Love and Mistletoe Page 3

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  www.authordawnbrower.com

  Also by Dawn Brower

  Broken Pearl

  Deadly Benevolence

  A Wallflower’s Christmas Kiss

  A Gypsy’s Christmas Kiss

  Snowflake Kisses

  Kindred Lies

  * * *

  Begin Again

  There You’ll Be

  Better as a Memory

  Won’t Let Go

  * * *

  Enduring Legacy

  The Legacy’s Origin

  Charming Her Rogue

  * * *

  Scandal Meets Love

  Love Only Me (Amanda Mariel)

  Find Me Love (Dawn Brower)

  If It’s Love (Amanda Mariel)

  Odds of Love (Dawn Brower)

  * * *

  Bluestockings Defying Rogues

  When An Earl Turns Wicked

  A Lady Hoyden’s Secret

  One Wicked Kiss

  Earl In Trouble

  All the Ladies Love Coventry

  * * *

  Marsden Descendants

  Rebellious Angel

  Tempting An American Princess

  * * *

  Marsden Romances

  A Flawed Jewel

  A Crystal Angel

  A Treasured Lily

  A Sanguine Gem

  A Hidden Ruby

  A Discarded Pearl

  * * *

  Novak Springs

  Cowgirl Fever

  Dirty Proof

  Unbridled Pursuit

  Sensual Games

  Christmas Tempatation

  * * *

  Linked Across Time

  Saved by My Blackguard

  Searching for My Rogue

  Seduction of My Rake

  Surrendering to My Spy

  Spellbound by My Charmer

  Stolen by My Knave

  Separated from My Love

  Scheming with My Duke

  Secluded with My Hellion

  * * *

  Heart’s Intent

  One Heart to Give

  Unveiled Hearts

  Heart of the Moment

  Kiss My Heart Goodbye

  Heart in Waiting

  * * *

  Broken Curses

  The Enchanted Princess

  The Bespelled Knight

  The Magical Hunt

  * * *

  Ever Beloved

  Forever My Earl

  Always My Viscount

  Infinitely My Marquess

  * * *

  Kismet Bay

  Once Upon a Christmas

  New Year Revelation

  All Things Valentine

  Luck At First Sight

  Coming Soon

  Endless Summer Days

  About Dawn Brower

  USA TODAY Bestselling author, DAWN BROWER writes both historical and contemporary romance. There are always stories inside her head; she just never thought she could make them come to life. That creativity has finally found an outlet.

  * * *

  Growing up she was the only girl out of six children. She is a single mother of two teenage boys; there is never a dull moment in her life. Reading books is her favorite hobby and she loves all genres.

  Excerpt: Chance of Love

  Scandal Meets Love

  Dawn Brower

  Prologue

  April 1816

  Spring had always been her favorite season. Lady Lenora St. Martin didn’t have much else to look forward to and the very idea of new beginnings appealed to her. Every spring new life sprouted and the barren landscape was filled with beauty and wonder. That also applied to the London ballrooms. New debutantes were launched in society and the latest crop of true English beauties was put on display for those gentlemen in search of a wife.

  Lenora had never been considered a beauty…

  She’d accepted her lot in life a long time ago. She had dark brown hair and hazel eyes, both boring. Her attributes along with her shyness kept her position as a wallflower secure. No one noticed her and most of the time that was all right with her. A crowded ballroom tended to bring out her worst anxieties. Her cousin Bennett, the Marquess of Holton, insisted she attend social gatherings. Lenora understood his reasons even if she didn’t particularly agree with them. Bennett hoped she’d find a suitor, fall in love, and then marry so she could have a family of her own. All of those things sounded wonderful. None of them were likely to happen. At least not with her…

  This ball, the one most debutantes and their mothers clamored to attend, was a good example. The young misses were all flirting with their gentlemen suitors and their mothers gossiped with other matrons. The wallflowers did what they did best—hugged the walls. Lenora; on the other hand, did none of that. She didn’t merely stand by the wall hoping some wayward gentleman would discover her and lead her to the dance floor. That would have been too simple and probably preferred by her cousin. No, Lenora didn’t do anything by normal standards. She hated to be noticed and would have loved to have remained at home reading one of her favorite novels. So she attempted to make the best of a terrible situation and hid in the darkest most obscure corner she could find.

  Spring might mean new beginnings, but it also meant new social gatherings. It led to her greatest discomfort and she dreaded it. If she’d been left alone to walk in the gardens or bask in the warmth of sunlight streaming through her bedroom window she’d have been gloriously happy. Instead she was forced into ballrooms and hiding in corners.

  “What’s a lovely woman such as yourself doing in this dark corner?” His voice was as warm as honey on a hot summer day. It’s tempting sweetness washed over her and made her crave a taste…of something. He was also the biggest rake in all of London. Julian Everleigh, the Duke of Ashley was a notorious seducer. “Come dance with me little mouse.”

  Lenora wrinkled her nose at his endearment for her. She adored Julian, but she knew better than to accept anything he offered. He visited her cousin often enough she should be unaffected by his flirtations. They thrilled her though and she wanted to savor them whenever he deigned to speak to her. “No thank you,” she said softly. “I’m all right, promise.”

  He chuckled lightly and then tilted his lips upward into the most sinful smile she’d ever witnessed. Not that she’d seen many… Most gentlemen failed to notice her let alone smile purposely in her direction. “You shouldn’t promise something that isn’t true little one,” he said. “I don’t ever bother with a promise because I know myself too well. I’ll break them the first chance presented to me.” Julian winked at her and it sent flutters through her stomach she’d never felt before in her entire life. “Instead I’ll ensure you will never forget dancing with me. I’m quite good at it.” He held out his hand. “Now please, do me the honor of spending a few moments with me. I’m in desperate need of protection from unwanted advances.” He leaned down just enough so that she could feel his warm breath when he spoke. “Are you willing to be my savior?”

  In that moment she’d have promised him anything, but she held back. He said promises were nothing to him. The duke openly admitted to breaking them often. The vow she was about to make would be empty words to him. So instead she smiled, even if it was a little wobbly. Dancing in front of everyone terrified her. “I can try…”

  “That’s all anyone can ask,” he told her.

  Why did he have to be so gorgeous? He was too handsome and way too pretty to be paying any attention to her. His golden blond hair rivaled the sun in brilliance and his blue eyes were more dazzling than the most exquisite sapphire. She could easily become lost in his charming veneer if she allowed herself to be. “I supp…suppose,” she stuttered over the word. Lenora cleared her throat and began again. “I suppos
e that is true.”

  “So?” He lifted a brow. “Will you join me for the next set?”

  She nodded as the strands of a waltz filled the room. Lenora almost groaned when she realized what she’d agreed to. The waltz was the most intimate dances and she’d never danced one with a male other than her cousin. Heck, she’d never danced at all with a male besides her cousin… That didn’t detract from her dilemma. A waltz with the duke would cause a stir and she’d be so close to him… Her hand shook as she placed it in his. “Lead the way, Your Grace.”

  He led her to the floor and then he twirled her into the dance before she had time to change her mind, and she’d been close to doing so. The closer she’d stepped toward the light and the prying gazes of the ton she’d become increasingly more anxious. He’d been wise to take the decision away from her.

  Julian was an amazing dancer, but that shouldn’t have surprised her. Everything about him or that he did seemed to be perfect. “Now,” he began. “This doesn’t seem so bad does it, little one?”

  At least he hadn’t called her a mouse again… “No,” she agreed. It was actually quite exhilarating. Lenora felt as if she was floating on air.

  “I’ve always considered dancing to be too decadent to be done properly in a public forum,” he began. “At least the sort I prefer.”

  She pushed her eyebrows together. “I’m not sure I follow…”

  “I wouldn’t expect you would,” he replied secretively. “One day you might understand. Perhaps you’ll tell me when you do.” The corner of his lip turned upward almost…arrogantly. As if only he really understood the secrets of the world…

  “I suspect, Your Grace, that our paths won’t cross much in the coming years.” The duke might be one of her cousin’s friends, but she fully expected, at some juncture, to live on her own. Once she reached her majoring in a few months she planned to travel. Maybe to Italy… She hadn’t fully decided yet. “We don’t keep the same company and in time the little connections we have will dissipate.”

  “Perhaps,” he agreed. “Time will tell I suppose.” He twirled her around the floor expertly.

  Lenora wouldn’t ever forget this moment. She would likely never dance again, at least not like this. She was grateful she’d allowed the duke to convince her to participate. Afterward she’d likely find her way to her favorite corner to hide. In her darkest moments she’d be able to travel back to this waltz and recall it, and Julian fondly. If she believed she had a chance of something more with him… She shook that thought away. Loving him was a terrible idea and perhaps the only thing she regretted. This was a kindness, while out of character for him, but she shouldn’t expect anything else from him.

  The strands of the waltz ended and disappointment filled her. She’d tried to brush his request off at the start and now she never wanted the dance to end. The duke twirled her one last time around the floor and then led her to where their dance had begun. He bowed and kissed her gloved hand. “Thank you for your benevolence, my lady.” His blue eyes twinkled with mischief. “And for being my protector when I need it.”

  She should be thanking him. He had awakened feelings in her she’d believed long buried. Her heart burst with happiness and affection for this man. “You don’t require my protection any more than you needed to dance with me.” She frowned. Lenora still couldn’t discern his motives for insisting on leading her in the waltz. “Either way the dance was lovely. I’m grateful I didn’t insist against it.”

  He laughed lightly and shook his head. “Little mouse you’re always so formal.” Julian bowed again. “The pleasure was all mine.” He glanced over his shoulder and then back at her. “Pardon me,” he said. “I must attend to something important.” His smile was bright and appeared genuine. “Enjoy the rest of your evening, my lady.” With those words he spun on his heels and headed in the opposite direction.

  Lenora smiled as she watched him wander off. She was starting to believe she had misjudged him. He’d been charming, as expected, but also kind and generous with his time. The duke hadn’t been required to dance with her. No gentleman was. That made his attention all the more precious to her.

  She wandered away from her favorite corner willingly for the first time all evening. Earlier didn’t count because Julian had to coax her away from it. Perhaps she should leave the ballroom and explore the gardens. It was starting to become suffocating in the ballroom. Lenora’s happiness was nearly bursting from within her. She hugged herself and twirled around as she made her way down the empty hallway leading to the balcony. There was a small staircase on the balcony that led down to the gardens.

  Voices echoed back to her. Two male voices to be more precise and both were recognizable.

  “Did she dance?” Her cousin asked. Why was Bennett so concerned about her dancing? Why couldn’t he leave her to make her own decisions?

  “Of course she did,” Julian responded. “Do you doubt my ability to charm a woman?” He sounded so…disgusted. Was that because he had to dance with Lenora or because Bennett had doubted his ability? “I can coax any woman to do, well, anything,” he boasted. “But a wallflower? That’s not even a challenge.”

  She’d been jubilant until that moment. Now every amount of joy she’d held inside of her deflated in an instant. He’d appeared so kind earlier… How had she gotten it so wrong?

  “Attention from you should have caught the notice of all the eligible gentleman in the room,” Bennett said. “They’ll want to know why the Duke of Ashley bothered with a wallflower. Soon she’ll have more callers than she wants.”

  She didn’t want any callers… A part of her hated her cousin for insinuating himself into her life this way. Why did he ask his friend to pay attention to her? Did he hate having her live with him that much? She’d thought they were closer than that…

  “I’ve done you this favor,” the duke said. “Don’t ask it of me ever again.” His tone was harsh and unyielding. It stabbed her in her fragile heart. She’d been on the brink of falling in love with him. The Duke of Ashley didn’t deserve her affection. Lenora doubted he was worthy of any woman’s love.

  Tears stung her eyes and slid down her cheek. She brushed them away with a swipe of her fingertips. They wouldn’t help her and they were as useless as her ability to read people. Lenora hardened her heart in that moment. She’d never play the fool again. It was time she learned to weave her way through society without letting another touch her soul again. She’d never be so easily duped again, but she had a lot to learn. There was one person who could teach her and she’d do whatever it took to convince her. That one person was the new Lulia Prescott—the gypsy Duchess of Clare...

  With her decision made she rushed out of the ballroom and walked all the way to the Holton townhouse. She’d need a good night of rest before she started her journey. Her first stop would be Tenby, Wales to visit with the duchess. After that she’d travel as planned. When she returned to London again she’d be an entirely different, better woman.

  Chapter 1

  April 1818

  Lady Lenora St. Martin stared across the ballroom floor. It had been two years since she’d attended this particular matron’s yearly ball. The Loxton ball had been when she’d finally been awakened to the possibilities life had to offer and when she realized Julian Everleigh, the Duke of Ashley was not only a rake, but also worthless. At least to her…

  Two years working with the tutor that Lulia helped her find had changed her immensely. No longer was she the shy mouse who hovered in a corner. Now she was vibrant, strong, and determined to be the toast of the ton. She still had no real desire to marry. Lenora was content to become a rich spinster that created her own path and found happiness in something other than a man or a family.

  This ball was her new start. The spring of her previous dreary life... Her dull brown hair was now streaked with gold from the time she spent in the Italian sun. Her drab hazel eyes sparkled with gold flecks she hadn’t noticed before. Instead of an insipid white gown
she’d dressed herself in the latest fashion. Her gown still had white worked through it, but it was also lined with blue satin and lace. The design emphasized her décolletage and hugged her curves. In short it was pure decadence.

  “Are you sure you are prepared for this step,” her escort asked. Luca Dragomir was a member of the royal family of the tiny island of Dacia, and the tutor Lulia had enlisted to assist her. Spending time in the warmth of Dacia, as well as, the Italian coast had helped heal her heart and find the strength she needed to change. Luca was handsome and confident, and not once since they became acquainted did he condescend to her. He’d treated her as if her opinion mattered…

  She patted his arm and replied to his earlier question, “There will never be a more perfect time to return to London society.” Lenora glanced up at him. His dark hair and sea-green eyes along with his tanned skin made him stand out against the dandies parading around the ballroom. The London ladies would swarm him and fawn over him. He was different and more or less, a prince. He was fifth in line to inherit the title, but that wouldn’t matter to the marriage minded misses and their mothers.

  “If you’re certain…” He wound his arm with hers. “Then let’s see where this leads us.” Luca led her down the staircase that descended into the ballroom. Heads turned to stare at them as they slowly walked toward them all.

  “I do believe we’re making an entrance,” he leaned down and whispered. “But is it a good one?” He lifted a brow.

  As they continued their trek toward the bottom of the stairs a servant announced them. “Lady Lenora St. Martin and Prince Luca Dragomir, His Royal Highness of Dacia.”