The Mistletoe Marquess: A Risqué Regency Romance

by Sahara Kelly

  “You can’t,” gasped Brent. “I’m going to marry her. Not you.”

  Reid blinked. “You’re going to marry Prudence?”

  Brent stared at him. “No, of course not. I’m going to marry Emmeline.” There was a pause. “Wait…”

  “What?”

  The two men each took a step back, frowned and then sighed.

  “You want Prudence,” said Brent.

  “And you want Emmeline,” answered Reid. “Although for the life of me I’m not sure I understand why.”

  “Just a moment…” Brent bristled. “Em is the sweetest girl I’ve ever met. She’s shy and intimidated by a lot of things, but if you’re gentle with her she will reveal a very smart mind. She’s lovely and gracious and funny and…”

  “All right, that’s enough.” Reid held up his hand, grinning. “You’re smitten. Got it.”

  “And you’re not?”

  “Er…”

  “Right then.”

  The two men looked at each other, shrugged, and turned as one to find the nearest ale.

  After they’d procured two tankards of Chillendale’s finest, they found a small table near the fire that afforded them warmth and a degree of privacy, tucked away as it was in the corner of the taproom.

  “Now.” Brent put his tankard down and licked his lips. “God, whatever else you do in life, Reid, I have to say that you make the best ale in the entire known universe.”

  “I know.” Reid smiled smugly.

  “So we’re both looking for missing ladies. Emmeline might well have stopped to visit some of the locals on her way. She’s late, but I won’t start worrying yet.”

  “I’m not sure where Prudence might be. But yet, she might have done that as well. She does get on very well with people and there are one or two houses near the village she might have passed.”

  “There we are then. No reason for us to panic. Yet.” Brent nodded reassuringly.

  “However. I think it’s time you told me what’s been going on between you and Pru.”

  Reid blinked. “There are some matters which should remain private, Brent. Even between friends like us.”

  “Good lord, I didn’t mean…” Brent paused. “It’s gone that far?”

  It was Reid’s turn to pause. “Well, I’m going to marry the woman. There’s no doubt in my mind.”

  “After two days?”

  “You sound like my parents.” Reid sighed and took another swallow of his ale. “And let me point out that you could be accused of the same thing. I distinctly heard the words marriage and Emmeline in the same sentence coming from your mouth. And you only met her yesterday.”

  “We were both smote, weren’t we?”

  “Smote?”

  “Past tense of smite, I think. Whatever we are, we seem to be set on the same goals with our ladies.” Brent grinned.

  “We’re probably raving idiots,” remarked Reid. “But here we are. Determined suitors who have finally found our mates and where are they?”

  “Not a clue.”

  “Me neither. And I don’t like it, to be honest. Pru left the hideout early this morning as near as I can tell. She didn’t take the horse, so she must have walked. But I took that path here and there was no sign of her, her footprints or anything. It’s as if she vanished.” Reid couldn’t wash away that nagging worry, even with his own ale. “Tell me about your cousin, Brent. She’s told me a lot but I think there are things she’s holding back.”

  Brent stared at the fire. “Not a lot to tell. We’ve known each other since we were both very young. The woman who raised her was my very close to my mother. So the ‘cousin’ title is false, but worked for us. My mother seemed happy to lend our name and support to the little girl. She was living with her aunt when we first met, and I know her mother had passed away. Apparently her father sent her there, but it never occurred to me to question any of the arrangements. Children don’t give a damn about such things. To this day, I have no idea who either of her parents were.”

  “That’s pretty much what she told me.”

  “She didn’t want to marry Eldridge. I do know that. But her aunt was failing and it was a good offer overall, even though not to her liking. There were quite a few times when she could barely hold back the tears. It was a small wedding, and I know she trembled through most of it. I was there.” Brent frowned. “But she came through it in style and we lost touch for a while.”

  Reid took a breath. “It must have been hard for her.”

  “I’m sure it was. But when she returned, a widow, she was different.”

  “Different how?”

  “More reserved, I think. Definitely more mature. She was in control and planned on staying that way. The girl I used to know had grown into a woman I didn’t really know at all. I still don’t, to this day. But we’re as close as ever. It’s a good solid friendship, Reid. So if you are serious about her, I’ll tell you to your face that if you hurt her, I’ll kick your arse from here to John O’Groats.”

  “Agreed. And yes, I’m serious about her.” A thought occurred to him. “You were the one who told her about the hideout, weren’t you?”

  Brent chuckled. “Yes, I was. I knew it would appeal to her sense of adventure and she was quite safe there. It amazed me how well it has stood the test of time.”

  “And did you tell her about me, by any chance?”

  His friend looked self-consciously around the room, trying to avoid Reid’s gaze. “Er…I might have mentioned you now and again. Just in the way of regular conversation…”

  “Hmm.” Reid narrowed his eyes. “She seemed to be expecting me, or know I was around. Or something. It was odd then, but now I know—it makes sense.”

  Brent grinned. “I’ll accept that as your thanks for uniting you with the love of your life.”

  “Yes, well, thank you, I suppose.” Reid blinked at his tankard. “So, to turn the tables here, when did your sudden passion for Emmeline explode?”

  “All she did was smile at me. That’s it.”

  “I beg your pardon?”

  “A smile, Reid. A smile that knocked me down, laid me out flat and then flew me up to heaven.”

  “Good lord.”

  “I never imagined anything like that could happen. But her eyes…so expressive, and the way she smiled at me—I was lost, my friend. And I’m not ashamed to admit it.”

  “Er…good for you.”

  “I took her and Lady Southwick home, and they invited me in for tea. So of course I went and managed to spend some time talking to Emmeline. A couple of hours, actually, which was a delightful surprise.”

  Reid cleared his throat. “Well, my friend, I do need to be blunt here, I suppose, because I am your friend. There is a pretty strong rumor that Lady Southwick is on the hunt for a title for her daughter…”

  “Well, she’s found one. Me.”

  “And that is acceptable?”

  “I can’t say I have much liking for Lady Southwick’s way of thinking. But I don’t believe Emmeline was a willing party to that goal. She was being forced into the whole Mistletoe thing. Told me that as soon as we started our private conversation last night.”

  “That’s a huge relief. I would have hated to break her heart when I announce my engagement to Pru.”

  “You won’t.” Brent smiled. “I need to talk to her and then I plan on heading over and speaking with Lord Southwick this afternoon. It would be lovely if we could make the formal announcement at the Mistletoe Ball, don’t you think?”

  “That’s next week. Do you really think you can keep Lady Southwick quiet that long?”

  “Hmm. Perhaps. Or maybe not. I don’t know.”

  Reid stood, pushing his tankard aside. “I have to find Prudence, Brent. I’m going upstairs to knock on her door again. Perhaps she was delayed or something. Then I’m going back to see if anyone saw her this morning. My instincts are telling me she must be all right, but I’ll be happier when I find her.”

  Brent rose as well.
“I’m for Southwick. She was supposed to meet me this morning early—she assured me she could get away, but since she’s not here, I will have to go and find her. I’ll talk to her father while I’m there. I might look around the village in case she was delayed somewhere as well.”

  They walked away from the fireplace and notice a group of men around one table. Curious, they both turned their steps that way to learn what was afoot.

  “There they was, swear it on me ol’ mum’s grave, I do.”

  “Now Jacob, you’ve been at the ale agin, ain’t yer?”

  An elderly man shook his head vehemently. “Ain’t touched a drop this mornin’, lads. I knows what I saw. And I saw ‘em. Fairies they was. I’m sure of it. Nekkid as the day they was born, running ‘round in the snow. Now I asks yer. Who else but magic people could do that, then?”

  “Did yer see them wings, Jacob, or was yer too busy lookin’ at t’ other bits?” A rumble of laughter greeted this question.

  Jacob lifted his chin. “I saw ‘em. If yer don’t wants to believe, that’s yer right. I bin blessed by ‘em. Didn’t show ‘emselves to yer did they now, yer sorry lot. Right over in t’ big meadow they was. Lit clear as day by that there moon a’fore the snow come in. Couldn’t mistake that, I tell yer. Would ha’ missed it if’n old Clancy hadn’t had to take a piss so damn late…”

  “Good dog, that Clancy.”

  “Aye. But nekkid fairies?”

  The conversation ranged on for a few moments, and Reid turned to see a quizzical eyebrow raised in his direction and a rather knowing look on his friend’s face.

  Various comments drifted through his mind, but then he decided discretion was the better part of commonsense in this instance. “Just shut up.”

  Brent stifled a snort and followed Reid away from the crowd.

  “Should we worry about them?” Reid asked his friend the question as they walked to their cloaks and the door. “The snow and all that?”

  “I’m trying not to. They’re both used to this kind of weather, and Emmeline knows the area like the back of her hand. Pru isn’t as familiar with it, but she’s no fool, Reid. She wouldn’t take chances.”

  “Odd that they’re both absent at the same time though, isn’t it?” Reid paused at the door and looked up at the sky. “At least we’ll see a little sun today. Still cold though.”

  “Good luck. We’ll meet later, I’m sure. Do let me know if you see any nekkid fairies.” Brent clapped him on the shoulder with a laugh, and departed, heading down the main street toward the village center.

  Naked fairies, indeed. Reid grinned and turned the other way to find his horse. He was trying not to worry too much, but every now and again a chill of apprehension touched his spine.

  Where the hell was Prudence?

  *~~*~~*

  “This is most strange.”

  Emmeline addressed her teacup as she sat across the table from Prudence and the two women watched more plates appear along with a teapot.

  “What is?” Their hostess asked the question casually as she offered scones.

  Pru chuckled. “I know what Emmeline means. The fact that the two of us are here, sharing tea with a lady we don’t know, after both going the wrong way because we were thinking of other things. Talk about coincidences.”

  The woman smiled. “My dears, sometimes you just have to believe that Fate has plans. I think this morning proves that.”

  Emmeline nodded. “Indeed, you are quite correct, Ma’am. But now that we are settled, will you not tell us your name? I would like to know how to address you…”

  “Of course. You were both so cold and damp, I quite forgot the niceties in my attempts to warm you up.”

  “You succeeded admirably,” said Prudence, with gratitude. “My feet are already more comfortable. But I too would love to know your name.”

  “I’m Hecate Ridlington.”

  Prudence thought for a few moments, knowing she’d heard the name before.

  “What a beautiful name,” enthused Emmeline. “It sounds familiar.”

  Hecate shrugged and poured tea. “I believe the original Hecate was a goddess, but I can assure you I’m far from that.”

  Prudence looked at her, noting the elegant fingers and the long delicate neck. She was pretty certain she’d noticed a slight limp—and the pieces fell into place.

  “I think we met once.”

  Hecate glanced up, a look of surprise on her face. “Really? Forgive me, I usually have a good memory for faces, and I can’t say as I recall.”

  “It was several years ago,” Prudence was a little hazy on the details herself. “In London, a musicale, I believe. I was there with my late husband, Lord Eldridge.”

  “Ahhh, now I remember.” Hecate smiled. “Although I have to say there was a good reason I didn’t recognize you. You have changed a lot in the intervening years.”

  “Yes, that’s bound to be true.” Prudence nodded. “Although losing one’s husband is hard, the period of mourning does teach one a measure of independence.”

  “I didn’t know,” said Emmeline, eyes wide as she absorbed the conversation.

  “No reason that you should,” answered Pru. “We barely spoke at the Fête, and this morning we were both cold and wet.” She turned to Hecate. “And we found your home. Which seems a little strange, since no one has mentioned it and Little Chillendale is nothing if not intimate when it comes to its residents.”

  Hecate sipped her tea. “I haven’t been here very long. And I prefer not to mingle much. At the moment I am enjoying the solitude.”

  Prudence glanced around her as she buttered a warm scone and then took a sip of the unusual herbal tea. There was a comfortable blaze in the fireplace, several pieces of fine porcelain on the mantel, a lovely carpet and all the trappings of a lady’s residence. A lady that had resided there for more than a month or two. Odd.

  “But if you’ll forgive me my curiosity, I would love to know why you two lovely girls were wandering through snowy lanes unaccompanied early in the morning? Not that I’m complaining because I delight in your presence here, but you have to admit it is a little out of the ordinary.”

  Emmeline put down her scone and sighed. A huge sigh for such an ethereal blonde. “Men.”

  “Ah, well then. That explains everything.” Hecate almost hid her grin.

  Pru grinned as well. “As a matter of fact, yes it does. A man is the reason I was out at a very early hour and I’d already walked a mile or so before I met you, Emmeline.”

  “Good lord, girls. This won’t do.” Hecate leaned back in her chair. “Neither of you should be allowing a mere man to drive you out into the snow.”

  “Well, to be fair, I left of my own accord. Mine was still asleep.”

  “Prudence.” Emmeline’s eyes widened. “Really?”

  “Yes, dear. Really. I’m older than you and a widow. It’s quite acceptable.” She made the statement with as much authority as she could muster, hoping that Emmeline would believe her, since it wasn’t acceptable at all.

  “Oh. I see.” Emmeline relaxed. “I didn’t leave Brent. I left my parents. They were on at me over breakfast, you see.”

  “About what?” asked Hecate.

  “About Brent. He’s a Viscount. Mama wants me to marry well, and I was supposed to be Reid Chillendale’s Mistletoe Marchioness, but I wasn’t terribly excited about it and then I met Brent who is wonderful and who likes me and we talked for hours last night and…” she ran out of breath, filled her lungs and continued, “and I want to marry Brent. But he’ll think that Mama is the one behind it and won’t believe that a silly girl like me could have fallen in love with him in five minutes.” Her lower lip trembled and those huge blue eyes glistened over with unshed tears.

  “Hmm.” Hecate gazed at Emmeline. “I must give that one a bit of thought.” She switched her gaze to Prudence. “And your man is…”

  “Her sort-of-ex, Reid Chillendale,” sighed Prudence. “I suppose it was Fate up to her tricks a
gain. Reid and I…well, it works. That’s all I can say really. All that needs to be said. But it does relieve Emmeline of the necessity of becoming his Mistletoe bride.”

  “I see. But what I don’t see is why you had to leave his side before dawn.”

  Prudence swallowed. “Forgive me, but I’m going to ask both of you to promise me that our conversation will go no further.”

  “Of course,” replied Hecate. “That goes without saying, but yes, I promise.”

  “I promise as well, Prudence. What we say here remains with us forever. Cross my heart.” She solemnly licked her forefinger and crossed her heart with it.

  Prudence was touched. “Thank you both.” She paused for a moment, gathering her thoughts. “Even though I was married to a Lord, I am not what you would call suitable bride material for one such as Reid.”

  “I don’t understand,” puzzled Emmeline. “You’re a Lady.”

  “By marriage only, Emmeline. My husband was decades older than me and only desired an heir, not a real wife. He failed, and his health also failed, leaving me to carry on alone. But I also carry a secret. I do not know who my father was. Or my mother, as a matter of fact.”

  There. It was out.

  But there were no shrieks of horror, just two concerned faces looking at her. For a moment unusual tears stung the backs of her eyes, but then she blinked and forced them away.

  “To clarify, my mother died during my birth. It turned out that my father was not the man she was married to at the time. He arranged for me to be fostered out to a woman I called aunt, who raised me as her own. She loved me every bit as much as a mother could have, so I have been lucky, make no mistake. I had an excellent education and although my marriage brought me little pleasure, it did result in a handsome widow’s jointure. I have all that I need, now and in the future. But I don’t believe I can bring such a poor pedigree into the Chillendale family. It wouldn’t be fair to them.”

  As soon as she spoke the words, two things occurred to her. It was the first time she had told a soul about her origins and she had no idea at all why it had come out of her mouth at this particular time.