Seven Rogues for Christmas: A Historical Romance Holiday Collection

by Dawn Brower

  “Will this take long?” Grayson asked.

  “Not at all,” the plump man said. He smiled wide, and then a jolly laugh rippled out of him. His wide beard matched his hair almost exactly. He wore dark red trousers and a pearly white shirt. His waist coat matched his trousers, save for some white trim. “Clara, Fergus,” he called out. “We’ve a wedding you need to witness.”

  A woman with pale blond hair and a stunning countenance entered the room. “Fergus will be back soon. He had to run to the inn with a delivery. Is there anything you need me to do before we begin?”

  “Aye, grab me a spot of ribbon from your sewing kit.”

  “I’ve found a ribbon for you father,” Clara said. She walked over and handed it to Elliot.

  A stout man with bright red hair entered the room. “It’s a bonny day for a wedding.” His cheerfulness was almost contagious. “Clara tells me you two are here to get hitched.”

  “Yes,” Juliette said. “We’ve traveled for days. I can’t wait for our marriage to begin.”

  Grayson couldn’t agree more. “I’m the Duke of Kissinger,” he introduced himself. “You must be Clara’s husband, Fergus.”

  “Ah you’re one of those grand lords the English like to boast about,” he nodded. “And, aye, I’m Fergus.”

  Grayson nodded at him. “Now that everyone is accounted for. Will you please perform the ceremony now?”

  Elliot didn’t answer him immediately. He tinkered around the room until he gathered everything he’d been searching for. He placed all the items on a small table. He set a candle on the table and gestured for them to join him. “All right let’s see if we have everything we need to perform your ceremony.” He tapped the candle, a quill, a nearby book, and the bright blue ribbon, then turned toward them. “Will you be giving the lass a ring.”

  He’d forgotten about the betrothal ring. Grayson reached in his inside pocket and pulled out a velvet pouch. With a quick movement he untied a string and dumped it into Elliot’s outstretched palm. The gems sparkled in the candlelight. Juliette’s gaze remained riveted on it. She glanced up at him, surprise shining out of her eyes.

  “Now we are ready to begin…”

  Chapter 8

  The ring glistened in Elliot’s hand. She was mesmerized by the sparkling gems. What had made Grayson think she needed something so extravagant? It was lovely, but too much. Her heart thudded inside her chest. This was it—they were about to join themselves together in marriage. Was it a mistake? A part of her wondered if it all would have turned out differently if they’d continued as friends. Maybe they weren’t supposed to find their way back to each other. When she was with him it felt so right. She glanced up at him and relaxed. His focus was on Elliot and his preparations for the wedding ceremony. He didn’t seem concerned about anything. Doubts were bound to cross her mind from time to time. It was human nature, but she suppressed them. Juliette wanted to spend the rest of her days with Grayson. He was the only man she’d ever had a connection with.

  “Before we begin,” Elliot said. “I’ll need you to remove your gloves.”

  Juliette stared down at her hands. At least it was warm in the smithy’s home, but she felt naked without them. She didn’t want to remove them. Grayson picked up one of her hands and said, “Let me.”

  He slowly unbuttoned the end and peeled one glove off. His touch sent shivers up her arm. She suppressed the need to shiver as tingles filled her belly. After he finished removing the glove he set it aside and repeated the action with the other one. When he was done with his task he let go of her hand. She immediately missed his warmth and wanted to beg him to touch her again.

  “Now I need you both to join me in front of this table. Face me and follow my lead.” Elliot motioned for them to come forward. He picked up the ribbon Clara had brought to him. He held it in front of him fully stretched out. It was a long thin piece of blue silk. With careful precision he created a small loop on one end, and then pulled the right side through, repeating the action several times. Juliette lost track of how many times he pulled the strip through. After he was done he presented it to them.

  “This knot represents love. True love ties us in a way that we can never escape from. It is all encompassing, binding, and integrates deep within our soul. We live and breathe it as it becomes an integral part of us.” The knot had somehow formed the shape of a heart as he adjusted it. “Your heart beats for the other person, and vice versa. Life without them is unimaginable.” He began working the other side of the ribbon, forming another intricate knot.

  Juliette watched in amazement as he worked the fabric to his will. She didn’t fully understand the symbolism this one represented, but it fascinated her. Having something else to keep her focus on helped to calm her anxiety, and let her emotions shine through in a different way. She turned her head and glanced up at Grayson. Yes, they were meant to be together, now and forever. She shouldn’t question the how or why of anything.

  “This knot represents eternity,” He explained. “Two souls who wish to spend out their lives together join both love and their lifespan as one.” Elliot gestured toward Grayson and Juliette. “Please face each other.”

  Grayson turned toward her. She met his gaze willingly and she melted inside. It was filled with heat, and promise. What that promise entailed she wasn’t entirely sure but she wanted to find out. Elliot lifted her hand and had her hold it palm up, then did the same with Grayson’s. He placed the heart knot in her palm. “The woman is the heart of the relationship. A man learns to love by following her lead. She willingly gives her love freely and without expectations. It’s a gift a man cannot refuse, even if he desires to.” He placed the eternity knot in Grayson’s palm. “The man is tasked with caring for that gift for an infinite amount of time. Nothing is too great a task to keep the woman’s love whole and strong. Protection keeps them together through all of life’s perils. Whether it be times of joy or sadness it will remain. Giving and receiving equally, love will see you both through life. ” Elliot turned to light the candle on the table. “An eternal flame to join two hearts, one love, and a lifetime together.”

  Juliette stared down at the knots resting in their palms. She never imagined a wedding ceremony such as this one. When they set out to Scotland she thought it would be a quick do you take this man to be your husband, and an equally fast assent. This was rather romantic… She hoped Grayson wasn’t panicking about it. Outwardly he remained calm and focused on what Elliot was saying. The smithy couldn’t have known this wasn’t a love match—at least not on Grayson’s part. She’d always loved him, but she feared he wasn’t capable of loving anyone. He’d had a hard life and that made him skeptical of anything that wasn’t tangible. Love couldn’t be measured or seen; it had to be taken on faith. Juliette would give him enough love that maybe over time he’d accept it and learn how to love her in return. She wanted a real marriage, but didn’t know how to tell him that. Sometime after the ceremony she’d express her wishes.

  He picked up the ring and said. “This ring is an outward symbol of your desire to bring your two lives together.” He placed the ring in Grayson’s palm next to the eternity knot. “May fate be with you always and bless you, and may you be poor in hardships and rich in blessings, more importantly may you both know nothing but happiness.”

  Grayson stared down at the ring. She didn’t know what was going on inside of his head, but she prayed it was all good things. He lifted his head and met her gaze. His lips lifted upward into a reassuring smile.

  Elliot turned toward Grayson and said, “Repeat after me: I, Grayson Abbot, the Duke of Kissinger, take thee Lady Juliette Brooks as my wife.”

  Grayson said the words to her. His voice didn’t waver once; the rich timber filled her ears and put all her fears at ease. He repeated every word Elliot demanded of him and didn’t flinch once. The entire time he kept his focus on her as if he somehow realized she needed him to. Warmth spread through her entire body as she realized soon the ceremony w
ould be over and she’d be his.

  “Very good, lad,” Elliot praised him. “Now it’s the lass’s turn.” He turned toward Juliette and said, “Repeat after me: I, Lady Juliette Brooks, take thee, Grayson Abbot, The Duke of Kissinger, as my husband…”

  Juliette followed Grayson’s lead. She kept her voice strong and steady as she repeated her vows. Her focus remained firm and solely on him. He was hers from that point and for always. Protection went both ways. She intended to make sure he never doubted how wonderful he was. Too her, he was everything and always had been. She’d prove to him he could always count on her. His love was worth fighting for and she’d not stop until he admitted he couldn’t live without her. She didn’t realize how much she needed him to love her until that moment. Over the years she’d had to learn how to be patient. That skill would be to her benefit while she sought to win his heart. They had a lifetime together, and she’d not waste one minute of it.

  “Now lad,” Elliot said. “Pick up the ring and place it on her finger.” He gestured toward Juliette’s free hand. “And say, with this ring I thee wed.”

  Grayson slid it on her finger and repeated the words, claiming her as his with one final gesture. He kept her hand in his and looked up at Elliot expectantly.

  “I now pronounce you man and wife,” he said triumphantly.” He placed his hand over the center of the ribbon joined across their two palms. “This is your symbol to keep your love strong. Keep the ribbon safe, and your love will endure.” He glanced up at Grayson and said, “You may kiss your bride.”

  She expected a kiss, craved it. This was her one and only chance to have his lips on hers. Grayson made it clear their marriage wouldn’t be a real one. So if he didn’t kiss her now—she’d never have one. He picked up the ribbon and folded it carefully, then placed it inside his coat pocket. He turned toward her and smiled. He lifted her hand and kissed the bare back. Tiny sparks of sensation spread through her at the touch of his lips on her. It wasn’t what she wanted though, it wasn’t a true kiss. This was his way of setting the path their marriage was to take. She had to figure out a way to have him kiss her for real. Not this chivalrous way, it wasn’t who he was… What happened to the rake and seducer he was rumored to be? She wanted that Grayson to come out to play.

  “That’s it?” She raised an eyebrow. “I expected much more than that.”

  He didn’t bother to reply. His attention turned to Elliot. “Are we done?”

  “Not quite yet,” Elliot replied. “I need to fill out the registry and have you both sign it, along with Clara and Fergus.” He gestured for them toward a chair. “Take a seat while I finish up.”

  Elliot picked up the quill and ink and opened the book. It seemed like he wrote forever before he gestured toward Clara and Fergus to come to him. They each took their turn at the book signing their name to the registry. Juliette fidgeted waiting for her turn to sign the book. Her feet bounced underneath her skirts with anxiety. This had to be completed so proof would remain of their marriage. Without it the union could be challenged. She would remain anxious until it was completed.

  “It’s your turn lass,” Elliot motioned for her to join him. “Sign here.” He pointed to a spot on the page. She picked up the quill and placed her signature on the line. A sense of relief went through her as Grayson joined her and signed it as well. It was official—they were husband and wife.

  “Thank you,” Grayson said. He pulled out enough to pay him for the service. “The ceremony was lovely.”

  “If there is time, I believe in doing it right. The two of you appear to love each other deeply, and deserved a real wedding.” He picked up a piece of parchment and handed it to Grayson. “This is a marriage certificate. In case it’s needed. If you need me to verify any of it please let me know.”

  Grayson nodded and turned toward Juliette, “Well, Your Grace.” His lips tilted upward. “I believe that’s our cue to let these lovely people enjoy their evening in peace. Let’s go back to the inn and rest. I believe you promised I could sleep a whole night through.”

  She laughed. “That’s not how I recall it.”

  “Oh?” He lifted a brow. Grayson opened the smithy’s door and helped her outside. “Then please tell me what you said.”

  “I don’t believe I mentioned you having a whole night of sleep, you decided to join me as I fell into that blissful state.”

  This was the side of Grayson she enjoyed. He was happy, carefree, and playful. Maybe the rake would join her in bed that evening—for more than a good night’s rest. For their marriage to be indisputable they should consummate it. Perhaps she should point that out.

  “I believe you’re correct,” he agreed. “It’s good of you to allow me to encroach on your plans.”

  They strolled toward the inn and stopped when they noticed the driver waving at them. “Didn’t he have something important to tell you?”

  Grayson nodded. “I’ll speak with him. Go inside the inn and have the innkeeper show you to our room.” He kissed the top of her head. “This shouldn’t take long.”

  Juliette nodded and went inside. She found the innkeeper immediately and he had one of the maids escort her to her room. A steaming hot bath greeted her. An idea formed in her head, one that should get Grayson’s attention. Maybe this was his plan all along… If he were to find her in her bath it would be a good excuse to abandon his declaration of a name only marriage. Who was she to deny him that excuse? After all she wanted to make love to him and have a real marriage.

  Juliette removed her attire and stepped into the bath. It shouldn’t be too long before he returned…

  Chapter 9

  Grayson waited for Juliette to go inside before he approached the driver. He didn’t want to give her any reason to worry. The driver was practically bounding on the heels of his feet. Whatever news he had to impart was dire enough to make the man anxious. That couldn’t be good.

  “What is the problem?” he asked.

  “There are men here searching for Lady Juliette,” he replied. “They were questioning the stable hands.”

  It was as he expected. Her father had leaped to the conclusion Juliette had ran away to marry. At least he could rest easy with the actual ceremony over. Although it hadn’t been consummated, and that technicality could give her father room to question the validity of the marriage. His ridiculous demand it be a marriage in name only was coming back to haunt him. How was he to explain this to his new wife? He’d wanted to change the nature of their marriage, but had hoped to ease her into the idea. She was exhausted from their journey and now he had to be a cad and demand his right to bed her. It was either that or battle her father every step of the way. He’d not take that chance with Juliette’s life. It was clear her father had no idea what was best for her or he’d not have sought to tie her to Lord Payne.

  “Is it only her they are seeking, or do they realize she is traveling with me?”

  The more information he had the better his chances were of protecting her. Afterwards he’d go up to their room and try to explain it all to her. She deserved the truth, and he’d make sure he was always honest with her. He was far from perfect, but for her he’d make an effort to be what she needed. When she came to him for help he’d scoffed at the idea. Now he couldn’t imagine a better fate for him. The wedding ceremony had taken him aback at first. It was more meaningful than he expected from an elopement to Gretna Green. The smithy had a romantic heart or perhaps he saw more than either Grayson or Juliette did. Was there a chance they could find love together? The idea of such an emotion hadn’t ever occurred to him. Love was for other people, not him.

  “No, Your Grace,” the driver said. “They assume she is with a man, but the identity of him is unknown. They are focusing their queries to her description and saying she may be with a man.”

  “Good,” he replied. “If they question you attempt to steer them in a different direction. I don’t want them disturbing us tonight. I will deal with everything in the morning. My wif
e deserves a night free from worry and to rest.”

  “Very well, Your Grace.” He nodded. “Will you need anything else from me tonight?”

  “No,” he said. “Don’t hesitate to let me know if there is something requiring my attention before morning. If all else fails err on the side of caution. My wife’s safety is my upmost concern.” What if it wasn’t her father looking for her? He still found it odd Lord Payne had been willing to marry Juliette. What had he gained from the match? If it had been important to him he’d want to prevent her from marrying elsewhere. “While you’re looking into it find out who it is exactly that is searching for my wife. I assume it’s her father, but I don’t want any surprises.”

  He nodded. “I will keep vigilant on the matter.”

  “Goodnight,” Grayson said. “Have the carriage ready at first light. The sooner we leave for home the better. I hope to avoid any entanglements and arrive at my country seat without any incident.”

  The driver nodded and headed toward the stable, where he’d bed down for the evening. Grayson returned his attention to the inn. Juliette waited for him in their room. He wasn’t sure if he should return to her side now, or give her more time to prepare for bed. He’d ordered a bath for her and she should be taking advantage of it. If he returned too soon he might interrupt her, and as much as he’d like to see her in all her glory—he didn’t want to embarrass her either. He respected her too much to take advantage of her, or the situation.

  He’d always cared about Juliette, and he supposed he’d loved her in his own way. Albeit, not in a romantic sense, but perhaps he’d been wrong. Maybe that was why he’d always kept tabs on her. He’d wanted to have some connection to her even if he believed he couldn’t have her himself. Now that she belonged to him he refused to ever let her go. She might be all right with having a real marriage. He hoped so anyway, especially as she wasn’t the one who’d foolishly demanded it. She’d probably expected to share a bed with him. It was a risk she’d been willing to take by asking him to marry her. No doubt it was one of the things she weighed her choices against.