Free A Bride for Christmas (Sweet Regency Novella) by Aileen Fish

her husband stood nearby sawing on his fiddle. The music was quite festive and lifted Nash 's spirits even higher than Julianna's words had. If he didn't know better he'd look to see that his feet actually remained on the floor.
    Nash stood up with Julianna for the next two dances, then let her find her sister while he went in search of Lord Carrington. When a search of the parlor failed to turn him up, Nash went to the drawing room where card tables had been set up.
    He found Carrington in the middle of a game of Vingt-un with Nash 's father, his brother-in-law and a few local men. Not wishing to interrupt the game, Nash hung back near the door. After some short time passed, Carrington called out. "I suppose you've something to say to me?"
    " Yes, sir. I wish a moment of your time when you are free."
    The earl slapped his cards down on the table and shoved his chair back. "These cards are not in my favor tonight. You might be saving me from the poorhouse." He nodded as he passed Nash and waited for him in the hallway.
    Nash motioned towards the library. "I believe we can be alone there."
    " Is that where you had my daughter this past hour?" the earl asked gruffly.
    Nash tugged at his waistcoat to keep from fisting his hands. "We were only in private for a few minutes. I would never dishonor Lady Julianna in any way."
    The older man burst out laughing and slapped Nash between the shoulder blades. "I was young once myself, lad. I've seen the way the two of you have been speaking to one another as if no one else existed. I'm guessing that is why we're here."
    " Yes, sir. Your daughter has done me a great honor in agreeing to become my wife."
    " Has she." It was a statement, not a question. "Had you come to me two weeks ago and said this I would have expressed surprise. I did not think to ever see her marry."
    " She told me she had no plans to marry."
    " And you have convinced her otherwise. Is that what the charade was about this evening? Dogs and hooligans with swords and that precious granddaughter of mine?"
    " Yes sir."
    " I will let you keep the true meaning between yourselves. She seems happier than I've seen her in years. You will see to it she remains that way?"
    " I will, sir."
    He cuffed Nash on the arm. "Good man. Now, where does your father keep his brandy? I've a feeling I'll need some as we settle into negotiations."
     
    In the wee hours of the morning as the dancers were slow to take the floor and most of the children had been put down with blankets in the nursery, Lord Renford raised his glass of wassail and called for attention. "Before you all return to your homes, I leave you with a most joyful announcement. My son Nash, late of the 13 th Light Dragoons, has just this evening delighted us with the news of his betrothal to Lady Julianna Dowsett. Please raise your glass with me in a toast to the happy couple."
    Nash bowed his head in response to the cheers from their guests, and stole a glance at his lady. Julianna glowed, her cheeks brightly colored as if they'd danced a rollicking jig. Her hand on his arm tightened. Speaking in low tones, he asked, "Do you not enjoy the attentions of a crowd?"
    " Most decidedly not." Her smile never wavered.
    " Then it is lucky for you I am a younger son. We'll have no vassals or tenants to sing our praises at the harvest festival every year."
    Her eyes widened and she gave him a most startled look. "None? On whom shall we impose our excess sides of dragon?"
    Nash chuckled and patted her hand on his sleeve. "Yes, my fair lady, we shall be the happiest of couples."
     
    The End

Other Books by Aileen Fish
    Excerpts and other format buy links are available at http://aileenfish.com/books.html
     
    Immortal Temptress Kindle
    May you be in heaven half an hour before the devil knows you're dead.
    Enya's job is to escort the dying on their final journey, to make sure their souls get to heaven before a demon can steal their bodies. For centuries she has done this without emotion,