The British Billionaire Bachelor, Act Three by Maggie Carpenter Page B

long-sleeved, black cocktail dress, diamond studs in her ears and carrying a Judith Lieber bag, Belle paraded into the living room. Simon let out a long whistle, and taking her hand, twirled her around.
    “Look at you, lovely enough to utterly devour,” he grinned.
    “Thank you, handsome Sir. You look pretty yummy yourself. I just love how men wear tuxedos to these parties,” she smiled. “I think you’re right. I think there is a Duchess in me waiting to be liberated.”
    “Then, Duchess, our carriage awaits.”
    They started towards the elevator, but she abruptly stopped and frowned.
    “What?” he asked.
    “Um, I’ll probably regret reminding you, but…your stick?” she muttered.
    “Check your purse,” he nodded.
    Clicking open the latch, she peered inside the bejeweled bag and saw the rod folded neatly inside.
    “That one is brand new.”
    “Love that,” she smiled.
    “Everything from this point on, I will have bought just for you, with the exception of the items in the dungeon, but much of that has never been used.”
    Closing her bag, she sighed heavily and stared up at him.
    “If my hair wasn’t perfect, and I wasn’t wearing this lip gloss, my arms would be around your neck right now, smooching the life out of you.”
    “You can smooch the life out of me when we get home,” he promised, and taking her hand he headed to the elevator.
    Parker, Simon’s chauffeur, had the Rolls in the garage waiting, and was standing with the car door already open.
    “He’s always so perfect,” she whispered as they approached. “He’s kind of amazing.”
    “I pay him very well to be amazing,” Simon whispered back.
    They climbed in, Belle taking care not to wrinkle the dress under her heavy coat.
    “You know what the best part of tonight will be?” she murmured.
    “Tell me,” he replied.
    “Coming home and snuggling.”
    “I agree with you,” he grinned.
    They drove slowly through the city, Parker carefully guiding the large car through the narrow streets, his knowledge of London allowing him to avoid the Friday night traffic. As the impressive automobile came to a stop inside the gates of the stately home, a young man in a smart uniform holding an umbrella, hurried forward, opened the door, and carrying the brolly over their heads escorted them up the steps and into the house.
    “Ah, Simon,” Lord Bardwell declared as Simon and Belle entered through the tall, double doors.
    The jovial man was standing in the middle of the majestic foyer, his joy at greeting his guests abundantly evident.
    “How is your lovely fiancee this evening?” he asked, taking Belle’s hand and kissing it.
    “Just marvelous, and so happy to see you again,” she beamed.
    A young maid stepped forward to take her coat as she slipped it from her shoulders.
    “You are such a breath of fresh air,” Bardwell declared, “and one day very soon, Matilda and I are going to give a dinner party in honor of your engagement.”
    “Hector, that’s too much trouble,” Simon protested.
    “Trouble? My goodness, it would be a tremendous pleasure,” Lord Bardwell replied.
    “Should we go in?” Simon asked, hearing other guests arriving behind him.
    “Yes, yes, please do. There are some wonderfully tasty things on offer,” he smiled, gesturing towards the reception room.
    “Thank goodness, I’m starving,” Belle whispered as they headed towards the gathering.
    “Me too,” Simon nodded. “I should have come home sooner and taken you out for an early dinner.”
    “No, it’s fine. I’m glad I’ve got an appetite. The food here is always delicious.”
    “This is true,” he agreed, and seeing a buffet of delectable-looking items, took her elbow and headed towards it.
    Many of Simon’s friends were in attendance, including Tyler Anderson. Belle had met most of them previously, and had found their welcoming warmth genuine and reassuring, but it was Tyler who sought them out. He was eager to talk Simon about the Darren