Her eyes rounded to saucers. “No!”
His smile resembled that of a tiger. “Not yet, then.”
She held her breath as he quickly covered himself with clothes and gave her a quick peck on the forehead before slipping from her room. Only then did she release her breath on a shaky exhale.
Her gaze traveled to the rumpled bed, her cheeks flushing bright red again. Drat the man for being such a fine example of everything she ever desired.
An hour later, Belle sauntered out to the garden and sure enough, tables had been carried outside, decorated with an array of cakes. sandwiches and cheese.
How on earth had Simon managed this in such a small amount of time? Even her aunt had ventured outside and was currently napping in the shade. Belle shook her head fondly. No doubt her aunt would wake up only toward the end.
Her heart melted at his consideration.
It appeared Simon had found a way to bring a spark of light back to her otherwisesomber situation. Perhaps he was feeling a bit sentimental after their night together, just like her.
Jo and her husband were the first to saunter through the French doors that led to the garden. Her friend’s face was a picture of pure delight and in complete contrast to St. Aldwyn’s boredom.
“By saints!” he exclaimed. “It is true. Westfield has arranged a tea party. What has the world come to?”
“Oh hush! I think it’s marvelous and you can certainly take note of his actions.”
St. Aldwyn looked aghast. “Am I truly to make the descent from wicked rake to heart-ensnared gentleman to an even further-tamed fop who holds tea parties?” he asked, his voice dripping with disgust.
Jo ignored him and greeted Belle warmly with a kiss on the cheek. “How are you fairing?”
“Oh you know, as scandalous as always.”
“There is an old woman sleeping under the tree,” St. Aldwyn interrupted them.
Belle glanced at her aunt. Sure enough, her aunt wasn’t sitting up against the tree anymore, but now napping on her back. “I daresay she has reached the age of napping.”
“Something to look forward to then.”
Jo swatted him just as Simon glided through the doors. He looked pleased as punch.
Belle’s heart fluttered as it did every time she saw him, but she quickly glanced away. Jo was too perceptive for her own good. They would know if she was batting eyes at Simon. Not that she would ever bat eyes at him, but already she felt her face heating up.
“I say, the day turned out quite marvelous,” Simon said as he reached them.
“What have you done to my friend?” St. Aldwyn grumbled in Belle’s direction.
Belle almost snorted. “St. Aldwyn, you are as chirpy as ever.”
He ignored her. “Westfield, how nice of you to grace us with your presence, as if hosting a tea wasn’t enough.”
“Old chap, happy to see marriage hasn’t improved your surly nature in the least. Where are the Shaws?”
“Right behind you.”
James wore a ready smile while his brother’s blank expression never faltered.
Derek regarded the delicious sweets with cold eyes. “May I ask who came up with this idea?”
“I did,” Simon said with narrowed eyes. “Thought it a welcome change to the usual overstuffed study.”
“Of course.” Derek’s expression did not change, but there was an unmistakable dry note in his voice.
It was well known that the Tremaine siblings’ imaginations were never lacking in substance.