Seven Rogues for Christmas: A Historical Romance Holiday Collection

by Dawn Brower

  He should apologize, and yet he stayed still as if frozen in place.

  Juliette wouldn’t understand. She’d think he was abandoning her, and her heart would surely break. She’d wished on a shooting star and still believed there was a possibility it could come true. How could he have mocked her so cruelly? He sighed and forced his feet to move. The sooner he found her the quicker he’d be able to grovel at her feet.

  He found her in the billiards room pushing the balls across the table. They rolled across the smooth surface and hit the other side with a soft thunk. “If your father finds you in here you’ll be punished.”

  “I don’t care,” she replied mulishly. “Christmas is ruined anyway. I’d be happy to stay in my room for the rest of the festivities. At least then I wouldn’t have to see you.”

  Grayson sighed. Why did his heart melt whenever he was around her? This little girl had meant so much to him for so long… Her raven-black tresses spilled around her shoulders in soft curls, and her blue-green eyes usually sparkling with mischief were now filled with misery. That was his fault. He’d ruined Christmastide for her, and it wasn’t going to improve much with his apology.

  “Please forgive me,” he coaxed. “I didn’t mean to take out my concerns on you.”

  She perked up at his words. Her eyes were brighter and some of the sadness left them, but the evidence of her gloom still bloomed on her barely dried cheeks. “What is bothering you?” She moved to his side. “I’ll help if I can.”

  She would do anything for him as he was well aware. That is what friends did for each other. Soon they’d have too much distance between them, and friendship between a lord and a lady wasn’t done. It was best that he cut the ties now and left her to grow up without him by her side. His father explained he couldn’t have a friend like Lady Juliette if he was at Eton. He’d be a laughing stock and be twice as miserable.

  “There’s nothing you can do for me poppet,” he said. “I’m to go to school and won’t be living next door any longer.”

  “No,” she said. “You can’t leave I won’t let you.”

  He pressed his lips together and slowly shook his head. “I must. I’ll be a duke someday and I need to be educated so I can properly run my estates.”

  Juliette stuck her nose in the air and folded her arms over her chest. “That’s not happening for a very long time. Your father is the duke, and he doesn’t have to send you away.”

  “Oh, Jules,” he said with sadness. “I want to go.”

  That was the hardest part for him. He craved more than knowledge. He wanted friends who were not little girls who lived next door. Boys his own age and who shared similar interests. Juliette was his past and he had a future he must plan for. Staying cooped up in his father’s estate with only a tutor and a mere girl as his only friend wouldn’t aide him in his goals.

  “I thought as much,” she said glumly. “I’d hoped it was against your will.”

  His lips twitched. Juliette always did manage to surprise him. She was only nine years old, but sometimes acted as if she was on the verge of her come out. He supposed it had a lot to do with their isolation. Neither one of them was allowed to play with the servant’s children, nor were there any other children of their rank around to fill in the gaps. They’d been forced to grow up much too young.

  “It won’t be forever,” he promised. “I’ll be home on holidays and school breaks. We’ll see each other again.”

  Juliette sat down on a nearby chair. “It won’t be the same.”

  What could he do to make her understand? Nothing. She didn’t need him to explain any of it. Her gaze said it all. She was aware of why he had to go away—it just wasn’t to her liking. “In time you’ll forget about me. You’ll go to finishing school and learn how to become a proper lady. Then you’ll have your come out and find a husband. I’ll be a distant memory, a foolish boy who was once a neighboring playmate.”

  She shook her head. “I could never forget you.”

  Sadly he believed that was true. A part of him didn’t want her to. This might very well be their last Christmastide together, though, and he didn’t want to waste it with melancholy thoughts. There had to be something he could do to bring a smile back to her face. An idea took root and he decided to try it.

  “I don’t want to leave you sad,” he said. “I have a present for you. Would you like it now?”

  “Oh, yes,” Juliette bobbed her head. “Please.”

  “Give me a moment to retrieve it,” he explained. “Meet me in the sitting room. I don’t want you to be punished if you’re found in here.” He couldn’t help his need to protect her. As long as he was around her—she’d always come first. It had been ingrained in him for so long it was a habit he had trouble breaking.

  “Very well,” she agreed.

  They both exited the billiards room. Juliette headed toward the sitting room, and Grayson headed toward his guest chamber. During Christmastide his family spent half of it at Riverdale Park and Juliette’s family spent the other half at Kissinger Castle. The gift he’d purchased for Juliette, Grayson had always planned on giving her in private. His father would berate him if he was aware of what he’d had commissioned. Juliette would love it though. He quickly retrieved the small box and tucked it inside his pocket. Satisfied it was secured; Grayson left his room and toward the sitting room. He found Juliette staring out the window once again. This was his second chance to redo his earlier blunder. He’d not make the same mistake again.

  “Any more shooting stars?”

  She giggled. “No I think that was the only one we’re going to ever see.”

  “I don’t know. One day we might be lucky enough to see another.”

  What boy of twelve had ever looked at a girl and knew she was the only one who’d ever own his heart? Grayson gazed down at her in wonderment. He was being absurd. Juliette was a mere nine years old. He’d not be able to tell the woman she’d become in the next decade. They had a lot of growing up to do and may not suit after they reached their majority.

  “Did you bring my gift?”

  He reached into his pocket and withdrew the small box. His hand was fisted tightly around the sharp corners. When he’d purchased it he’d believed Juliette would love it. What if he was wrong? There was one way to find out. With much trepidation he stretched out his arm and offered it to her. She clapped gleefully and tore open the box.

  And then remained silent for several heart wrenching moments…

  “Oh Gray.” She sighed. “It’s so lovely.”

  She picked up the delicate locket and flipped it open…inside nestled a tiny portrait of him. “If you don’t like it you can put—”

  “Don’t even consider finishing what you were about to say. This is the best gift you could’ve ever given me.” She kept it tightly in her grasp. “Whenever I’m sad you’re gone, I can look at it and remember you.”

  He let out a sigh of relief. So he’d not misjudged, but a part of him wondered if he was only delaying the inevitable. His job was to encourage her to move on, and this wasn’t achieving that goal.

  “I’m glad you like it.”

  “Can you promise me something?” she asked.

  Grayson wanted to promise her the world. He’d lay it at her feet if it kept her smiling and as happy as she was in that moment. “Of course,” he said emphatically.

  “If I ever need you, you’ll be there for me.” She gazed up into his eyes with trust shining through. “No matter what it takes.”

  Grayson opened his mouth to respond, but wasn’t sure if he was capable of it. What she asked should be an easy thing to agree to, but he feared it wouldn’t be so simple. Nothing ever was where promises were concerned. He’d hate to break it, and in turn the part of her he’d always adored. Her faith in him was unwavering and a little unnerving. He feared he’d never live up to her expectations. Perhaps he was over thinking things and should give her what she desired. Chances were they’d not see much of each other after this Ch
ristmastide either way. So he gave in and agreed.

  He nodded. “I promise I’ll always be there. You can depend on me to do whatever is necessary to aid you.”

  Grayson vowed he’d keep that promise, even it cost him everything…

  Chapter 1

  Could her life possible get any worse? Lady Juliette Brooks fell on her bed and let out a frustrated sigh. She should be able to go out in society, and find a husband. Her only desire was to escape her father’s house and start a family of her own. Truthfully, she’d settle for escaping alone—her stepmother Eloise was the bane of her existence.

  If only Mother hadn’t died… Everything would be so different, and Juliette wouldn’t have had her first season cut short. She’d not been out a fortnight before tragedy struck her family. There’d been no time to find proper suitors, and even if a gentleman had caught her eye no one noticed her. She’d made no friends, barely conversed with a soul, and found the sidelines much to her liking. At least that last part is what she kept telling herself. She’d never imagined she’d be a wallflower watching all the other ladies twirling around the ballroom and laughing with enjoyment.

  None of it had gone as she’d planned, and the one person she’d wanted to see hadn’t bothered in too many years to count. After the mourning period ended, Juliette fully believed she’d rejoin society and the marriage mart. Nothing of the sort happened. Instead, her father had found Eloise and promptly married her. The new Lady Riverdale wanted nothing to do with Juliette. She’d not commissioned any new gowns and made no plans to re-launch her in society. Father had been too smitten with his new countess to bother with Juliette. She might as well have become invisible as much notice as those around her paid to her life. After a while she’d rather liked no one bothering her. She buried herself in books and embraced the life of spinsterhood. Why bother with marriage when she had all she needed at her father’s home. Who needed new frocks when her old ones could be redesigned and altered? At least that was what Juliette kept telling herself.

  Until her little brother was born she kept to herself and did as she pleased. With father finally having his heir he suddenly realized he had another child. A daughter he’d neglected, and tossed aside for his new family. Juliette suspected Eloise prompted his sudden attention. She’d been eyeing her warily for a while, and made no secret she’d wanted her gone. So years after she should have had a second come-out Juliette’s season was being planned.

  At five and twenty she’d let that dream go.

  She couldn’t dawdle in her room much longer. Her father had summoned her presence in his study. What he wanted she could only guess, but ever since the maid had informed her of the request, Juliette’s stomach had been a flutter of unease. Slowly she strolled down the stairs and headed in the direction of her father’s study. She paused outside the entrance and listened.

  “Lord Payne will make a wonderful husband for Juliette,” her step-mother cooed. “At her advanced age she has little choices, and a viscount is more than she could hope for.”

  Juliette opened her mouth as a silent gasp slipped out. She lifted her hands and placed both over her face. Surely Eloise wasn’t that cruel. Did she not know the viscount’s reputation? He was rumored to beat servants and small children. What he considered his could be dealt with as he pleased. He’d not treat a wife any differently. She’d rather die than tie herself to such a man. Her father wouldn’t agree—he couldn’t…

  “He does possess a good fortune,” her father replied. “His estates are flourishing, he’s neither given to excessive drink nor gambling.”

  Juliette’s heart fell at her father’s words. There was more to a man then how much he imbibed or gambled. She did not want to be saddled with a poor man, but if given the choice she’d rather live in a hovel than be beaten every day. That was what her fate would be if they forced her to marry Lord Payne. Juliette stepped closer and peaked inside the slit in the door.

  “He isn’t too old for her either.” Her step-mother sat down in her father’s lap. “She’ll still be able to have a family of her own. Juliette should know the joys of motherhood. It’s a good match. When Lord Payne arrives in a few days to sign the marriage contract, your daughter will be well taken care of.”

  Juliette clenched her fingers together into a tight fist. How dare she? All she cared about was herself. She saw Juliette as competition, and was doing everything in her power to get rid of her. What was the hurry? The spring season wasn’t that far away, only mere months. Why was Eloise forcing the issue so soon? Did Juliette not deserve a choice?

  She couldn’t take it anymore. If she had to listen a second longer she’d lose the contents of her stomach. This plan of Eloise’s must be stopped. Juliette eased the door open and cleared her throat. “Ahem, father, you asked to see me.”

  Eloise and her father were locked in a passionate embrace. A gag rose in her throat at the sight. She should be used to it by now, but it always sat uneasily inside of her. Her new step-mother was an usurper in her life. She’d never take the place of her mother, and she’d never stop missing the woman’s love. The new countess while a beauty, was selfish and vain.

  Eloise stood and crossed the room to meet her. “Please, come in dear. There’s much your father and I wish to discuss with you.”

  She bet they did. They were about to unload a bunch of misery on her she’d not felt—well not since her mother’s death, and before that the abandonment of her only friend. What was one more momentous bout of melancholy to add to her list? This one would be the last if she had anything to say about it.

  “Oh?” she raised an eyebrow. “Please continue.”

  “Why don’t you have a seat dear.” Her father gestured toward a chair. “There is much we have to tell you.”

  Juliette did as her father bid and sat in a chair. Her father’s study had been one of her favorite places as a child. At least in their London townhouse. Her favorite place to be was Riverdale Park, but she’d not been to her family’s country seat in years. Not since her mother’s death. Her father had chosen to remain in London instead of visiting a place of happier times. It had brought nothing but pain to him, and then he’d met Eloise. The new countess abhorred country life and begged him to remain in London. A part of Juliette longed for Christmastides of the past. When Riverdale Park was filled with visitors and the festivities lasted days.

  London was rather ugly and drab in comparison.

  “After careful deliberation,” her father began. “I’ve come to a decision regarding your future.”

  “You have?” Juliette tilted her head. “Am I to shop for new gowns? I do need some current attire for the upcoming season.”

  If her father was aware of her penchant for listening at doors he’d punish her for her insolence. For now she’d play along with his news, and then afterward she’d make a plan of escape. She’d not be marrying Lord Payne.

  “I’m afraid that won’t be necessary,” Eloise said. Her lips tilted up smugly. “You won’t be having a season as planned.”

  “I’m not?” She widened her eyes in feigned shock. “Why? Has something happened?”

  She wanted to wipe that smug smile off of the countess’s face. She believed she’d won, but in time she’d realize she hadn’t. Eloise wanted her gone, and she’d get her wish one way or the other.

  Her father’s gruff voice interrupted her musings. “I’ve been in talks with Viscount Payne. He’s interested in marriage to you, and it’s my belief it will be a good match. He’ll be here in less than a sennight to go over the marriage contracts.”

  Juliette clenched her fingers together. She could not give into the desire to scream. It wouldn’t do if she showed any emotion. If she did Eloise would use it against her, and in turn drive her father in the direction she wanted him to go.

  “Father,” she began. “I appreciate you looking out for me, but marriage to Lord Payne is not something I desire. While I don’t blame mother—I did miss out on my season. I’d prefer to at
least have a small season.” She smiled encouragingly. “A choice at least in husbands.”

  Please let him agree. She couldn’t marry Lord Payne. Hadn’t she already paid the ultimate price? No, she supposed not. That would include the loss of her life, and that price was too high… She had too much she wanted to do with her life.

  “I’m afraid I can’t humor you, child.” Juliette almost snorted. She’d not been a child in years, but perhaps her father would always see her as such. “Lord Payne insists that I sign the contract now or not at all.”

  That worked perfectly as far as she was concerned. She didn’t want to marry the viscount, and no amount of coaxing would change her mind. “I see,” she replied. “That would be a grave loss for sure…” She paused and considered her words. “But surely there would be others willing to marry me. Ties to the Riverdale line aren’t anything to scoff at.”

  “You’re correct,” he agreed. “However the same could be said about Lord Payne. It’s a good match and I’m not changing my mind. The contracts will be signed before the end of Christmastide, and you’ll be married after the new year once the bans have been read.”

  Juliette gulped down the lump in her throat. There was no reasoning with her father. He was fully ensconced in Eloise’s control. She was pulling his strings, and therefore she presumed Juliette’s. Well the countess would see in time that no one would ever control her. Before the day was out she’d be gone, and out of their lives.

  “As you desire,” Juliette nodded demurely. She couldn’t give them even a hint of what she had planned. “May I be excused?”

  “Yes dear,” her father said. “When Lord Payne arrives I want you to be on your best behavior.”

  “Of course father,” she replied. “I’m always the proper lady.” Not that he’d felt the need to send her to finishing school. Her father could be quite miserly with funds at times. He’d believed it wasn’t necessary to spend a fortune on schooling a mere girl. The earl left her deportment lessons to her mother and governess.