SEDUCED AT MIDNIGHT

by Jacquie D'Alessandro

  "How did you manage this?" he asked, his gaze shifting back to the document, unable to quite believe what he was holding. He once again read the names Gideon Mayne and Lady Julianne Bradley printed on the official document.

  "It took a bit of doing," Daniel said.

  "Yes, but there isn't much an earl, a marquess, and a very persistent American can't accomplish if they set their minds to it," Logan said with a slight smile.

  "But why would you do this?" Gideon asked. His gaze shifted between Matthew and Daniel. Surely a marquess and an earl wouldn't approve of a match between him and Julianne. Yet impossibly, based on the paper he held, it seemed they would.

  "Because apparently Carolyn would have married Daniel if he were a baker," Matthew said. "And Sarah was willing to marry me even when it looked as if I'd be floundering in massive debt the rest of my life. And because of Themistocles."

  Gideon shook his head, utterly confused. "Who?"

  "A powerful Greek statesman during the fifth century BC. His daughter was torn between two marriage offers—one from a man of modest means with great character, the other from a man of her social class who was of questionable character. When her friends posed a similar question to Julianne, she unhesitatingly quoted Themistocles, 'I choose a man without money rather than money without a man.'"

  Everything inside Gideon stilled. His heart. His blood. His breath. Then they leapt back to life with a force that rendered him speechless.

  "We wanted you, and her, to have a choice," Daniel said.

  "Before her damn father marries her off to some other useless Lord Something-or-Other," Logan said. He grinned at Matthew and Daniel. "No offense intended."

  Matthew uttered something under his breath that sounded like Bloody American, then said to Gideon, "Everything is being readied for the ceremony to take place at my house at five o'clock. With us, our wives, and Lady Emily serving as witnesses."

  Gideon could only stare. "Today?"

  Matthew nodded then consulted his watch. "Today. In precisely one hour and nineteen minutes." He slipped his watch back in his waistcoat pocket. "The only things missing are a bride and groom."

  Gideon looked down at the paper clutched in his hands. A piece of paper that had the power to give him everything he wanted. Everything he hadn't dared hope could be his. It appeared Julianne wanted him. In spite of his lack of social status and fortune. Not that he was poor. Yet neither was he rich. He nodded his chin at the special license. "This must have cost a fortune."

  "Consider it a wedding gift," Logan said.

  "She'll lose her family," Gideon said.

  "Yes," Matthew agreed. "But she won't lose her friends."

  "We can promise you that," Daniel said, and Logan nodded his agreement.

  Hope burst through Gideon, so strong, he was grateful he was sitting down, because he felt a bit unsteady.

  "I wouldn't have dared to ask her," he said quietly.

  "Which is why we're here, meddling," Matthew said, "at our wives' behest."

  "Right," Daniel said. "Because we're not normally meddlers, you know."

  Logan looked toward the ceiling. "You Brits. Always talking in circles." He fixed his gaze on Gideon. "Well? What's it going to be?"

  Gideon drew a deep breath. Then smiled. "The only thing missing now is a bride."

  * * *

  Forty-five minutes later, freshly shaven and wearing his finest garments, Gideon entered the foyer of the mansion on Grosvenor Square

  , Caesar at his heels. "I'd like to see Lady Julianne, please," he said to Winslow.

  "I'll see if she's at home," the butler said. His gaze flicked down to the small bouquet of flowers Gideon clutched but made no comment. He headed down the corridor, and Gideon had to force himself not to pace. Winslow returned a moment later and said, "Lady Julianne is in the music room. She'll see you now."

  Gideon and Caesar followed Winslow's straight back, and with every step, Gideon's heart thumped harder. "Mr. Mayne," Winslow announced at the door.

  Gideon crossed the threshold, barely noting Winslow's departure as his gaze settled on Julianne. She stood next to the pianoforte, wearing a pale aqua gown that made her eyes look even bluer than usual.

  He walked slowly toward her and wondered how the hell he had ever been foolish enough to walk away from her. He was only halfway across the room when a series of sharp yips came from the hearth. Princess Buttercup, dressed in an aqua ruffled collar that matched Julianne's gown, had caught sight of Caesar. Caesar in turn had caught sight of his love, and a joyful canine reunion of sniffing and licking and grunting and yapping took place before they both plopped down on the hearth rug.

  "Hello, Julianne," he said, wading into the silence.

  Now that less than six feet separated them, he could see that she'd been crying. Yet in spite of her puffy, reddened eyes, she was still the most beautiful thing he'd ever seen.

  "Hello, Gideon." Her hands were clasped in front of her so tightly her knuckles showed white through her skin. "You wished to see me?"

  "Yes." He took a quick look at the mantel clock, noted the time, then cleared his throat. "You asked me last night if I had anything else to say to you, and I realize I didn't say everything I wanted to. Everything I needed to."

  "I see. Would you like to sit down?"

  He shook his head. Went to plunge his fingers through his hair only to recall the flowers he clutched. "These are for you," he said, holding them out. Bloody hell, he'd clearly strangled the damn things, for they looked decidedly wilted.

  But in spite of their less-than-perfect condition, a trembling smile curved her lips. "Thank you," she said, burying her face in the droopy blooms. "I adore daisies."

  He hadn't known that. Hadn't even noticed they were daisies. He'd simply bought the flowers from a young girl selling them because, well, wasn't a man supposed to bring flowers when he proposed? Bloody hell, why hadn't he asked Matthew or Daniel for instructions when he'd had the chance?

  She looked up at him with solemn eyes. "What did you wish to say, Gideon?"

  "I … I…" He let out a long breath. "I wish I was good at pretty words, because God knows you deserve them, but I'm not. So I can only tell you plainly." He stepped closer to her, stopping when less than an arm's length separated them, then took her hand, noting that his weren't quite steady.

  "I love you, Julianne. Love you so much I just…ache with it. I think I loved you even when I thought you were nothing more than a spoiled princess, although I convinced myself I didn't. But then, as I discovered that you weren't a spoiled princess at all, realized the kind, loving, generous, brave, and wonderful woman you are, I couldn't deny to myself any longer that I'd fallen completely, utterly in love with you."

  He pulled in a deep breath then continued, "I'm not a rich man, and I don't have a title. But I offer all I have, all I am, all my love, my heart and soul, to you."

  He dropped to one knee before her. "Julianne, will you do me the honor of marrying me?"

  She looked down at him, her eyes huge, her face pale. For several of the longest seconds of his life he endured the loudest silence he'd ever heard. Then her lips trembled and she smiled the most beautiful smile he'd ever seen.

  "Yes," she whispered. Then laughed. Then sobbed. "Yes! Yes!" Laughing, crying, she pulled him up, and he yanked her into his arms and kissed her. And all the places inside him that only an hour ago had seemed so empty filled to overflowing with a happiness he'd never thought possible.

  She leaned back and framed his face between her hands. "I love you," she whispered. "From the first moment I saw you, you took my breath away. And now, when you tell me how you feel about me, instead of telling me I'm beautiful, you called me kind. Loving. Generous. Brave. Wonderful. You have no idea how much that means to me."

  "Well, you are undeniably beautiful. Just in case you thought I didn't think so."

  She smiled through the tears streaming down her cheeks. "Am I really going to be your wife?"

  "A
m I really going to be your husband?" He pulled out his handkerchief and dabbed at her wet eyes. "I brought three of these," he teased, waving the handkerchief before her.

  She laughed. "Good. Princess Buttercup was miserable, you know."

  "Caesar as well." He rested his forehead against hers. "Me, too."

  "Me, too," she concurred.

  He lifted his head. "You know your parents will never accept this."

  "Then that is their loss," she said without hesitation. "I choose you. Now. Always."

  "Are your parents at home?"

  She shook her head. "Mother is off on her social calls, and father is at his club."

  "I'll speak to them afterward, then."

  "Afterward?"

  "After the wedding. Which, if we don't want to be late for, we'll need to hurry, because it's starting in…" he glanced at the mantel clock, "twenty-four minutes."

  Her jaw dropped. "Wedding? Our wedding? In twenty-four minutes?"

  "Did I not mention that?" He shook his head. "Sorry. I was a bit rattled." He quickly told her about the special license and the planned ceremony at Matthew and Sarah's house, concluding with, "When I asked you to marry me, I suppose I should have added, now. Will you marry me now?" He looked into her glowing eyes. "Will you?"

  Her smile could have lit a dark room. "Yes!" Then she sobered. "But first, there's something I must tell you. Something I should have told you before. I … I lied to you, Gideon. That first night I claimed to hear ghost noises? I actually didn't. I did so because I wanted you to investigate. Wanted to see you again. So then I hired Johnny Burns the coal porter, to make ghostly sounds, but his wife had a baby and he couldn't make it and then a real ghost came to the balcony and—"

  He touched his fingers to her lips to stop the rapid flow of words. "You did that just so you would see me again?"

  She nodded. "I'm sorry," she mumbled against his fingers. "I shouldn't—"

  This time he silenced her with a long, deep, tongue-dancing kiss that left them both breathless. "A clever ruse to get me back into your life. Have I told you how much I love you?"

  "Yes, but I suspect I'll never grow tired of hearing it."

  "Good. Because I intend to tell you ten times a day."

  She heaved a sigh. "Only ten? I shall perish from neglect."

  "Fine. Twenty. Has anyone ever told you you're … wonderful?"

  She smiled into his eyes. "Yes. The man I love."

  He was about to kiss her again but recalled the time. After a glance at the clock, he grabbed her hand and started toward the door, giving a whistle for Caesar, who trotted after them, Princess Buttercup following faithfully. "The wedding is now scheduled to start in nineteen minutes. Matthew loaned me his carriage. It's waiting out front, so we can be on our way immediately."

  "I just need to run to my bedchamber for a moment," she said. "I'll meet you outside."

  By the time Gideon loaded the dogs in the carriage, Julianne was hurrying down the walkway toward him. "Besides Princess Buttercup, this is the only thing I couldn't bear to leave behind," she said.

  And they both smiled down at her Box of Wishes and Dreams.

  Epilogue

  Gideon stood in Matthew's drawing room, sipping a glass of champagne, and reached out to touch his hand to his wife's back. His wife. Who stood next to him, laughing at something Carolyn said. His wife, who looked absolutely radiant and still clutched the wilted daisies he bought her. His wife, who had refused the fancy wedding bouquet Sarah had waiting for her and instead insisted on being married carrying the strangled flowers Gideon had given her. His wife, who turned to look at him with all the love he could ever hope to see shining in her eyes.

  Matthew's butler approached Gideon. "Excuse me, sir, there's a gentleman to see you. He's waiting in the foyer. Said to tell you his name is Jack."

  Gideon went still then nodded. After excusing himself to Julianne, he followed the butler from the room. They were halfway down the corridor when a door on the right opened, and Lady Emily emerged.

  "Oh!" she exclaimed, clearly startled to see him. "I didn't know you were … I wasn't expecting…" Her face turned scarlet. "I'm just returning to the party." She hurried off.

  Curious, Gideon stuck his head through the doorway from which she'd emerged. It was the library. And in the middle of the room stood Logan Jennsen. Brushing his finger over his bottom lip and looking as if he were in some sort of trance. Interesting.

  Gideon cleared his throat. "Is there a problem?"

  Logan turned toward him and frowned. "Ten minutes ago I would have said no. Now … I'm not so sure." He approached the doorway and gave Gideon a hearty clap on the back. Gideon noticed Logan's hair appeared a bit disheveled. Very interesting. "Nothing I can't handle," Logan said with a small smile. "But I definitely could use a brandy. See you back in the drawing room."

  Gideon continued to the foyer, where he found himself staring at a very nattily dressed Jack Mayne.

  "Could you excuse us for a few minutes, please?" he asked the butler.

  After the servant withdrew, Gideon said, "What are you doing here?"

  "Heard there was a wedding." He flashed a grin. "Was going to come in through the window and surprise ye, but decided this were better. More proper. And I wanted ye to have this." He held out his hand. In the palm rested a plain gold band. "I know it ain't fancy, but it were yor mother's. Thought ye might like to give it to yor bride."

  Bloody hell, a damn lump clogged Gideon's throat. With all the servants in this house, you'd think they'd be able to keep up with the dust. He took the ring and slipped it into his pocket. "Thank you."

  "Yor welcome. Congratulations, son. I wish ye every happiness." He tentatively extended his hand. Gideon hesitated, torn between what he knew his father was and the fact that, regardless of it, he was still his father. He reached out and shook his hand.

  "Heard ye caught that murderin' ghost robber. Good for you. Nasty business." He shot Gideon a speculative look. "Surprised ye didn't think I might be yor ghost."

  Actually, the thought had crossed Gideon's mind, but he'd quickly discarded it. "You're many things, but you're not a killer."

  Jack nodded. "Glad ye know it. After all, a man has to have his standards, ye know."

  "Yes, I know."

  Silence stretched, then Jack said, "Well, I guess I'll be goin'."

  "Before you do—I met a couple of friends of yours," Gideon said. "Will and Perdy. They told me some interesting things about you." He fixed a steady stare on Jack. "Were they true?"

  To Gideon's amazement, Jack appeared to blush. "Wot they say?"

  "About you helping people."

  Jack shrugged. "Oh, that. That's nothin' but a hobby of mine. Just tryin' to be neighborly."

  Gideon could tell there was more to it than that, and the realization hit him with a shock. "You really are helping people."

  Another shrug. "I suppose."

  Suspicion instantly set in. "Where are you getting the funds and supplies to help them?"

  A devilish gleam lit Jack's eyes. "Ye probably don't want to know the answer to that, Son. You bein' on the wrong side of the law and all."

  Gideon shook his head and pinched the bridge of his nose. "You know, there are other ways to get money from rich people to help your cause."

  "Oh? How's that?"

  "Have you ever considered asking them for it?"

  Jack's expression was so nonplussed, Gideon had to laugh. "No, I can see that's never crossed your mind."

  "Don't be daft," Jack said. "Why would they just give it to me?"

  "Because, believe it or not, some of them are very generous. And kindhearted. If you ever decide you'd like to do things legally and would like some help, let me know."

  Jack nodded slowly, then more vigorously. "I'll do that. You bet I will. And now, I'll let ye get back to yor wedding."

  Gideon watched him walk toward the door, his emotions in a whirl. Just as Jack reached for the doorknob, he asked, "Would y
ou … would you like to come in? Meet my wife?"

  Jack stilled. And then it seemed as the dust affected him as well, as his eyes turned misty. "I'm touched ye'd ask, Son. I'd love to meet her. But today's yor day. For you and her. We'll do it some other time. I'll be in touch. In the meanwhile, don't do anything I wouldn't do." After a final devilish grin, he was gone, closing the door quietly after him.

  "There you are," came a soft voice behind him.

  He turned and saw Julianne walking toward him. "We've been married less than one hour, and already you've deserted me," she scolded with a smile. "Whatever am I going to do with you?"

  He snatched her into his arms and gave her the kiss he'd been dying to give her since they arrived. When he finally raised his head, he said, "I can't wait to show you all the different things you can do with me."

  "Oh, my," she breathed against his lips. "I knew life with you would be an adventure." She brushed back his hair. "Did I hear you talking to someone?"

  "Yes. My father." He took the ring from his pocket. "He gave me this. It was my mother's. Would you like to wear it as your wedding ring?"

  "Oh, Gideon. It's lovely. Yes, I'd be honored to wear it." She slipped off the borrowed ring from Sarah they'd used during the ceremony, and Gideon slid the band in its place.

  She looked at the plain, thin gold band as if he'd offered her the crown jewels. And bloody hell if he didn't fall in love with her all over again.

  "I love you," he whispered. "If I had to sum it all up in one word, it would have to be happy. I'm just so damn happy."

  She smiled into his eyes, hers filled with love and joy. "And if I had to sum up in just one word what you are, what you've done, what you've given me, that word would be everything. Absolutely … everything."

  Turn the page for a preview of

  the next historical romance featuring

  The Ladies Literary Society of London

  by Jacquie D'Alessandro

  Tempted at Midnight

  Coming soon from Berkley Sensation!

  I held him in thrall, my lips hovering just above his. I could feel his heat, smell his desire, sense his pulse pounding at his throat. Need poured through me at the thought of my fangs puncturing his skin, his hot blood flooding into my mouth. And even though I afforded him the opportunity to push me away, to escape the impossible, dangerous situation in which he found himself, I knew he was exactly where he wanted to be…