Mistletoe and Mayhem: A Regency Holiday Romance Anthology, page 89
“What are you going to do next?”
“What can I do? She refused my request to call on her.”
Thomas scoffed. “Since our childhood, you’ve had the determination to go after what you want.” He stood and drew closer, looking Hugh in the eye. “Love is a gift. Don’t let it go without a fight.”
Hugh considered him for a moment. “I thought younger brothers weren’t supposed to be the smarter ones.”
Thomas smiled as he clasped Hugh’s shoulder. “I only want you to find the same happiness I have. Now then, my work here is done. Please keep me apprised of the situation. I see another trip to the country in your future.”
Hugh scowled. “I wish I had more to offer her.”
“A wife you love is what’s important. The details about the future, including the blunt to fund dreams, will sort themselves out.” He glanced out the window. “Do take care though. The weather might not cooperate with travel.”
Hugh remained where he was, staring at the fire, long after the sound of the front door closing reached him. How could he possibly convince Lucy to give him a chance?
Lucy drew a shaky breath as she turned in a slow circle before Emma. “How do I look?”
Twelfth Night had arrived, ten days since she’d refused Hugh. She never would’ve guessed in a thousand years that she’d be in London, along with Aunt Edith, at Emma’s townhome, preparing for another ball.
This might be her first London gathering, but that wasn’t what had her nerves fluttering.
“Perfect.” Emma grinned. “That gown is stunning on you.”
The white satin with silver embroidery was a dream, adding another layer of surrealness to the evening. Seed pearls strung on wire graced her hair, and she felt like a princess.
Yet all of her efforts were for naught if Hugh didn’t come though Emma assured her he’d received an invitation.
The last week had been a whirlwind filled with heartfelt conversations with her family and more changes than she had dreamed possible.
Aunt Jane had decided Aunt Edith shouldn’t live alone with only Lucy for companionship. At least, that was how she’d proposed it to Aunt Edith. Aunt Edith had been coaxed into agreeing. Aunt Jane had pulled Lucy aside and apologized for not interfering sooner, stating that she hadn’t realized how secluded Lucy’s life had become. Or how difficult Aunt Edith had grown.
Lucy had protested, insisting things were fine as they were. But Aunt Jane persisted until Lucy confided her fear of reaching for happiness only to lose it again. That she couldn’t bear to have her life destroyed a second time. She’d told Emma everything as well, including the kisses with Hugh. Lucy had cried more tears in the past week than she had since the months following her parents’ deaths. But they had been cathartic ones.
Emma had surprised Lucy, being more supportive and understanding than Lucy could’ve guessed possible of her normally selfish cousin. Emma appeared to have gained a better understanding of how fortunate her life was. She’d also decided Viscount Jameson was the one, and everything about her had softened since. The viscount seemed to feel the same, and Lucy believed some serious wooing would commence from this evening forward.
Lucy would live with her aunt and uncle for the time being and would have a Season. Aunt Edith was going to spend half the year with them as well and half the year with her other niece who lived near Bath. While she complained about the new plans, she seemed to enjoy the attention, and her spirits had lightened considerably. She’d even agreed to attend the ball this evening.
When Uncle Andrew had advised Lucy that he’d provide a dowry for her, Aunt Edith offered to add to it. He’d also advised her that he approved of Hugh and had a proposition for him regarding his plan to breed horses should Hugh and Lucy come to an understanding.
“What if he doesn’t come?” Lucy asked as she met Emma’s gaze in the cheval glass.
“Then we’ll invite him to call on the morrow.”
“But what if he thinks you’re interested in him?”
“He won’t once he sees you. He won’t even remember my name.”
Lucy chuckled, just as Emma had meant her to, but her nerves were still strung tight. “Viscount Jameson will be here soon. Are you excited?”
The gentle smile and delicate blush that lit her cousin’s face answered for her. “Yes. Oh, Lucy, you were so right. Why didn’t I realize how I felt about him?”
“I’m just pleased you did and that he feels the same.” She drew a deep breath, but it did little to settle the flutters. “Shall we?”
“Yes.” Emma wound her arm through Lucy’s and moved toward the door. “To a tremendous evening, and the beginning of a new life for both of us.”
“To us,” Lucy agreed, though she couldn’t completely shut out the doubt. Would Hugh come? If he did, would he forgive her for her previous refusal?
Hugh greeted Mr. and Mrs. Waverly in the receiving line, surprised by the warmth of their welcome. Worry filled him for the reason behind it. He wanted to speak with Emma, but only to ask for her help to improve his chances with Lucy. That meant he’d have to tell Emma that her cousin had captured his affection, which was going to be an uncomfortable conversation. He hoped she suspected as much based on his abrupt departure from the house party.
The weather had taken a turn for the worse the past week just as Thomas had predicted, keeping him from driving hell-bent-for-leather to the village where Lucy lived. He told himself that he needed time to think about what to say since he had so little to offer her other than himself and his love. However, a grand idea had yet to occur to him. Hence the reason he needed to speak with Emma. He was determined to do everything in his power to earn Lucy’s love.
Upon entering the crowded ballroom, he caught sight of Jameson and Emma standing together. One look at the pair suggested they’d reached an understanding, and the realization filled him with relief. That was one less hurdle for him to cross. He nodded at a few acquaintances as he moved toward them.
“Good evening, Hugh.”
The familiar voice had him turning even as his heart leapt. “Lucy.” Breath rushed out of his lungs at the sight of her, looking stunning in white with her dark hair swept up elegantly. He couldn’t believe she was standing before him. “I didn’t realize you’d be here.”
“I hoped to surprise you.” Her smile didn’t reach her eyes, and he wasn’t certain what to make of it.
“You did, indeed. In a wonderful way.” He drank in her appearance, parched from their days apart. “I’m so pleased you’re here. You look beautiful.”
“Thank you.”
“Are you well?” He couldn’t read her expression. Nor did he understand why she was here.
“I am now.” She glanced down at her clasped gloved hands. “I was hoping to speak with you.”
“Oh?”
Her quick look around suggested she’d prefer a more private place to converse. “Would you step into the other room with me for a moment?”
“Of course.” He offered his elbow, sighing at her touch. The hope filling him as they walked was impossible to rein in. He told himself to slow down, that he might be misinterpreting her presence, but his heart galloped ahead.
She guided him to a small receiving room just down the corridor, careful to leave the door ajar.
“First, I’d like to apologize for my behavior.” She bit her lip, as if uncertain how to explain. “I realize I’ve been allowing fear to rule my actions. To pick safety over a chance at happiness.”
He reached for her gloved hand. “That’s understandable given what you’ve been through.”
“Perhaps. But I don’t want to live that way anymore.” She held his gaze. “Not now that you’ve shown me what’s possible.”
He smiled as happiness filled him. “I came this evening to speak to Emma.”
“Oh?” Her brow wrinkled with concern.
“I wanted to ask her how to convince you to give me a chance to win your heart.”
“Hugh!” She blinked quickly as if to hold back tears. “But—I don’t have a fortune to offer you.”
“That doesn’t matter. I only want to be with you, Lucy. You’re my dream come true. I realize we have much to learn about each other, but you already hold my heart.”
She reached up to caress his cheek, the joy in her expression stealing his breath. “And you hold mine, dear Hugh. Your kindness and good humor caught my notice. But your integrity and thoughtfulness won my love.”
“Through your eyes, I see a different world. One filled with love, hope, and possibilities. You are a sweet, compassionate person with a true heart.” He lifted her hand to kiss the bare skin above her glove, thrilled by her shiver as well as the love shining in her eyes. Then he dropped to one knee. “You don’t have to answer yet, but I have to ask. Lucy Gray, will you do me the honor of marrying me?”
“Oh, yes!” She wrapped her arms around him, pressing kisses over his face as he rose.
“You’ve made me a very happy man, my sweet.” He held her tight, his heart soaring. “This is going to be a wonderful new year.”
“The brightest one yet.” She kissed him, causing his world to tilt only to settle back into place. “I never would’ve guessed how much my life would change when a rogue and some mistletoe came along.”
“I’m so pleased it did. My Christmas wish came true.” Then he kissed her again, his heart overflowing and the future full of promise.
Epilogue
Five Months Later
“I would like it noted that your Aunt Edith smiled at me during dinner.” Hugh’s pleased look had Lucy chuckling.
They’d attended a family dinner at Waverly House and returned to their new home a short distance away, a gift from her Uncle Andrew upon their marriage two weeks earlier. Hugh had already started on his plans to breed horses, something her uncle was quite keen on and willing to help fund through a partnership.
“She’s become fond of you since our betrothal.” Lucy patted his cheek as they entered her bedchamber where a fire burned brightly. “When you invited her to stay with us whenever she wished, you completely won her over.”
“I’m not above bribery.” He took her hands in his. “Though I hope she waits a month or two before coming as I want you all to myself. But I could see how much she misses you. That’s something to which I can relate. I can’t imagine living without you either.”
Her heart filled at his words. “Have I told you lately how much I love you?”
“Once or twice, but I wouldn’t mind hearing it again.” He opened her hand to press a kiss to her palm.
Desire slid through her at the tender intimacy. “I love you.”
“And I love you, dear Lucy.” He drew her into his arms. “I never dreamed I could be this happy.”
“Nor did I.” She wound her arms around his neck and kissed him deeply.
With a groan, he held her tighter. She shifted, loving the feeling of his hard length. She eased back to look into his eyes. “We have far too many clothes between us.”
His slow smile sent a tendril of need winding through her. ‘That can be easily remedied.”
They undressed slowly, teasingly, the heat from the fire keeping them warm. Hugh’s gaze caused liquid heat to pool deep inside her. Then he lifted her into his arms and carried her to the bed where the covers had already been turned down. He gently set her down and lowered beside her before kissing her, his tongue swirling with hers.
He eased back to kiss along her jaw, down her neck, as his hands ran over her hips, to her waist, his thumbs teasing the swell of her breasts. When his tongue laved her nipple, she writhed in his embrace.
“Hugh!”
“Yes, my love?” He repeated the process on her other breast while he shifted his hands to cradle her hips.
“You make me feel...so much,” she whispered breathlessly as she ran her fingers across his broad shoulders, marveling at the corded muscles. Then she moved to explore his chest and the wiry hair covering it.
“That’s perfect, because that’s how you make me feel,” he said between kisses.
A now familiar need swelled within her when his fingers teased the curls at the apex of her thighs. He slid a finger along her damp folds, and her hips moved to match the rhythm he set.
Lucy reached for his manhood, amazed as always at the velvety hardness. She stroked him, loving the way he shuddered at her touch. When he closed his hand over hers to stop her, she couldn’t help but smile. “What is it?” she teased.
“Your touch undoes me.”
“Then come to me,” she bid as she drew him onto her.
He settled between her thighs, bracing on his elbows as the tip of his shaft brushed her opening. He held her gaze. “I will love you always, my sweet.”
“As will I,” she vowed.
Then he thrust inside her, joining them as one. The connection brought passion but so much more. Together, they moved faster and faster in a dance as old as time. He reached between them, touching her slick folds once more.
Wave after wave of glorious pleasure rolled over her until bright lights flashed behind her eyes. The feel of Hugh stiffening as he, too, found his release completed the moment. Then only their hearts continued the frantic pace as their bodies stilled.
Lucy grinned, realizing she would never grow accustomed to the magic of making love with this man.
“What?” Hugh asked, his lips curving as he looked at her, his expression tender.
“Thank you for helping me find the courage to reach for both love and happiness. I am the luckiest woman to have a husband like you.”
He chuckled, the sound rumbling through him into her. “I’m the lucky one.”
“Yes, you are, my handsome rogue. We both are.”
The End
About Lana Williams
Lana Williams is a USA Today Bestselling and Amazon All-Star Author who writes historical romance filled with mystery, adventure, and sometimes a pinch of paranormal to stir things up. Filled with a love of books, Lana put pen to paper and decided happy endings were a must in her stories.
Her latest series is The Rogue Chronicles, set in the Regency era, where rogues meet their match in the most delightful way. The Seven Curses of London series, set in Victorian London, is about men and women who attempt to battle the ills of London, and the love they find that truly gives them something worth fighting for.
Her medieval trilogy is set in England and follows heroes seeking vengeance only to find love when they least expect it. The second trilogy begins on the Scottish border and follows the second generation of the de Bremont family.
The Secret Trilogy, set in Victorian London, follows three lords injured in an electromagnetic experiment gone wrong and the women who help heal them through the power of love.
She writes in the Rocky Mountains with her husband, two sons, and a lab, and loves hearing from readers. Connect with her at www.lanawilliams.net.
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THE DUKE’S CHRISTMAS LIST
by
BRONWEN EVANS
Unconventional Lady Charlotte Dunbar has particular notions with regard to her future. She refuses to follow her brother’s decree and society’s conventions by accepting her old childhood friend’s offer of a marriage of convenience. Now, armed with a stolen copy of Blade’s secret—and disgustingly traditional—list of what he really wants in a wife, Charlotte sets about convincing him that she is not—and never will be—the kind of woman he’s looking for.
Charles Spencer, Duke of Bladen—a cynic who doesn’t believe in true love—sees a ruthless rake setting up his childhood friend, Lady Charlotte Dunbar, as a target for seduction, and he is determined to prevent her ruin by marrying her himself. With the aid and connivance of her brother, Blade must convince the reluctant—and increasingly eccentric—lady—that he is the man who will fulfill all her dreams. After all, what a duke wants… to his surprise is love.
Prologue
London, May 1815
Much to Blade’s regret, one did not win a fair maiden’s heart by hiding in the shadows. He’d been doing far too much lurking of late.
Issuing an oath under his breath, he surveyed his quarry from behind the potted palm. The sight was enough to make a man want to draw blood. Lady Harriet Rondell had just finished a waltz with Lord Fallon, and Blade had to stop himself from striding across the room and ripping her from the dissolute rake’s arms.
He bit his inside cheek. How humbling. Charles Spencer, the Duke of Bladestow, resorting to spying on the one woman he would court this very night if he was free. But he was not at liberty to do so. The Prince Regent had requested his services for the season, and he’d been unable to refuse. His mission meant playing a role that was not conducive to courting Lady Harriet.
His hands formed fists as he watched Lord Fallon expertly guide the deep blue silk covered beauty toward the French doors and out onto the terrace. Lord save him from gullible debutantes. Harriet had accompanied a known rake onto a moonlit terrace in the middle of a grand ball with no thought to her safety or that of her reputation. Just typical.
Blade let out a slow breath, trying to rein in his anger. Where the hell was Harriet’s brother, Viscount Trello? He should ensure men like Lord Fallon didn’t get anywhere near his sister.
However, in all fairness, most of the men in attendance this evening were coveting Lady Harriet. She was an absolute diamond of the first water. The daughter of an earl with a large dowry always found favor. To add to her appeal, she had an enchanting smile, an intensely feminine grace, and a curvaceous body that set all his, and most of the men attending tonight, primal male urges flaming.
