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

  It was as though she was emerging from a long, dark winter. Eve’s heart raced. The possibility of all three sisters finding happiness seemed almost too good to be true. Either that or they were the luckiest ladies in all of England. Why else had these three rakes been stranded in Maybridge Falls?

  Hope felt so very close at hand. All Eve had to do was reach out and embrace it.

  She could tell them about Nicholas now.

  “Oh!” Holly said. “I almost forgot! Lord Merriweather left Maybridge Falls in the sleigh this morning.”

  That hope shriveled up and Eve felt the blood drain out of her face.

  “He…? Left?”

  “He said he’ll be back. And that you mustn’t worry.”

  Eve’s legs nearly gave out beneath her. What did he mean, not to worry? “Did he say anything else?”

  Holly touched a finger to her cheek and scrunched up her face. “I was a little distracted at the time. He swiped the sleigh from us! Seemed to be in quite a hurry!”

  He’d had a change of heart and made a hasty escape. But… “The sleigh? Doesn’t that belong to Mr. Kringle?”

  Holly was nodding. “It did but Blitzen—I mean, Dashlington, purchased it. You mustn’t worry, Eve. Lord Merriweather pressed upon me to assure my sister that he was returning shortly… He was most adamant in that regard.”

  Eve dropped onto the chair at her vanity.

  “Oh, and when I asked him if, by sister, he meant you, his answer was rather intriguing.”

  “What did he say?” Eve stared down at her hands twisting nervously in her lap.

  “He said ‘always.’”

  “What?” She lifted her head to meet Holly’s eyes.

  “Always.”

  Chapter 13

  “My Lord.” Dash was on his feet before Nick and his personal guest even made it through the door.

  “Pleasure to meet you.” Jack followed suit with an outstretched hand.

  Nick formally presented both of his friends to the Earl of Everly and, catching Mr. Rudolph’s attention, requested a round of drinks.

  Lord Everly had changed a great deal since Nick had met him in London. The older man’s hair had turned white, he was much thinner, and he looked to be at least ten years older.

  But he had come.

  Stopping only to change out horses on his way north, Nick had arrived at Everly Park very late the same evening he’d departed from Maybridge Falls. Eve’s father hadn’t been happy to meet with him at first but had changed his tune rather quickly once Nick declared his intentions.

  After getting that out of the way, Nick hadn’t minced words in informing the man, in no uncertain terms, how badly he was hurting his daughters.

  They’d taken to the road back to Maybridge Falls shortly thereafter.

  “You are the man who wishes to marry my youngest daughter?” Everly eyed Jack with narrowed eyes. “She’s practically a child.”

  But Jack fixed a level gaze on the man and nodded confidently. “She’s a woman. A woman who knows her mind.”

  The room fell silent with a heavy pause until Everly exhaled. “That she is. You’ll realize someday when you have daughters of your own that they are always little girls in your heart.” He glanced over to the table where Jack and Dash had several papers laid out. “I’ll withhold my permission, I’m sure you’ll understand, until we’ve gone over the contracts.”

  Nick had to clench his teeth together to keep from laughing at the frustration on Jack’s face.

  “And you’re the duke?”

  Dash nodded. “I love Lady Noelle with all my heart, and I intend to spend the rest of my life, and if necessary, beyond, caring for her. I think you’ll be more than pleased with the terms we’ve had drawn up.” Dash gestured to Everly to sit down.

  Nick hadn’t yet read the contracts himself as Dash and Jack had tended to this task while he’d been on the road. And although he was relieved to have Eve’s father’s permission, he’d yet to have procured consent from the lady herself.

  He’d known, however, that Eve needed to see her father. She needed to have her father be a part of all this.

  Dash and Jack had felt the same in regards to Noelle and Holly.

  Lord Everly donned a pair of spectacles and began reading through the first page of one of the agreements.

  Dash flicked cool blue eyes in Nick’s direction and nodded. He’d brought the man here, but it was up to the girl’s father to make his peace with them.

  Nick sidled up beside Dash. “The girls? They don’t know?”

  Jack answered with a shake of the head. Once the contracts were signed, the plan was to present themselves at Lady Tannenbaum’s home. Of course, their aunt was part of it all. She’d given Nick the directions to Everly Park.

  Nick wanted nothing more than to rush across the square and propose to Eve now but had been advised to present his offer after dinner. That way, Jack had pointed out, if she refused Nick, it wouldn’t ruin the reunion.

  “Just a few questions.” Lord Everly had all of them reading through the paperwork in no time and so when a flurry of activity arose outside of their private dining room, they didn’t take note until footsteps and feminine gasps sounded at the doorway.

  “Father!” All three sisters rushed inside and, in a matter of seconds, were being heartily embraced by the Earl. If Nick was not mistaken, he spied a few tears in Lord Everly’s eyes.

  “You look wonderful!” Lady Noelle declared.

  “You have come?” Lady Holly squealed. “Papa, Noelle and I are getting married!” And then she blushed.

  Oblivious to the fact that they’d just interrupted the marriage contract negotiations, Eve’s sisters took turns introducing Lord Everly to their intendeds.

  Eve had stepped away from the introductions, looking rather pleased. From across the room, she held Nick’s gaze.

  She was always going to be his. He was always going to be hers.

  Enough with the damn waiting!

  He cleared his throat noisily and held up a hand. “If I could have a moment.” All eyes landed on him and, as the room fell quiet, Nick stared steadily at the person who was his destiny. She blinked in surprise, but the corners of her lips lifted slightly into a very Eve-like smile: peaceful, mysterious, patient but knowing.

  Nick swallowed hard and removed his hands from his pockets. As he slowly crossed the room, a nervous excitement hummed through his entire body. “I should have asked this question a long time ago.” Emotion made his voice gruff. When he dropped to one knee, her sisters’ gasps of surprise urged him on.

  He stared up at her solemnly, willing her to feel his love—to trust it—to believe in it.

  “From the moment I laid eyes on you, you’ve possessed my heart. You are the other half of my soul, the air that I breathe.”

  He took hold of her hand, and she squeezed his fingers.

  Nick pressed onward.

  “I love you. I’ve told you that. But I want more for us. I want you to believe in hope—believe that joy exists today but also in the future. Will you give me the chance to share my hope with you, my love? Eve? Will you be my wife?”

  She nodded, tears swimming in her eyes. “Yes. Nicholas. Oh, yes!”

  Nick burst to his feet, capturing her in his arms as he did so. At the same time, a cheer rose up in the room.

  And that was just as it should be.

  Epilogue

  Eve slid her hand through her husband’s arm as he led her toward the inn. A few people mingled on the lawn behind them and wishes of Merry Christmas and Good Tidings floated across the square.

  The day had been an exhausting one but also one of the best days of her life. First, they had attended Noelle and Dash’s wedding at the most beautiful castle. Eve had tried not to cry but couldn’t help it when she’d heard her sister’s voice trembling with emotion, and then her groom’s heartfelt response as they spoke their vows to one another. Holding back the tears had been impossible.

  Then
the entire caravan of witnesses and guests had traveled to a beautiful little cabin near the lake, which the Earl of Tidemore had decorated in a manner that would have made their mother proud. Jack was the perfect man for Holly. He not only loved her, but he valued all the love her little sister felt for everyone else.

  And then everyone had returned to the center of town where an archway had been set up and decorated with ivy vines and holly. Nick had had it erected in the exact spot where they’d been reunited—where she’d smashed her pie against her cloak and then lost most of it on the ground.

  Eve hadn’t known the location of their wedding beforehand.

  Since she had chosen the flowers she would carry, decided on how she would do her hair and the dress that she would wear, she had allowed her groom to decide this most important detail. And she had not been disappointed.

  The moment she caught sight of the arched trellis, a warmth had filled her. It was perfect.

  Because the moment they had found one another again had breathed new hope into both of them. And today, they were celebrating hope.

  Nick dropped a kiss on the top of her head. “Happy?”

  “I didn’t think I could ever be this happy again.” She tilted her head back to meet his loving eyes. Not only did she feel happy, but she felt secure and oh, so very very hopeful. “Mama would have loved it.”

  Nick squeezed her to him. “I wish she could have been here for you.”

  Each time she thought she couldn’t love him more, he did or said something that proved her wrong. He’d already done more than she ever could have dreamed to make her happy.

  “I think Mama was here, in a way. She was always the one who could make the impossible possible. And three weddings in a single day? I must admit I was skeptical. But everything was beautiful. Mama was watching out for us.”

  “You are beautiful.”

  The desire in his voice spiked her own need. With her aunt and Mr. Kringle, as well as her father, watching over the three engaged couples, it had been nearly impossible for any of them to be alone with their intended privately.

  Even when the couples had tried to accompany each other for chaperonage, their father had never once been far off.

  Eve reached over and ran her hand up Nicholas’s chest. “Have I told you yet how handsome you look today?”

  He growled and increased their pace.

  “Lord and Lady Merriweather!” Mr. Rudolph greeted them before they could escape up the stairwell. “May I be the first to offer my heartfelt congratulations? And Merry Christmas as well!”

  “Our thanks, Mr. Rudolph,” Nick offered over his shoulder as he dragged Eve up the stairs.

  Eve had always heard that ladies were a little afraid of their wedding nights, but she felt nothing but anticipation, and…

  An aching need that had grown to almost unimaginable proportions since she’d become engaged.

  Nick fumbled with the key but before she could step inside, he swooped her into his arms. “Have I told you yet today how much I love you?”

  He smiled into her eyes, looking as excited and happy as she felt.

  “You have, good sir. Have I returned the sentiment?” Eve grinned back, ducking her head as he stepped through the doorframe.

  “I believe you have, but I’ll not argue if you feel the need to repeat it.”

  “I love you, husband.” Eve leaned forward in his arms and traced kisses along his jaw. “I love you—love you—love you.”

  And then Eve gasped as she went flying onto the bed. Nick didn’t wait even a moment but jumped on top of her and pinned her down.

  “Words are all fine and well, wife. But are you prepared for me to show you how much I love you?”

  He hovered over her and in that moment appeared quite rakish indeed.

  “I am aching for you to show me how much you love me.” Eve pulled his lips down to hers. “But only if you allow me to return the favor.”

  Neither of them possessed an ounce of patience and before any more words were spoken, Nick had his falls unfastened and her gown around her waist.

  “I need to slow down,” he rasped along the side of her neck.

  “We’ll go slow later,” Eve promised as he settled at her core.

  And they would. Because she had a lifetime to live with this man.

  “Love me now, Nicholas,” she commanded, thrusting herself up to meet him.

  “Always,” he answered as he slid inside. “Always.”

  —The End—

  (Keep reading for the Full Series Bonus Epilogue)

  I hope you have loved reading this series as much as Tammy and I enjoyed writing it! In case you started on book 3 and want to go back and read books 1 and 2, follow this link to My Dashing Duke and My Yuletide Earl now!

  Eve’s Apple Pie

  With a little help from Nick

  CRUST

  2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for rolling

  1 cup (2 sticks or 8 ounces) unsalted butter, very cold, cut into 1/2 inch cubes

  1 teaspoon salt

  1 teaspoon sugar

  6 to 8 tablespoons of ice water

  Mix flour, salt, and sugar together.

  Cut in butter and blend until mixture is the consistency of small peas.

  Add water until dough mixture sticks together when pinched.

  Separate into two separate piles

  Shape into discs and chill

  FILLING

  1/2 cup unsalted butter

  3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

  1/4 cup water

  1/2 cup white sugar

  1/2 cup packed brown sugar

  8 Granny Smith apples – peeled cored and sliced… Carefully, please

  To bake, place the pie on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes at ~ 375°F

  Lower the temp to 350°F and bake for 50 more minutes.

  Allow to cool and serve.

  Chill first—especially if you intend

  to serve it up in the bedroom!

  Full Series Bonus Epilogue

  One Year Later

  Noelle cradled baby Gabriel in her arms and hummed the tune to “Oh Come All Ye Faithful” as she watched out the window. She couldn’t help but smile, thinking that she would not be here if she hadn’t been watching out her window on that cold and snowy night one year ago.

  Celebrating the holidays without both of her sisters, as well as all of their first anniversaries, had been unthinkable, and Dash had agreed immediately. He hadn’t even hesitated to suggest that they invite every single member of her family to share the Yuletide with them here at Divinity Manor, their large country estate

  Noelle had sent his mother, the dowager, an invite, but it had been returned unopened. She supposed not everyone could have their hearts melted by the Christmas spirit. But she would not give up.

  Perhaps next year his mother would come around.

  Or the one after that.

  “A carriage is approaching, Your Grace.” Baby Gabriel’s nurse peeked her head inside of the drawing room. “Would you like me to hold the baby so that you can greet your guests?”

  Part of Noelle wished to take the baby outside to greet her sisters with her, but snow was falling so she reluctantly handed her tiny bundle over.

  “Thank you, Miss Partridge.”

  The capable woman took Gabriel and cradled him in her arms. “It’s always my pleasure, Your Grace. I’ll take him up to the nursery for now, then?”

  “Of course.”

  “And how is our future Baron of Blitzencreek doing today?” Dash appeared in the foyer in time to peer down at his son.

  He never failed to remind Noelle that he hadn’t been lying completely when he’d met her. Because of course, Blitzencreek did happen to be one of the family titles. As well as several others that Noelle couldn’t keep track of.

  Miss Partridge indulged Dash for all of three minutes when the sounds of the horses could be heard out the front door before taking her leave.

 
“That boy grows more handsome every day,” Dash announced proudly, dropping Noelle’s cloak around her shoulders and leading her outside with one hand on her waist.

  “Just like his father.” Noelle leaned into him as they watched no less than six coaches approach up the long drive.

  Dash pulled her even closer and dropped a kiss near her ear. Gabriel had been born in early October, and they’d just barely resumed relations a little over a week ago. Noelle marveled that her husband managed to excite her even more now than he had before they’d married.

  To think she’d ever imagined having a Wollstonecraft marriage. How foolish she’d been.

  As the first carriage rolled to a halt, the door opened and Lord Tidemore, Jack, hopped out and pulled down the step before the footman could approach. Holly’s blond head peeked out and when she caught Noelle’s eyes, Jack caught her by the waist and lifted her out just as she squealed.

  Noelle rushed forward and squeezed her youngest sister but then turned to see the baby that her brother-in-law was taking hold of from the nurse behind her.

  “Oh, Holly, she’s beautiful!” Noelle declared when she got a glimpse of the tiny face in the bundle of blankets.

  “I’ll get her out of the cold, if it pleases you, My Lady.” The nurse seemed equally as efficient and caring as Baby Gabriel’s.

  “Of course,” Noelle answered. “We can get acquainted in the nursery after everyone is settled.”

  The door had opened on the carriage behind the first one and Lord Merriweather emerged but then turned around and reached in for Eve.

  Who was…!

  “Eve! You are carrying!” Both Noelle and Holly rushed over to greet their oldest sister. “I can’t believe you didn’t tell us!”

  Two spots of pink blossomed on Eve’s cheeks, making her appear prettier than normal. “Nicholas required a good deal of convincing that I was in good enough health to travel but I told him I could not spend Christmas without my sisters and their families. Besides, I thought it would make for a fun surprise.”