Timeless Christmas Romance: Historical Romance Holiday Collection

by Laurel O'Donnell

  She glanced over her shoulder again as though wanting to be certain she wouldn’t be caught speaking to him. “It might take a gesture of some sort to convince her to listen to you.”

  He opened his mouth to ask what that might mean only to hear a voice call her name. “Holly?”

  Her eyes went wide. “I must go.” She hurried out before he could utter another word.

  His thoughts raced as he considered her advice. Gesture? Of what sort? For what purpose? His thoughts whirled, unable to latch onto any answers.

  The footman returned, expressing Violet’s apologies but she wasn’t receiving. Within a few minutes, he was walking back to his house, determined to find a way to convince Violet that he wanted her—that he cared for her and no one else.

  Chapter Twelve

  As evening fell, Violet sighed with frustration. What on earth was wrong with her? She was acting like a ninny. Yes, Baxter deserved to be happy. But she couldn’t move past the idea that Alice would never make him so.

  Why should she just step aside without giving Baxter a reason to choose her? Perhaps he didn’t care for her the way she cared for him, but he had to have felt something when they’d kissed.

  She knew one thing for certain—if she stayed in her room, she’d never know. She hadn’t yet told him how she felt. Until she was brave enough to do so, she wouldn’t discover what he thought of her.

  Besides, it was Christmas Eve. The idea of missing out on all she’d planned for Mr. and Mrs. Adley held no appeal. She wanted to feel the burn of playing snapdragon, to help put the finishing touches on the greenery, if they hadn’t already done it without her, and sing a few carols.

  But more than all those things, she wanted to spend time with Baxter.

  If he cared enough to call on her, didn’t that mean he at least thought of her as a friend? That was basis enough for the start of something more. Why shouldn’t she venture next door, at least for a brief time?

  Long enough to tell him how she felt. She swallowed hard at the thought. The idea terrified her.

  Yet if she didn’t find the courage to speak plainly, she might regret the missed opportunity for the rest of her life. Could she live with that?

  Indecision held her frozen in place, nerves stretched taut, thoughts racing, heart hammering.

  Hadn’t she wished on a star a few weeks ago for something new and meaningful in her life? Fate had handed her this wonderful opportunity, and she stood here, too worried about what might happen to act.

  Not anymore.

  Before she could change her mind, she retrieved a cloak and hurried down the stairs. With luck, the Christmas celebration next door had only just begun. Her own mother and father were gone for the evening. Holly was tucked in her room with a new book. No one was here to keep her from going to the Adleys’.

  Her breath hitched as she considered what she could say to Baxter to explain how much she’d grown to care for him. She opened the front door with the hope that the words would come to mind when she needed them, only to find a group of carolers on the walkway before her home.

  Their voices rang clearly in the crisp evening air, their faces lit by the lanterns they carried. The sight made Violet smile as she closed the door behind her. Surely their presence was a sign she was doing the right thing.

  The song was one she knew well, involving shepherds watching their sheep on a cold winter’s night. But the next line they sang puzzled her. When a Christmas star appeared? Those weren’t the right words.

  Then the carolers parted, revealing Baxter standing behind them, holding the Christmas star he’d bought for his mother with a lantern underneath, lighting it brightly. His gaze held hers as he walked up the steps, the carolers’ voices growing quieter as he reached her.

  Her heart pounded madly as she searched his face, uncertain what to think.

  “There’s something I didn’t tell you about this star,” he said.

  “Oh?”

  “I wished on one like it that appeared in the sky before I left Bombay. Do you know what I wished for?”

  Her throat tightened at the emotions swirling in his eyes as she shook her head.

  “For a life as big and bright and as full of hope and joy as the star. I didn’t know exactly what that meant until I met you, Violet. You are my star.”

  Shivers coursed through her at his words, and she barely noticed the carolers singing louder as they moved down the street. “Baxter.” She blinked back tears. “I was coming to tell you that—” She hesitated a moment then pressed on, determined to share what was in her heart. “That I have come to care for you a great deal.”

  “Violet—”

  “No. Wait.” She shook her head, realizing that wasn’t quite true. If there was ever a time she needed to find the courage to reach for what she wanted, it was now. “I love you. I know it’s too soon, and that we only met a few weeks ago, but it’s true.” With a trembling hand, she reached up to touch his cheek. “I wished on a star as well, and I am so grateful to have found you, an even better answer to my wish than I could’ve imagined.”

  He took her hand in his and pressed a lingering kiss to the palm. “I love you too. I don’t think it’s too soon. The heart knows, don’t you think? Time is inconsequential when it comes to love.”

  “But, Lady Alice—”

  “Doesn’t matter to me. I have no wish to pursue a relationship with her and have already told her so. You are who I want. Only you, dear Violet.” He kissed her, one arm wrapped around her to draw her close.

  When he eased back, Violet smiled through her tears. “I’m so happy. I had no idea something like this might happen when I befriended your parents.”

  “Our family is so lucky that you reached out when you did. You’ve been a blessing in all of our lives. Will you come home with me for the evening? To celebrate Christmas Eve? Nothing is the same without you.”

  “I’d love to.” She took his arm, anxious to see his parents, only to see the flicker of a drape moving in the window. She knew exactly who that was. “Would it be all right if Holly joined us?”

  He chuckled. “I was just going to ask you that.”

  “It truly is going to be a Christmas to remember, isn’t it?” she asked, her heart overflowing. While she knew he’d soon be leaving, that didn’t make any difference at this moment. She’d wait for him, no matter how long it took.

  “Who knew that wishing upon a Christmas star would bring such joy to our lives?”

  “Not me, but I’m grateful for it.” She rose up to kiss him briefly then rushed back up the steps and opened the door, calling her sister’s name.

  Epilogue

  Baxter breathed a sigh of relief as he left Mr. Fairchild’s library and walked down the hall to the drawing room. It was a special evening. Epiphany. The twelfth and final day of the Christmas celebration.

  He wanted this night to be one that he and Violet remembered for the rest of their lives, and now that he had her father’s blessing as well as that of his parents, he was ready to take the next step. He patted his breast pocket, reassuring himself the ring was still nestled there.

  His heart thundered as he entered the drawing room, pleased to find Violet and Holly there, just as her father said they’d be.

  Violet smiled in surprise at his entrance as she rose from a chair. “I didn’t know you were here. I didn’t even hear the door.”

  He winked at Holly then took Violet’s hands in his, not telling her that he’d arrived early to speak with her father. She’d learn that soon enough. “I was anxious to be with you.” That much was true.

  They’d spent as much time as possible together in the past twelve days, and he’d fallen more in love with her each day. He couldn’t wait to share what was in his heart. If he had to say it in front of Holly, he’d do so. It couldn’t wait another moment.

  “Violet,” he began.

  “Oh.” Holly stood abruptly, eyes wide as she stared between them. “I just remembered that I forgot somet
hing in my room. Excuse me.” The smile she gave him as she hurried past suggested she had a good idea of what he was about to say.

  Was it written on his face? But when he looked back at Violet, she didn’t seem to notice anything untoward.

  “You are incredibly beautiful,” he said.

  She smiled. “And you look very handsome this evening.”

  “I have good news.”

  Her brows rose. “What might that be?”

  “Prince Edward has made several introductions for me, involving some of the items I’ve been importing. Those connections are going to make it possible for me to continue my business from London.”

  “Truly?” Violet’s eyes filled with tears, her face lit with joy. “That’s wonderful news.”

  “I might have to travel to Bombay occasionally, but I can remain here for the most part.”

  “Baxter, I’m so thrilled.” She squeezed his hands and started to move closer.

  “Wait,” he bid her, knowing that if she was nearer, he might not say all he wanted to say. “There’s more.”

  “Oh?” Her brow furrowed as if she couldn’t imagine what else he might share.

  “As you know, Epiphany is the night the Christmas star brought the wise men to see Jesus. I can’t imagine a better night to celebrate what a bright star I saw in Bombay brought me.” His stomach clenched, his heart pounding as he lowered to one knee.

  Violet’s mouth dropped open, her beautiful blue eyes round with surprise.

  “Would you do me the great honor of becoming my wife?”

  “Yes. Yes. Yes.” Her eyes overflowed, and her happy tears nearly caused him to do the same.

  He reached into his pocket and withdrew the ring. The brilliant diamond was as close a match to the star as he’d wished on all those nights ago. “I love you, now and forever,” he promised as he slid the ring on her finger.

  “Baxter! This will be my own Christmas star.” Violet wound her arms around his neck, and he rose to embrace her. “I love you as well. Forever and always.”

  ***

  Watch for Gambling for the Governess coming soon! Sign up for my newsletter if you’d like to know when it releases, see a special excerpt, and be the first to hear other news.

  Other Books By Lana Williams

  Victorian Romances

  The Seven Curses of London Series:

  Trusting the Wolfe, a Novella, Book .5

  Loving the Hawke, Book I

  Charming the Scholar, Book II

  Rescuing the Earl, Book III

  Dancing Under the Mistletoe, a Christmas Novella, Book IV

  Tempting the Scoundrel, a Novella, Book V

  Falling For the Viscount, Book VI

  Daring the Duke, Book VII

  Ruby's Gamble, a Novella

  Gambling for the Governess, Book IX, Coming Soon

  The Secret Trilogy:

  Unraveling Secrets, Book I

  Passionate Secrets, Book II

  Shattered Secrets, Book III

  Regency Romances

  The Rogue Chronicles:

  Romancing the Rogue, Book 1

  A Rogue’s Reputation, a Christmas Novella, Book 2 (in the Winter Wishes Anthology)

  A Rogue No More, Book 3, Coming Soon

  A Match Made in the Highlands, a Novella

  Medieval Romances

  Falling for A Knight Series:

  A Knight’s Christmas Wish, Novella, Book .5

  A Knight’s Quest, Book 1

  A Knight’s Temptation, Book 2

  A Knight’s Captive, Book 3

  The Vengeance Trilogy:

  A Vow To Keep, Book I

  A Knight’s Kiss, Novella, Book 1.5

  Trust In Me, Book II

  Believe In Me, Book III

  Contemporary Romances:

  Yours for the Weekend, a Novella

  If you liked this book, I invite you to sign up to my newsletter to find out when the next one is released.

  If you enjoyed this story, please consider writing a review!

  About Lana Williams

  Lana Williams is a USA Today Bestselling and Amazon All-Star author who writes historical romance filled with mystery, adventure, and a pinch of paranormal to stir things up. Filled with a love of books from an early age, Lana put pen to paper and decided happy endings were a must in any story she created.

  Her latest series is The Seven Curses of London, set in Victorian times, and shares stories of men and women who attempt to battle the ills of London, and the love they find along the way that truly gives them something worth fighting for.

  Her first medieval trilogy is set in England and follows heroes seeking vengeance only to find love when they least expect it. The second trilogy begins on the Scottish border and follows the second generation of the de Bremont family.

  The Secret Trilogy, which shares stories set in Victorian London, follows three lords injured in an electromagnetic experiment that went terribly wrong and the women who help heal them through the power of love.

  She writes in the Rocky Mountains with her husband, two growing sons, and two labs, and loves hearing from readers. Stop by her website at www.lanawilliams.net and say hello! You can also connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram.

  Copyright

  Copyright © 2018 by Lana Williams

  All rights reserved.

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  Thank you.

  Cover Art by The Killion Group

  Silent Knight: Alexander

  By

  Copyright

  Silent Knight: Alexander Copyright © 2018 by Elizabeth Rose Krejcik

  This is a work of fiction. All characters, names, places, and incidents are either a product of the author’s imagination or used fictitiously. Any similarity to actual organizations or persons living or deceased is entirely coincidental. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used, reproduced or transmitted in any form whatsoever without the author’s written permission.

  RoseScribe Media Inc.

  Cover created by Elizabeth Rose Krejcik

  Edited by Scott Moreland

  To my readers:

  For those of you who have read Summer, Book 2 of my Seasons of Fortitude Series, this book is a spin-off of the original story. Lady Summer had a stillborn baby boy. But now we find out that the baby was not dead after all.

  This is Alexander Masterson’s story. He doesn’t know that he was really born Peter Mowbray. His journey hasn’t been easy and is about to get even harder.

  Silent Knight is a stand-alone story but, of course, if you’d like to know more of the backstory you will want to read Summer as well.

  Enjoy,

  Elizabeth Rose

  Chapter 1

  England, 1392

  Peter Mowbray died the day he was born.

  However, as of a minute ago, he’d just been brought back to life. Or, at least, that was what Alexander Masterson thoug
ht his dying father had whispered to him on his deathbed. This was not turning out to be a very happy holiday at all. It was less than a week before Christmas and Alex’s life was turning upside down.

  “Father, what did you just say?” Alex leaned over the bed to listen, thinking Crandell Masterson had gone delirious from his illness these past few days. Perhaps, the man’s high fever had taken control of his mind. How could a baby die and then be reborn twenty-two years later?

  “Leave us,” his father called out to the healer that was across the room. He dismissed the woman, barely able to lift his hand because he was so weak. Alex and his father resided in a small cottage constructed of wattle and daub in the south of Devon. The house was very small and only had one room. It wouldn’t have mattered if the room was larger because there was just the two of them, and they never stayed in one place very long. They recently moved here after traveling through Spain, Italy, France, and even the Holy Lands. Because of always traveling, they never stayed in one place long enough to make friends. Then again, mercenaries didn’t have friends.

  Alexander looked over his shoulder at the healer and nodded, letting her know it was all right to leave.

  “But Master Alexander,” said the woman. “Your father is old and frail and very ill. He shouldn’t be left alone.”

  Crandell coughed and struggled to sit up in bed. “I might be old, and there is no denying I’m about to draw my last breath, but damned if anyone has ever referred to me as frail!” His eyes narrowed to mere slits and his face turned bright red.

  Crandell Masterson’s stubborn pride would keep him grouchy until the minute death claimed him. He had once been a guard for Baron Mowbray and resided at Framlingham Castle. The man was courageous and had emotions made of steel. To see him losing control was something Alex was not accustomed to.

  “Margaret, there is no need to stay.” Alex pushed himself up from the bedside chair, taking a moment to stretch his bad leg before he tried to walk. One too many times, he’d moved quickly and ended up on the floor because of a cramp in his twisted limb. But the disability he’d been born with had turned out to be an advantage in their line of work. His stealth, and being able to catch others by surprise because of his condition, is what helped them make most of their money over the years. Alex was a mercenary, trained by his father to be naught more than a paid assassin.