Married By Christmas (Rogues and Rakehells Mystery Book 3) Read online

  Married by Christmas

  By Lindsay Downs

  Published by TouchPoint Romance

  This is a work of fiction. Names, places, characters, and events are fictitious in every regard. Any similarities to actual events and persons, living or dead, are purely coincidental. Any trademarks, service marks, product names, or named features are assumed to be the property of their respective owners, and are used only for reference. There is no implied endorsement if any of these terms are used. Except for review purposes, the reproduction of this book in whole or part, electronically or mechanically, constitutes a copyright violation.

  MARRIED BY CHRISTMAS

  Copyright © 2015 LINDSAY DOWNS

  Cover Art Designed by Heidi Sieverding

  To the brave women and men of the US Armed forces

  Chapter One

  Returning from his morning ride, which included inspecting several cottages to see if they needed repairs before winter set in, Nash climbed down from his horse. Instead of turning the beast over to a groom, he guided the animal into the barn and toward its stall. Seeing the stable master hobble down the main aisle to him Nash, Marquis of Renfield, gave the man a bright smile.

  “Welcome back, m’ lord. I hope you had an enjoyable gallop?” Alex asked.

  “Yes. I’m happy the tenant cottages are in excellent shape. Barring any unforeseen complications, they should withstand the upcoming winter. Tomorrow, I need to examine the dam to make sure it will withstand the build-up of ice. Then, if everything goes as planned, I’ll be off to London the following day.”

  “Will you be taking that beast with you? If not I can’t be responsible for any damages he does to his stall.”

  “Yes. I’ll ride him.”

  Normally, Nash would have enjoyed the comforts of his well-sprung traveling carriage, but this time he was in a rush to return to town. And her. It had been several months since he’d been in the company of Lady Amelia. That had been when he’d stayed at the ducal estate of The Duke and Duchess of Appleton.

  During that visit they’d talked for hours on end, even going for rides, properly chaperoned. In the evenings while she played the pianoforte, he’d accompany her many times in song. He thought back to all the times they’d seen each other, at his parents’ ducal estate or hers, and that was all they’d done. It was almost as if both sets of parents wanted to make sure he behaved, which he had.

  Giving his head a mental shake to bring himself back to the present, Nash noticed the smirk Alex was giving him. Not sure if he wanted to ask, Nash handed over the reins of his horse to Justin, the only other person who wasn’t afraid of Apollo.

  “Thank you, m’ lord. I’ll brush him out,” the young man said.

  That was when Nash noticed the same expression on the groom’s face. This told him something was up. But what? With a nod he marched across the courtyard and climbed the granite steps as the front door opened, revealing his butler with a panicked look in his eyes.

  Why is Jeff in such a state? Nash knew he wasn’t expecting visitors as no one knew he’d retreated here to look over the lands. His parents, The Duke and Duchess of Fenwick, would never have directed someone to his estate without alerting him before-hand. Stepping through the opened door Nash glanced around and didn’t see anything unusual.

  Strolling over to the staircase Nash glanced back to a still frozen-in-place butler. “I’ll have my luncheon tray in my office. I need to make notes on the visits today.”

  “No, you won’t hide away. We’ll dine as civilized people in the family dining room.” He heard a very demanding lady state.

  Raising his head to peer up the stairs at the speaker, even though he knew who it was, Nash did his best to school his features. She was the last person he expected to see—his mother, the duchess.

  “Your Grace, what an unexpected honor. What brings you to visit just before we meet up in London in a few days?” he sputtered, making his way up the stairs to her. Stepping onto the first floor landing, Nash bowed to the lady. When he straightened he was met by a smirk on his mother’s face. Now, he knew something was definitely wrong. But what? Quickly, he took a mental inventory of his actions since last they’d met and found nothing wanting.

  “His Grace, has decided not to travel to London. He suggested I accompany you to which I wholeheartedly agreed. With everything between you and Lady Amelia progressing so well I desired to be there. Not so much for your support but hers.”

  “That’s very kind of you, Your Grace. I was planning on departing on the day after tomorrow. There are a few things and inspections which need doing before I leave. I pray that’s satisfactory with you,” he declared, then offered her his arm and guided her to the family sitting room.

  Once she was settled on the deep-green, velvet-covered settee, he took a chair opposite with a low, marble-topped table separating them.

  Hearing footsteps, he glanced over his shoulder to see Jeff standing in the doorway, a tea tray in hand. Easily, he noticed there were not two but three cups on it.

  “Set it here,” the duchess ordered.

  Nash refocused his attention to his mother with, he knew a wide-eyed stare. “Who is the third cup…”

  “That would be for me, m’ lord,” a sweet, angelic voice whispered in his ear. Bolting to his feet, he turned and came face to face with the most, in his humble opinion, beautiful lady in the ton, Lady Amelia.

  Stunned to silence on seeing her, it took a moment to gather his thoughts. Finally, “M’ lady, to what do I owe this honor?”

  Offering her his arm, which she happily accepted, Nash escorted her to the divan where his mother was seated.

  “Thank you, m’ lord. First though, shall we have tea then I along with Her Grace will explain our sudden albeit unannounced appearance,” she declared

  The sweet smile she bestowed on him almost did him in as he’d missed seeing it.

  After a moment Nash retook the seat across from the ladies and waited while tea was poured. As he continued to study Amelia, Nash noticed her eyes started to show a little pain. From what? In his mind he reviewed their last meeting and couldn’t find anything which might have caused it. Then again, if there had been, why would she and his mother be here?

  Peering from her to his mother, he noticed they seemed to share a smile between them, which had him even more confused. One minute Amelia seemed happy, then sad, and finally cheerful.

  “Son, to partially answer your question, His and Her Grace of Appleton, will be joining us in town the same day we arrive. Between Helena and I, we’ve realized, even though you and Amelia spent time together, there’s one event you haven’t shared. Being in a carriage for a long drive. As this trip will only take part of a day it would be a wonderful time to share the ride together. Of course, I’m along as Lady Amelia’s chaperone.”

  Now, he understood the smirks from Alex and Justin along with the fear in his butler’s eyes. What didn’t make sense, was that Amelia still wasn’t completely relaxed, even though her lips smiled her eyes showed discomfort which meant they’d left something out. As much as Nash wished to ask he decided this wasn’t the time. She would tell him when she was ready, he knew. Nash hoped this was the right decision, and only time would tell.

  “I’ve instructed my stable master I’d be departing in two days, m’ lady. If you wish, we can leave sooner.”

  “No, son, that will be fine. I’m sure Amelia would love to accompany you tomorrow when you finish your inspections,” his mother firmly stated.

  Hearing his mother so casually refer to Lady Amelia by only her Christian name, he wasn’t s
ure what to do. After taking a sip of tea he settled his cup in its saucer, looked to her, smiled, and then took a deep breath.

  “Amelia, if I have your permission to be so informal you’re more than welcome to join me. You may call me Nash. You do have a riding habit?”

  “Thank you, and yes, you have my consent with the codicil only when staff aren’t within earshot. As for my habit I did bring several. Keeping with the upcoming Christmas season they are deep red and dark green,” she said.

  All he knew was that no matter which one she chose it would look heavenly on her. He’d also have to arrange to send Apollo ahead to London and knew exactly how.

  “As we will be traveling together, I’ll send a rider ahead tomorrow with a note to the owner of the Galloping Horse informing him we’ll need the private dining room and a suite for you ladies to refresh yourselves.”

  “Yes, that’s a wonderful suggestion as I don’t believe Amelia would enjoy dining in the tap. I know I wouldn’t,” his mother told him.

  He also needed to find a mare for her to ride when they went out. As he wasn’t all that familiar with mounts for a lady he’d have to rely on Alex. Glancing to the clock on the mantle, he saw it was getting close to luncheon. Setting his empty cup on the tray, he stood and bowed.

  “Your Grace, m’ lady, with your permission I need to clean up. Shall we meet here in thirty minutes?”

  “That will be fine,” his mother said.

  Retracing his steps to the stairs leading to the second floor, Nash stopped and glanced over his shoulder then continued up and to his suite. There to be met by his valet.

  “Welcome back, m’ lord. I’ve warm water in the pitcher in your private room. Do you wish to change shirts?” Ryan asked.

  “Thank you for the water, and I’ll keep this one on as it’s still clean. And before you argue, I’ve only a few minutes before meeting, Her Grace, and Lady Amelia, for luncheon,” he stated, then let his valet assist him out of his jacket.

  Cleaned and refreshed Nash stepped back into his suite to see Ryan had started to pack trunks. He applauded the man for thinking ahead, considering the confusion he was about to tell his man.

  “When we leave for London you’ll be traveling in the baggage coach and with two lady’s maids. But, you already know that.”

  “Yes, m’ lord, I’ve been invited to join Her Grace’s maid to accompany her and Lady Amelia’s in theirs.”

  There would have been a time when Nash might have objected, considering the youth of Amelia’s maid, barely five and twenty, if he was to have to guess. As for his mother’s, the woman had been with her before she married the duke.

  “At least you’ll have company to talk to, just don’t be a bother.”

  “I won’t, m’ lord, and thank you. As in the past we’ll be departing here first?”

  “Of course, that way you and the maids can make sure everything is set when we arrive at the Galloping Horse. I’ll be sending a note to the owner informing him of our needs in the morning.” Grabbing his coat up, Nash slipped it on then waited while Ryan brushed off any lint and flecks of dirt.

  “You’re all set, m’ lord, and enjoy your luncheon with Her Grace and Lady Amelia.”

  With a nod to the man, Nash strolled out and down the stairs to meet them. As he made his way along the corridor, he could hear his mother and Amelia talking. About what, he wasn’t sure as their words were garbled. As he got closer he was better able to make out what they were saying. Not wanting to interrupt, he stopped short of the door when he heard—

  “Are you sure we shouldn’t tell him?” He knew this was from Amelia.

  “Yes. With us being in his carriage, I know he’ll have several extra outriders for our protection. From what your parents told us when I collected you, the earl might not even venture to London, so you’ll be safe there,” his mother said.

  Now it all made sense, including the looks he’d seen in her eyes earlier. Her parents knew he had a deep affection for Amelia, they suspected he’d provide better protection for her. He then wondered, why his mother or Amelia didn’t wish for him to know of the possible threat. Since they were to wed, or so he hoped.

  As of his last visit with her, he’d not approached the duke for permission to marry Amelia. This, he knew would have to be resolved within the first few days of being in London. He also needed to obtain the family-crested ring and make sure it was suitable to present to her. For that he had to speak in private with his mother.

  Clearing his throat so they would know he was approaching, he stepped forward and into the room as the lunch gong rang out.

  “Your Grace, m’ lady, shall we?”

  With his mother on his right arm and Amelia on the other they descended to the ground floor then into the dining room. Entering, he wondered where to seat them as there were two settings, one on each side of his.

  The decision was taken out of his hands when his mother chose the one to his left, which he found interesting as she should have been to his right. Settling his hand on the small of Amelia’s back, he felt a tingle race through his hand and up his arm before ending in his stomach.

  A gasp of shock from her brought his head down as he saw her face faintly flush. In the past months when they’d been together and he’d performed the same act, nothing had happened. Why now?

  Over a pleasant meal Nash asked if either lady had plans for the afternoon. When neither did, he suggested a stroll in the gardens followed by tea on the veranda. He wasn’t surprised Amelia agreed, but his mother was a little hesitant, claiming fatigue.

  “Without a chaperone I’m sorry, Lady Amelia, I won’t be able to show you them.”

  “Of course you may with Mrs. Holmes following, to make sure, dear son, you behave.”

  Nash knew his mother was right in selecting the woman as she’d been with the duke since before he was out of the nursery.

  Once they finished, he escorted them upstairs so his mother might rest, and Amelia could change into walking shoes and collect her parasol and bonnet.

  Chapter Two

  After helping both ladies into his carriage, Nash started to climb in but noticed something unusual. He’d expected to be sitting facing the rear, but for some reason Amelia had chosen that squab. Stepping back down, he leaned in to her.

  “M’ lady, are you sure you wish to sit there?”

  “Yes, m’ lord. After all, I know where I’m going, but sometimes I like to see where I’ve been,” she teased, then opened the book she’d brought.

  Satisfied with her explanation, he climbed in, took a seat next to his mother, and smiled to them. For all he knew, this was going to be a very interesting trip as he knew his mother usually dozed, from boredom, as she once told him. Amelia, it seemed, would spend her time reading. It was her choice of books which interested him. It was Homer’s Iliad. He wondered if it was a translation or in the original.

  Glancing across to her, he nodded and smiled.

  “If you’re wondering, it’s in Greek. I find reading in the original more enlightening. You don’t get the emotions they were going through when it’s translated.”

  As the coach rolled forward, he glanced over to his mother with a raised brow, then cocked his head to Amelia.

  “Son, before you embarrass yourself, she’s not a bluestocking, but you already know that. Besides receiving the requisite education in managing multiple households, her parents decided she would benefit from a classical education.”

  “Yes, I was sent, enjoyably, to one of the premier finishing schools for young ladies who specialized in it. In part of the discussion with my father and mother we all agreed it would benefit me. This way, when conversing with a gentleman, such as you, I would have a wider range of topics I could speak on,” Amelia explained.

  Now, all of a sudden, things started to become clearer to him. Not once in all their ambles about either estate’s grounds or after dinner did she bore him with nonsensical talking. What they conversed about on several occasions st
ressed him to the point where he had to change the subject. Each time this happened he felt foolish, especially when she would giggle at him. The outcome of all of this had him directing his readings to more thoughtful tomes. Such as the one in his lap with his hand resting on it, Voltaire’s Candide.

  By now, the carriage was on the road leading to London with their planned rest stop at the Galloping Horse. Yes, he knew this trip was going to be more interesting than he’d originally thought.

  “Amelia, I salute the duke and duchess for being so forward thinking.”

  “Thank you, kind, m’ lord. May I make a request?”

  “Certainly, if it’s within my purview, I will grant your entreaty.”

  “As I’ve not read Candide, might I borrow it once you’re finished?” she said.

  He knew where this would be leading and looked forward to the conversations they’d be having.

  “Of course. As I’m about halfway through it, you’ll be able to have the book when we reach London. I should point out, though, it is a translation as my French isn’t very good.”

  Accepting a nod from her, he settled back and opened the tome to where he’d left off, only to be surprised at what he found. A piece of foolscap, folded, sealed with the ducal seal and his name on it. Between the seal and the handwriting he knew it was from his father. But how did it get into his book since the only one who could have…his mother when he set it down on the squab.

  “Read it later,” the duchess whispered.

  With a nod, he carefully slipped it into his jacket pocket to do as she requested.

  Picking up his book, he started reading not realizing how quickly the time passed. Before he knew it the sounds of iron shod hooves on cobblestones brought his attention to the window. Looking out, he saw they were in the courtyard of the inn. Glancing over to his mother, Nash saw she was waking then peered over to Amelia. He watched as she carefully marked the page she was on with a ribbon, then closed her book.

  Once the carriage stopped, he waited until a footman opened its door. Nash climbed out and saw Ryan along with the maids waiting for them. Turning back, he helped down his mother followed by Amelia and escorted them toward the tavern. Barely halfway there the maids swooped in and collected their respective mistresses.