cousin.
Unfortunately, Edward looked much like him, enough that the two of them had been mistaken for brothers many times before.
Fortunately, they were not.
“Charles,” Edward said with a wide grin. “I’m happy to see you. Our visits are much too seldom.”
Or too frequent.
“What keeps you busy these days, Edward?” Charles asked, bringing his drink to his lips.
“This and that. Keeping my wife happy. Raising my children. Doing what I can to prepare Thaddeus for his inheritance.”
“Oh? Did you come into money recently?” Charles asked dryly, to which Edward laughed.
“I mean the title, Charles! You’ve but a daughter, and it looks to me like there will not be another Lady Doverton judging from the interest — or lack of — you have shown any lady. Just as well. I will look after the title someday, Charles, as will Thaddeus. Ah, don’t look so glum about it. We’ll take good care of things for you. In fact, Leticia has already begun to plan her renovations to Ravenport — as countess or dowager.”
There had already been more than enough renovations to Ravenport for his liking thanks to his wife. He wasn’t going to settle for any more — particularly from Leticia. He had seen Edward’s home, and he had no desire for his manor to follow suit.
“I did not realize my demise was imminent.”
“No, no, Charles, of course not,” chuckled Edward. “However, Thaddeus and I have had many discussions about the manor. While you do your best, I’m sure, you are slightly too… generous. Your servants seem as well off as you, and sometimes I question whether your tenants are working for you, or if you are working for your tenants!”
Charles’ teeth ground together of their own accord at the thought of his lands and his people in the hands of Edward or Thaddeus. Edward’s son was a rake of the worst sort — Charles had heard rumors that the man not only found himself in the beds of quite a number of women, but some were less willing than others. Good Lord, what would happen to his lands in the hands of either of the two of these men? It had taken long enough for Charles to correct many of his own father’s mistakes. It pained him to think of all he had done erased once more.
“Thinking of the good times to come, Charles?” Edward drawled out, a gleam in his eye.
Charles straightened and looked Edward right in the eye.
“Actually, as it happens, I am to be married very soon.”
He wasn’t sure where those words had come from. He most definitely was not planning on marrying soon. Or at all. But he had no desire to allow Edward to continue to believe he would be taking his place. It was time to put to an end any mention of these plans.
“You are not getting married,” Edward said with a smirk. “I am sure it would be on the tongues of all the London gossips.”
“We have kept things rather quiet,” Charles said as confidently as he could, creating his story as he spoke. “It is a second marriage for both of us, you see.”
“Ah,” Edward said with a gleam in his eye, clearly still not believing Charles. “And just who is the lucky lady? I am surprised that she is not here with you.”
“But of course she is,” Charles said smoothly. “She will return soon, I am sure.”
“Oh, come, Charles, you are making this all up,” Edward said with a laugh. “You have never been much of a liar. Just tell the truth of it, man, and be done with it. Is it really such a horrible thought that I might inherit your land?”
It really was.
“My soon-to-be-bride is here. Of course she is,” Charles said, turning his neck, catching sight of a blond head coming straight toward him. A quick glance told him she didn’t seem to be anyone he knew. “Here she is now.”
He reached out and took the lady’s hand just as she was about to pass by him, hoping that whoever she was, she would go along with his ploy for just a few minutes. Then he would figure something else out later on, but for now, he had to preserve his honor in front of his cousin.
The cousin whose face was currently frozen in shock.
Charles hastily turned around. Once he caught sight of the woman, he couldn’t turn away.
The first thing to capture Charles’ attention was her dress. It was... serviceable, if he was being generous with his description. A navy, boxy creation, it was difficult to determine her shape beneath it. Next came her hair. A sandy blond, it was pulled tightly back away from her head, and on her nose perched a pair of spectacles. Through them, her wide brown eyes stared at him incredulously, her fingers nervously touching her throat.
Well, like it or not, this was the woman he had chosen to be his wife.
For the next few minutes, at least.
Her Christmas Wish is available on Amazon and in Kindle Unlimited.
Also by Ellie St. Clair
The Bluestocking Scandals
Designs on a Duke
Inventing the Viscount
Discovering the Baron
The Valet Experiment
Writing the Rake
Risking the Detective
The Victorian Highlanders
Callum’s Vow
Finlay’s Duty
Adam’s Call
Roderick’s Purpose
Peggy’s Love
Blooming Brides
A Duke for Daisy
A Marquess for Marigold
An Earl for Iris
A Viscount for Violet
The Blooming Brides Box Set: Books 1-4
The Unconventional Ladies
Lady of Mystery
Lady of Fortune
Lady of Providence
Lady of Charade
Happily Ever After
The Duke She Wished For
Someday Her Duke Will Come
Once Upon a Duke’s Dream
He’s a Duke, But I Love Him
Loved by the Viscount
Because the Earl Loved Me
Happily Ever After Box Set Books 1-3
Happily Ever After Box Set Books 4-6
Searching Hearts
Duke of Christmas (prequel)
Quest of Honor
Clue of Affection
Hearts of Trust
Hope of Romance
Promise of Redemption
Searching Hearts Box Set (Books 1-5)
Standalone
Unmasking a Duke
The Stormswept Stowaway
Christmastide with His Countess
Her Christmas Wish
Merry Misrule
House of Devon
A Touch of Temptation
About the Author
Ellie has always loved reading, writing, and history. For many years she has written short stories, non-fiction, and has worked on her true love and passion -- romance novels.
In every era there is the chance for romance, and Ellie enjoys exploring many different time periods, cultures, and geographic locations. No matter when or where, love can always prevail. She has a particular soft spot for the bad boys of history, and loves a strong heroine in her stories.
Ellie and her husband love nothing more than spending time at home with their two sons and Husky cross. Ellie can typically be found at the lake in the summer, pushing the stroller all year round, and, of course, with her computer in her lap or a book in hand.
She also loves corresponding with readers, so be sure to contact her!