Page 1 of On the Twelfth Day of Christmas
CHAPTER 1
Scotland, 1885ish
“Is there anything more wonderful than Edinburgh at Christmastime?” Lady Amanda Kincaid sighed happily, kicking a pile of snow that had built up along Princes Street, and spun in a circle for good measure. “Every building decorated, such wonderful things in each shop window?”
“Indeed, Lady Amanda.” Hiro’s dry intonation told her he didn’t agree. “Such delightful sludgy snow. Such wonderful freezing rain. Such excellent red noses.”
She halted her spin—more out of self-preservation than a care for what others thought. The snowwasa bit sludgy, and she didn’t need to land in it when her dizziness caught up.
Instead, she plopped her hands on her hips and raised a brow at her companion.Best friend. Lover. “The rain turned to snow quickly enough and we were snug inside. I suppose I should have asked: Is there anything more wonderful than Edinburghat Christmastime when we are curled up by the fire with good books?”
Finally, Hiro’s lovely lips twitched and he offered a little bow. “No, Lady Amanda. I suppose not.”
She sniffed, hating theLady Amandagame he felt obliged to play whenever he thought they were in danger of being recognized. Edinburgh—only a few short hours by train from her brother’s dukedom—and its Society presented some dangers, indeed.
Not the kind she preferred.
Perhaps her souring mood showed because Hiro’s smile shifted to something like regret before he glanced around and offered his arm. She accepted his silent peace offering and slid her arm through his, loving his strength as he tucked her up against him and they continued strolling on, now in silence.
Princes Street was the finer part of the city, with expensive shops and gorgeous, snow-covered gardens. It was also where Society frequented, so she was delighted Hiro was willing to be seen like this.
Withher.
“Do you wish to stop in any other shops?” he murmured.
A flutter of pleasure soared through her chest as she noticed he’d quit tackingLady Amandaon every other sentence. She didn’t need the reminder.
“Not right now.” Taking a deep breath, she tipped her head back to the dull winter sunshine, trusting Hiro to keep her safe even if she ignored her surroundings, as he had so many times before. “Do you think Benny will like it?”
Amanda watched him lift the bag the shop had handed them after their last stop. “A train set? Complete with a bell and tracks which he can build on?” His dark eyes twinkled beneath the brim of his winter hat. “Just what every wee lad wants.”
Chuckling at his attempts to mimic the local brogue, Amanda knocked her hip against his as they walked. “I hope so. And I thought it would be a convenient series of gifts. You know, buy him another piece of the set each year?”
“Or on your travels. A Russian train car, a Brazilian train car…”
Your travels. Hiro’s casual comment caused a lump in her throat.
In her mind, in her heart, these last three years had beentheirtravels. He’d been at her side through it all, even when Society frowned at them, and it stung to think he didn’t consider themhisadventures as well. Did he only follow along because it was expected?
Still, she forced a breezy air when she continued, “A luggage car, a cold car.”
“Oh, I hope not,” Hiro intoned seriously, gaze sweeping the walk ahead of them in that alert way of his. “I’d hate to think of you giving young Lord Benedict an achoo-achoo-train.”
It took her a moment to get it, but when she did, Amanda snorted and bumped his hip again. “That was terrible!”
“Was it?” he deadpanned. “It’s difficult to stayon track.”
“Hiro, darling, if your parents were Spanish instead of Japanese, I would say you have aloco-motiveto make me groan.”
Now it was his turn to snort and roll his eyes. “I would ask if you’verun out of steam, but that mightderailthis ridiculous conversation.”
Oh goodness, he’d doubled up on the puns. She tapped her chin in thought. “Are you certain we do not have oursignals crossed? I ama-freightwe should not continue.”
“A freight?” he repeated with a scowl and a shake of his head. “Afraid? You’re grasping at straws. I declare myself to still be pun champion, despite your best efforts.”
Amanda sighed dramatically. “Not fair.”
“That’s because you havetunnel vision,” he quipped, apparently unable to resist throwing in one more stupid train pun.
