O Night Divine A Holiday Collection of Spirited Christmas Tales - Kathryn Le Veque Page 0,68

Christmas night, and every second was special. She partnered him for whist. And they’d played charades.

She and Hugh laughed and teased each other while she fell deeply in love with him. But he’d made no promises, and that was four months ago. She’d expected him to come to see her before this. Had she been wrong about him?

Alice’s next partner had sent his apologies. Some misfortune had called him home. She sat alone, watching Marian and Gerald dance. They smiled at each other like a pair of newlyweds.

Alice studied the painted landscape on her fan when a gentleman came to stand before her. She glanced up. “H…Lord Gifford!”

“Lady Alice. May I sit with you?”

“Yes, please do.”

He sat and smiled at her. “You look lovely tonight.”

“Thank you.” She felt herself blush. A compliment from Hugh meant more to her than any other. “How is Lord Hawkinge?”

“I’ve just returned from Kent. Grandfather sends his regards. He remains in good health and is quite the benefactor these days. He takes special care of a family who have suffered great hardship. Their beloved son, Tim, must use a crutch to walk. He’s a dear boy. Grandfather has become fond of him.”

“The earl sounds more content. I am happy for him.” Why had Hugh come to see her? “I wasn’t sure we’d meet again.”

He raised his eyebrows. “You doubted it?”

“I confess I’d begun to.”

“I have wanted to, Alice. Very much. I’ve been promising myself a dance with you since Christmas. Or have your suitors claimed them all?”

“The supper dance is free,” she said shyly. She always tried to hold it open in case he came. It might be a waltz. She could dance in his arms, and afterward, Hugh would take her into supper.

His gaze held hers. “You’re not yet engaged?”

“No.”

“Then there’s hope for me?”

“Oh, Hugh. Surely you know it.”

He took her hand. “I know my heart, Alice. Have done since I met you.”

She sighed. “I wanted to believe it. But when you failed to come…”

“Are you rebuking me?” He laughed. “I must measure up if I have the great fortune to make you my wife.”

She smiled mistily at him, her hand still tucked in his.

“Please introduce me to the gentleman, Alice,” her mother said crisply.

Hugh rose to his feet and bowed. “Lord Gifford, Lady Dountry, I met your daughter in Kent.”

“Ah, yes. I have heard all about the enjoyable Christmas dinner you spent with my family, Lord Gifford. I trust Lord Hawkinge is in good health?”

“Excellent health, thank you, Lady Dountry.”

“My daughter often converses with him at church. He is known for his good deeds.”

A country dance was called, and Alice’s partner emerged from the crush.

Hugh bowed. “Until the supper dance, Lady Alice.”

“Until then, Lord Gifford.”

“The Marquess of Warne has expressed an interest in you,” Alice’s mother said after Hugh walked away.

“I know.”

“But as you have your father eating out of your hand, it’s useless my suggesting it, I suppose?”

Alice laughed and laid a gloved hand on her heart to slow its rapid beating. “Yes, quite useless, Mama.”

Additional Dragonblade books by Author Maggi Andersen

The Never Series

Never Doubt a Duke

Never Dance with a Marquess

Never Trust and Earl

Dangerous Lords Series

The Baron’s Betrothal

Seducing the Earl

The Viscount’s Widowed Lady

Governess to the Duke’s Heir

Eleanor Fitzherbert’s Christmas Miracle (A Novella)

Once a Wallflower Series

Presenting Miss Letitia

Introducing Miss Joanna

The Lyon’s Den Connected World

The Scandalous Lyon

Also from Maggi Andersen

The Marquess Meets His Match

Beth

About the Author

A USA TODAY bestselling author of Regency romances, with over 35 books published, Maggi’s Regency series are International bestsellers. Stay tuned for Maggi’s latest Regency series out next year. Her novels include Victorian mysteries, contemporary romantic suspense and young adult. Maggi holds a BA in English and Master of Arts Degree in Creative Writing. She supports the RSPCA and animals often feature in her books.

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Her Star from the East

(O Night Divine)

Mary Lancaster

Chapter One

“Get out of my sight!” Emma raged.

Alice, the maid, spun on her heels and rushed from the room.

Emma snatched up the nearest object to hurl after her, then froze, staring at the vase in her hand. Joe and Hazel had bought it in Venice during their wedding trip. She lowered her hand, defeated. As quickly as it had sprung up, her rare burst of anger receded, leaving her frustrated and ashamed.

What is the matter with me? It’s Christmas, I am home at Brightoaks, and I have recently received a