A Certain Wolfish Charm(48)

Simon hadn't given any thought to having children, but he had to admit his heart warmed at the idea of it. A piece of him, combined with Lily, growing inside her. And it would be even more fun creating a child. He coughed to hide the smile that nearly erupted.



"You have to tell her," Oliver said, crossing his arms in a move so reminiscent of Lily's stubbornness that he had to chuckle.



"I'll tell her when I simply cannot avoid it," Simon acquiesced.



"You need to tell her before you bed her," Oliver said quietly, his face coloring slightly.



"What do you know about bedding a woman?"



Oliver's face colored even more. "Will told me about it. About how we must claim our mates. He gave me books about Lycanthropic lore. There's a lot of truth between the pages, he said." His eyes scrunched together, his comment more of a question for Simon, obviously.



"If they're the same books our father gave him, and I suspect they are, there is a lot of truth between the pages. The majority of what you've read is true."



"Is it true about the claiming of your spouse?" The boy was more tenacious than a dog with a bone.



"I don't think you're old enough to be told about…" Simon began.



"I am old enough to change but not old enough to know about the things I truly need to know?" His gaze met Simon's own. "If Aunt Lily knew, she might not choose to marry a Lycan."



"I know." Simon pinched the bridge of his nose between his thumb and forefinger. He had a definite headache coming on.



"You will deceive her. And that's not right," the boy sniffed.



"It's not really deception, Oliver. Just a little omission."



"And the claiming?"



"I'll never be able to claim Lily. Not when the moon is full. Not in the way you're describing." It was quite disconcerting to talk about such matters with an adolescent. But he imagined there would be many more such talks to come.



"You'll not hurt her?" Oliver asked, suddenly looking like a child.



"Never on purpose. I promise."



A knock broke their silence. "A moment," Simon called. "Are we all right, now?" he asked Oliver.



A nod was his only answer.



Simon turned to the door, "Enter," he called.



Billings stepped into the room. "Your Grace, you have visitors in the yellow parlor."



This was certainly not the time to deal with anyone. Simon rubbed his brow. "Who is it, Billings?"



"The vicar Mr. Bostic and his wife, Your Grace."



Perfect, Simon thought mordantly and hung his head in defeat. "What else could possibly go wrong?" he moaned quietly.#p#分页标题#e#



"Well, Your Grace. They did bring their son with them. The fellow was seen practicing in the front yard."



Simon's head snapped up. "Practicing what?"



"Dropping to one knee, Your Grace. Over and over."



"God, will this day never end?" Simon grumbled as he strode through the door, heading toward his yellow parlor with his heels clicking across the floor in his haste.





Twenty-One





Lily sat across from the vicar and his wife, while their sheepish son huddled in the corner, muttering to himself. Entertaining the trio was a chore, and Lily tried to keep her composure. However, it was getting more difficult by the moment. She listened to the woman prattle on about the weather and how bumpy the carriage ride was. She fought to keep from rolling her eyes.



"How long do you think it will be before His Grace joins us?" the woman finally asked before pursing her lips.



"I'm not at all certain. He is with the Earl of Maberley at the moment. Would you care for some tea while we wait?"



"Thank you," the meek vicar replied.



Lily smiled at the man and then started toward the sideboard, where Billings had left a fresh pot of tea.



"Do tell me how you came to be here in His Grace's house, Miss Rutledge," the woman had the nerve to ask.



"I arrived with the earl, Mrs. Bostic." She tried to keep the annoyed tone from her voice but feared that she failed miserably. "My nephew needed to spend some time with his guardian." She began to pour the tea, happy to have something to keep her hands busy.



The woman consumed a plate of lemon cakes within minutes and then looked around as though she thought someone had stolen them from right under her nose.



"And did you think it proper to stay with His Grace without a chaperone?" The woman looked at Lily as though she'd grown two heads.



Lily didn't answer, but sat back against her chair and lifted a teacup to her mouth.