Free Love Came Just in Time by Lynn Kurland Page A

my cups or not.”
    â€œWas your grandfather upset with you?”
    â€œNay. You see, of all his grandsons, he says I remind him overmuch of himself.” He smiled modestly, then continued. “My eldest brother, Robin, would rather grumble and curse under his breath. Nicholas is a peacemaker and rarely says aught to offend. My younger brothers are giddy maids, talking of nothing but whatever ladyloves they are currently wooing.” He smiled again. “I, on the other hand, am surly and moody and generally make certain others know that.”
    â€œOh, boy, surly and moody,” she said, with delight. “And to think I could have landed in the moat of someone who was merely agreeable and deferring.”
    â€œAnd how dull you would have found him to be,” he said with a grin. “My grandsire shares my temperament. I am his favorite, of course.”
    â€œOf course,” she agreed, dryly. “You were just lucky he happened by when he did.”
    â€œIt is perhaps more than luck. I learned later one of his servants had been passing by and heard me telling the count rather loudly that he was a mindless twit.”
    â€œOh, Miles,” she laughed. “You’d make a terrible diplomat.”
    â€œAye,” he agreed. “’Tis fortunate I’ll never pursue that calling.”
    â€œThen what is it you intend to pursue?” She knew it was a loaded question, but she couldn’t stop herself from asking it.
    His smile deepened. “I intend to pursue you, of course.”
    â€œReally?” she squeaked. She cleared her throat and tried again in a more dignified tone. “Really,” she said, hoping it sounded casual.
    He nodded. “Aye. But how is a twentieth-century girl wooed? Gifts?”
    â€œWell, it is almost Christmas.”
    He frowned. “And you plan on making me participate in the festivities?”
    â€œIf I can do it, so can you.” She had her own reasons for finding Christmas difficult, but she managed each year. Miles could, too. “We could spruce up the place a little.”
    â€œAye,” he agreed, sounding reluctant.
    â€œCome on, grumpy. It’ll be fun.”
    â€œFun?” he echoed doubtfully.
    â€œAs in enjoyable, entertaining. We’ll do some cleaning and sprucing and you’ll feel much better about the season. Trust me. And while we’re cleaning, I’ll tell you the story of Ebeneezer Scrooge.” She laughed. “Talk about the Ghost of Christmas Past! Boy, this puts a whole new spin on that one.”
    Miles only blinked at her.
    â€œWe may have to forgo the gifts,” she continued. “I would have put those Jelly Bellies in your stocking, but you ate them all.”
    Miles burped discreetly. “And they were delicious. Is that how ’tis done in your day? Sprucing and giving?”
    â€œPretty much.”
    He reached over, put his hand behind her head and pulled her toward him. “You are the best gift I could have asked for,” he murmured against her lips. “I need nothing else.”
    Abby closed her eyes as he kissed her. Was it possible to fall in love with someone so soon?
    It was much later that she managed to catch her breath enough to ask if he thought the stew was finished.
    â€œDo you care?” he asked, with a twinkle in his eye. “My appetite is running more toward more of your mouth. I can guarantee it is more tasty than what boils in yon pot.”
    â€œWho needs food?” Abby managed.
    And that was the last thing she said for a very long time.

Chapter Six
    MILES STRUGGLED TO fashion the soft straw into a bow. “Will this do?” he asked, holding it up.
    â€œWell, it isn’t raffia, but we’ll survive.”
    Miles handed her the bow, then leaned his elbows on the table and watched her rummaging through his stores for other appropriately Christmassy items, as she called them.
    He’d slept poorly the night