Miss Simpkins' School: Molly by Raven McAllan

Chapter One
    “I can’t believe this tiny babe is full of sin. Just look at that angelic face.” Molly Simpkins gazed at the sleeping child in her arms, and then at the man beside her. As ever, one look at him and her quim went into spasms—not that the fact her thighs were damp showed on her face. She had long learned to keep her emotions hidden when she was around Charles. “Why do we have to think that to have her christened?”
    Charles smiled as he expertly jiggled the wide-awake babe he held. “I don’t think it’s quite like that, but I’ll wager these two will lead Ash and Adriana a merry dance when they get older. It’s probably why we’re among the godparents. You know, to see the signs and preempt the mischief.”
    Molly giggled. “Well, I can only hope neither of them give their parents as much trouble as we got up to.”
    As Charles arched one very elegant eyebrow, Molly’s skin tingled. Life wasn’t fair. She sighed, and was immediately annoyed at how defeated she sounded. It was what you made it, and she did her best.
    “We? I assure you I was the model of propriety.” Charles drawled the words, but spoiled the effect by winking. “Or so I hoped. These babes will have a better upbringing than Ash and I. He and Adriana will make sure of that.” The baby he held went red in the face, squawked, and then let out a yell. Charles wrinkled his nose. “Hmm, I think it’s time I got rid of this child and circulated. He needs his papa.”
    “Why his papa? Mamas are so much better at all things.” Ash had walked up behind them. He took his son from Charles, and sniffed. “Definitely mama, or the nurse.”
    “Mama. We told Martha she could spend the day at the staff’s party. I’m perfectly able to clean my son.” Adriana took the screaming baby, and rocked him as she crooned silly nothings to try and calm him. “Ash, bring Mary, for if Harry needs changing he will want feeding, and whatever he does, Mary soon follows. Charles, get Molly a drink and some food. She’s been stuck in this corner of the garden for too long. No.” She stopped Molly before Molly opened her mouth. “You are here as Godmama and friend, and as wanted and welcome as any one else. In fact more wanted and welcome than some. Stop hiding.” Adriana turned and marched off.
    “Well, the countess has issued her decree. Shall we?” Charles held out his arm, and Molly had no option but to take it.
    “You don’t have to do this you know,” she muttered as Charles steered a path through the chattering guests. The gardens at Addersley were at their best. The gardeners had excelled themselves, and the manicured lawns and elegant rose bushes a perfect foil for the house. “I can just...”
    “Come with me, smile and ignore the tabbies. They need gossip and if seeing us here together provides it, perhaps it will save some other poor soul from the wrath of their tongues.” Charles patted her hand. That gentle touch made her nipples tighten. It was becoming harder and harder to cover her reaction to him.
    Molly smiled and gave in. It might be bittersweet, but to have him close, even in such an innocent way, was oh so wanted.
    “How’s the school going?” Charles asked as they left the bulk of the guests behind them and walked toward the house. “I know Miranda and Felix are deliriously happy, but generally?”
    “So far so good,” Molly said cautiously. “I think the service I provide is both needed and welcome. Of course without Ash, Adriana, and their friends, nothing would have worked. However, I know from what people have told me that my school and its unique lessons are talked about the in most gratifying way. At least I haven’t had a pupil tell me what they have learned hasn’t been of any help.”
    “Good.” Charles sounded distracted, and Molly wondered why. She decided not to ask. If he wanted to share his worries it wouldn’t be likely he would choose her as his confidant. Even though she ached for