Page 58 of A Christmas Miracle for the Frosty Marquess
"This is a dream come true," he said with awe.
The fluttering sensation in Clara's stomach intensified as Julian's lips met hers. Soft, tender, their kiss sealed the promises made and the journey they were about to embark upon together. This wasn't just a new chapter in their lives. It was a whole new book, filled with endless possibilities.
Julian pulled away slowly, cupping her cheek in his hand. He smiled down at her, his eyes filled with more love than Clara knew existed in all of England.
“Shall we go back inside and rejoin the party?” he asked.
Clara giggled and nodded, thinking about how much more incredible and thrilling the idea of celebrating was, now that she and Julian had expressed their love for one another.
“That sounds wonderful,” she said.
Julian lifted her hand to his lips, giving it a kiss so soft it sent tingles up her spine. Then, hand in hand, the two of them walked leisurely back up to the manor house. The night had been beautiful before to Clara. But in the aftermath of learning that the man she loved felt the same way about her, it was suddenly the prettiest night she had ever seen. The cold could not penetrate the glowing warmth she felt at the core of her soul, and the moonlight seemed to shine directly down on them.
They reentered the mansion through the front door, and the sounds of the festivities rang in Clara’s ears the second they stepped inside. She expected Julian to release her hand, but he held it tighter instead, giving her another doting smile. They walked back to the party in comfortable silence, and Clara herself was grinning from ear to ear. No doubt, everyone would notice the difference in the pair. And she was glad. She wanted the entire world to know that they loved each other, just as she had always believed that a husband and wife should.
The gentle hum of violins and lively conversations of the gathering enveloped Clara as she and Julian walked into the drawing room. The atmosphere had been elevated to new heights, the room now echoing with unrestrained laughter and joviality as guests prepared to play a lively round of "Blind Man's Bluff."
Edward smiled at the couple, motioning for them to rejoin the group.
“You’re just in time,” he said. “I do hope that the two of you will play with us.”
Julian grinned, the biggest smile Clara had seen so far.
“I wouldn’t miss it for the world,” he said.
The game of Blind Man's Bluff was an inspired choice, and even more astonishing was the duke's enthusiastic agreement to be the first to play. As the father of Julian and one of the most revered figures in the ton, it was unusual to see him partake in such lighthearted antics. Yet, there he stood, allowing his Elizabeth to tie a blindfold around his eyes.
Elizabeth, with a conspiratorial wink to Clara, set the blindfold in place on her father, ensuring that he could not peek. Then, she motioned silently for everyone to disperse throughout the room, everyone scattering as quickly and quietly as possible.
"Father, are you ready?" she asked in mock solemnity.
The duke merely grunted, a smirk betraying his own amusement. With a gentle touch, Elizabeth spun her father twice, disorienting him slightly, before she stepped back.
"Begin," she said with a flourish.
Young Edward, always the mischievous one, took it upon himself to tease his grandfather as the duke began moving slowly through the room, carefully avoiding the furnishings. Darting close and then away again, he'd snicker, stopping far away and grinning impishly.
"Over here, Grandfather," he said repeatedly before quickly changing direction, causing waves of laughter to ripple through the room. Clara recalled the times Julian and she had played such games with other friends, and she glanced at him. She was hardly surprised to find him looking at her with his warm blue eyes, but it still set her heart racing.
Watching the usually stoic duke flounder and reach blindly for any available player was an amusing sight indeed. Clara found herself dodging his outstretched hands, her heart racing from the thrill of the game and the effort of suppressing her laughter. She clasped a hand over her mouth, her eyes sparkling with mischief as she hid behind a tall ornamental vase.
Suddenly, with a swift move, the duke managed to corner someone. His hands began their exploration, patting down the outfit and then moving to the face. A hushed silence fell over the room, waiting for the duke's verdict.
"Well, now," the duke said triumphantly. "That familiar jawline, the distinct brocade of the waistcoat. You are none other than my own son, Julian."
A round of applause erupted, and Julian, looking slightly disheveled but beaming, removed his father's blindfold.
"Well done, Father,” he said, laughing heartily. “You've still got it, it seems.”
Each participant, including Clara, took their turns being blindfolded, their hands reaching out to find other players while others playfully dodged and giggled. With each turn, merriment bubbled forth, the infectious spirit of the game binding the guests in shared delight.
Amidst the joyful chaos, Clara noticed Julian's laughter, unburdened and genuine, filling the room. Their earlier shared moment had left an indelible mark, and the newfound joy they both felt was palpable, weaving a new narrative into the tapestry of the evening.
Without warning, Julian excused himself and began crossing the room. Clara's gaze followed him as he approached his father, the formidable Duke of Thornmire. The two men, so different in demeanor yet so similar in appearance, engaged in a brief exchange. Julian leaned in, whispering something into the elder man's ear. Whatever was shared brought an expansive grin to the duke's face. He clapped Julian on the back with clear pride and approval.
As Julian made his way over to Clara, her heart skipped a beat. Their budding love story did, indeed, feel like a dream. When he reached her, his hand naturally found its place in hers, fingers interlocking in a silent promise.
The game continued, the room echoing with joyous cries, jests, and lighthearted banter. To Clara, however, amidst the delightful frenzy of the game, the evening was turning into the best of her entire life.
