The Duke Before Christmas (The Duke Hunters Club) by Blythe Bianca

Author:Blythe, Bianca
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: regency
Publisher: Bianca Blythe
Published: 2020-11-23T16:00:00+00:00

NEITHER PORTIA NOR her maid made an appearance the next day, and they were similarly absent the day after.

But when Guernsey appeared on the coast, and the ship slowed as it made its way into the harbor, the women finally appeared.

Colin beamed when he saw them. Portia was every bit as lovely as she had been before, even if she seemed careful to not make eye contact. Her long dark lashes fluttered down in a becoming manner, and Colin valiantly resisted the urge to dash toward her and declare his delight at seeing her again after her unnecessary enforced absence.

Colin had always scoffed when his friends had termed him impetuous before, but now it occurred to him they might have had a point.

He hadn’t intended to marry so soon, and he’d always imagined a lengthy courtship with time for the appropriate number of curricle rides through Hyde Park and strolls through rose gardens.

Still.

Portia met all the qualifications to be a bride. There was no reason to leave her penniless because he’d had the gall to steal someone else’s berth.

He focused on Guernsey and pretended the pastel-colored houses in the idyllic harbor were as interesting as Portia. Night was falling, and the sunset cast a pink and golden glow.

“It’s pretty,” Niles said.

“Yes,” Colin assented.

The ship soon cast anchor, and a shore boat was prepared for them.

“Good evening, Your Grace,” Portia said in a polite voice Colin despised. He rather preferred the plucky woman who’d convinced him to marry her.

“Good evening.” Colin lowered his torso into an elegant, practiced bow, unencumbered by even the tilting of the ship.

Portia turned to the captain. “When do you return to London? I would like to overnight in my cabin.”

“Oh, I’m afraid we’re off to France next,” Captain Mortimer said. “We won’t be back here for a while.”

Portia’s face paled, and Colin’s heart squeezed.

“A while?” Portia’s voice rose miserably.

“But you must have other ships going to England,” Colin said.

“Oh, yes,” Captain Mortimer said. “The next one leaves tomorrow at midday.”

Portia gave a relieved smile, and Colin’s heart swelled, even though he realized that strategically, it might be more beneficial for him if they were delayed longer in Guernsey. Perhaps then, he could convince her to marry him.

“You don’t by any chance have a ship sailing to Cornwall?” Niles asked the captain.

“Not anytime soon,” the captain said.

“Ah, how unfortunate.”

“Cornwall?” Jonesie’s eyes widened.

“We are quite the travelers.” Colin put an arm about his valet’s shoulders.

“Very adventurous,” Niles said, and Jonesie’s lashes fluttered more.

Colin chuckled. “Even the snow can’t keep us away. I suppose we’ll have to find an inn before the next ship to London. There won’t be time to see my friends.”

“You want to return directly to London too?”

“More time with you, my dear.” Colin winked, but instead of smiling or blushing, she turned her head sharply toward her maid. He sighed. “Actually, I’m not trying to follow you. It is essential I reach Cornwall.”

Colin extended his hand to Portia to help her into the shore boat. She pasted an unwelcome frown on her face and marched onto the boat herself.

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