Page 32 of The Scoundrel's Christmas Challenge
“Oh my dear, I can’t stand it,” cried Lady Elwood. She jumped from her chair and pulled Christiana from her seat, wrapping her in a fierce hug. “I’ve been wanting to do that for two days.”
Christiana blinked back tears and soaked up all the kindness in the older woman’s hug. All these years, she had lived in this huge house practically alone. Yet, these amazing people she had considered pests had been here all along. Waiting to befriend her.
***
Christiana descended the steps, wondering why Lucius had told her to dress in her favorite gown. Feeling sentimental, she wore the same gold silk skirt and bodice that had been packed away since the last time she’d danced with Lucius. The silver thread knotted along the square neckline and hem shimmered with each step. Constance had done her hair, a loose knot with silver ribbon woven into the chignon and long curls falling over her shoulders.
Lucius stepped out from beneath the staircase as she landed on the bottom step and held out his arm. “Lady Christiana, may I escort you to the ball?”
“What?” His grin was infectious, so she nodded, playing along when he addressed her as if she were not married. “Why yes, Lord Page, I’d be delighted.”
They entered the drawing room, and she gasped at the dozens of candles casting a dazzling light about the room. The furniture had been pushed back to clear the center for dancing. Near the pianoforte sat Lord Bentson in a black evening coat and waistcoat, his cravat perfectly tied and pristine white. He bowed, picked up a violin, and the first notes of a waltz began.
Lord and Lady Elwood stepped from behind them and began to dance. The viscount was also dressed to the nines, and Lady Elwood wore a lovely rose satin gown with tiny paste diamonds along the bodice. Her hair was piled on top of her head with a tiara resting on top that glittered as she moved.
Lucius stood above her, his spicy scent and deep timbre tickling her senses. “Lady Christiana, may I have this dance?”
Without a word, she stepped into his arms. His hand was warm and firm on her back, their palms together, holding her balanced as they turned. “You are an excellent dancer, Lord Page.”
“I have an excellent partner,” he said.
He made small talk as they waltzed, and some of it seemed familiar. He spoke of people they once knew, walks in Hyde Park, a soiree they had attended before she had married. After the dance, Lucius walked her to a side table where he poured her a drink from a punch bowl and offered her thin cucumber sandwiches.
“I feel like I’m back at Almack’s,” she said with a chuckle.
“Lud, I’d hate to be that young again,” said Lady Elwood, then grunted when her husband poked her with his elbow. “We’re happy you could attend our ball, Lord Page, Lady Christiana. Please enjoy yourselves.”
The couple walked away, and Christiana frowned. Were they pretending to be someone else? She squinted at Lord Bentson across the room. He winked at her and picked his violin up again, beginning a second waltz.
“Let’s shock the wagging tongues of London and dance a second time,” Lucius said, taking her in his arms. When they neared the doorway, he twirled her into the entryway and out the front door, held open by Mr. Jensen.
“Lord Page, what are you doing?” she asked as the cold air sent goose bumps up her arms. Lucius took off his coat and put it around her shoulders.
“Lady Christiana, it is Christmastide, and my grandmother always told me that anything is possible this time of year. In the spirit of this magical holiday, I have been granted the ability to turn the clock back for one night.” He wrapped his arms about her and pulled her close. “So, I’ve returned us to the evening where everything might have been different.”
Her heart pounded; her mouth went dry. “A second chance?”
He nodded, then bent his head, and kissed her. Her mind went back to the night she regretted with all her heart. She had been so confused, Edward so certain, and Lucius so desperate. If she had only known then…
His mouth claimed hers now, bringing her back again to the present. His urgency sent a lightning bolt of desire through her. His hands grasped her hips, pulling her against his hard length, then caressed her back.
Christiana wrapped her arms around his waist, the warmth of his shoulders seeping through his linen shirt and waistcoat. Her hands moved over him, feeling the muscles bunch under her touch, her lips seeking, wanting to prove her desire was as strong as his. She kissed him with all the pent-up longing of wasted years, the impatience of a woman starved.
When he ended the kiss, both of them panting despite the frigid temperatures, he said, “Lady Christiana, I beg of you. Marry me. The gossip will die down soon enough if you break off your engagement. Let us elope, go to Scotland tonight.” He kissed her again, one hand cupping her jaw, his thumb stroking her cheek and catching her first tear.
“Make me the happiest of men and forsake your betrothed. I love you with a fierceness that I cannot tame. Marry me, Christiana. Right the wrongs of our past.” His green eyes, dark with passion, locked with hers, his square jaw tense. “Let us not make the same mistake twice.”
He was allowing her to toss her regret aside and choose again. But this time, her heart would make the right decision. “Yes, Lucius, yes. I will marry you. I will be your wife.”
“Say it. Say the words, Christiana,” he whispered in her ear.
“I love you, Lucius Page. I love you with all my heart.”
“I want you to repeat those words every day for the rest of our lives.”
From the door, the clapping and cheering commenced. Lord and Lady Elwood let out whoops of joy, Lord Bentson began a lively tune on the violin, and Mr. Jensen held the door open to welcome them back to the present time.
“Get out of the cold, you young fools,” cried Lady Elwood. “Celebrate in front of the Yule log.”
