The Christmas Wager by Delilah Marvelle

Author:Delilah Marvelle
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Publisher: Delilah Marvelle Productions, LLC
Published: 2015-12-01T08:00:00+00:00

A butler garbed in form-fitting berry-red livery stoically led Felicity into the massive parlor before departing once again to announce her visit.

Felicity’s lips parted. The wonderland of richly colored drapes and ornately carved wooden furniture she’d seen on too many occasions these past few weeks had been transformed in honor of the season.

One would think Father Christmas had moved in.

Hyacinth and winter jasmine whose buds were beginning to unfold had been woven together with evergreen and glimmering gold ribbons. The garlands draped every corner of the room, scenting the warmth of the air with exotic florals that muted crisp evergreen.

A potted large Norwegian spruce tree had been set onto a massive table in the corner, decorated with German-made wax ornaments molded into fruit and musical instruments. She trailed forward and lingered before the tree. Beeswax candles set on the branches awaited the evening to bit lit.

It was beautiful.

Real gold watches dangled from the branches, ticking. Feathered paper doves were tucked around the chains of every watch as colorful glass-blown ornaments strung with ribbons, reflected the light of the sun outside.

None of this was ethical.

An opium dealer had no right to celebrate Christmas like everyone else.

Peering into the largest blown glass ball of gold that reflected her face, she paused. Her chestnut-colored hair wasn’t as organized as it should be. She cringed and pressed several pins back into place and smoothed away curling wisps that framed her face. She adjusted her Vienna blue, lace high collar against her throat and eased out an uneven breath.

She didn’t know why she was so keen on straightening her appearance. Maxwell was not the same man she’d once known. He now dazed himself with the very narcotics he sold.

Despite what Harris thought, the Duke of Ainsley was dashing, educated, came from the most prestigious family in England, and was genuinely interested in making the world a better place. He had three hospitals and four orphanages built in the past ten years, which he personally oversaw the construction of throughout all of England in between travelling to Greece. The only reason he hadn’t married was because he believed his duty to the people was greater than the duty he had toward himself.

It made every woman fan herself in reverence. She was fortunate to say his interest in her was instantaneous. Of course, she was getting a lot of help from something known as destiny.

Someone thudded down the main stairs, making her pause.

Jogging steps echoed from down the corridor, drawing closer.

Her brows came together. Was the man…running?

Felicity quickly turned.

Maxwell skid into view, startling her.

His entrance did not reflect the tall, well-dressed gentleman whose black hair had been stylishly smoothed back with tonic. He was also...holding a black and white kitten who was pawing at his morning coat and trying to climb his arm.

Oh, that was evil. He might as well have just dragged out his Voodoo priest out of Georgia.

He adjusted the kitten against his arm. Soulful, green eyes captured hers across the distance of the parlor. “I haven’t seen you in a few days.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.