her chin as she contemplated her choices.
“Pack something warm as the farmer down the road insists we’ll have snow this Christmas,” Emma advised. “Father is having the ice-skating pond prepared this weekend, so bring your skates as well.”
Lucy wondered if she still had hers. It had been a long time since she’d skated, but she used to love gliding over the ice and had been quite good at it.
“Will the gathering be large?” Aunt Edith asked.
“The house will be full to the rafters,” Emma said. “Several guests are staying nearby and will come for many of the parties.”
“Oh my.” Her aunt’s delight made Lucy smile.
“There will be a Christmas Eve ball, of course, so bring a gown for that,” Emma added.
Lucy considered her limited wardrobe. Though she’d attended a few local balls over the years, she well knew her cousin’s would be much more formal.
Her concern must’ve shown on her face, for Emma waved a graceful hand in dismissal. “You and I are of similar size, dear Lucy. You’re welcome to borrow one of mine.”
“There won’t be time to have one made I’m afraid,” Aunt Edith said with a shake of her head.
The few gowns Lucy owned were a result of the annual visit from the local dressmaker. Her aunt lived a modest life as a widow, and while she never seemed to worry over money, neither did she spend much.
“What day will you come?” Emma asked.
They discussed the details then Emma rose. “I should return home. There’s much to be done before the party and Mother needs my help.” She bid her aunt goodbye with a kiss on her cheek, and Lucy walked her down the stairs to the front entrance.
“I’m still surprised you journeyed all this way,” Lucy said, curious as to why her cousin was so adamant that they attend.
“I knew Aunt Edith wouldn’t allow you to come on your own,” Emma said, her tone low to keep their conversation private, “and I so wanted you to join us. It’s been too long since we spent the holidays together. We used to have such fun, remember?”
“Yes,” Lucy agreed. “We truly did.” Perhaps she’d imagined Emma’s motivation, thinking the worst when it wasn’t deserved.
“I’m so pleased you’ll be there.” Emma leaned close. “I’m going to need your help.”
“Oh?” A trickle of concern ran along Lucy’s skin.
“You see, several gentlemen are pursuing me.” She gave a mischievous smile. “I have yet to determine if I wish to be caught. Mr. Hugh Raybourne is a terrible rogue, but charming and handsome in a rugged manner. Then there’s Viscount Jameson who is fine to look at and daring. Mr. Charles Barnes has a shy, polite manner I find infinitely appealing.”
“How would I help?”
“All the gentlemen have accepted our invitation. I intend to spend time with each one before I decide who I want to court me.” Emma squeezed Lucy’s arm. “I’d like your opinion, and I also need your help to arrange an intimate moment with each gentleman so I can choose which one will make the best husband.” She bit her lip, looking much like a cat about to devour a mouse.
“That sounds rather dangerous.” Not just for Emma but for Lucy as well. How was she supposed to keep not only the other suitors but Emma’s parents occupied? “If you’re caught, the result could prove disastrous.”
“Then you see why I need your assistance. The physical side of a relationship is as important as the other aspects. My friend, Lady Frances, is newly betrothed and has told me much about how one should feel when in love.”
“Love or merely lust?” Though Lucy was far from experienced, she was well-read. Her aunt’s taste in books included many romances, even a few that bordered on explicit as to the details of what happened between a man and a woman. From what she’d learned, people often became confused between love and lust. One could last a lifetime, but the other tended to be short-lived.
“I want both,” Emma said. “But in order to know, I am going to conduct a few experiments. A chaste kiss in an alcove or under the mistletoe simply won’t do.”
“Please tell me you intend to take care.” Lucy stared at her cousin in dismay. “You’re playing with fire.”
“I hope I am, cousin.” Emma’s predatory smile almost made Lucy feel sorry for the men involved. “I dearly hope I am.”
With a hug and a wave, Emma and her maid departed.
Lucy watched as the coach rolled down the drive, wondering what it would be like to catch a suitor’s eye, especially the different men Emma had described. The idea was equal parts intriguing and concerning.
Yet she couldn’t deny the excitement that filled her for the first time in a long while. This was going to be a wonderful Christmas.
ORDER YOUR COPY OF Mistletoe and Mayhem: A Regency Holiday Romance Anthology releasing November, 2020!
Other Books By Lana Williams
Regency Romances
The Rogue Chronicles
Romancing the Rogue, Book 1
A Rogue’s Reputation, a Christmas Novella, Book 2
A Rogue No More, Book 3
A Rogue to the Rescue, Book 4
A Rogue and Some Mistletoe, Book 5, available exclusively in Mistletoe and Mayhem: A Regency Holiday Romance Anthology
A Match Made in the Highlands, a Novella
Victorian Romances
The Seven Curses of London Series:
Trusting the Wolfe, a Novella, Book .5
Loving the Hawke, Book I
Charming the Scholar, Book II
Rescuing the Earl, Book III
Dancing Under the Mistletoe, a Christmas Novella, Book IV
Tempting the Scoundrel, a Novella, Book V
Falling For the Viscount, Book VI
Daring the Duke, Book VII
Wishing Upon A Christmas Star, a Novella, Book VIII
Ruby’s Gamble, a Novella
Gambling for the Governess, Book IX
Redeeming the Lady, Book X
The Secret Trilogy:
Unraveling Secrets, Book I - Kobo
Passionate Secrets, Book II - Kobo
Shattered Secrets, Book III - Kobo
Medieval Romances:
Falling for A Knight Series:
A Knight’s Christmas Wish, Novella, Book .5
A Knight’s Quest, Book 1 (Also available in Audio)
A Knight’s Temptation, Book 2 (Also available in Audio)
A Knight’s Captive, Book 3 (Also available in Audio)
The Vengeance Trilogy:
A Vow To Keep, Book I - Kobo
A Knight’s Kiss, Novella, Book 1.5 - Kobo
Trust In Me, Book II - Kobo
Believe In Me, Book III - Kobo
CONTEMPORARY ROMANCES:
Yours for the Weekend, a Novella
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About the Author
Lana Williams is a USA Today Bestselling Author who writes historical romance filled with mystery, adventure, and sometimes a pinch of paranormal to stir things up. Filled with a love of books from an early age, Lana put pen to paper and decided happy endings were a must in any story she created.
The Rogue Chronicles, where rogues meet their match in the most delightful way, is a Regency era series. The Seven Curses of London series is set in Victorian times and shares stories of men and women who attempt to battle the ills of London, and the love they find along the way that truly gives them something worth fighting for.
Her first medieval trilogy is set in England and follows heroes seeking vengeance only to find love when they least expect it. The second trilogy begins on the Scottish border and follows the second generation of the de Bremont family.
The Secret Trilogy, set in Victorian London, follows three lords injured in an electromagnetic experiment that went terribly wrong and the women who help heal them through the power of love.
She writes in the Rocky Mountains with her husband, two grown sons, and a spoiled lab, and loves hearing from readers.
Lana loves hearing from readers! Stop by her website and say hello! You can also connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Copyright © 2020 by Lana Williams
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