Seven Rogues for Christmas: A Historical Romance Holiday Collection

by Dawn Brower

  “The storm shows no signs of letting up. If we venture into it, we will be placing ourselves in danger,” Bradford argued.

  “Lucas should have arrived by now. We cannot leave him out there…wherever he is. What if he has been hurt?” Marchioness Bowmont grabbed her husband’s arm. “Someone should be sent to collect him—bring him here where he belongs.”

  Like a wayward child, Natalie sensed the Marchioness longed to add.

  “Do not fret, my dear. I will go.” The Marquis patted her hand. “Lucas is likely seeking shelter nearby. I will find him.”

  “The storm has made the roads impassable.” Bradford strolled to peek out the window. “This is a fool’s errand.”

  “Nonsense. I will have my carriage readied.” Father turned his attention to Natalie. “You will accompany us and Bradford will remain here in case Maddox arrives.”

  Natalie clenched her hands into fists. The last thing she wanted to do was go out into the elements in order to search for a man whose acquaintance she did not wish to make. “Would Bradford not be of more help?”

  “Fetch your cloak and meet us in the foyer. It is only proper that you attend your—the earl.” He cut his words before saying your betrothed. Father gave her a no-nonsense look before turning to Lord and Lady Bowmont. “Be in the foyer in ten minutes’ time.” Father strolled to the door with Mother on his arm and the Marquis and Marchioness followed. “Do not dally, Natalie.” He tossed the words over his shoulder before exiting the parlor.

  She released a sigh as she stood to do her father’s bidding. Ten minutes later, Natalie exited the foyer wrapped in her cloak as Father had demanded she do. The cool rain beat down on her and the wind whipped her cloak around her ankles as she crossed to their waiting carriage.

  After settling onto the seat of the ducal coach next to her mother, Natalie gazed out the window at the house. Christian stood next to Bradford in the parlor window. Her heart hitched as she drank him in. Would she ever experience the sensation of his touch again? Could she bear it if she did not? Her body jerked as the coachman set the conveyance into motion, but her gaze held tight to Christian. Her stomach turned as she watched his form get smaller until she could no longer make him out—or mayhap he left his place at the window. She much preferred the thought of him standing at the glass as she departed, his longing for her growing with each foot that separated them.

  The storm had turned the roads to mud, causing the carriage to sway and jerk, tossing her from side-to-side in the cramped space meant for four. Her legs tingled from being pinned between Mothers and the coach’s wall. She reached beneath her cloak to massage them and hoped Father would return them home soon. She wondered where they expected the earl to sit if they did find him. Natalie had half a mind to suggest she ride atop the carriage.

  After travelling several miles and seeing no one, she realized before long they would be on Pippa’s doorstep.

  She sighed a little too loud, gaining Mother’s attention and a reprimanding glare. Could her life become any worse? Not only had her closest friend betrayed her, now she would have to suffer more. She would have to be in love with a man she could not have—out in the elements, crammed in a coach searching for a man she did not want. Forced to wed a stranger and give up any chance at happiness.

  The coach slowed, prompting Father to query the driver. “Have you spotted something?”

  “A carriage, Your Grace.”

  Marquis Bowmont stood before the coach came to a complete stop and opened the door, sticking his head out.

  Natalie held her breath, waiting to discover whether or not it was the earl’s carriage.

  The Marquis turned his attention to Father. “It has the Maddox crest.” He closed the door, retaking his seat. “I do not believe he is within. The horses are missing and the wheels appear to be suitably stuck in the mud and muck caused by this dreadful weather.”

  Father knocked on the coach’s window and waited for the coachman to open it once again. “Go see if anyone is with the carriage.”

  “There is an estate nearby. Perhaps he sought shelter there,” Mother offered.

  The coachman’s face appeared in the window. “The conveyance is empty, Your Grace.”

  “Drive on to the Duke and Duchess of Midcrest’s estate.” Father settled back against the plush, velvet seat.

  “Surely we will find Lord Maddox there. It is the only estate within walking distance.” Mother smiled at Maddox’s parents.

  Natalie leaned her head back, closing her eyes. What she would give to sink into the seat and disappear at this very moment. Why did the backstabbing tart have to keep taunting her? Natalie wished to forget she’d ever known Pippa, to forget they were ever friends. Pippa kept finding her way into Natalie’s life. At first it was with the letters Pippa had hand-delivered on a regular basis—Natalie always returned them unopened. Yet, Pippa still sent more. Now she had to compete with her for Christian’s heart and rescue Lord Maddox from her clutches. Not that she gave a whit for the earl, she certainly did not. All the same, she was now being forced to grace Pippa’s drive with her presence. The woman would likely see great satisfaction in Natalie begging for her beau to be returned.

  A deep seated ache gripped her as the coach bounced and jostled down the Midcrest’s long drive. She could not help feeling as though she were on her way to great unhappiness. Mother had been correct in saying that Lord Maddox would have to be in residence for there truly was nowhere else nearby to seek shelter. He was either with Pippa or he had come to see foul play during the storm. No matter how angry and hurt Natalie was, she’d never wish harm or injury on another. That could only mean one thing—he had indeed been on his way to her party—on his way to become betrothed to her.

  “We have arrived,” Father announced as though they had come for a grand ball.

  Natalie fought the rising nausea as the coachman opened the door and placed the steps down so they could depart the conveyance. She followed her parents onto Pippa’s drive before Lord and Lady Bowmont joined them.

  Moments later, The Duke and Duchess of Midcrest’s coach pulled up behind them. Pippa’s parents disembarked, joining their group.

  Father turned toward the porch then went still.

  Natalie remained rooted in place along with the others. A man had exited the house and now stood staring at them. Could he be Lord Maddox, future Marquis Bowmont? She swallowed nervously, spotting Pippa standing in the doorway, a queer look upon her face. What was it…sorrow…regret…longing? Natalie turned her attention back to the man. He, too, wore a mixture of emotions. The sight of which had Natalie’s stomach seizing with dread.

  “Good day, Father.” Lucas nodded in the Marquis’ direction. “And to you, Mother.” He bowed to Marchioness Bowmont who stared down her nose at him.

  Natalie’s heart hurt for the earl after witnessing the reunion. She’d always thought her own parents to be cold, but they never regarded her or Bradford with such disdain. She bit her lower lip, unable to take her eyes from the scene.

  “Maddox. We were worried you’d come to harm.”

  The Marquis’ gruff tone assaulted Natalie’s ears and she cringed. She would wager the only thing Lord Bowmont had worried over was what he stood to lose if she and Lord Maddox failed to wed.

  “I’m sorry for your misfortune, Father,” Lord Maddox retorted, his tone even and distant. “My carriage became stranded on the main road and I sought shelter from Lady Pippa until I could continue on.”

  Natalie clenched her teeth in annoyance at hearing Pippa’s name. Part of her desperately wished to turn her attention back to the traitor, but now was not the time.

  “You were scheduled to arrive at the holiday party a full day before the storm hit.”

  “Yes, well, I had pressing matters to attend to, which delayed my departure from London by a day.” The earl attempted to explain himself.

  “Lucas,” Pippa called. He glanced over his shoulder. Lady Pippa walked out the door and stood be
side him, her smile infectious. “Mother, Father, you have arrived. I was so worried!”

  Pippa raced down the front steps and halted before her parents.

  Pippa had used the earls giving name. Natalie watched, fighting her rising anger as they hugged and more greetings were shared. Did Pippa have no remorse at all for what she’d done to her—and what it appeared she was currently doing? Taking Christian away from her had not been enough, now Pippa was taking the man Natalie was betrothed to as well? Indignation burned in her belly. She didn’t desire Maddox, but lord help her if she’d ever allow Pippa to have him.

  She could not remain quiet while Pippa betrayed her yet again.

  “Lady Pippa is found in another compromising situation—alone with a gentleman for what…two full days?” Natalie whispered loud enough for all to hear. “Even after fleeing London, scandal finds her.”

  “I am more concerned with the man,” Father said. “Carrying on thusly—very bad for my family name, my daughter, and business, I would assume.”

  Natalie glared at Pippa through the sting of Father’s words. It should not surprise nor hurt her to hear him speak of business, after all, he had mentioned her as well, but deep down she knew his concern lay only with himself and the family name.

  “This does complicate things greatly,” the Marchioness of Bowmont confirmed, then turned to her husband. “Delward, what do you propose is to happen?”

  The Marquis dropped his eyepiece and shook his head. “They are still properly betrothed. The paperwork is drafted and signed by all. The bans are to be read in a few weeks’ time.” He glanced from the earl to Natalie’s Father, then back to the Marchioness. “I suppose our agreed upon dowry settlement could be adjusted to compensate for our son’s lack of decorum.”

  “Betrothed?” Pippa asked. Her face immediately drained of all color as she looked between Lucas, his father, and Natalie. “Is that true?”

  A satisfied smile curved Natalie’s lips at Pippa’s reaction. The traitor deserved every bit of humiliation she received—and far more. She bit her lip, stopping herself from saying the very thing.

  The Earl of Maddox shook his head. “Pippa, I—”

  “You owe me no explanation,” she choked out, her tone riddled with pain. “I am only sad you did not feel you could be truthful with me.”

  “If I could go back…” The earl let his words trail off.

  As much as Natalie wished for Pippa to suffer, a part of her ached for the hurt she recognized so well—the same hurt she experienced over Christian.

  “There is no need for all of that.” Pippa slashed her hand through the air, signaling it was time for him to stay silent.

  Natalie could not refrain from staring at Lord Maddox and she was not alone in her inability to look away—everyone had their eyes trained on him. Pippa with tears in her eyes, her parent’s with concern for their daughter’s well-being, and the rest holding their breath, no doubt waiting for him to deny ruining Lady Pippa. Natalie, on the other hand, prayed he would confirm the accusation. She held onto a flicker of hope, her heart pounding with anticipation. If it were so, she would be free. Certainly her parents would cancel the agreement with Maddox’s family. Tying their family to a man whose name would be synonymous with scandal before Parliament resumed after the New Year would be disastrous.

  Lord Maddox clutched the bottom of his coat in one hand. “Lady Pippa—”

  “Let us go inside. I wish you all a merry Christmastide celebration.” Pippa lifted her gaze, keeping her head high, as she took hold of her mother’s arm. The door shut soundly behind her with a solid thud.

  Natalie released a huff of air. Typical Pippa to hold her head high in the face of scandal. How did the tart manage to keep everyone fooled? Natalie should let everyone present know that she, for one, was not fooled by Lady Pippa’s innocence act.

  “Come, Boy.” The Marquis of Bowmont motioned Lord Maddox to his side. “We have much to discuss and settle upon before anyone can enjoy the coming announcement.”

  Natalie’s chest squeezed, her mouth going dry. Was she truly to be wed to the man Pippa seemed to love, while the man she loved pined after Pippa? She pulled her cloak tighter around her body, seeking comfort. The warm wool radiated heat but it did nothing to ease the ache in her heart. She could no more enjoy Pippa’s set down than she could escape her own fate.

  Chapter 9

  Natalie leaned against the wall outside of her Father’s office, her attention trained on the conversation inside. Her heart soared when she heard Lord Bowmont and Father arguing about breaking the betrothal. Perhaps there would be an escape from her impending fate after all. The image of Pippa’s face riddled with hurt and betrayal flashed to mind. There could be no mistaking what she’d felt—Natalie knew the sensation all too well. Pippa did not fancy Christian, for if she did, she would not have fallen for Lord Maddox. But why then had she betrayed Natalie before?

  Christian had denied anything ruinous happening between him and Pippa. What if he had been speaking the truth? She recalled their conversation.

  “You well know what happened.” Natalie placed her hands on her hips. Her blood warmed with frustration.

  “Indeed, I do, and there was no kissing.”

  Had she been too quick to believe Pippa would betray her? Had her eyes deceived her? The veranda had been exceedingly dark that night and she stood a good distance from them. It was not outside the realm of possibility that something else entirely had happened. Perhaps Pippa had really taken ill and Christian went after her to offer aide. What if she had felt faint and fled to the veranda for fresh air then swooned into his arms?

  More importantly, why hadn’t she tried a similar tactic to get Christian’s arms securely wrapped around her? Pippa never had possessed Natalie’s flare for social interactions. She should have allowed Christian to explain.

  Natalie placed a hand over her knotted belly. In her heart of hearts she did not believe Pippa betrayed her. She had been blinded by jealousy. Reacted without thinking beyond what she’d believed she’d seen. She had to make amends with Pippa.

  Pippa deserved to be happy. All the better if Pippa found that happiness with Lord Maddox, freeing Natalie from the unwanted betrothal. She had once been a dear friend and Natalie wished the best for her.

  As fast as her hopes had soared, they crashed when Lord Maddox declared his desire to wed Natalie. She strained to catch more of the conversation through the closed door—how could she have been so wrong about what she’d saw between Maddox and Pippa? Her emotions swung wildly as the trio argued over her future. She should bust into Father’s office and declare her own wishes—not that anyone inside cared what she wanted. Not once had she been asked if she was agreeable to the betrothal. She had made her feelings known to Mother and Father when they informed her of her impending nuptials, but not because they asked, and they had dismissed her wishes immediately.

  “Where is he going? Bowmont, fix this!” Father’s outraged voice echoed through the office door.

  Drat, she’d missed whatever prompted his declaration. Who was leaving? Lord Maddox? It had to be based on what Father had yelled. Had he broken the betrothal? She backed down the hall as the office door was yanked open. Lord Maddox emerged. He paused and glanced down the hallway.

  She should do her best to remain out of sight. Leave the business of her future to her Father. But Hells bells it was her happiness at stake. She deserved to know what had happened, to have a say in what would happen. She studied Lord Maddox for another heartbeat. He clearly wanted to leave. Judging by the screaming still issuing from her Father’s office, the betrothal had been broken. She released a sigh of relief along with the residual anger she held toward Pippa.

  “Lord Maddox.” Natalie stood a few paces away and pointed down the long corridor. “The front door is that way.”

  She could not help but note the determination etched in his face along with a hint of regret. He looked back at her as though he, too, were reading her
emotions. “I am sorry our meeting did not go as planned, my lady.”

  She had no use for his sympathy—no desire to hear his apology. “Your heart is settled elsewhere, I cannot fault you for that.” Her arm fell to her side and her chin lifted in defiance. “No one asked where my heart lies.”

  “I know it cannot lie with a stranger,” he responded, taking a step toward her. “There will be another, a far more suitable man for you.”

  She laughed hollowly. He would in no way leave her home thinking he had caused her injury. “Do not flatter yourself to think I could love you or feel any affection at all.” She could not be more pleased with the outcome. Her only regret was in knowing her parent’s would never allow a match between her and Christian. Not even if he declared his love for her, which he had not, and never would.

  His eyes widened at her words, a flash of disbelief crossed his face before he masked it. “Again, my deepest, sincere apologies for this muddled mess our parents have created for us. I also regret you hearing all that transpired within your father’s study.”

  She shrugged off his apology. “This is best for all concerned. Your heart is elsewhere, as is mine. I do hope you and Pippa fare better. She is a lovely woman and deserves much happiness.” The sincerity in her words surprised her, but she knew them to be true. The time had come to let go of her anger at Pippa. To close the festering wound and allow herself to heal.

  “On that, we agree, my lady.”

  The silence between them lengthened as they stared at one another. Natalie could not fathom why he felt such a driving need to apologize. To make amends for something neither of them had any control over.

  “Do call on me if you ever need anything, my lady. Your gracious acceptance of our parting ways is very noble.”

  “I fear the power to aid me does not reside with you.” Sadness clutched at her again. “You should be going if you wish to arrive at Helton House before the storm hits once more. Do treat my friend with love and kindness—something I failed to give her when she needed it most.”