Tis the Season to Be Sinful by Adrienne Basso Page B

time since entering the drawing room. Her gaze was calm, steady. He knew she had to have been concerned, yet she did not look as though she had been overly agitated, or even worse, crying at his very late arrival. That realization relieved his heart, settling it back to a normal beat.
    This marriage was to be a straightforward affair. A business proposition benefiting both parties. But there was no reason it could not also be a pleasant relationship. Richard knew his tardy entrance to the ceremony must have caused her great embarrassment. Thankfully, it appeared she was not going to hold a grudge over it.
    He had a very strong urge to kiss her, which was appropriate, given the circumstances. But the reverend produced the parish register, indicating where they needed to sign. Once that was accomplished, the congratulations from the wedding guests began and the kiss was forgotten. By everyone except him.
    “Come, Richard, you must meet my children.”
    Out of sorts at being denied his kiss, Richard curled his fists at his sides. He followed Juliet to a quiet section of the drawing room where the children were waiting, their feet fidgeting for a considerable time.
    Feeling awkward, Richard tried to keep his expression pleasant as Juliet introduced Edward, James, and Elizabeth, known to one and all as Lizzy. He was not a man used to children, and had been told that generally youngsters were quick-witted enough to know it.
    “Congratulations, sir,” Edward said, offering his hand.
    Richard shook it solemnly. After a sharp elbow in the side from Edward, James mimicked his older brother. Richard accepted the boy’s congratulations and shook hands, then felt himself leaning forward, wondering if his reflexes were quick enough to prevent the delicate Lizzy from receiving a similar blow.
    Thankfully it was not necessary. Without any prompting, Lizzy grasped a chubby fistful of her skirt in each hand, pulled it wide, then dipped down in a plausible curtsy.
    Richard considered the trio briefly. There was a hint of hostility lurking in the depths of Edward’s eyes, open curiosity in James’s, and a guileless smile of delight in Lizzy’s.
    “I am happy you are married,” Lizzy proclaimed, beaming up at him. “Now we can have cake!”
    “Not until you’ve eaten your luncheon first,” Juliet said affectionately. “Mrs. Perkins?”
    “I’ll take care of it.” The servant gathered the children together and herded them out of the room.
    “They were very well behaved,” Richard offered when Juliet looked at him expectantly.
    “Yes.” Her eyes softened, tender and maternal. “This has all been a bit difficult for them to comprehend, but I know given time they will adjust.”
    To what? Juliet is their parent and will have sole control of their lives. That is not going to change in any way. Richard was pondering precisely what she meant by “adjust” when the butler invited everyone to enter the dining room to partake of the wedding luncheon.
    It was an elegant meal, complete with chilled champagne and the aforementioned wedding cake. To Richard’s relief, the children were nowhere in sight. He doubted he could enjoy his food with their eyes trained so diligently upon him. As it was, it was difficult enough with the adults around the table sizing him up.
    He was seated next to his bride, but fortunately, George had been assigned the chair to his left. As the soup course was cleared, George leaned close and whispered, “Husband and father all in one afternoon. Well done, Richard.”
    He stared at George’s smiling face as if his friend were touched in the head. “The children are Juliet’s responsibility and will remain that way. As for the rest, you are very aware of the reason I married.”
    “Yes, of course. The captains of industry have adopted the ways of the aristocracy and are marrying for property and prestige.” George picked up his wineglass and took a healthy sip. “Pity, that. Your bride appears to have far