The Duke of Christmas Past by Kim Bowman

Author:Kim Bowman
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Tags: paranormal, christmas, time travel, regency, clean romance, sweet romance, second time around
Publisher: Astraea Press

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Donovan's senses prickled at his consciousness, pulling him awake. People chattered in hushed tones, pottery pieces pinged as they clanked against each other, probably a maid cleaning up the broken pot, and ever so quietly, music played. Something cool and soft dabbed at his forehead. His eyes fluttered open, and Tess's face swam into view.

"It serves you right," she scolded, pressing a cold compress to his cheek.

"W-w-what happened?"

She let out an exasperated sigh. "Lord Norcross took exception to your unfounded attack on his person and broke a chair over your head."

Over her shoulder, Lord Kringle tsked. "I expect this type of behavior from Paisley. But you, Gatewood?"

The thrumming in his skull made it impossible for him to speak, much less express regret to his host for such behavior. He tried to sit up. Searing pain shot through his head and he groaned.

"Take it easy. You took a nasty blow to the head." Tess tried to push him back down, but he wanted none of it and sat up.

The room swirled in every direction, making him sick at his stomach, and he dropped his head in his hands. He definitely should have stayed down longer. Almost wished he was still unconscious. Then he wouldn't have to face what an utter fool he'd been, how shamefully he'd acted. Let me wake up. I beg you, have mercy and let this nightmare end now.

"I say! You've gone quite pale, Gatewood. Best I send for the doctor," Lord Kringle said.

"That's very gracious, but not necessary. I'll be fine in a moment." He'd created enough scandal for one night. It was past time that he leave.

He glanced around. "Where's Delia?"

"I'm sorry, Donovan. She left."

"Of course she did. Do you know where she went?"

Tess bit her lip. "Promise you'll hold your temper when I tell you."

He knew. Heaven above, he knew where they'd gone. And it was all his fault. To say he'd made a mull of it was putting it lightly. "They headed to Gretna Green, didn't they?"

She sighed. "Delia said it was the only way, because you'd never consent to letting them marry."

Cursing under his breath, he staggered to his feet. "Lord Kringle, would you be so kind as to have my carriage brought around and see that Miss Warren gets home safely."

"The footman is already fetching the coach and my wrap," Tess said, handing him his hat and gloves. "I'm coming with you."

"I appreciate the offer, but—"

"You've just sustained a nasty injury to the head and could very well have a concussion. You are in no condition to travel alone." She pulled her gloves on. "Not to mention that when you find Delia, she's going to be in no mood to listen to you."

Guilt stabbed at his conscience. Her reputation had already been tarnished tonight because of him. The last thing he wanted was to cause her more scandal. But what if he never saw her again? Things with Delia had already turned out far worse than they had the first time he'd attended this blasted ball.

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