Page 6 of The Scoundrel's Christmas Challenge
“What shall we do with him?” she asked as they both stared down at the snuffling mass.
“Leave him. He shouldn’t drink so much when he’s a guest. Let him wake up and wonder what the deuce happened.” Lucius picked up a book from the floor, handed it to his sister, and put an arm around her shoulders as they left the library. “Blast, but the man has a snore that could wake the dead.”
As they walked to their rooms, he kissed Annette on top of her head. He had seen his sister grow during their visit, shed the fear of men her own age, and come out of the shell she’d placed about herself. “I’m proud of you, Sister. I’ve seen my old Nettie come back to us in the past few days. Could one of my friends be the reason?”
Annette smiled up at him, and his chest swelled. It didn’t matter who she chose if anyone. The light returning to those sea-green eyes was enough for him to know she would be well.
“I think the fact that they are your friends and know my history, yet still wanted to come, set me at ease. I’ve enjoyed myself the past two days, and I thank you. But one will live too far away, and the other really doesn’t…”
“Make your heart go pitter-patter?” he asked, waggling his eyebrows.
She chuckled and shook her head. “Not a pitter or a patter.”
“Hm. What of Lord Weston?” He halted and turned to her, wondering if she’d confirm his suspicion. “I’ve seen you watching him. And I know that look. Saw it in our brother Ambrose’s eyes when he met Hester.”
Embarrassment colored her cheeks. “I… I?—”
“Does he cause a pitter or a patter?”
“Both,” she gushed. “And he’s also not as old as Papa.”
Ah, she had worried about the difference in their years. But the expression on Nettie’s face made his heart swell. Happiness. His sister was truly happy. Who cared how old the man was when he could put such a sparkle in her green eyes?
“It wouldn’t matter. The heart doesn’t have a calendar or follow age.” He bent and whispered in her ear, “You know how long I have waited.”
He thought of the woman he’d been unable to forget or replace. Yet, he had made the decision not to send her any more birthday trinkets. It was time to look ahead, find a compatible wife, and plan a future. He would be an earl someday; he had responsibilities. He had no more time to waste on romantic fantasies.
“Lucius, promise me something?”
“Depends.” What was she up to with such an urgent tone?
“If I find a husband, will you open your heart to finding another to love?”
Lucius took in a deep breath. It was as if she’d read his mind. “I have committed myself to looking for a wife once you are settled. But love? I don’t think another could steal my heart. Christiana is the only woman who sparks my soul.”
CHAPTER 3
24 December
Lucius had overslept. Too many odd dreams. There had been a giant mistletoe, the berries taking on female faces, asking him to pick them for a kiss, choose one as a wife. But each time he plucked a berry, the face turned into Christiana’s, and he dropped it, crushing it with his heel.
He inhaled the strong, bitter coffee, feeling his senses come back to life. As he was loading a plate with eggs and ham, his brother William and another gentleman entered.
“Brother,” cried William, “it’s good to see you again. My apologies for not being able to meet you at White’s before you left London.”
“Happy Christmas,” Lucius said as they thumped one another on the back. “Have you just arrived?”
“Yes. We ran into Nettie and Weston outside.” Will turned to the man beside him. “May I introduce Mr. Charles Wilkens, whom I work with in London. If you ever need a solicitor, he’s your man. Charles, this is my brother Lord Page.”
“Mr. Wilkens.” Lucius inclined his head. William was a barrister, and solicitors often required him to present a legal action for a client. But Will was supposed to be bringing the final suitor for his sister. “Where is…”
“The gentleman was unable to make it. However, I ran into Charles on his way to another house party. So, I convinced him to stay with us a night before he continued on to Falcon Hall.” Will grinned, his hazel eyes twinkling as he mentioned the location.
Falcon Hall.
Lucius’s head snapped up. “Are you well acquainted with Lady Winfield?” he asked, ignoring the mad thumping of his heart.
“No, my lord. My uncle, Sir Horace Franklin, has been trying to buy two slate mines from her. It’s in Wales and close to two that he owns. She has put him off for over two years, and then he received an invitation to her estate over Christmastide.” Charles shrugged. He was tall with brown hair, kind brown eyes, and a genuine smile. Lucius liked him immediately.
