Beguiled on a Christmas Morning by Sandra Sookoo

Author:Sandra Sookoo
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Regency romance, series romance, Thieves of the Ton series, aristocrat, Earl of Archewyne, Christmas romance, holiday romance
Publisher: New Independence Books
Published: 2017-11-14T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Seven

December 24th

“Are you quite certain you don’t wish for Jane and I to accompany you?”

Miles smiled at his wife’s inquiry. At the moment, his daughter was finishing up a riding lesson with Miss Wickham. Jonathan was spying on said governess from the study windows and Emmaline, it would appear, had nothing to do except enjoy her leisure time.

Which meant she was bored, and would try her level best to worm her way into his outing. Ordinarily, he would welcome her company, but, bloody hell, he wished to keep her present a surprise.

“Quite, my love.” He crossed the entry hall and accepted his gray kid gloves from Willoughby. While she patted Charles’ back and cooed to him until he smiled, and subsequently drooled, Miles donned the gloves and then shrugged into his matching greatcoat. The two capes would be greater protection against the cold. He then ran a knuckle along the baby’s chubby cheek and grinned when the boy smiled wide, showing off his first tooth. “Since I’m taking Charles out with Hudson to gather the greenery, I want you to recline and relax, for once I return, you’ll be busy with the decorations. Later this afternoon, the Christmastide entertainers arrive and we shall enjoy their offerings as a family.”

He was especially looking forward to the acrobats as well as the carol singing. Did his wife know he adored wassailing, but hadn’t done so for years?

“But Miles, what do you expect me to do while you’re gone?” A trace of a whine lingered in her voice. Even the baby looked askance at him while she fussed with putting on a knitted hat and tying it beneath his chin.

“What do ton ladies do when they have nothing that requires their attention?” He accepted his top hat from Willoughby, who exchanged an amused glance with him. “Perhaps, if you haven’t already, you could have Sarah assist in choosing your gown for this afternoon’s festivities.” Procuring a bright green muffler from a pocket of his coat, he wound it about his neck.

Emmaline rolled her eyes. “I suppose, since I am waffling between two.” She handed him the baby, who kicked his legs, making the white gown flutter around his feet, which were ensconced in white knitted socks. A smart, knitted overdress would keep the worst of the nip from his skin. “Please don’t stay out too long. I don’t want Charles to catch a chill.”

“I’ll be sure to tuck him beneath my coat most of the time.” Though it wasn’t in the fashion for a father to take notice of any of his children while they were in the nursery, Miles believed any time spent with his offspring was better than nothing. In order to change the course of things in England, children needed to be reared differently than tradition dictated. “While we’re out, I shall tell him about mistletoe and instruct him on the best ways to steal a kiss from a young lady so he’ll be prepared when he’s older.”

“Miles, I do not think—”

“Let me do this, sweeting.

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