A Wallflower's Christmas Kiss (Connected by a Kiss Book 3) Read online

  “Thank you,” Grayson said. He pulled out enough to pay him for the service. “The ceremony was lovely.”

  “If there is time, I believe in doing it right. The two of you appear to love each other deeply, and deserved a real wedding.” He picked up a piece of parchment and handed it to Grayson. “This is a marriage certificate. In case it’s needed. If you need me to verify any of it please let me know.”

  Grayson nodded and turned toward Juliette, “Well, Your Grace.” His lips tilted upward. “I believe that’s our cue to let these lovely people enjoy their evening in peace. Let’s go back to the inn and rest. I believe you promised I could sleep a whole night through.”

  She laughed. “That’s not how I recall it.”

  “Oh?” He lifted a brow. Grayson opened the smithy’s door and helped her outside. “Then please tell me what you said.”

  “I don’t believe I mentioned you having a whole night of sleep, you decided to join me as I fell into that blissful state.”

  This was the side of Grayson she enjoyed. He was happy, carefree, and playful. Maybe the rake would join her in bed that evening—for more than a good night’s rest. For their marriage to be indisputable they should consummate it. Perhaps she should point that out.

  “I believe you’re correct,” he agreed. “It’s good of you to allow me to encroach on your plans.”

  They strolled toward the inn and stopped when they noticed the driver waving at them. “Didn’t he have something important to tell you?”

  Grayson nodded. “I’ll speak with him. Go inside the inn and have the innkeeper show you to our room.” He kissed the top of her head. “This shouldn’t take long.”

  Juliette nodded and went inside. She found the innkeeper immediately and he had one of the maids escort her to her room. A steaming hot bath greeted her. An idea formed in her head, one that should get Grayson’s attention. Maybe this was his plan all along... If he were to find her in her bath it would be a good excuse to abandon his declaration of a name only marriage. Who was she to deny him that excuse? After all she wanted to make love to him and have a real marriage.

  Juliette removed her attire and stepped into the bath. It shouldn’t be too long before he returned...

  CHAPTER NINE

  Grayson waited for Juliette to go inside before he approached the driver. He didn’t want to give her any reason to worry. The driver was practically bounding on the heels of his feet. Whatever news he had to impart was dire enough to make the man anxious. That couldn’t be good.

  “What is the problem?” he asked.

  “There are men here searching for Lady Juliette,” he replied. “They were questioning the stable hands.”

  It was as he expected. Her father had leaped to the conclusion Juliette had ran away to marry. At least he could rest easy with the actual ceremony over. Although it hadn’t been consummated, and that technicality could give her father room to question the validity of the marriage. His ridiculous demand it be a marriage in name only was coming back to haunt him. How was he to explain this to his new wife? He’d wanted to change the nature of their marriage, but had hoped to ease her into the idea. She was exhausted from their journey and now he had to be a cad and demand his right to bed her. It was either that or battle her father every step of the way. He’d not take that chance with Juliette’s life. It was clear her father had no idea what was best for her or he’d not have sought to tie her to Lord Payne.

  “Is it only her they are seeking, or do they realize she is traveling with me?”

  The more information he had the better his chances were of protecting her. Afterwards he’d go up to their room and try to explain it all to her. She deserved the truth, and he’d make sure he was always honest with her. He was far from perfect, but for her he’d make an effort to be what she needed. When she came to him for help he’d scoffed at the idea. Now he couldn’t imagine a better fate for him. The wedding ceremony had taken him aback at first. It was more meaningful than he expected from an elopement to Gretna Green. The smithy had a romantic heart or perhaps he saw more than either Grayson or Juliette did. Was there a chance they could find love together? The idea of such an emotion hadn’t ever occurred to him. Love was for other people, not him.

  “No, Your Grace,” the driver said. “They assume she is with a man, but the identity of him is unknown. They are focusing their queries to her description and saying she may be with a man.”

  “Good,” he replied. “If they question you attempt to steer them in a different direction. I don’t want them disturbing us tonight. I will deal with everything in the morning. My wife deserves a night free from worry and to rest.”

  “Very well, Your Grace.” He nodded. “Will you need anything else from me tonight?”

  “No,” he said. “Don’t hesitate to let me know if there is something requiring my attention before morning. If all else fails err on the side of caution. My wife’s safety is my upmost concern.” What if it wasn’t her father looking for her? He still found it odd Lord Payne had been willing to marry Juliette. What had he gained from the match? If it had been important to him he’d want to prevent her from marrying elsewhere. “While you’re looking into it find out who it is exactly that is searching for my wife. I assume it’s her father, but I don’t want any surprises.”

  He nodded. “I will keep vigilant on the matter.”

  “Goodnight,” Grayson said. “Have the carriage ready at first light. The sooner we leave for home the better. I hope to avoid any entanglements and arrive at my country seat without any incident.”

  The driver nodded and headed toward the stable, where he’d bed down for the evening. Grayson returned his attention to the inn. Juliette waited for him in their room. He wasn’t sure if he should return to her side now, or give her more time to prepare for bed. He’d ordered a bath for her and she should be taking advantage of it. If he returned too soon he might interrupt her, and as much as he’d like to see her in all her glory—he didn’t want to embarrass her either. He respected her too much to take advantage of her, or the situation.

  He’d always cared about Juliette, and he supposed he’d loved her in his own way. Albeit, not in a romantic sense, but perhaps he’d been wrong. Maybe that was why he’d always kept tabs on her. He’d wanted to have some connection to her even if he believed he couldn’t have her himself. Now that she belonged to him he refused to ever let her go. She might be all right with having a real marriage. He hoped so anyway, especially as she wasn’t the one who’d foolishly demanded it. She’d probably expected to share a bed with him. It was a risk she’d been willing to take by asking him to marry her. No doubt it was one of the things she weighed her choices against.

  Dawdling outside wasn’t helping him make any decisions. He should go inside the inn and at least get warm in the main room. After that he could make a decision to join her immediately, or wait until he believed she’d fallen asleep. He stepped through the entrance and was grateful for the heat that welcomed him. The innkeeper greeted him as soon as he noticed his entrance.

  “Your wife is settled in your chamber. Would you like me to have a maid show you to your room?” he asked.

  “Not yet,” he replied. “Can you have a meal sent up?”

  “Yes, Your Grace,” he said. “We have a mutton stew and bread. It’s not much...”

  “It’ll do,” he replied. “Send up something warm to drink as well, and I’ll have a mug of ale now in the common room.”

  The innkeeper nodded. “Aye, Your Grace,” he replied. “Let me know when you’d like to be shown up to your room. For now I’ll have a maid bring your wife a meal.”

  Satisfied he’d done his duty and ensured Juliette would be taken care of he headed into the main room. He found a seat near the hearth and reveled in the warmth. A few moments later a server brought him a mug of ale. He still hadn’t decided if he was going to join Juliette after her bath or much later. By his estimation he still had time to make a decision. Ladies took the
ir time with their ablutions.

  He took a sip of his ale and almost spit it back in the cup. It was a watered down mess that barely made it fit to consume. Grayson stared at the contents and considered his option: finish the ale, set it aside and ignore it, or just give in and find his room. It was where he wanted to be.

  “What brings you to Scotland of all places? Please tell me you’re not here to elope. You’ve sworn off marriage as long as I’ve known you.”

  Grayson turned and found Lord Payne standing directly behind him. He was at a loss for words, and really hated his assumption had been correct. The viscount had a reason for wanting Juliette—one he feared he’d not like much.

  “Marriage isn’t for everyone,” Grayson replied evasively. “Although I have friends who swear by it.”

  Lord Payne laughed. “I should’ve known you wouldn’t be caught in the parson’s trap.” He clapped him on the shoulder. “Now, I believe marriage will suit me fine. As soon as I take care of some unfinished business here I’m heading to London to sign a betrothal contract.”

  That was good news of a sort. He hadn’t signed the contract yet so he had no legal claim on Juliette. It was something he could work with. Since he wasn’t officially tied to her, the viscount couldn’t demand he take her back to her father. Grayson, as her husband, could legally tell him to go to hell.

  “What business do you have here?”

  Grayson had an idea why the viscount was in Gretna Green, but he wanted a confirmation. Juliette was his to protect, and Payne was the reason they’d rushed to Scotland to be married. If he was looking for her it couldn’t be a good thing.

  “My intended ran away from home. As I was close to the border her father asked me to see if she headed in this direction. I’ve been here a couple of days and she hasn’t made an appearance. She must have gone elsewhere.”

  Did the man not wonder why Juliette would have run away? It had to be a clue that she didn’t desire the match, and yet he was here searching for her. “You sure you want a wife who has a penchant for disappearing?”

  “She’ll come around after we’re wed. All women are rebellious at first.” He laughed maniacally. “They need a firm hand to tame them. I know how to handle her. Don’t worry about me—I’m rather looking forward to it.”

  Grayson had an idea how he planned on bringing his intended to heel. The viscount’s penchant for beating his lovers was well known in certain circles. He’d been banned from a few of the more prominent establishments for that very reason. It was those clubs that Grayson learned of the man’s more sadistic tastes. One of the women had been beaten so bad she nearly died.

  He’d told Juliette he’d not marry her at first, but one mention of the viscount and his heart froze in his chest. No woman deserved to find themselves the subject of Lord Payne’s attention, but Juliette wasn’t just anyone to him. She’d been his best friend when he was denied any close attachments. The very fact she’d come to him for help should’ve been enough. It shouldn’t have taken Lord Payne’s name rolling off her tongue to gain his notice. The viscount would never come near her. He’d make sure of it one way or the other. At least Payne was giving up on finding her in Scotland. Perhaps he would depart before them. Grayson would ensure Juliette stayed in their room either until Payne left, or their carriage was ready for them.

  “You must want to marry her a great deal if you’re here looking for her.” Grayson drew his brows together. “What do you get out of this marriage? It can’t be a love match if she’s off hiding from it.”

  Not to mention it wouldn’t exactly be a cordial environment after the wedding...

  “She is to inherit some substantial property, it was part of her mother’s dowry,” he said. “There was a stipulation in the contracts it must be passed onto one of her children. Unfortunately she only had a daughter—so it became the selling point in marrying her off. I’m rather short on funds and with the income from the property and the yearly stipend I should sit nicely.”

  “Gah, I can’t imagine having to marry for money.” Grayson shuddered. “You poor sod.”

  Whatever woman he married would be the one Grayson would feel sorry for. He was glad he was able to save Juliette from that fate.

  “Well, we all can’t have the money you do,” he said. “We do what we have to survive.”

  “I wish you luck finding your bride-to-be,” Grayson said evenly. He didn’t want Payne to know how disgusted he was with him. “It’s been a long day, and the ale is rather hideous. I’m off to retire for the evening.”

  Grayson stood and turned to leave. He didn’t take a step before the viscount caught his attention.

  “You never did say why you were here,” Lord Payne said.

  He cursed inwardly. How was he to explain why he was at Gretna Green of all places? There weren’t too many reasons for an Englishman to be in the Scottish border town, and all of them resolved around marriage one way or the other. He should be there to either prevent a marriage, or to have one performed. Should he tell Payne the truth? Would he even believe it?

  “No, I didn’t.” Grayson said. His lips lifted into a cocky smile. “And I don’t believe I owe you an explanation either. My reasons are my own.” He tilted his head slightly. “Good night, Payne.”

  Grayson didn’t want to wait around and leave Payne room to interrogate him further. The sooner he put distance between them the better. The only problem he could see is he had no clue where his room was. Why had he decided to lounge around in the main room? He should have gone upstairs immediately. So much for allowing Juliette some space...

  He found a serving girl and asked for directions to his room. She gestured for him to follow and led him to his chamber. “Thank you,” he said, and entered.

  Grayson shouldn’t have worried about disturbing Juliette. She was fast asleep already on top of the bed, and hadn’t even bothered to climb underneath the blankets. At least she’d been able to find a nightgown in the trunk he’d had his staff prepare for her. He lifted her gently and rolled the blanket down beneath her, then placed her back on the bed to spread it over top of her. Damn she was beautiful, even more so in her sleep.

  A flash of light caught his attention. He pushed the top of her nightgown over slightly to reveal a gold chain. It seemed familiar... Grayson lifted it and gasped as recognition hit. It was the locket he’d given her at their final Christmas together. She’d kept it—he hadn’t expected her to. All right perhaps he believed she’d tossed it in a box and forgotten about it, but never would he have believed she still wore it.

  What did it mean?

  In the morning he’d have to ask her. It could be he was reading too much into the gesture, but in his heart he hoped it meant they had a future together. For now he’d lay beside her and rest. Tomorrow was soon enough to begin their future together.

  CHAPTER TEN

  Juliette rolled onto her side and hit a solid mass. What was in her bed? She’d been dreaming of her last Christmas with Grayson. It had been lovely and it warmed her from the inside out. If they could capture that feeling and hold onto it tightly she’d never feel lonely ever again.

  At least until reality reared its ugly head. She opened her eyes and found him asleep next to her. When had he come back? She’d given up on him returning while she was in her bath. It had gotten cold too fast, and on the trip to Scotland she’d found she’d abhorred any frigid temperature. There had been two trunks waiting in the room along with her bath. Grayson had mentioned the last time they’d stayed at an inn he’d arranged for her to have clothing. This was her first opportunity to rummage through the trunks offerings. She’d sighed in relief to find a clean dressing gown, and a brush. As much as she wanted to wait for him to return her exhaustion overtook her. She only meant to lay down for a moment, and that was the last thing she recalled.

  Grayson must have come back and found her fast asleep. He’d probably been relieved. Did he expect she’d demand he make her his wife in truth? They were legal
ly wed, but he’d never love her. Not in any way that mattered. She’d like to have children some day, and he apparently hadn’t cared if she took a lover. Somehow she doubted he’d been truthful then. There had been a strange gleam in his eye that made her wonder what he’d really been thinking, but hadn’t wanted to press the issue.

  Now that they were wed, she’d push harder. She wasn’t sure how to make him see that marriage to her would make him happy. Somehow she’d have to find the patience to see it all through. Juliette was determined to persevere.

  “Good morning,” he said huskily. “Did you sleep well?”

  “I did,” she replied. Her cheeks warmed. They’d been in each other’s company for days, but somehow this seemed more intimate. They’d never awoken beside each other in a bed before.

  He lifted his hand and ran it down her side, and rested it on her hip. “We need to talk, but it can wait until we’re dressed. Do you want me to give you privacy?”

  What could they have to discuss? The marriage was done. He’d not made love to her, and it didn’t appear he planned to. Maybe there was something they had to talk about. What was their next step? Would they return to London or to his country seat? How was she going to explain all of this to her father?

  “You can stay,” she said. Juliette lowered her gaze. She didn’t want him to see how nervous she was. “There’s a privacy screen I can make use of.”

  He lifted her chin and forced her to look in his eyes. “You don’t need to hide from me.” Grayson lowered his hand and skimmed his fingers across her neck. It rested on the gold chain she always wore. Juliette blushed and started to move away. How could she have forgotten she was wearing it? She’d been so careful to keep the locket hidden—hadn’t wanted him to realize how much he still meant to her.

  “Don’t pull away,” he demanded. His fingers skimmed the chain and he pulled the locket into his palm. He pressed the latch and it slipped open with a slight click. Inside he’d find the miniature portrait of him as a boy. If she’d been able to update it to a more recent one she would have. It was enough to have a piece of him resting against her heart every day. “Why do you still wear this?”