by Cheryl Bolen
This night, his wedding night, was one night he was not going to share Charlotte with the children.
Hopefully next Christmas he and his beautiful bride would have an announcement like Gee and her husband had made this night, one of the happiest of his life.
When he opened the door to the room where they would sleep, Charlotte’s mouth gaped open. “I’ve never been in such a huge bedchamber. Are you sure this isn’t the duke’s?”
It was a large chamber, with ceilings soaring nearing twenty feet. Even the casements were taller than most rooms. A huge marble chimneypiece centered one wall, and a silken settee fronted it, but the focal point of the chamber was the huge tester bed draped in royal blue velvet. The room was illuminated from a blazing fire at the generous hearth and a single taper on one side of the bed.
“I’m sure, my love. I think this demonstrates a very good reason why it was best to wait. Do you not think this a massive improvement over the sofa at the White Lion, which wasn’t even long enough to accommodate my height?”
She strolled up to him and lifted her arms to his shoulders. “I would make love to you in the back of pony cart, you handsome husband of mine.”
He growled and scooped her up and carried her to the bed. Their bed. “I love you, Mrs. Fenton, tonight and for every night for as long as we live.”
Once more, this woman he loved with all his heart began to cry. Only this time, she sobbed. He drew her to him and held her tight, murmuring endearments, softly stroking the tender flesh of her back. “What’s wrong, love?”
“I have no right to be so happy.”
“You have earned the right to be happy. Remember when I told you that love would follow despair. There was a reason you were able to sell Edward’s ring on the day we met.”
“Then we owe our present happiness to dear Edward?”
“Indeed we do.” He could not be jealous of his predecessor for through his good friend he had found the only woman he could ever love so fiercely.
“I never believed I could love again, but I do love you so.”
“And it took being stranded at an inn with only a single room left to discover such a love. How blessed we are.”
“It’s been the happiest Christmas I’ve ever known.”
“I feel the same, my love.” Then he blew out the candle to extend their Christmas pleasure.
* * *
The End
About Cheryl Bolen
Since her first book was published to acclaim in 1998, Cheryl Bolen has written more than three dozen books, mostly historical romances. Several of her books have won Best Historical awards, and she's a New York Times and USA Today bestseller whose books have been translated into eight languages. She and her recently retired professor husband have been traveling to England for more than 30 years, and she counts reading about dead English women as one of her favorite activities.
* * *
You can find details of her work at
www.CherylBolen.com
Join Cheryl’s Newsletter
INVITATION TO PLEASURE
~ Book 3.5 in the Invitation To Series ~
* * *
by
* * *
BRONWEN EVANS
How do you make a lady who does not trust men, open her heart to love?
* * *
A few days before Christmas, Lady Georgiana Marsh has snuck onto the Earl of Hascombe’s estate to take back Apollo, the colt her father had no right to sell. Unfortunately, the devastatingly handsome Daniel Kerrich, Baron de Winter, would rather spend time in the stables than in his brother-in-law’s drawing room and catches her in the act.
* * *
It will take more than a sensual smile to win this lady’s heart…
* * *
Before Daniel can arrest the stunning beauty, she distracts him with a kiss under the mistletoe and... knocks him out cold. Now Daniel is determined to get his revenge. The only trouble is, the cunning vixen seems immune to his charms, that is, until Daniel takes ownership of the one thing she wants—Apollo. What is Georgiana prepared to give him for the colt? Suddenly he knows exactly what he wants in return—a beautiful hoyden with a stubborn streak to match his own. Can he convince the fiercely independent Georgiana that he is a man worthy of her love?
* * *
Copyright © 2019 by Bronwen Evans
Chapter 1
Newmarket, England, December 15th 1814
* * *
Daniel loved his elder sister, Rheda, he really did. He even loved his little niece and nephew, Samantha and Wilton, especially when they were asleep. And he admired Rheda’s husband, Rufus Knight, the Earl of Hascombe. But he hated how, at Christmas, and all the other ‘family’ occasions, he was summoned to the Earl’s estate to dress up fancy and make polite conversation with the guests his sister took pleasure inviting into her home.
None of the other guests could care less if he was here or not. He was hopeless at cards and didn’t have the schooling to contribute to the conversations between the men. The unmarried ladies ignored him because who wanted a mere Baron for a husband. While the married women with boring, older husbands thought all they had to do was beckon with a crooked finger and he would service them gratefully.
Why had he bothered to come?
Because he loved his elder sister Rheda, and for some reason she’d wanted him here earlier than he usually came north for the festive period. She was the reason why he still had his estate. Her selfless efforts while he was growing up.
Their father had bled his estate dry with his gambling and womanizing. After his father’s death, Rheda had spent the next five years trying to save his estate until he was old enough to run it. Situated near Deal in Kent, Rheda had, for a short time, taken up smuggling to save Tumbury Cliff Manor from bankruptcy, before breeding the best cavalry horses known to man. Instead of attending Eton, he’d been homeschooled by Rheda and could only just hold his own with writing and arithmetic, something that as the current Baron de Winter, he found embarrassing. He felt more at home in the stables, hence why, after dinner tonight, he found himself making his way across the large cobblestoned courtyard toward Rufus’s immaculate and impressive stables which housed the best racing horseflesh in the world.
As he approached, it dawned upon him that there should be more grooms around. You didn’t leave animals as valuable as this unattended. What if there was a fire, or a horse fell ill, or was stolen? He quickened his pace. Perhaps there were no grooms because Rufus had given them the day off to shop for Christmas? Rufus may well have given most of them the night off to spend with their families, but still his instincts saw him jog across the cobblestones.
His heart jumped into his throat when he saw the door to the main stable ajar; normally it was locked and guarded.
He slipped inside, walking silently on his toes. He waited until his eyes adjusted to the dark before creeping forward. He saw the young groom, Blake, lying motionless inside the first stall. He hesitated, wondering if he should retreat and call for reinforcements. He was just about to turn back when he spied movement near the stall at the rear. The stall held Rufus’s recent expensive purchase, a colt as black as the coal burning in the drawing room grate, named Apollo.
Someone was opening the stall. Who would be trying to steal Rufus’s colt? Daniel hoped they were experienced horsemen; Apollo was temperamental to say the least.
Daniel crept forward. He thought his ears where playing tricks on him because as he drew closer, the murmured reassurances spoken to the excited colt sounded feminine in nature. It couldn’t be. The colt needed a firm hand. Apollo sometimes forgot who was boss, and he needed a man’s strength to subdue his wildness.
Daniel straightened from his crouch and moved with more assurance toward the end stall. It bloody well was a woman with the colt. She might be disguised in men’s clothes, but he’d seen Rheda wearing trousers enough times to recognize the enticingly feminine curves. The shapely behind sat atop legs almost as l
ong as the colts. Hair as light as straw hung down the middle of her back, tied with a ribbon. She was holding Apollo’s nose, and whispering in his ear.
Was she touched in the head? Even if she was a thief he felt the urgent need to protect her from her folly. Apollo could trample her to death.
“Don’t make any sudden movements, back slowly away from the colt so as not to frighten him,” Daniel spoke softly from the entrance to the stall. Instead of following his sensible advice, he watched her stiffen, her hand still on the colts nose and in utter disbelief Daniel saw her other hand move to grip Apollo’s mane as if she were about to…Goddamn her to Hades, she bolted onto the colt’s back.
“Step away unless you wish to be trampled.”
Her voice was breathy but held an air of command. He couldn’t see her features clearly in the gloom, but he’d swear she was gentrified. She had an unmistakable air of arrogance proving she was used to talking down to men. Instead of obeying her, he stepped into the middle of the stall doorway.
“Horse thieving is a hanging offence. I’d hate to see that pretty neck stretched.“
“I am not stealing, so you have no need to worry on my behalf.”
His hands fell from where they sat on his hips, and he moved a few steps forward. “I know you’re stealing, love. That is Lord Hascombe’s new colt, Apollo.” He wished he could see her face. “Now, get down before you hurt yourself. Young Apollo here is not known for his good behavior.”
“That’s because you simpletons don’t know how to handle him. He is obedient for those he respects. Besides, I’m not your love. Now, I shall ask nicely one final time. Get out of the way!”
Daniel stood undecided. He could not simply step aside and let her steal his brother-in-laws valuable colt, but neither could he rush the horse. “We appear to be at an impasse as I have no intention of letting you take him.”
He heard the smile in her voice. “Let me?” With that she made Apollo rear up and his hooves came very near to Daniel’s face and body. Daniel held fast. Surely she was testing him?
“I’m not moving so you may as well tell me why it’s not stealing.”
He heard a very unladylike curse issue from her lips and for some reason that impressed him even more than her horsemanship.
“Apollo was gifted to me by my grandfather, and my father had no right to sell him to Lord Hascombe.”
Daniel moved forward and stroked Apollo’s nose. “If this is true why not simply inform Lord Hascombe of the situation. I’m sure he would listen.”
She snorted. “Would you willing give up an animal of this quality and value?”
“If he had been sold without the owners permission, yes. Can you prove it was a gift?” The silence spoke volumes. “I see. Well, get down from there and come into the house. We shall see what Lord Hascombe has to say.”
He didn’t know her first name, but he knew who had given the horse to Rufus, the Marquis of Wentworth, Charles Marsh. Daniel had been right; she was gentry, yet way above an impoverished Baron. He waited, for he was not about to turn his back on Lady Marsh and the colt.
With a sigh she made to dismount just as the stable door crashed open and voices started yelling. Apollo reared and Lady Marsh went flying through the air, landing with a thump on the straw covered floor. Daniel raced forward and tried to block the colt from crashing down on the prone young woman. The horse butted him with his head and he fell backwards on top of her, at least he’d protect her from further harm.
However, Lady Marsh spoke to the excited colt in a calm, lilting voice and the animal stopped prancing, and stood with nostrils flaring and eyes wide in the middle of the stall.
The pair lay still not wishing to startle the colt again. Daniel didn’t mind. The soft curves he lay upon reminded him it had been a long time since he’d been with a woman. Then he chided himself. Lady Marsh was not a lady to dally with unless he wanted marriage. At three and twenty he had no intention of seeking a bride. He had his estate to rebuild first. There was nothing he could offer a woman of her stature.
Michael, the head groom arrived with a halter and soon led the animal to another stall. He returned immediately. “The grooms have been drugged. I believe someone is out to steal some of Lord Hascombe’s horses.”
Daniel felt her stiffen beneath him.
“Well, the thief is not in this stall.” He watched Michael lift up the lantern he carried and look at the second pair of boots sticking out from under Daniel. “This is my paramour from Kent. She came up to surprise me. It was not safe for her to travel dressed as a woman. She couldn’t go through Christmas without some of my loving,” and he ran his hand down Lady Marsh’s side. He enjoyed hearing her quiet hiss of outrage.
“Well, you picked a dangerous place for a liaison, my lord. Apollo isn’t used to his new surroundings yet.” Michael looked over his shoulder. “Plus, it looks as though we have a thief on the premises. He or they have drugged the other grooms. I only avoided being doped because I had to help his lordship with the Christmas tree. You may well have stopped him stealing this valuable colt.”
“I’m sure I did,” he said ironically. “He wouldn’t have expected to find me here.” That got him a jab in his ribs.
“I shall leave you to your… , well, be careful and keep an eye out for the culprits.“ With that Michael backed out of the stall. He stopped and bent down to leave the lantern at the door to the stall. “You’ll need this so you are not surprised again.”
As soon as Michael’s footsteps faded, Lady Marsh pushed at Daniel’s chest. “Get off me.”
“I’m quite comfortable where I am, thank you. Besides, is that any way to thank me for saving your neck, Lady Marsh.”
Her breathing was her only reply.
Daniel’s temper flared to life. “Would you have preferred me to introduce you as the person who drugged the staff and tried to steal the colt? I’m aware that a lady’s reputation is far more valuable than the colt.”
“Not to me. If not for you I’d be well away with Apollo. Now I’ll never get him back.”
“Is your Grandfather alive to vouch for his gift?” He noted that she was no longer trying to push him off and he wasn’t going to move unless she asked. The feel of her beneath him stirred very pleasant sensations.
“Oh, for goodness sake. If he were, would I be here risking everything to steal him? Now get off me,” and she shoved hard sending him slipping sideways onto the straw. She was on her feet and racing to escape before he’d taken his next breath.
Daniel stuck out one leg and sent her tumbling face first onto the hay. He was on top of her in a moment. “You may be a lady but your manners are appalling. Where is my thank you?”
She turned her head to look at him over her shoulder. “And if he hadn’t called you lord, I’d never have known you were a gentleman. This is no way to treat a lady.”
Daniel snorted. “Ladies don’t steal high spirited colts,” he whispered in her ear.
“You know who I am, however I have no idea who you are. What is your name?” He couldn’t help a smug smile. She was interested in him, but then to his regret she added, “So I know to avoid you in future.”
“Daniel Kerrich, Baron de Winter, at your service, my lady.”
She frowned and said. “Blast. The Earl’s brother-in-law has caught me. Are you going to tell him what I tried to do?”
She knew who he was, that was interesting. He’d never been to London in his life, but he supposed people had gossiped about Rheda and her background. “Perhaps you could persuade me to simply let you go,” he suggested nuzzling her neck. That got him an elbow in his stomach. He laughed as he rolled off her. “I was teasing.” He leapt to his feet. “Come on,” he held out his hand to help her to her feet. “I’ll introduce you to Rufus. Let’s see what we can sort out.”
She took his hand and he marveled at how finely boned she was. Her hand was tiny compared to his. How on earth she’d had the strength to control Apollo…She must have the t
ouch. Some people could almost talk to a horse and get them to do anything. He was one of those people. Maybe she had the gift too. He pulled her to her feet with little effort.
“Why are you doing this for me?” she asked quietly.
When she turned into the lantern light, he finally got a look at her face and he almost stopped breathing. Her hair was a mess, and her face was covered in dust and dirt, yet, she was still the most arresting woman he’d ever seen. Strands had come loose and wisps of hair fell around her face, as if it too wanted to stroke the perfect unblemished skin. He would have known she was highborn; her breeding was evident in her fine features. Her nose, eyes, and lips were in perfect symmetry to the size of her face. Vivid blue iris’s surrounded dark pinpoints that flared as the light flickered. Her eyelashes were so long he wondered if she had to detangle them every morning when she woke. Her nose was cute to the point of being childlike, but her lips… They were definitely all woman. Pouty and luscious, and he wanted a taste so badly he had to pinch his thigh to remember who she was.
“I’m the only man who could understand why you’d get worked up about a horse. Once you bond with a special stead it’s difficult to part with them.” She opened and then closed her mouth obviously surprised at his understanding. He bowed and with one hand indicated she should precede him from the stall. “Let’s just say I admire a woman who is passionate about horses.” Under his breath he added, “A passionate nature usually means passionate in bed too.”