Have Yourself a Merry Little Scandal: a Christmas collection of Historical Romance (Have Yourself a Merry Little... Book 1)

by Anna Campbell

  It was a profound thought, one that illustrated the seriousness of their vows. She angled her gaze toward Giles as she wondered if he took their union seriously, and if he had speculated as she now did.

  The church bells rang out as he guided her through to the vestry where they entered their marriage lines along with their witnesses, the Duke and Duchess of Thorne, and the vicar. To Juliet’s surprise, her hand did not shake as she signed her name.

  “My darling,” Giles held out his hand, “are you ready to embark on the rest of our lives together?”

  Juliet nodded and placed her hand in his.

  A short while later, she stood next to her husband as they welcomed their guests for their wedding breakfast. She gave dutiful curtsies while he received each person with a bow. Her parents were the first to offer well wishes, after which they took their place to her left.

  Olivia and Thorne followed, along with Louisa, Catherine, and Elizabeth. After exchanging pleasantries, they stood off to the side near Giles. It warmed Juliet’s soul to see her friends grant their support to her new husband, and not for the first time, she speculated that there was more to Giles than his terrible reputation.

  Why else would Olivia’s family embrace him into their fold? Surely it was as they had said. Giles was a good man despite his colored past.

  Pray, let the roguish behavior be in his past.

  She lifted the silent prayer as a line of Ladies in elegant gowns filed past on the arms of gentlemen garbed in top hats and dress coats. Each of them stopped to curtsy or bow, as they offered well wishes and congratulated her and Giles on their union.

  Once the line of well-wishers and curious peers had ended, Giles led Juliet through the parlor to the table set up for the wedding breakfast. Olivia, Louisa, Catherine, and Elizabeth had helped Juliet decorated the room in much the same fashion as the church.

  Sprays of red and white roses, evergreen and holly, were scattered about. Sashes of white organdy, lace, and flowers rested above the arched doorways, and fresh sprays of greenery bedecked with holly and roses had been draped over the mantles and table.

  It would seem that Juliet and her duke had similar ideas. Either that or one of her friends had told him of her plans. She sought Olivia’s gaze and arched a suspicious brow.

  “It is rather odd how well the church’s decor matched with my decorations here,” she said as she took her seat across from Olivia. “It is as if someone told Giles how he ought to decorate.” Juliet gave Olivia an accusatory stare.

  Olivia shot back an impish smile, confirming Juliet’s suspicions. Rather than find it vexing, the idea that he had endeavored to match her theme brought her joy. She hoped he would always be so considerate.

  Juliet turned her attention to Giles and offered a warm smile. “Thank you for taking such care with the arrangements for the church.”

  “I will always endeavor to make you happy, darling. You have my word on that score.” He nodded toward the center of the table where silver platters laden with bread, hot rolls, ham, eggs, and a variety of fruits and jams had been set out. “Let us eat.”

  She nodded as her stomach growled. As it happened, she was rather famished and very much looking forward to breaking her fast. Her mouth salivated when she caught sight of the feast spread out before them, and she wasted little time in having her plate filled.

  As she took her first bite, her Father lifted a glass of campaign. His gaze found hers as he said, “Now that everyone is here let us toast the newlywed couple, my daughter and the Duke of Cleburne. Congratulations and well wishes for a bright future full of happiness.”

  Their guests lifted their sparkling flutes into the air amidst a round of cheers, and Juliet’s heart filled with hope for the future. She glanced at their guests, then met her husband’s gaze. The joy and tenderness in his eyes nearly undid her.

  One thing was evident—he cared for her. She could not say why, nor could she understand his motivation, but neither did she fret over it. Instead, she considered his feelings a blessing and hoped they would grow into something more profound than caring.

  Giles lifted his glass and nodded at Juliet, “And to my beautiful wife.”

  Exclamations of “here, here,” filled the dining room as Giles winked suggestively at Juliet, then gave her one of his devilish smiles.

  She could not help but think that before long, the two of them would be alone. A shiver of uncertainty, but also excitement, coursed through her. The prospect of their joining did not frighten her, but she feared her heart might be lost to him once they shared such intimacy.

  Could one perish from a broken heart? She took a slow drink of her champagne as she pushed the thought away. She could not allow fear to rule her.

  Juliet determined to stop fretting and give herself over to whatever the future had in store for her—come what may.

  Chapter 9

  Giles sat across from Juliet, staring out the carriage window as the conveyance jolted into motion. Their guests crowded the front of Thorne’s house, smiling and waving as he and Juliet departed. As far as weddings went, he believed the entire event to have been a success. He hoped Juliet agreed, for he had worked hard to give her a real society wedding despite their lack of time.

  He shifted in his seat so that he could gain a better view of his new bride.

  Perhaps he should say something, but what? Now that she was his wife, Giles had little idea what he should do with her—actually, he knew perfectly well what to do with one’s wife, but what to discuss—that was an altogether different thing.

  He had very little to go on as his own parents were rarely, if ever, at peace in one another’s company. If they spoke at all, they argued. His mother and father were anything but good examples of how to conduct a successful marriage.

  And a union such as theirs had been was the last thing he wanted. He supposed it should please him that they taught him what not to do and how not to behave in his own marriage, but he very much wished they had taught him how to make a successful marriage instead.

  Perhaps he could forgo conversation altogether. After all, Juliet did not seem keen to talk. She presently relaxed against the velvet seat with her head back and eyes closed. Perhaps the morning’s events had tired her. Or maybe she did not know what to do now that they were on their way.

  He allowed his gaze to roam over her from the blond curls gathered at the back of her head to the pout of her slightly parted wine tinted lips. Then he looked lower, following the curve of her hips to the slipper covered feet that stuck out from below her skirt.

  He truly studied her for the first time, taking in every visible inch of creamy skin and feminine curves. His cock hardened as he took in the sight of her. Lord, he wanted her, perhaps worse than he had ever wanted anything. But he somehow doubted seduction would be the way to earn her trust.

  Giles narrowed his eyes, focusing on her hair. In the sunlight streaming through the carriage window, it shone like silver highlighted with gold streaks. His fingers twitched with the sudden desire to touch the carefully styled tresses.

  What he would give to tangle his hand in her hair and bring her lips to his. He knew her lips to be lush and pliable. The kind that were made for kissing, and he longed to do just that. He had nearly done so at the church when the clergyman announced them husband and wife, but thought it a bad idea to shock the ton further than they already had.

  And now? He could not ravish her in a carriage. Not at this moment while she was still innocent and adjusting to her new place at his side. Giles had no wish to cause her fear or discomfort. He wanted her to feel valued and to be an equal partner in their marriage. He would have to save kissing for the right time.

  But then, when would the time be right?

  He tore his gaze from Juliet and shifted in his seat, his hard cock making his breeches vastly uncomfortable. How the devil was he to keep his desire under control when she was in such close proximity? More importantly, how was he to gain her love if he remained di
stracted by her womanly charms?

  Giles ran a hand through his hair as he turned his gaze back to the window. He simply had to maintain his composure. He had to woo her and gain her trust before he seduced her. It was crucial to him that he becomes her friend and partner, as well as her lover.

  Damn his past discretions for putting him in such a fix. If not for his previous debauchery, Juliet might already trust him. But then, the clubs of London, ladybirds, and lonely widows had been safe. None of them required him to love or even care about anyone other than himself. Instead, they welcomed his debauchery—encouraged it even, allowing him the freedom to indulge his passions and distract from his boredom.

  Giles had needed that freedom—craved it even. Furthermore, if he had behaved better, he never would have met Juliet. Certainly would not be married to her now. And leastwise, for now, he was happy with his lot.

  He could not change the past, but somehow he would make amends with her. Gain her forgiveness for his previous discretions and gain her forgiveness for ruining her. Juliet deserved to have a good husband, an honorable man to love and care for her, and he would be that sort of husband.

  But how the devil was he to convince her of his intentions? He pondered that question for quite some time as the carriage continued toward his country estate, and Juliet continued to rest.

  “It is freezing,” Juliet said in a sleepy tone as she pulled her legs onto the carriage seat, closer to her body.

  Giles moved to sit next to her. “Come. Lay your head on me. Share my warmth.” He reached out one arm, waiting for her to snuggle against him.

  Juliet worried her lip, her brows drawn in contemplation.

  He did not like how unsure she seemed, but neither did he blame her. He smiled, then said, “Do not be silly. We are wed. It will do no harm for me to keep you warm.” He lifted his arm so she could snuggle against his side. “And you have my word; I will not seduce you in the coach. My only motivation is to keep you warm.”

  She slid closer to him and said, “I’m sorry. I fear it will take some time to get used to being a wife.” She snuggled against his side. Her head on his chest, body pressed against him, and legs curled up on the seat.

  Giles wrapped his arm around her. A shiver shot through him as her soft curves molded to him, and their body heat melded together. Ignoring the unsettling longing, he rubbed his hand up and down her arm in an effort to warm her further.

  Their marital state would take him some time to grow accustomed to as well, though he looked forward to the adjustment. Perhaps his lousy behavior had, at last, yielded a positive outcome.

  Juliet rested pressed against Giles’s body and listened to the steady beat of his heart. The feel of his heat and embrace did more than warm her. It comforted her, too. But despite the way he made her feel, she still could not relax. Her mind bounced from one idea to the next as if she had no control over it.

  Question after question swirled through her mind, often followed by one worry or another. What did he think as he held her? Did he find her figure pleasing? Was he terribly disappointed to be wed? Or was he excited for their future? Would he come to her tonight? If so, would she disappoint him? If so, would he take a mistress? Maybe he already had one.

  The thought troubled her, for she did not wish to share him. Or maybe she did. What if she found no pleasure in the marriage bed? In that case, she may welcome him having another to satisfy his lust.

  She heaved a sigh and snuggled closer. Of course, she would enjoy coupling. Why would she not? He drove her to distraction and turned her knees to pudding with his kisses. Surely having all of him would be even better. But then… Her mind continued to spin.

  Bedding him could bring pain of another sort. What if she could not protect her heart in the face of such intimacy? Did it matter at this point?

  Juliet was not even sure she still wished to shield her heart from him. For better or worse, she’d married Giles, and now she wanted a genuine marriage—complete with intimacy. In fact, she found herself very much looking forward to that part of it. But could they have a real union built on respect and honesty? Perhaps even love?

  Juliet peeked up at Giles. Would he come to adore her? To want her heart and soul, as well as, body? And would she reciprocate?

  His gaze met hers, and her cheeks warmed as she looked away. Juliet worried her lower lip as she hoped he would make nothing of her gazing at him, although she had been mooning over him.

  “What is it, Juliet?” he asked.

  She inwardly cringed, then said, “Nothing.” She pressed her lips together and closed her eyes. Maybe he would refrain from asking more questions if he believed her to be tired.

  “Are you still terribly cold?”

  The question could have been more intrusive. It thrilled Juliet that it was not. She forced herself to meet his eyes and said, “No, I am far more comfortable now.” In fact, his embrace had chased the chill from her bones, and she suddenly craved his company. “Might we talk?” she asked.

  He grinned down at her. “What do you wish to discuss?”

  “Any impolite topic will do.” Her cheeks burned hotter, but she did not regret what she had said. Speaking of the weather would bore her to tears, and she would not come to know him better by engaging in such a mundane conversation.

  Much to her amusement, he chuckled, and she smiled at her own witty reply. “I dare say I cannot tolerate one more conversation on the weather or upcoming season.”

  The mischief in his blue-green eyes sent heat spiraling through her. “I too am weary of pleasantries, though I fear I may shock your delicate sensibilities if I speak of impolite topics.”

  She gave him her best saucy grin as she wrapped her arm around his torso. “I would very much like to learn about you, your past, and how you currently spend your time.”

  A pained expression crossed his face before he masked it with a devilish grin, then said, “All of London knows my reputation. Let us not delve into it other than for me to confirm that only half of what you heard is likely true.” He gave her a little squeeze, hugging her closer. “I believe you would be a far more interesting topic of discussion.”

  Disappointment pricked her heart. She should not have expected any other response. All the same, she’d hoped he would open up to her. She had so many questions that begged answers. “Very well. What do you wish to know about me?” she said.

  He leaned closer. “What you were woolgathering about a moment ago, for a start.”

  She gave a small smirk, one corner of her mouth tilting upward. “I was not woolgathering.”

  “You were.”

  “Very well, I was thinking about kissing you.” Her pulse sped at the admission, but if she wanted him to open up to her, she would have to do the same for him. Olivia’s words came back to her about her being sure he had a reason for his roguish behaviors, and Juliet wondered what secrets his past held.

  She was about to ask him, but before she could say more, he pressed his lips to hers. She stiffened against the unexpected kiss, but only for a moment before she welcomed it.

  Giles wrapped one hand around her neck, pulling her closer, angling her head.

  She enjoyed the gentle pressure of his lips against hers. The slide of his tongue and the way he explored her mouth.

  She’d reveled in his kisses when he had found her in the library and desired more of the same. The way he had used his tongue to probe her mouth and caressed her with his strong, yet strangely gentle hands had set her blood on fire. But this was different…

  This kiss consumed her. Claimed her.

  Yes, she wanted this—wanted him. Emboldened, she drew on the memories of their first encounter—her first kiss—and slid her hand around his neck as she deepened the kiss.

  He met her desire with his own, pulling her onto his lap until she straddled him while he cupped her bottom. With his other hand, he rubbed the nape of her neck, adding another delectable sensation to the ones already coursing through her.

>   She moaned against his mouth as desire built within her. Then, as suddenly as he’d brought his lips to hers, he pulled away.

  She looked at him, wide-eyed and breathless. “Why did you stop?” she asked.

  He lifted her from his lap and moved to the opposite side of the carriage. “If we continue, I will want all of you. I promised not to seduce you in the coach.”

  A pang of regret went through her. She swallowed hard, regretting her earlier actions. “What if I want you to seduce me?” Juliet asked, her voice a husky whisper.

  He groaned, his eyes closing for a heartbeat. “You deserve better on your wedding night. Have patients, and I promise you won’t regret waiting.”

  “Then you will come to my bed tonight?” she asked, her confidence waning.

  “There is little I want more.” He gave a devilish grin. “That is if that is your wish.”

  “It is.”

  Chapter 10

  Upon their arrival at Clear Water Run, Giles introduced Juliet to his servants, then gave her a tour of the ducal estate. He enjoyed watching her make discoveries and found the way she squinted to study various things—a portrait, books in the library, and a small figurine on one of the mantles—adorable.

  By the time he completed the tour and showed her to her suite of rooms on the second floor and adjacent to his, the sun had set. He opened the door slowly as he was in no hurry to part with her. In fact, he still wanted to make love to her but would suppress his desire until she wanted him as well.

  Even if it killed him—and it well may.

  He stepped aside, holding the door open so she could enter, then stood in the doorway watching as she took in her surroundings.