she held out her hand palm flat, facing up.
Rockwell wore a
mock
disgruntled look as he handed over he
r winnings.
“There, there, darling.
”
Piper leaned fo
rward and patted his shoulder.
Parker
jumped to his feet. “I believe we should celebrate.” He headed towards the bell pull. “One of
Mrs. Harris’
specialties.
Hot Cross buns!
Hot Cross buns!
One a penny two a penny-Hot Cross buns
.
If you have no daughters, give them to your sons
.
One a penny two a penny-Hot Cross buns
.” He bit the inside
of his cheek to keep from laughing
.
“Parker,” Piper gr
oaned.
Rockwell groaned and threw a cushion in his direction.
Persephone swiped at the tears falling from her eyes clutching her sides as
she genuinely laughed for the third
time
in such a short span
.
And Tillie cried.
“Parker,” Piper cried
, lifting the baby to her shoulder
. “Look what you
ha
ve done.”
Then she grimaced when she pulled away a wet hand.