Smitten with My Christmas Minx: Linked Across Time Book 15 Read online

  Smitten with My Christmas Minx

  Linked Across Time Book 15

  Dawn Brower

  For everyone who makes a wish for love, and especially, for those that wish for someone to share the holidays with. May this story warm your heart.

  Contents

  Prologue

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Epilogue

  Afterword

  About The Author

  Also by Dawn Brower

  Acknowledgments

  Excerpt: Searching for My Rogue

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Excerpt: The Vixen in Red

  Dawn Brower

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to actual locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

  Smitten with My Christmas Minx Copyright © 2020 Dawn Brower

  Cover art by Victoria Miller

  All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced electronically or in print without written permission, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in reviews.

  Prologue

  December 1865

  Lady Adeline Carwyn stared out the window of the library at Whitewood Abbey. Snow fell from the sky in big fluffy flakes and landed on the ground in soft piles. Flurries filled the night sky making the stars almost indistinguishable against the blinding white snowflakes. Still she stared, hoping a wishing star might make an appearance.

  Because…she needed one.

  She was tired of being unloved. All right, that was a slight over-dramatization. Her family adored her. Her parents were the best a girl could have, and her grandparents were doting. Her little brother, as annoying as he was, loved her too. But that wasn’t the same as being in love. She was one and twenty and had yet to feel anything resembling romantic love for a man. Adeline wanted what her parents, the Duke and Duchess of Whitewood, had. Perhaps that was too much to ask.

  “What is so interesting outside?” her little brother, Jamie asked. He was named after their grandfather, James Kendall, the Duke of Weston. He was eight years her junior, and from what she understood, a complete surprise to both her parents. They thought they wouldn’t have any more children.

  “Nothing,” she answered lightly. He was three and ten and had the curiosity of any young boy. “The storm seems to be going strong. I hope it doesn’t prevent anyone from visiting for Christmas.” They were having a house party that would last until the new year. Two weeks with family and friends they hadn’t seen in a while. She was looking forward to seeing her younger cousin, Francesca Kendall. Jamie would be excited to see their other cousins, Spencer Kendall and Oliver Rossington. Both boys were younger than Adeline, but older than James, and like her little brother, the heirs to the title their fathers’ held. Francesca was three years younger than Adeline.

  “It better not,” he said mulishly. “Mother promised we’d have a grand time with everyone and even promised I could come to the Christmas ball.”

  “Really?” she said as she lifted a brow. “The entire night?”

  “No,” he said and sighed. “I can only stay until we decorate the tree and after the first dance is completed.”

  They usually decorated the tree as a family, but this year her mother, Elizabeth, had decided to break with tradition. They would have a day of creating decorations for the tree, and then the night of the ball everyone would put their creations on it before the festivities began. “That sounds more like what mother would agree to.”

  He wrinkled his nose. “I don’t care to stay for dancing anyway. That’s something girls like.”

  “Oh,” she began. “I don’t know about that. You might feel differently when you’re older. Some gentlemen enjoy dancing very much.” And some avoided it altogether…

  “Not me,” he replied stubbornly. “I’ll never like it.”

  Adeline leaned down and ruffled his hair with her hands. They both had the same golden blond locks and blue eyes like their parents. Jamie was starting to look a lot like a younger version of their father, and Adeline favored her mother. No one would look at either of them and doubt who their parents were. “I believe you.” Their father didn’t care for dancing much either. He only gave in when their mother wished it. The duke would do anything for his duchess. Their love shined from them both, and it made Adeline envious. She glanced back out the window, but no star dared to shoot across the sky. Perhaps she should make a wish anyway. It might still come true.

  “Have fun staring out the window,” Jamie said. “I’m going to do something productive.”

  “Such as?” she asked with curiosity.

  “I’m whittling a few pieces of wood for gifts. I have to finish the horse I’m making for grandpa.” That was a brilliant idea. Adeline wished she had a similar skill so she could make something creative as a gift. Jamie was very talented, and it was part of his special abilities. He was tactile and got impressions from items after people touched them. Adeline, unfortunately, in her estimation was an empath. She felt too much and sometimes when she was around individuals their emotions became hers. It made socializing difficult and also falling in love. It made her mistrust her own feelings.

  “I can’t wait to see them.” She lifted her lips into an affable smile. “Go finish your gifts. I’m going to sit here a little while longer.”

  “I’ll show you when I’m done,” he promised, then skipped out of the room.

  Adeline turned back to the window. The snow had lightened and wasn’t blowing around as much. The sky was more visible, and the stars seemed to blink at her. She sighed. What did that mean? She decided not to question it any longer. There was no reason to keep waiting for a shooting star. It was an impossible expectation, and it didn’t mean her wish would come true.

  Instead of hoping for the impossible, she closed her eyes and sent her hopes and dreams out into the world. She wanted love, even if it only existed for one night alone, it would be enough, she promised.

  It wasn’t too much to ask, at least she prayed it wouldn’t be. A handsome man who saw her, and not her father’s title and fortune. Someone that would kiss her until she lost the ability to breathe, touch her as if she were irresistible, and speak sweet words to her until her heart pounded inside her chest. A moment of love and a lifetime of memories. It would be enough. God, she hoped it would be…

  Adeline opened her eyes and stared up at the sky. Nothing had changed outside, and she didn’t feel any different inside. Maybe her wish had been for nothing, but she didn’t think so. Guests should start arriving tomorrow, and perhaps, if her wish had been heard, it would include someone for her to love.

  And maybe his love would be real, and not generated by a wish from a fanciful lady desperate for something tangible.

  Chapter 1

  Two days later…

  Devon Hayes, the Earl of Winchester, stared out the carriage window and sighed. He couldn’t believe his best friend, Zachariah Barton, the Marquess of Merrifield, had convinced him that attending this Christmas ball was a good idea. He hated house parties, and Christmas had never been much of a joyous occasion to him. The only time he ever enjoyed the holiday season was when he had been fortunate enough to spend it with Zachariah’s family when they we
re still attending Eton.

  “I promise it will not be that bad,” Merrifield said for the hundredth time in the past several hours. “Try to at least pretend you’re willing to enjoy yourself. There will be other individuals there that you’re acquainted with.”

  Devon turned to him and lifted a brow. “And who pray tell might that be?”

  “Goodland and Lindsey for sure,” Merrifield replied. “Maybe Hampstead. He never decides until the last second, but his sister is supposed to attend and she’ll need a chaperone. I’m willing to wager his mother will make him attend.”

  Jonah Adams, the Viscount of Goodland; Matthew Grant, the Duke of Lindsey; and Daniel Andrews, the Earl of Hampstead were their close friends, but that still didn’t mean Devon was remotely excited to be attending this fortnight of frippery cheerful nonsense. It was enough to make his stomach turn. “You’re telling me what you think I want to hear.” He glared at his friend. “None of them are going to attend, are they?”

  “They might,” Merrifield insisted.

  All three of their other friends would most likely be returning home to celebrate with their families. They still had parents that doted on them. It was just Devon and Merrifield that were orphans. Merrifield at least still had his mother, but he avoided her at all costs. His friend didn’t mix well with the frosty glares the old dame shot his way.

  Devon had been on his own since he was five years old. His governess had raised him and then he’d been sent off to school when he’d come of age. After that he dealt with solicitors for guardians and servants as companions. While Merrifield’s mother delivered cold dressing downs without batting an eyelash, Devon had no one to bother even being disapproving. His life was barren except for his friends, and he liked it that way. He had no desire to expand his social circle or search for a wife. There was only one place in his life for a woman, in his bed pleasing him, and he didn’t need to shackle himself to one for the rest of his life for that.

  “That’s what I thought.” Devon ran his hand through his dark brown hair. “You lied to me.”

  “I did not,” Merrifield said. He almost sounded offended for Devon calling him on his malarkey. “They might and that’s the truth. They told me they would come later, after their family celebrations.”

  “So,” Devon began. “Their attendance might be for a day or two and we’ll be stuck here for fourteen. That’s hardly a fair arrangement.” If he didn’t like Merrifield, Devon might consider murder…or a maiming at least. Either way, he’d make his friend pay for the torture he was forcing Devon to endure.

  “I still think you’re acting like a spoiled child,” Merrifield told him. Frustration was etched through his voice. “I had to come to this you know that. Would you really have left me to suffer alone?”

  Devon sighed. Again. He might keep repeating that annoyed release several times over the next several days. Merrifield was right. He would not have left him to attend the house party on his own. His friend did not have control of his purse as yet. He wouldn’t until he reached his majority in three more years, or he married. The man in charge of Merrifield’s funds was making him attend the festivities. Merrifield had to make an appearance twice a year so the Duke of Whitewood could have a chat with him and ensure he had done nothing stupid, then he’d approve his allowance for the next quarter, and Merrifield hated every second of it.

  “You could marry and be done with Whitewood and his constant interrogation,” Devon goaded him.

  “You’re really in a surly mood, aren’t you?” Merrifield kicked him in the shin from across the carriage. “What are you going to suggest next?” He lifted a brow. “That I marry the duke’s daughter?”

  “Is she a marriageable age?” He might regret the direction the conversation had taken, but now that he’d started he couldn’t stop. “He might look at you more kindly if his daughter falls in love with you.”

  “Not a chance in hell,” Merrifield said in disgust. “I’d rather eat mud pies for the next several months than…” He shuddered. “Marry his plain daughter.”

  Devon had never met the duke’s daughter. He didn’t even know her name and didn’t want to find out either. Becoming acquainted with any eligible female was not even at the bottom of his list of endeavors. It didn’t rate an addition to begin with. “Plain isn’t ugly,” he said. Merrifield might punch him next…

  “It isn’t exactly beautiful either.” He blew out an exasperated breath. “The point is moot either way. She could be the loveliest woman I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting, and I still wouldn’t marry her. You do not understand what the duke is like. He’s a bloody pirate out of time. I’d swear he would love to take me out to sea and make me walk the plank if that was still acceptable.”

  “Now you’re exaggerating. No one would do that, and a duke wouldn’t resort to piracy to begin with. I don’t believe he’s as bad as you’re making him out to be.”

  “All right maybe he isn’t a pirate but he’d make a good one. He has all the characteristics. I don’t know how my father ever became friends with him and thought he’d make a suitable guardian for me. He’s insane I tell you.”

  “I will reserve judgement,” Devon said. The more he heard about this pirate like duke, the more he wanted to meet him. He really didn’t believe he could be as horrid as Merrifield believed.

  Adeline had worn her oldest gown and borrowed an apron from one of the maids to hang decorations in the library. It was her favorite room in the manor, and she wanted to give it her personal touches. She stepped off the ladder after she finished hanging boughs of holly along the beams on the ceiling. Adeline wiped sweat from her brow and stared up at her work. It looked even and gorgeous against the dark wood. The holly was evenly dispersed. Now all she had to do was hang the mistletoe in the center of the room. Her mother had this silly notion that they needed lots of mistletoe throughout the entire house. Did she really believe everyone would give in to the urge to kiss because of the tradition? That would be scandalous, and Adeline would not find herself caught in anything that might lead to her ruin. But her mother wanted them, and Adeline wouldn’t disappoint her.

  “It looks lovely,” her mother, Elizabeth, the Duchess of Whitewood said. “You’re a miracle worker. I might have you supervise the ballroom decorations for the dance when its time.”

  “If you would like me to, then yes, I’d be happy to assist.” Adeline lifted her lips into a congenial smile. “I enjoy being creative.”

  Her mother wiped her nose. “You have a little dust gathering on your face. You should finish up in here and take a bath. I wouldn’t want you looking like a servant at dinner.”

  “A bath would be nice,” she admitted. “I have a few more things to do in here, and then I’ll head up to my chambers and do that.” Adeline hated leaving anything unfinished. It drove her a bit mad if something was out of place or rearranged. She had to fix it immediately before she left the room.

  “I’ll leave you to finish. Guests are starting to arrive and I need to ensure they’re greeted and shown to their rooms.”

  Adeline nodded. “If you need help with anything let me know. I’ll be happy to entertain some of the guests.” This was her home, and she wanted everyone to love it as much as she did. Though to be fair she didn’t think that was possible. There were so many memories in the manor that couldn’t be appreciated unless they had been experienced. No one would truly love it as much as she did, except her family. One day it would be long to Jamie, and if she never married she’d be nothing more than a spinster dependent on her brother’s generosity.

  “I’m sure it’ll all be fine,” her mother said. “But if I need your assistance, I’ll send a servant to fetch you.” She kissed her cheek. “Be a good girl and take care of yourself first.” With those words, her mother turned and left the room.

  “Lady Adeline,” Sally, a maid said. “Is this how you want it hung?”

  She turned toward Sally and studied how she was hanging the holly along the w
all. “Yes,” she said, “But straighten it a bit. It’s uneven.”

  The maid followed her directions, and it was perfect. “Like this?” she asked.

  “Yes,” Adeline said. “Like that.”

  “Are you certain,” a man asked. His tone was rich and warm, like hot honey and whisky.

  Adeline turned to meet his gaze and swallowed hard. He had to be the handsomest man she’d ever laid eyes on. His hair was a rich burnished brown that appeared sun kissed even in the middle of the winter, and his eyes were a stunning gold that mesmerized her. “My apologies,” she began. Her voice cracked a little as she spoke. “Do you not think it looks good?”

  “Oh,” he said, and grinned widely. “It looks all right. I wouldn’t know if it was bad or not. I only inquired if you were certain it is how you want it. You were nibbling on your bottom lip as if you wanted to fix it yourself. It was adorable really.”

  Gentlemen didn’t talk to her. They ignored her, and Adeline didn’t know how to react to this one. Though to be fair she rarely attended balls or interacted in society. She’d had one terrible season and given up. Socializing wasn’t for her, and she always messed up. “I’m sure it is how I wanted it to be.” She somehow kept her voice from cracking as she spoke. That in itself was more of a miracle than she expected. “Are you lost?” That sounded stupid… “I mean, have you been shown to your bedchamber yet?”

  “Are you offering to escort me there?” He wiggled his eyebrows suggestively. “I could pretend that I’m lost if you want to join me there.”