My Merry Marquess (Wallflowers Christmas Wish Book 3) Read online

  He clutched her more tightly against him, but her words caused a plan to begin forming in the back of Nick’s mind. Was it possible? He kissed the top of her head and ran his hands up and down her arms.

  “I cannot speak for life, or the world, or God,” he murmured, “but I’ll do everything in my power to make you happy and keep you happy.” He sent up a silent prayer that he could do just that. “Even when things are difficult, I promise I’ll never give up on you or our children—”

  “Or yourself?” She tilted her head back.

  “I promise.” And then he sealed that promise by kissing her in a way that could leave no doubt.

  “Are you two lovebirds ready for some pie?” Eve jumped at the interruption, but Nick held her tightly. Standing at the door was the elderly woman he’d met the morning after his arrival. She was smiling knowingly and leaning on the arm of an elderly gentleman.

  “Lady Tannenbaum.” He reluctantly dropped his arms from around his dear, sweet Eve, rose, and bowed. “Thank you for welcoming me into your home.”

  “This is Mr. Kringle. You must be Eve’s Merry Marquess. I’m so happy to meet you at last. And we’ve arrived just in time for dessert. Now tell me all about yourself, Lord Merriweather. I believe I met your parents a few years back. Lovely people, the duke and duchess. How are they? In good health, I hope?”

  Eve shifted a glance toward him as her aunt took a seat and the cook arrived with additional plates and cutlery.

  Nick ached to have her in his arms again, and for what remained of the night, but it was not to be.

  He would, however, have her for the rest of his life. No chance in hell she was getting away this time.

  Chapter 11

  “I wasn’t planning on coming back to the house so early, Eve, but at the last minute, I was struck by a bout of guilt. I contemplated what your mother would have to say if she knew that I had intentionally left you unchaperoned with a handsome marquess in the hopes that you’d land yourself a husband. Without a doubt, she’d throw me in the Thames for it.”

  Eve stared at the door where Mr. Kringle and Nicholas had exited only moments before and fought the urge to strangle her aunt.

  “And Mr. Kringle, of course, agreed. Although I must admit that you and your sisters have put something of a kink in our… business. So we dressed quickly and made our way back here. Judging by the look in your young Merriweather’s eyes, it was in the nick of time.”

  “Oh, but we never meant to cause you any trouble, Aunt. Noelle and Holly and I are old enough—you say that the two of you got dressed?” Eve’s brows shot up.

  Aunt Winifred waved a hand through the air dismissively. “You girls have been a joy to have. I’m not fool enough, however, to imagine these present circumstances are anything more than temporary. And that is precisely as it ought to be. Noelle will be marrying her duke, Holly will reel in that Tidemore fellow, and a betrothal between you and the marquess is practically a done deal. If he doesn’t come forth with an offer, I’ll chase after him for you myself.”

  It was likely that Nicholas would have proposed already if her aunt hadn’t had her last-minute attack of conscience.

  Well, highly possible. Eve’s heart jumped. Of course, he meant to marry her!

  Didn’t he?”

  “Now, go on up to your room and get a good night’s sleep. And don’t try anything havey-cavey, either.” Her aunt pointed at her. “It’s been difficult enough to keep an eye on the three of you traipsing back and forth from the inn with Mr. Clark’s help. With my butler gone, I’m going to need you to behave better.”

  “I would never.”

  “Of course, you wouldn’t. Nor would you ever visit a man’s chamber alone under the premise of delivering a pie.”

  Eve’s eyes widened in horror.

  “It’s no matter. As I said, though, run along and get some sleep. You’ll have plenty of time to flirt and tease your Merry Marquess tomorrow—in the full light of day—with me and Mr. Kringle sitting discreetly on the opposite side of the parlor.”

  And then her aunt giggled.

  Lying in bed that night, Eve ought to have been able to fall into a deep and contented sleep. Nicholas loves me. She’d told Nicholas that she loved him.

  She sent a prayer up for everything to work out for Noelle and the duke, and a second one for Holly. But surely her aunt was wrong about that Tidemore fellow? Holly hadn’t mentioned so much as a single word…

  The feelings of hope and love and excitement were familiar. So familiar that they were somewhat terrifying.

  The last time she’d experienced them, devastation had followed.

  She rolled onto her back and stared up at the ceiling, barely lit by moonlight filtering in through the window.

  This sense that all of it was going to fall apart was not rational. It wasn’t logical. She rolled over and punched at her pillow.

  And yet it was.

  So much could go wrong. Her sisters were barreling toward London in an ancient carriage on roads covered in ice and snow, and her father was drinking himself to death in their home, all alone, unable to face life without her mother.

  As the tight feeling grew in her chest, she began to hear her heartbeat in her ears.

  Noelle and Holly were just fine. Their father would come around. Nicholas wasn’t going anywhere, and neither was she. She inhaled a deep breath and then blew it out slowly, chanting the words under her breath, hoping to make them come true.

  Everything is going to be fine.

  Everything is going to be fine.

  Everything is going to be fine.

  Nick woke early and, rather than go downstairs for breakfast, addressed all of the correspondence he’d ignored for far too long. Knowing he would be marrying Eve and starting a family soon, he needed to take his responsibilities in hand.

  He would one day inherit from his father and be called on to manage the dukedom but had no wish for that day to come anytime soon. He owned a small personal estate not far from Brighton and he would have it prepared so that he could take Eve there.

  Just as he was completing a letter to the steward he’d neglected for far too long, sounds of vehicles rolling into town had him rising to look out the window. The sleigh Dash and Jack had driven away in, followed by a rather ancient carriage, pulled to a halt outside of Lady Tannenbaum’s house. Nick couldn’t help but smile as he watched Dash assist Lady Noelle to her aunt’s door, but also, the look on Jack’s face as he watched the other girl… Holly.

  A flurry of activity ensued as Lady Tannenbaum stood watch over the luggage, but Eve was nowhere to be seen. Nick rubbed his hand along his jaw and wondered if he should send for Tomlin, his valet. Eve’s aunt hadn’t given them even a moment alone after she’d arrived. His heart raced as he anticipated seeing her shortly.

  Of course, he’d have to shave and dress. Eve was a lady. She was his intended.

  And then he froze.

  He hadn’t, in fact, officially asked for her hand. He scratched his head.

  Had he?

  He’d told her he loved her. Nick frowned. How had he forgotten such an important detail?

  But she would accept him tonight.

  She’d returned the sentiment this time and by God, she had been the one to declare her feelings first. Replaying the moment in his mind had him quickly donning the trousers and linen shirt he’d shed the night before with every intention of racing across the square and rectifying the situation immediately. He’d not wait all day to have her promise.

  One glance in the looking glass, and he realized he’d have to shave. Wasting the days away inside of a taproom with Jack and Dash was one thing, presenting himself with the intention of asking for a lady’s hand, quite another.

  Nearly an hour later as he donned his greatcoat in the inn foyer, Nick was to be delayed once again as Dash and Jack stepped inside. The former looking quite pleased with himself, the latter, somewhat the opposite.

  “What the hell did you do to your
face?” Jack stared at him.

  Nick reached up and touched his chin. Shaving was not something a gentleman ever ought to approach with expediency in mind. “Who pissed in your tea?” he rejoined.

  “He’s just angry because his lady isn’t as easily corralled as he’d imagined. Mr. Rudolph!” Dash caught the innkeeper’s attention. “A hearty meal and ale, if you please, good sir.” In an altogether different demeanor than the day before, his dukish friend dropped a jovial hand on Nick’s shoulder. “And I owe you a drink. Imagine that. You were right for once.”

  “Of course, I was right.” Nick hesitated but then allowed Dash to lead him into the private dining area they’d commandeered since their arrival. Eve wasn’t going anywhere now that her sisters had returned. He’d allow them to settle in before presenting himself at Lady Tannenbaum’s door.

  Dash leaned back his chair and locked his hands behind his head. “My bachelor days are over.”

  But Nick was staring at Jack. “You and Lady… Holly? She won’t have you? You’re a bloody earl, for God’s sake. And only partially ugly to boot. What the hell did you do to fall out of her favor?”

  A few kitchen servants entered with tall pints of ale and plates of various meats and cheeses and a basket of bread.

  Jack narrowed his eyes at Nick. “You’re so bloody knowledgeable about women and their dispositions and whatnot. I’ve done damn near everything—wooed her, talked to her—by God. And it’s not as though she’s immune to my charms.” He threw back a healthy swallow of the ale. “Women are impossible.”

  Nick knew exactly what the trouble was. “Did you try telling her you love her?”

  Which only earned him a deeper scowl.

  Dash went on as though Jack’s troubles were easily surmountable. “I’m not going to wait around before making Noelle my duchess. I’ve got to get my hands on a bloody special license. If only…”

  Nick set his ale back on the table. “What?”

  “Her father is a wastrel.”

  “Damned Everly. The blighter has Holly all twisted up over what she needs in order to marry.” Jack stared at the plate he’d piled high.

  “You are going to have to tell her you love her, you know.” Nick shook his head. But Jack and Dash had touched on something that he had been contemplating. “Eve struggles with her father’s abandonment as well.”

  “Eve?” Jack’s brows furrowed.

  “Noelle’s oldest sister,” Dash supplied.

  “I knew it! She’s the minx who brought the pie, isn’t she?”

  Nick nodded.

  Almost as though he’d summoned her with his words, Eve peeked her head around the corner tentatively.

  She seemed reluctant to enter so he rose and met her at the door. Knowing his friends were looking on curiously, Nick stepped outside and drew her to a private alcove off the foyer.

  “How is it you look even more beautiful today than you did last night?” Not giving her a chance to answer, he claimed her lips for a brief kiss before realizing she was holding a dish between them.

  Her eyes shifted to the door and then down to her hands. “Would you mind very much if we postponed dinner tonight?” When she lifted her lashes to meet his eyes, she was smiling apologetically.

  “But—”

  “I was going to tell my sisters—about you—about us.” Her expression softened just enough to hold off his worry. “But Holly is not at all happy after what happened with Lord Tidemore. What with Noelle in raptures over the duke, I didn’t have the heart…”

  “What did that codpiece do?” Nick growled.

  Eve’s eyes widened but before Nick could apologize for his language, she dropped her gaze again. “It’s what he hasn’t done, really. The codpiece, Lord Tidemore—that is—is being rather obtuse. Words are important to my sister, and he is unwilling to give them to her.”

  Nick couldn’t keep himself from touching her chin. “And what is important to you?”

  She blinked at first, as though surprised by his question but then tilted her head thoughtfully. “Words matter, but not as much as everything else.” She stared at the top button of his shirt and seemed to lose herself for a moment. “My mother promised us she was going to get better and then she died. My father told us he loved us and then sent us away.” She shook her head. “It’s not as though we can control all that happens, though, is it?”

  Fear swept through him. Eve loved him, He loved Eve. But she was still afraid. Words would never be enough. Could he possibly alter her view of love? Perhaps if his plan succeeded.

  “I brought you these.” Eve stepped back to extend the cloth-covered dish. “A pie.” She smiled. “And Noelle sent ginger crisps for the duke. Holly said that if Lord Tidemore was expecting vanilla cakes, he would be sorely disappointed.” And then she shrugged. “I think this ought to be enough, don’t you?”

  Nick wanted to show her love in a manner that would leave no doubt. “Come upstairs with me?”

  But she was shaking her head. “I promised my aunt I’d return shortly. My sisters and I haven’t been as close to one another this past year… we’ve drifted apart… so we’ve promised one another that we will spend what remains of the day together. Aunt Tannenbaum has suggested we locate the Christmas decorations in her attic and go through them to decide what is still usable. She said many of them were made by my mother.”

  Nick was happy that she could find such mementos, but he was disappointed that he couldn’t be alone with her—that he couldn’t spend the day proving to her that they were going to be happy together.

  “I love you, Eve.” He had to say it again, despite what she’d just told him.

  “I love you, Nicholas.”

  “I was about to send Mr. Clark over to the inn to collect you.” Aunt Winifred held the door wide as Eve returned from delivering the baked goods. Of course, now her aunt would realize such duties.

  Nicholas loved her. Not only had she seen it in his eyes, she’d heard it in his voice. She’d felt it in his kiss.

  With regret from having to leave him weighing her down, Eve hooked her cloak on a nearby peg and then climbed two flights of stairs to join her sisters in the attic. How was he going to entertain himself that evening? Would he miss her as she was surely going to miss him?

  “We’ve found miles of ribbons.” Noelle stood beside an opened trunk. “And look at this silk.”

  “A book of recipes.” Holly moved toward the small window. “Oh! Vanilla cakes. And apple pies and ginger crisps and rum punch. These are grandmother’s recipes.”

  Eve moved close and read the inscription aloud. “Because in the darkest of times, baking feeds my soul. And when my soul is full, I can share the fruits of my labor with those I love.” She looked over at Holly. “Mama used to say this. I’d forgotten…”

  “Dash wants to marry by Christmas,” Noelle said. “I wanted you to marry first, Eve. You aren’t mad, are you?”

  “Of course not.”

  “Jack loves me. I’m sure of it.” Holly drew some more books out of another trunk. “At least I think he does.”

  Eve inhaled. “I met Lord Merriweather in London.”

  Noelle glanced up with narrowed eyes. “He is quite handsome. Not as handsome as Dash, of course—”

  “Or Jack,” Holly murmured. “But in his own way...”

  Eve opened a third trunk and feigned indifference. She wanted to tell them about her feelings, about everything that had happened, but feared that if she did, she’d be tempting fate.

  “He is very kind.” She pulled out a pale green gown sewn in a fashion at least two decades past. Footsteps sounded on the wooden steps, and Aunt Winifred appeared. She caught sight of the gown and smiled.

  “Your mother wore that gown the day she married your father.”

  Noelle stepped forward with some of the ribbons. “It’s in excellent condition! We could alter the sleeves just so; I could wear it when I marry Dash.”

  Warmth blossomed in Eve’s chest, and sh
e blinked her eyes. “It would almost be like having Mother there.”

  “Father should be here!” Holly announced.

  A moment later, all of them were in one another’s arms. They were overcome with a myriad of emotions. They mourned their mother’s death. They were disappointed at their father’s abandonment. And they were comforted in the knowledge that they would always have one another—Aunt Winifred included.

  But most of all, they had hope.

  Chapter 12

  Eve had located some jars of berries, raspberries by the look of them, in the pantry and decided to bake something different for Nick that morning. She only made a few changes to the recipe she’d discovered in her grandmother’s journal, and she liked the idea that she could show him her love in this way.

  With the pie cooling, along with a few loaves of bread, Eve took her time washing up and then dressing in one of her favorite gowns. Aunt Winifred and Noelle were making alterations to their mother’s wedding gown, Holly had disappeared hours ago, and so Eve was quite determined to slip away to see Nick.

  Would he ask for her hand today? Her blood flowed hot and then cold at her uncertainty.

  He loves me. She needed to cease with this endless worrying.

  She would invite him for dinner that evening. She would tell her sisters about their attachment this afternoon. She was going to be brave.

  But first, she wanted to simply be with him.

  “Eve?” Holly peeked around the door. “Oh, you look lovely. I can almost imagine that you have a beau as well. Is there something you’ve been keeping from us? Something about Lord Merriweather, perhaps?" Holly flushed and she…

  Glowed.

  “How was your sleigh ride? Any progress with Lord Tidemore?” Eve tied the laces of one of her boots.

  “Oh, yes! I’m so happy! He loves me, Eve. He loves me!” She pressed her hands to her cheeks.

  Wearing only one shoe, Eve jumped up and wrapped her arms around her little sister. Two of the Bailey sisters had become betrothed to men who they loved and who loved them back. Was their luck changing?