'Tis the Season: Regency Yuletide Short Stories

by Christi Caldwell

  That interruption of her and Graham’s time was inevitable, and then he would go off and risk his life in the name of king and country.

  As he read, his head bent, his gaze slowly and carefully running over the words there, her stomach muscles twisted with a sickening dread.

  The dread robbed her of the joy she’d found in watching her husband find some semblance of peace with the father who’d so wronged him.

  As the silence marched on, she was unable to keep the question from tumbling from her lips. “What does it say?” How is my voice so steady? How, when the next words he uttered would usher in a temporary parting that could possibly turn into forever?

  Wordlessly, he held out the packet.

  Martha stared at the hated pages his father had delivered. Not wanting to take it. Not wanting to know what was written there. She wanted instead to continue on as the coward she was.

  “Read it,” he urged, pressing it into her shaking hand.

  Drawing in a silent breath, she reluctantly lowered her gaze. She frantically took in the elegant scrawl, bold slashes of black ink that could belong only to a duke.

  Graham,

  You were always more skilled than I credited. You have a love of horseflesh of the likes I’ve never witnessed in any man I’ve ever come across in my eight and fifty years. I should have lauded those talents.

  I know the mistakes I made… There are too many to put to paper. But this is just some small attempt to recognize your capabilities.

  Signed,

  Your Father

  Martha turned to the next page and gasped.

  Dumbstruck, she lifted her gaze.

  “He’s gifted us a horse farm.” The muscles of his throat jumped. “To establish my own business.”

  Nay, not a horse farm. “Three hundred acres,” she whispered. Her heart lifted and soared. Three hundred acres of land that belonged to them, with stables of horseflesh for Graham to care for, along with Frederick. And her daughters, when they wished to leave their school, could run freely through the countryside, and—

  Then her heart promptly sank to her toes numb from the cold. “Oh.”

  He frowned. “What is this, love?” he murmured, caressing the downturned corners of her mouth.

  She shook her head and forced a smile she didn’t feel. Except…

  He is your husband now. Their relationship required honesty and communication, even if his answer might shatter her.

  “Your work… with the Brethren.” She would be forever grateful to the organization, for it had brought Graham into her life, but she would also forever hate it because it represented another who commanded his loyalty and devotion. “This”—she held the page aloft—“would require you to… not do the other.”

  Her husband sighed.

  Martha bit the inside of her cheek, trying to make sense of that slight exhalation. Was it pity? Regret that he could not give her that which she truly wished—him and only him, with their children, never separated, not even for the good of the Crown? “You still don’t know, do you, Martha?” he finally asked, his breath fanning her cheeks.

  “Know?” she echoed.

  He caught her hands in his, wrinkling the gift his father had given them. “Do you truly believe I want to live a life traveling the globe when everything”—he shook his head—“everyone I’ve ever been searching for is right here before me?”

  A sob escaped her. “Wh-what are you saying?” she pleaded.

  “I’m saying that if you would not mind living a life married to a man who breeds h—oomph.” Graham stumbled and then quickly caught her as she threw herself into his arms.

  “No,” she rasped, drawing herself up on tiptoe so she could pepper his face with kisses.

  “No, you do not want to be married to a man who breeds horses. Or—” Martha kissed the rest of the teasing retort from his lips.

  “You silly man,” she whispered between tears. “I don’t care where we are, or what either one of us does in life, as long as we do it together.”

  He grinned. “Is that a promise, my love?”

  “That is a promise,” she vowed.

  As the snow began to fall around them, Martha wrapped her arms about her husband and held tightly, eager for their future—together.

  The End

  Enjoyed Martha and Graham’s holiday story? Read their novel, The Rogue Who Rescued Her, along with the rest of The Brethren series now!

  “The Rogue Who Rescued Her”

  Book 3 in the “Brethren” Series by Christi Caldwell

  Martha Donaldson went from being a nobleman’s wife, and respected young mother, to the scandal of her village. After learning the dark lie perpetuated against her by her ‘husband’, she knows better than to ever trust a man. Her children are her life and she’ll protect them at all costs. When a stranger arrives seeking the post of stable master, everything says to turn him out. So why does she let him stay?

  Lord Sheldon Graham Whitworth has lived with the constant reminders of his many failings. The third son of a duke, he’s long been underestimated: that however, proves a valuable asset as he serves the Brethren, an illustrious division in the Home Office. When Graham’s first mission sees him assigned the role of guard to a young widow and her son, he wants nothing more than to finish quickly and then move on to another, more meaningful assignment.

  Except, as the secrets between them begin to unravel, Martha’s trust is shattered, and Graham is left with the most vital mission he’ll ever face—winning Martha’s heart.

  “The Lady Who Loved Him”

  Book 2 in the “Brethren” Series by Christi Caldwell

  In this passionate, emotional Regency romance by Christi Caldwell, society’s most wicked rake meets his match in the clever Lady Chloe Edgerton! And nothing will ever be the same!

  She doesn’t believe in marriage….

  The cruelty of men is something Lady Chloe Edgerton understands. Even in her quest to better her life and forget the past, men always seem determined to control her. Overhearing the latest plan to wed her to a proper gentleman, Chloe finally has enough…but one misstep lands her in the arms of the most notorious rake in London.

  The Marquess of Tennyson doesn’t believe in love….

  Leopold Dunlop is a ruthless, coldhearted rake… a reputation he has cultivated. As a member of The Brethren, a secret spy network, he’s committed his life to serving the Crown, but his rakish reputation threatens to overshadow that service. When he’s caught in a compromising position with Chloe, it could be the last nail in the coffin of his career unless he’s willing to enter into a marriage of convenience.

  A necessary arrangement…

  A loveless match from the start, it soon becomes something more. As Chloe and Leo endeavor to continue with the plans for their lives prior to their marriage, Leo finds himself not so immune to his wife – or to the prospect of losing her.

  “The Spy Who Seduced Her”

  Book 1 in the “Brethren” Series by Christi Caldwell

  A widow with a past… The last thing Victoria Barrett, the Viscountess Waters, has any interest in is romance. When the only man she’s ever loved was killed she endured an arranged marriage to a cruel man in order to survive. Now widowed, her only focus is on clearing her son’s name from the charge of murder. That is until the love of her life returns from the grave.

  A leader of a once great agency… Nathaniel Archer, the Earl of Exeter head of the Crown’s elite organization, The Brethren, is back on British soil. Captured and tortured 20 years ago, he clung to memories of his first love until he could escape. Discovering she has married whilst he was captive, Nathaniel sets aside the distractions of love…until an unexpected case is thrust upon him—to solve the murder of the Viscount Waters. There is just one complication: the prime suspect’s mother is none other than Victoria, the woman he once loved with his very soul.

  Secrets will be uncovered and passions rekindled. Victoria and Nathaniel must trust one another if t
hey hope to start anew—in love and life. But will duty destroy their last chance?

  “Her Duke of Secrets”

  Book 2 in the “Brethren of the Lords” Series

  Death was preferable…

  Since his wife was killed in an accident that stole his happiness and left him injured, William Helling, the Duke of Aubrey, is a broken man. Neither strong drink and loose women nor the power he wields as leader of the Brethren of Lords can free him from the nightmares that haunt him. He prefers to be left alone, and has no desire to heal the wound his life has become. Then one day Miss Elsie Allenby, rumored to be a skilled healer, enters his household. He should send her away and yet he’s enthralled by the mysterious stranger.

  Healing was her life…

  But not a day passes when Elsie Allenby doesn’t miss her father nor remind herself where the blame for his death lies: The Brethren of Lords. Since that betrayal, she’s made a life for herself on the fringe of society, caring for wounded animals. Her peaceful life is turned upside down when her help is requested by the Brethren, and she finds herself in the presence last person she ever thought she would aide: William Helling, the leader of the Brethren.

  With every exchange, passion grows between Elsie and William. Soon the protective walls they’ve built, begin to crumble. But when danger threatens them both, they’ll need to overcome the treachery around them. Will the past steal their passion or will love find a way?

  “My Lady of Deception”

  Book 1 in the “Brethren of the Lords” Series

  ***This dark, sweeping Regency novel was previously only offered as part of the limited edition box sets: “From the Ballroom and Beyond”, “Romancing the Rogue”, and “Dark Deceptions”. Now, available for the first time on its own, exclusively through Amazon is “My Lady of Deception”.

  Everybody has a secret. Some are more dangerous than others.

  For Georgina Wilcox, only child of the notorious traitor known as “The Fox”, there are too many secrets to count. However, after her interference results in great tragedy, she resolves to never help another… until she meets Adam Markham.

  Lord Adam Markham is captured by The Fox. Imprisoned, Adam loses everything he holds dear. As his days in captivity grow, he finds himself fascinated by the young maid, Georgina, who cares for him.

  When the carefully crafted lies she’s built between them begin to crumble, Georgina realizes she will do anything to prove her love and loyalty to Adam—even it means at the expense of her own life.

  And Coming Soon by Christi Caldwell:

  The Governess, Book 3 in the Wicked Wallflowers series

  Rivalry, romance, and scandal run hot in this Wicked Wallflowers novel from USA Today bestselling author Christi Caldwell.

  Regina (Reggie) Spark has loved Broderick Killoran, the resourceful and protective proprietor of the Devil’s Den, ever since he saved her from the streets and made her his right hand at the notorious gaming hell. For just as long, Reggie has never admitted her true feelings for him. Nor has she revealed her spirited ambitions—to buck convention and expectations and open a music hall.

  While Broderick built his gaming empire with ruthless cunning, his loyalty to his employees is boundless. So when he learns of Reggie’s plan to leave his side and take charge of her own future, the betrayal cuts Broderick to the core. He responds as he would to any business rival…with swift retribution.

  Instead of wilting, the savvy Reggie rebounds with a fury that shocks Broderick and stirs a desire he’s been holding in reserve for only ladies of nobility. But as their seductive battle of wills ignites under the harsh spotlight of the London Season, secrets are exposed as well—ones that could be ruinous in decent society but invaluable for the heart.

  Stealing Christmas

  By

  Louisa Cornell

  December, 1817

  Hampshire

  Slam!

  Over the past six days Sebastian Brightworth had begun to hear it in his sleep—the indignant fury of his wife quitting a room upon discovering his presence in said room. Followed by the dainty storm of footsteps down the corridor and a litany of assessments of his character that would put a sailor to the blush. His sweet, proper, vicar’s daughter of a wife had an inventive command of the English language, especially when in high dudgeon. A few more weeks of this and every door in the house would be off its hinges. At least the slamming would cease.

  “Colonel Brightworth?”

  Sebastian slid the book he’d pulled back onto the shelf. “Yes, Figgs.”

  “I’ve brought a fresh pot of tea and a cold collation,” Figgs announced in a stage whisper as he closed the library doors and glanced over his shoulder as if in anticipation of an attack. The man fairly staggered under the weight of the tray he bore.

  “Real food?” Sebastian steadied a teetering stack of books on the floor and fairly ran to the hearth where his butler placed the loaded tray onto a low fireside table. “Bless you, Figgs. I don’t think I could stomach another bowl of porridge, runny eggs, and cold tea.”

  “Well, if you please, Colonel, not a word to Mrs. Figgs or we’ll both be sleeping in cold beds.” He blanched and ran a finger around the top of his neckcloth. “I do beg your pardon, sir, that was terribly—”

  “Honest?” Sebastian mumbled around a bite of one of Cook’s delicious lemon tarts. “Your secret is safe with me, Figgs. No sense in both of us suffering.” He finished off the lemon tart and began to construct a sandwich of thick fresh bread, roast beef, and good Hampshire cheese. “How did you manage the tarts? I thought Cook had those under lock and key.”

  “I didn’t,” Figgs said, his hand outstretched, palm up. “Master Edward did.”

  At the mention of his industrious stepson’s name, Sebastian laughed and fished half a crown out of his waistcoat pocket to drop into Figgs’s hand. “Worth every penny. Make certain his mother does not see this or we will all be in the soup.” He took a bite out of the sandwich and closed his eyes in silent appreciation. Since his quarrel with his wife, Sebastian had been restricted to the most unpalatable repasts imaginable by the women in his household. He was master here in name only. His wife, his housekeeper—Mrs. Figgs, and Cook ruled the house at Chesnick Wharton. Most days they allowed him command of the rest of the estate.

  The matter was made all the worse by the fact Cook had started her Christmas baking, and the house was replete with the sweet aromas of holiday fare.

  “Are you looking for one book in particular, Colonel?” Figgs stood in the middle of Chesnick Wharton’s vast library and surveyed the carnage Sebastian had wrought. Shelves of books had been rearranged, some emptied completely. Books had been stacked on tables and on the floor. One of the reasons Sebastian had chosen the estate and house had been the size of the library. Minerva loved books. Minerva, who had not spoken a word to him in days.

  “I was hoping to find a book on how to cope with an angry wife. My grandfather spent a great deal of time here, hiding from his. If ever a man needed a book on dealing with a wife, it was him.” He shuddered at the mere thought of his paternal grandmother. “A thousand years of British literature, philosophy, science, history, and religion on these shelves, and not one man thought to write a book on the subject of difficult women.”

  “I have it on the best authority no man knows enough about women to write such a book, and women are forbidden to do so. It is against the code,” Figgs said. His solemnity was belied by the unrepentant twinkle in his eye. He set about moving the books on the floor back onto the shelves.

  “The best authority?”

  “Mrs. Figgs.”

  “Ah. What code?” Sebastian emptied half the cup of tea he’d prepared in one long draught.

  “The code whereby women make the rules, change the rules on a whim, and take those rules to the grave with them before ever revealing them to any man,” an all too familiar voice replied. D. Harold Forsythe, Earl of Creighton, closed the library doors behind him and crossed the
thick Persian carpets to shake Sebastian’s hand.

  “What are you doing here, Creighton?” Sebastian had a strange sensation along the back of his neck. He shook his best friend’s hand, but had no idea what had brought him all the way from Kent in the middle of December. Something was most definitely afoot. Any hopes he’d held for a calm, cozy, first family Christmas with his wife and stepson faded like so much smoke. Creighton did nothing calm, nor cozy, and most emphatically did nothing to do with family, for most excellent reasons.

  “I let you steal my bride, Brightworth, at the altar, no less. I never said I wouldn’t visit her from time to time,” Creighton said as he settled into the chair on the other side of the fireside table. “It is Christmastide, you know.”

  Of course, he knew it. This entire debacle had been caused by Christmas. “I didn’t steal her. Minerva was always mine. Did she invite you here?”

  “Not exactly. You may not have stolen my bride, but you did manage to filch my under-butler, my housekeeper’s assistant, my cook’s sister, and one of my best grooms. How are you faring, Figgs? Are you ready to come home yet?”

  “We are all faring very well, my lord,” Figgs assured him. “I am most glad to see you, but I have no desire to return to Creighton Hall.”

  “Neither do I,” Creighton said. “But I have no choice.”

  “Stop trying to steal my staff, and why are you really here?” Sebastian knew his friend too well to give credence to a mere holiday visit as the earl’s reason for sitting before his fire, drinking his tea, and eating his lemon tarts.

  The library doors slammed open. “They’re coming,” Lord Xavier Fitzhugh announced as he burst into the room. “You said she’d be happy to see us, Creighton. Brightworth’s wife looks ready to murder someone. Is that roast beef? Is there any mustard, Figgs?”