Mistletoe and Mayhem - Cheryl Bolen Page 0,204

what makes it so exhilarating. No day shall be precisely like the one before it. But there is always that underlying assurance that no matter what challenges arise, love will ensure they are bearable, and manageable. I can attest to that."

Lorelei grinned. "I am beginning to wonder if your husband's absence is what makes your marriage work so well."

Beatrice rolled her eyes. "Fine, consider any marriage but mine. Desmond's parents. Our parents."

"Our parents were quite happy to go back to their research manuals and papers and what-not, leaving us to become the terrors of the nursery."

Yet there had been no lack of love or affection, between them as a couple, or for their unruly children. There were also the parents of the songstress at the musicale, making their marriage suit their needs even when they viewed the world so differently.

And Desmond's parents—it was easy to see how theirs was a love for the ages. They also shared a genuine friendship, a camaraderie. She could not imagine them politely discussing the day's events over dinner. No, they would be laughing and teasing, doing their utmost to entertain each other in every way possible.

Much like she and Desmond did. Or used to do.

"It seems my rash, reckless nature has caused me to rashly and recklessly throw away the very happiness I have been seeking."

Beatrice grinned. "Surely we can use those qualities to your benefit."

"I would hope so! Here is what I have in mind…"

"There sure is a lot of ivy everywhere," Martin commented, gazing about the room. "Any reason for that?"

Desmond merely shook his head. He was a bit too heavy-hearted at the moment to explain its significance. Seeing it made him miss Lorelei even more, which is why he should remove the blasted greenery. Yet he knew if he did, he would regret not having the constant reminder of something they had shared.

Not that she ever left his thoughts.

"I feel I should apologize for being your first failure," Desmond said. He had tried without success to change Lorelei's mind, teasing and seducing, thoroughly enjoying himself, and she obviously had, too. "I was convinced I could use my persuasive abilities to my advantage, but it appears I was mistaken."

"And what about her advantage?" Martin asked.

"What do you mean?"

"You are speaking as if this were some sort of conquest—"

"It is nothing of the kind!"

Martin shrugged. "I know it is not. After all, I have listened to you bemoaning your ill fortune through two bottles of your finest claret." He grinned. "I just wonder if Lorelei views your efforts as some sort of campaign."

Desmond sat back against his chair. "It is very possible. And it is the very thing she is trying to avoid, having experienced it previously." He ran a hand through his hair. "What am I to do now? Is there anything I can do to change her mind?"

"It is not easy to change anyone's mind," Martin said with a chuckle. "If it were, we would have everyone doing our bidding whenever we wanted."

Desmond gave him a sour look. "I am changing my mind about your title. I will call you the unmatchmaking earl from now on."

"That is not necessary! Though I admit, I may take a respite from these activities. It takes a lot out of a chap, especially when the parties work so hard against my efforts."

"Mayhap it is time for you to find a match for yourself," Desmond mused. "It will give you a new appreciation for what it is like from this side of things."

Martin grumbled, taking a sip of wine. Before he could retort, a footman appeared, extending a salver toward Desmond. He reached for the envelope sitting atop the silver tray. "Thank you, Hastings."

The servant left, closing the door quietly behind him. Desmond turned the envelope over, taking a moment to study the wax seal.

His heart began to beat faster as he realized the figure pressed into the wax was a mermaid.

No, a Siren.

Lorelei. The temptress.

He quickly opened the missive, and saw a card—or more precisely, half a card. In very elegant script was written, "Meet me at the mistletoe", along with the time, two hours' hence, and the location, her sister's home.

Desmond could not keep the grin from his face. He tucked the card inside his coat. "Martin, it seems you are not a failure at matchmaking after all."

"Indeed? Yet what have I done?"

"I am not certain. I just know it was brilliant."

Martin laughed, shooing Desmond out of the room. "Let me know when we