“Gerard, you didn’t need to buy anything for me. I was simply a guest of your sister’s for the holidays.”
He studied her face in a serious manner before speaking. “Nonsense, there was nothing more I wanted in the world than to spend my Christmas with you, Isabella. Furthermore, this gift wasn’t purchased by me. It has been in my family for several generations and kept in my father’s study to be presented to the woman I wish to marry.” Gerard suddenly got down on one knee and opened a small box to reveal a glistening emerald ring surrounded by shimmering diamonds nestled inside. “I have loved you since I was that young, provoking lad who never wanted to leave you alone and eventually bothered you with my pestering ways. I promise you that I never intended to have anything from you but your undivided attention and your love. You will make me the happiest of men if you will consent to be my wife.”
“Yes, oh yes. I will gladly marry you. I love you so much.” She hesitated and looked down at Gerard who was smiling broadly but still balanced on his knee. “Come up here right now. This is the perfect moment for my special kiss even if you don’t have the mistletoe any longer.”
“I beg to differ, my dear.” Gerard pulled the piece of greenery out of his pocket and held it over Isabella’s head. “First, I want to put on the ring.”
“It’s beautiful!” It fit snugly on her finger. Isabella was mesmerized by the emerald. “Does it match my eyes?”
“Perfectly. Now, what about that kiss?”
It started as a simple kiss. But Isabella yearned for more. She wanted to be closer. She stretched out on tiptoe, melding the front of her body to Gerard’s. She raised her arms and wrapped her fingers around the back of his neck, playing with the coarse ends of his hair as she did so.
Wondrously, the embrace quickly became all she had coveted—his soft, full lips pressed fervently against her own in a gentle, warm caress. At that moment, Gerard loosened his grip on her back and slowly raised his head.
“That kiss was…” He stopped, took a deep breath and stared down into her eyes. “Even though there will be many, many more, I won’t forget this first one, Isabella.”
“Neither will I,” she sighed and moved to touch the piece of mistletoe that had fallen and become wedged between their bodies. “I must tell Augusta the news.”
“The mistletoe was actually her idea.” Gerard reached out and smoothed a loose lock of her hair.
Isabella giggled. “I should have known. Augusta has a soft, romantic side to her. Did she tell you about the masked ball and the gentleman who couldn’t claim a dance because her card was full?”
“Yes, she did, but I have to admit I wasn’t listening too closely.”
“She can get carried away when she starts reminiscing.”
“I imagine she’ll be very happy to hear our news.” Gerard placed her hand on his arm and led her to the door.
“She’ll be ecstatic.” Isabella grinned up at Gerard. “Especially when she thinks of the children who will shortly be occupying our nursery.”
Gerard laughed out loud as he held the door open for her. “Ah, Isabella, this unusual holiday is turning into the most wonderful one I have ever known.”
She gently squeezed his arm and looked into his shining blue eyes. “It has truly been a very happy Christmas!”
The End
Author’s Note
The winter of 1813-1814 was actually one of the coldest on record in the United Kingdom. The harshest frost of the nineteenth century began on December 27, 1813. It was also one of the snowiest winters in over three hundred years and the last time a Frost Fair was held on the Thames, taking place in early February, 1814. Great disturbance was caused by heavy snowfall in mid-January. It was reported that the snowfall was so severe people were trapped in their homes and the city of Canterbury was cut off for at least six days. Of course, my story takes place a few weeks earlier than the time of the huge storm. The city of Rochester is located on the road to Canterbury but much closer to London.
About Cynthia Moore
Reading played an important role in my life from an early age. Much of my childhood was spent at the local library scouring the shelves for the next batch of twenty books to read and return in two weeks. Even today, I am rarely without a book. Many of my friends know me as the “book a day lady”.
My love of reading naturally led to a need to tell my own stories. I began with poetry and short stories. After my daughter was born, I continued with bedtime stories, which I made up as I went along. With my discovery of Regency romance novels in 1987, I found a genre which provided me with ideas for many possible stories and the tools to complete my first full-length novel.
My free time is spent making quilts by hand. I also travel frequently and visit my daughter, who lives in Los Angeles, several times a year.
Cynthia welcomes comments from readers. You can find her website and email addresses on her author bio page at www.ellorascave.com.
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Also by Cynthia Moore
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A Cotillion Country Christmas anthology
Lady Emeline’s Remedy
Love Letters anthology
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Snug in a Snowstorm
ISBN 9781419948480
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Snug in a Snowstorm Copyright © 2013 Cynthia Moore
Edited by Grace Bradley
Cover design by Dar Albert
Cover photography by Chorazin, Maksim Smeljob, Mariia Pazhyna/fotolia.com
Electronic book publication November 2013
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