The Lady's Christmas Proposal (Honorable Rogue Book 3.5) Read online

  Table of Contents

  Dedication

  CHAPTER 1

  CHAPTER 2

  CHAPTER 3

  CHAPTER 4

  CHAPTER 5

  CHAPTER 6

  Epilogue

  About the Author

  The Lady’s Christmas Proposal

  (Honorable Rogue, Book 3.5)

  By Vikki Vaught

  First Edition

  Copyright © 2017 by Vikki Vaught

  Cover design by Danielle Doolittle

  All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means including information storage and retrieval systems, without permission in writing from the author. The only exception is by a reviewer, who may quote short excerpts in a review.

  This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

  Dedication

  I dedicate The Lady’s Christmas Proposal to all women who have suffered abuse at the hands of family members, individuals who should only protect them and keep them safe. In the early 19th century England, women had very few rights. Their father, brother, or husband ruled their every move and could abuse them both physically and emotionally. In essence, they were considered little more than chattel. You may have heard of the saying “the rule of thumb.” While not a law, it was a known practice, that a husband could only beat his wife with a stick no bigger than his thumb! Today, women are much better off, thank goodness.

  I thoroughly enjoyed redeeming Lady Mildred. Her character was introduced in Miss Kathleen’s Scandalous Baron, and not in a favorable light. In The Viscount’s Salvation, the reason for her abhorrent behavior toward her niece and nephews comes out. At last, Lady Mildred has a chance for happiness with Lord Robert. I’m so glad I could give Millie her very own happily ever after.

  I want to thank my fabulous editor, Tammy Souch. Her insightful suggestions and advice always make my books so much better. I also want to thank my wonderful and dedicated beta readers: Linda Levin, Donna Salzman, Deborah Brent, Katherine Brown, and Caryn Borders. I truly appreciate their time and suggestions. I know I can count on them to help me make my books better for my readers.

  My heartfelt thanks go to readers everywhere, for your willingness to give me a chance by reading my books. Last, but by no means least, I want to thank my husband for putting up with me when I’m lost in my world of books.

  Thank you for reading The Lady’s Christmas Proposal, Book 3.5 in my Honorable Rogue series. Reviews are the lifeblood for authors. If you enjoyed my story, I hope you will take a few minutes and write a review. Fellow readers will appreciate your words of wisdom.

  CHAPTER 1

  December 1803

  Lord Robert strode from the schoolroom, leaving Melissa, his eight-year-old daughter, with her ineffective governess. He was at his wit’s end. Melissa had gone missing yet again, and he’d found her at the pond playing with several of his tenant’s children, all of them boys, and in breeches—no less—with her golden curls stuffed under a cap.

  She’d climbed an enormous oak tree and was swinging from one of the largest branches, ready to drop to the ground, a fall that could have broken a limb, at the least. His heart stopped as he’d raced to catch her.

  Melissa’s glee when she’d landed in his arms, had set his blood boiling. That last escapade was it, he had no choice. He’d go to London in the spring and search for a wife. The child needed a mother, not another milksop governess who could not control her charge.

  He stormed into his study and poured a glass of brandy. Normally, he didn’t indulge in spirits so early in the day, but he needed something to calm his rattled nerves. He’d added ten years to his thirty-seven as he’d raced toward his daughter. He could not lose her. His love for her was all that kept him sane. After downing the brandy in a few gulps, he sighed and opened his ledger.

  His first day back from London and turmoil beset him. To add to his chaos, he needed to visit Wallingford Manor to offer his condolences to the late Viscount Hardesty’s widow and meet the man who had inherited the title.

  He’d respected the late Lord Hardesty, and the man would be missed by his peers in the House of Lords. He vaguely recalled meeting the new viscount years ago. The man would need to follow the path of a great statesman. Woolgathering was accomplishing nothing. He closed the ledger with a snap.

  Striding from the room, he made his way to his stables. Once he was on his way, the ride over to Wallingford Manor improved his disposition. A solitary ride across his lands on one of his award-winning race horses was a balm to his frazzled nerves.

  By the time he reached the manor, his usual equilibrium returned. He knocked on the door with the end of his crop. The butler opened it, allowing him entry. The servant bowed. “Good afternoon, Lord Robert.”

  “I’m here to visit Viscount Hardesty,” he informed the butler.

  “His lordship is out at the moment. His wife is in the drawing room. Do you want me to see if she is receiving?”

  “Please.” Although he would rather see the viscount, his wife would do. Mayhap, the late Lord Hardesty’s widow was with her, and he could pay his respects.

  The butler left him alone while he went to see if the lady would accept his call, and he glanced around the foyer. Nothing looked different yet, however, with a new mistress in residence—that would surely change. The servant returned and led him to the drawing room. Fortunately, the late viscount’s widow was with the new Lady Hardesty.

  He bowed. “Good afternoon, ladies.” He approached the widow. “I’m sorry for your loss, ma’am. Your husband will be greatly missed by all who knew him.”

  The woman dabbed at her eyes. “Thank you, for your kind words.” She turned to the new viscountess. “Lady Hardesty, this is Lord Robert, our closest neighbor, one of the Marquess of Brockton’s sons.”

  “I’m pleased to meet you.” The new viscountess turned to the third woman in the room. “Let me introduce you to my aunt, Lady Mildred.”

  The woman’s vivid blue eyes caught his attention. “Lord Robert. A pleasure.”

  He executed a bow. “A pleasure indeed, ma’am.”

  Even though the woman must be close to his own age, a flash of desire settled in his belly. Her striking eyes captivated him. Her shining auburn hair looked like silk, her figure—voluptuous. While her beauty might be a little understated for some men, he found her very appealing. Her air of innocence surprised him, considering her age. Perhaps there was no need to look for a wife in London after all.

  He returned his gaze to his hostess when she interjected, “Please, take a seat. May I pour you some tea?”

  “That would be much appreciated.” After meeting Lady Mildred, he wanted to prolong the visit. He sat beside the woman, hoping to engage her in conversation. A slightly older woman would suit his needs much better than a miss straight from the schoolroom with stars in her eyes. That’s what he’d find in London.

  Lady Hardesty handed him his tea. “Thank you, ma’am.” After several minutes of polite conversation with his hostess, the butler returned, drawing the lady’s attention away. He turned to the enchanting woman beside him. “So…do you live close by or are you visiting your niece?”

  Her smile faltered slightly, but she quickly recovered. “I’ve recently joined the viscount’s household, at least until spring. I’m helping Wallingford—” She twisted her handkerchief. “Oh, dear, he’s Hardesty now. I must remembe
r to address him as such. I’m helping him with the conservatory.”

  Probing, he asked, “And, where did you reside previously?”

  “I managed my brother’s London residence. Since my niece has wed, my brother, the Earl of Melton, no longer needs my assistance.” Her tone was tinged with sorrow.

  What had caused it? A riff with her brother? Feeling it would be better to leave that subject alone, he said, “You mentioned the conservatory. Are you interested in horticulture, ma’am?”

  “Oh, my, yes. It’s my greatest joy, my lord,” she replied.

  Now, his interest was truly piqued. “I’m also fascinated by the study of flora and fauna. My conservatory has an abundance of rare species.” He leaned forward. “Perhaps you would like to see it?”

  Her small, round face glowed. “I would enjoy that.”

  “Would tomorrow morning do?” he asked, her delight intriguing him further.

  “Yes, please. I look forward to it.” Her melodic voice was filled with enthusiasm.

  A frisson of awareness rushed through him. “I shall come for you at ten, if that is acceptable?”

  “I shall be ready.” The new Lady Hardesty asked him a question, pulling him away from Lady Mildred. The new viscount and his wife were holding a Christmas gala on Christmas Eve, with festivities earlier in the day for the children. Lady Hardesty had invited him and suggested he bring his daughter.

  Not wanting to overstay his welcome, he departed shortly after her invitation. Once he was on his way, his thoughts turned to Lady Mildred. He needed to discover if the lady liked children. If she did, she could make a fine mother for Melissa. God knows, she desperately needed a woman’s attentions.

  He would introduce her to his daughter tomorrow and see how things went. Who would have imagined he’d meet a woman who could be the answer to his problems without going to London? And, one who shared an interest in horticulture. Ah, yes, he looked forward to seeing the charming woman on the morrow.

  * * *

  Mildred watched Lord Robert take his leave. The man was attractive with sandy blond hair streaked with a bit of gray. It was unusual to see a man in his mid-thirties looking so fit. His whiskey-colored eyes were warm and friendly, causing unfamiliar tingles in her limbs. The last time she’d felt anything remotely like it, was when she made her come-out twenty years before.

  Goodness, those thoughts were inappropriate for a woman so long on the shelf, but oh, she longed for romance. Her brother had cruelly snatched her chance when he’d placed her in a compromising situation during her one and only season.

  Dear Lord, she needed to dismiss those foolish thoughts and be grateful for her second opportunity at a meaningful relationship with her niece, one she didn’t deserve.

  Mary turned to her. “So…what did you think of Lord Robert?”

  “He’s charming,” she replied, keeping her tone even, while inside, she wanted to twirl in a circle, as the little French girl Cortland had adopted would do. “He’s interested in horticulture and asked me to visit his conservatory tomorrow.”

  “How delightful. You’ll enjoy seeing it I’m sure. So…” she drew the word out, “he’s also quite handsome, do you not agree?” A twinkle danced in her eyes.

  Mildred’s face heated. “A woman my age shouldn’t notice such things.”

  Mary huffed, “You’re only eight and thirty. He’s a widower close to your age. My father no longer dictates your life. I want you to find happiness.”

  Tears threatened to fall as she met her niece’s gaze. “How can you ever forgive me and find it in your heart to want my happiness after I treated you badly for so many years?”

  Her niece moved beside her and squeezed her hand. “You were as much a victim of my father’s tyranny as me and my brothers.”

  Her brother’s enraged face flashed through her mind. How he’d viciously thrown her against his desk after he’d caught her hugging Mary. He’d used his horse whip that day to make his point, swearing he’d pull Mary into his study and beat her next, if he ever caught Mildred doing that again. She dismissed those memories. What he’d done to her wasn’t important.

  “But I was cruel.” She wiped at the lone tear slipping down her cheek. “He threatened to beat all of you if I showed any tenderness toward you. I should have fought back.”

  “We both know how angry he would become if any of us defied him,” Mary replied. “Not only would he have beaten you, he would have beaten me too, just for good measure. No, you did what was needed to protect all of us. You’ve changed, now that he’s no longer around to torment you. Please, put your remorse behind you. We don’t want to let him ruin this second chance for us to become close.”

  Mildred wiped her face with her handkerchief, then straightened. “You’re right. If you can forgive my actions, I will as well.”

  She patted her hand. “Good.” Mary rose and placed a soft kiss on her cheek. “Now, I need to speak to the housekeeper. I shall see you at dinner.” How had she been blessed with such a sweet and forgiving niece? God did work miracles.

  Even though she still didn’t think she deserved such consideration from her niece and her new family, she would do as she’d promised. Going forward, she would concentrate on building the bond between them, and when all her nephews arrived, she would ask them for their forgiveness.

  Mildred turned to the late viscount’s widow. She’d grown close to Marjorie since her arrival at Wallingford Manor. The woman had welcomed her with open arms. For several minutes, they discussed Lord Robert’s visit, and Marjorie mentioned he had a successful horse breeding farm. Now she was even more intrigued by the gentleman.

  When she was a young girl, she’d loved animals, especially horses. Her father had indulged her whenever she brought home a stray and allowed her to keep them. After he died, and her brother became the earl, he’d shot her pony, and drowned her cat. After that, she’d never had another animal. She shook off the dismal thoughts, excused herself, and went to her bedchamber to dress for dinner.

  Mildred arose the following morning, ready to embrace the day. She went to the window and noticed snowflakes coming down, but fortunately, the snow was light, so it should not keep Lord Robert away. She hoped. Once she finished dressing, she made her way to the breakfast room, selected a coddled egg and toast, and took her seat at the table. Soon, her nephew, Ben, who had arrived the day before yesterday, entered the room.

  His manner was stiff and formal as he greeted her. “Good morning, Aunt Mildred.” He made his selection from the sideboard and sat across from her.

  She clutched her napkin. “Ben, I have something I want to discuss with you.”

  He turned to her. “What is it?”

  “I want to apologize for my past behavior.” Then she explained the untenable situation her brother had placed her in. “I hope you can forgive me and are willing to let me prove I’ve changed.”

  Ben’s posture relaxed. “Mary already told me she’s forgiven you, so I will as well. It will take some time to get used to seeing you in a different light, though.”

  “I understand.” She quelled her trembling lip and didn’t allow any tears to escape. That was the best she could hope for, after the way she’d always treated him. They ate their food in companionable silence, then Ben excused himself and left to look for Cortland.

  Mildred checked the time and hurried upstairs to retrieve her wool cloak. Lord Robert would be arriving at ten and it was nearly that time already. As she descended the stairs a few minutes later, the butler was opening the front door. Lord Robert strode in, dusting the newly fallen snow from his great coat.

  His eyes lit with what could only be pleasure and her heart began to race. She stepped onto the pink marble floor and moved toward him. “Good morning, my lord.”

  He took her gloved hand, and when his lips brushed the air above her fingers, they tingled. “I see you’re ready.” He offered his arm. “Shall we be off?”

  She slipped her hand into the crook of his elb
ow, trying to hide her shaking hand. “Thank you again for inviting me. I can’t wait to see the species you mentioned yesterday.”

  “Thank you for agreeing to come.” He escorted her to his carriage and helped her inside, then placed a hot brick under her feet. He took the seat beside her, knocked on the roof, and the vehicle moved forward.

  On the way to his home, they discussed the weather and the upcoming holiday festivities. It was the first time she’d been alone with a gentleman who wasn’t family since that fateful night her brother maneuvered her disgrace.

  Determined to enjoy her morning with Lord Robert, she dismissed that depressing time. “I understand you have a horse farm. I used to adore riding, but I haven’t ridden in twenty years.”

  He cocked a brow. “That’s a long time. Why did you stop, if you enjoyed it?”

  “My brother didn’t want me to use his horses.” He’d done it to deny her, but she didn’t want to tell him that. “He only had a few mounts at his country estate, and none of them were suitable for a lady.”

  “Perhaps when the weather clears, you’ll agree to come riding with me.” He smiled. “I have a gentle mare that would be perfect for you.”

  “I would like that.” Before they could continue their discussion, the carriage slowed and pulled to a stop.

  “Ah, here we are.” Lord Robert climbed out, offered her his hand, and helped her onto the stone pavement in front of his home. While the house wasn’t large, the Tudor style home with its sparkling diamond-paned windows and mellow brick walls invited her in.

  He offered his arm and led her inside. The hardwood floors gleamed and the furniture shone without a trace of dust in the entryway. He turned to her. “Would you care for refreshments before I show you my conservatory?”

  She shook her head. “I would rather go there first, if you don’t mind.”

  “Of course, whatever you like.” He led her toward the back of the house and into a large greenhouse. The sun had broken through the clouds and light streamed in from above as she took in the glorious array of foliage.