The large yule-log burning behind the grate of the fireplace in the front parlour snapped and crackled as flames ate away at the wood. Ivy and holly were strung along the mantel, with draping red bows on each end, and mistletoe, his now favourite plant, hung in the doorway to the room that also hosted the large decorated Christmas tree.
An entire wall next to the fireplace was covered with Christmas cards they’d received in the post, and Myles was very sure that his beautiful wife had sent out hundreds the past week. The Duchess of Redford had captured the hearts of the ton, and the horse-racing world, as quickly as she had his.
She was standing at the wall, tacking up yet another colourful card. He walked up behind her, wrapped both arms around her waist and pulled her back against him. ‘One more?’
She leaned her head against his shoulder. ‘Yes, from Aunt Tilda. I don’t believe she’s ever sent out cards before.’
‘Are you surprised?’ He wasn’t. Brunswick, claiming it hurt too much to walk, was homebound, and Tilda had taken over the family finances. She may have received help from her sister Rainie, no one knew for sure, but Tilda had managed to reopen the Brunswick estate and was doing a fair job at refilling the family coffers, even after paying off numerous debts.
‘No, I’m not surprised,’ she replied, ‘and I do hope Uncle Jerome appreciates all that Aunt Tilda is doing.’
Myles had his doubts but kept them silent.
Anita twisted her neck enough to look at him. ‘We can always hope for the best.’
He laughed and hugged her tighter. ‘Yes, we can.’
She wiggled from his hold and turned about, rested both hands on his shoulders. ‘I was just thinking about the past year,’ she said, ‘how wonderful it’s been, how much we have to be thankful for, and thinking of the new year to come.’
‘It has been a wonderful year.’ He used the stopwatch she’d given him for Christmas last year almost every day when timing the horses, and for a few other reasons, but the gift she’d given him this year didn’t compare to anything he’d ever received. It had arrived two months ago. Their son, Michael, named after Myles’s father, was the sum of their love.
Pulling an envelope out of his pocket, Myles handed it to her. It was just one of the gifts he’d give her for Christmas this year.
‘What’s this?’ she asked.
‘Open it.’
She lifted the flap and pulled out the slip of paper, frowning slightly. ‘“Belmont Stakes Raci—” Oh! Oh! A horse race! We’re going to a horse race! In America!’ She flung her arms around his neck and jumped up and down.
He held on to her waist to steady her. There would never come a time when he didn’t worry about her reinjuring her foot, because he loved her just the way she was, whereas she seemed to have completely forgotten about her old injury. ‘Yes, in June,’ he replied.
‘And we’ll meet the Duchess!’
‘You’re the Duchess,’ he reminded.
‘Of Redford! We’ll meet the Duchess of Manhattan! Oh, your mother and sisters have to come with us! They’ll perish if I meet the Duchess and they don’t!’
Keeping his laugher silent, he asked, ‘You do know you’re talking about a horse, right?’
She gave his chest a playful slap. ‘Of course I know I’m talking about a horse! It’ll be wonderful to see everyone!’
He agreed with that. It would be wonderful to see his brother and the American facility he’d created for the Redford thoroughbreds.
‘Oh! I can’t wait for June,’ she said. ‘I just can’t wait.’
Leaning forward, he touched her lips with his while pulling her closer. ‘I have an idea of something we could do while you’re waiting.’
Her giggle was soft and throaty as she rubbed her body against his. ‘We only have about an hour before Michael’s feeding time.’
As he swept her off her feet and into his arms to carry her to their bedchamber, he said, ‘That will do. That will do.’
If you enjoyed this story,
make sure to read
Lauri Robinson’s
previous historical romances
A Courtship to Fool Manhattan
A Dance with Her Forbidden Officer
An Unlikely Match for the Governess
“The Railroad Baron’s Mistletoe Bride” in
A Gilded Age Christmas
Falling for His Pretend Countess
Keep reading for an excerpt from Her Secret Vows with the Viking by Sarah Rodi.