“I should go,” she said, rising to her feet. He rose as well. “Thank you for a lovely evening. I–”
“Allow me to escort you back to the castle. It’s cold and dark outside. I’d hate for you to slip on the ice.”
“The ice was cleared from the path earlier.”
“Nevertheless. I insist.”
So she took the arm he offered, disturbed by how right it felt when she knew she could not allow herself to fall for this man. Her heart ached with it for she feared she’d never meet anyone else again to spark such an interest in her. It was as if her very soul leapt at the possibility of spending every waking hour in his company. Which of course was ridiculous, since they’d only just met.
Politely, he opened the stable door and followed her into the cold. Neither spoke a word as they started up the path. It was as if just being together was enough, until he suddenly stopped. “I don’t suppose you might give me something with which to remember this magical night?”
Turning, she looked up at him, but his face was shrouded in darkness now, allowing only a silhouette. “I’m afraid I have nothing with me – not even a trinket.”
“And I’m glad for that, for there’s something I’d much rather have. If you will allow it.” Her heart quickened. “If you look up, you’ll find that we’re standing below some mistletoe.”
She glanced toward the door of the castle, then back at him. One kiss that would make this Christmas the most memorable one of her life. Could she allow it? Uncertainty warred with temptation. “I can’t promise you anything after. I mean, you and I…it would be impossible.”
“Perhaps not quite as impossible as you imagine.” But before she could contest his statement, he lowered his mouth over hers and pulled her close, her breast pressed firmly against his chest.
It was an experience unlike any other. Never before had she felt so revered or cherished. The way he held her and kissed her – it was as if he’d ridden for days just to be with her in this moment.
Lazily, her mind acknowledged the sound of a door opening and closing even as her knees threatened to give way beneath her. Then footsteps sounded and it was as if she was hurled back to reality with startling force.
Concerned with who had witnessed her indiscretion and what her parents might say if they discovered their daughter kissing one of Prince Ludwig’s employees, Francesca pulled hastily away, adding distance between herself and…
Good lord, she’d spent well over an hour with him, had told him so much about herself, had even allowed him to kiss her, and yet she’d no idea of his name.
Horrified by her own lack of manners, she said, “I’m so sorry, but I don’t even know your–”
The man whom the footsteps belonged to arrived, cutting her off as he told her companion, “Forgive me, Your Highness, but I was not aware of your arrival. You were not expected so I…that is…oh dear.”
“Your Highness?” Francesca could only stare from one man to the other. Surely not. He couldn’t be. Could he?
“It’s quite all right, Herr Albrecht. You know I prefer to see to Wolfgang personally.” Taking Francesca by the arm, the prince resumed walking toward the entrance of the castle. “I understand we have some houseguests, the Earl and Countess of Redfirn?”
“Yes,” Herr Albrecht said. “They arrived a few days ago when the snow grew too heavy for their carriage. In fact, I’m surprised you made it here yourself.”
“Wolfgang is very dependable. He always manages to take me where I want to go. Now, if you’ll please ensure my bedchamber is made ready, I’d like a private word with Lady Francesca.”
“Yes. Of course,” Herr Albrecht said before hurrying through the large front door of the castle.
“I can’t believe I thought you a groom,” Francesca said, mortified by the degree with which she’d insulted the prince. “Why didn’t you correct my error?”
“Because I liked discovering you’re unbiased and willing to give a man you believed to be beneath you in station the chance to talk with you.” Guiding her up the front steps of the castle, he opened the door and ushered her inside. “I may be a prince, Lady Francesca, but I’m also a simple man who enjoys working side by side with his men. I spend much of my time either outdoors or in the stables. It pleased me to see you are able to enjoy such surroundings.”
“I truly did.” She bit her lip as she looked at him, his face more distinct now due to the lanterns lighting the foyer. “In fact, I have to say that the more I spoke to you, the sadder I became, knowing I could never let our acquaintance develop into anything more.”
“Yet you let me kiss you.” His cheek dimpled as the corner of his mouth edged upward.
“I decided to allow myself one spectacular moment by which to remember you.”
“And I am grateful for it.” His arms came around her, pulling her close. His lips brushed the top of her head with tenderness. “But now that you know who I really am, perhaps you’ll allow us the chance to explore this bond that seems to be forming between us.”
“You mean to court me?” She could scarcely believe it.
“I mean to encourage you to stay here with me after the snow melts. But first, I intend to enjoy spending Christmas with you and your parents.” Dipping his head, he brought his lips to hers, kissing her with all the wonder and magic the Season had to offer, and with the promise of many more kisses to come.
December 3
A Duke Surrenders His Heart on Christmas Eve
Smoky clouds darkened the afternoon sky by the time Blake Knightly, Duke of Ravensby, alit from his carriage at Oxborough Abbey. The chilly specks of snow that had started to fall a half hour earlier now dusted the front steps of the estate where he would spend the holidays. He stepped forward just as the massive oak door swung open.
“Ravensby.”
Looking up, Blake found his longtime friend, Charles Dalton, the Earl of Bellmore, grinning at him with sparkling eyes. “It is so good to see you again. Thank you for coming.”
Returning the salutation with a smile, Blake started up the steps. “I could not turn down your gracious invitation.” Reaching the top, he shook the hand his friend offered. “It has been far too long since I last saw you.”
“Indeed it has,” Bellmore agreed. “Come. Let us go inside. I believe a brandy by the fire is in order.” After asking a couple of footmen to collect Blake’s things and take them up to his room, Bellmore showed the way to the library.
“Where is the rest of your family hiding?” Blake asked, his eyes searching the entryway where garlands tied with bright red bows filled the air with the scent of pine.
“They are all upstairs in the green parlor enjoying their afternoon tea. Mama and Papa were quite eager to come and greet you, but I asked them to wait a while.” Upon entering the library, Bellmore went to the side table and began pouring drinks. “After all, they have not seen you for some years, so I thought I would spare you from being attacked by their many questions the moment you stepped through the door. No need to worry though. You will see them shortly.”