Free The Christmas Wager by Jamie Fessenden Page B

on the cheek, then
    disappeared with his brother to parts unknown. Thomas raised
    his eyebrows, and Andrew couldn‘t resist a slight smile. If
    Edward didn‘t watch out, that boy might someday spell
    trouble—assuming he was willing to wait thirteen or fourteen
    years.
    Thomas led his niece up the short steps into the back hall,
    and Andrew could think of little else to do but follow them.
    When they entered the large entrance hall they found a number
    of people gathered there, including the duke and Simcox, who
    was ordering some of the servants to take coats and bags.
    One of the duke‘s hounds was running around the hall,
    unable to contain his excitement at having visitors. He noticed
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    the newcomers and padded over. He was a massive animal,
    and Susan shrieked, thinking he would knock her over.
    Thomas scooped her up out of the dog‘s reach and shushed her.
    ―He won‘t hurt you, poppet. He‘s just happy to see you.‖
    Andrew grabbed the rambunctious animal by the collar as
    it tried to jump up on Thomas, and pulled it away.
    ―Father!‖ Thomas called out. ―Will you please call the dog.
    He‘s frightening Susan.‖
    The duke turned and whistled. ―Come here, boy!‖
    Andrew released the dog, and it trotted obediently to its
    master‘s side, while Duchess Barrington attempted to laugh it
    off, saying to one of the guests, ―Thank goodness he has only
    one of the animals with him tonight. There are times when the
    house is positively overrun !‖
    This was met with polite laughter from the guests. The
    duke looked put out, but merely harrumphed in response.
    Then suddenly another voice called out in a lilting soprano,
    ―Thomas? Is that you?‖
    She emerged from the throng of people gathered by the
    door, looking startling beautiful, her raven hair contrasting
    dramatically with the ivory of her skin, a sensual, rose-colored
    mouth, and vivid blue eyes. As she rushed forward to greet the
    lord, her richly made dark green riding dress swirling about her
    in a vision of refined elegance, Andrew saw Thomas go pale.
    ―Rebecca,‖ he said softly.
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    Chapter 13

    SHE was even more lovely than she‘d been the last time he saw
    her. Certainly, she seemed more shapely. Her dress was just
    low-cut enough to reveal an ample bosom, without being too
    scandalous.
    ―It is you, Thomas! I was so hoping you would be here.‖
    Her lips were soft and warm against his cheek, but he felt
    no stirring of arousal—only horror. He saw Andrew glance away
    quickly, feigning interest in the other visitors, but it hadn‘t
    been quick enough to hide the jealousy in his eyes.
    ―I‘m glad to see you, Miss Hudson,‖ he lied, hoping his
    smile looked more sincere than it felt.
    ―We were supposed to attend the Christmas Eve ball at the
    Rutherford‘s, but your father was so sweet in his letter. And
    really, I‘d much rather be at Barrington.‖
    How could Father do this to me? But Thomas wasn‘t
    surprised, really. No wonder the old bastard had given in so
    easily. He had seen the ball—or dance, as the case may be—as
    a perfect opportunity to try to force Thomas and Rebecca
    together once more. Even after six years, the duke was
    determined to get his way.
    And now Thomas had more than just himself to worry
    about. With things already tense between him and Andrew,
    Rebecca‘s presence could only serve to make things worse.
    ―And this must be Susan!‖ the young woman was saying,
    turning her sparkling smile upon the little girl. ―Your
    grandmother has written to me about you. Aren‘t you lovely?‖
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    Susan was eyeing her warily, but remembered her
    manners in time to say, ―Hello.‖
    ―Miss Hudson,‖ Thomas said, unable to think of a way out
    of the awkward situation, ―this is my dearest friend, Mr.
    Andrew Nash.‖
    ―Mr. Nash,‖ Rebecca said sweetly, extending a hand.
    Andrew