An Enchanted Christmas Collection : Regency Romance Read online

  An Enchanted Christmas Collection

  Wendy Vella

  Contents

  An Enchanted Christmas Collection

  Christmas Wishes

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Epilogue

  The Earl From Christmas Past

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Mistletoe And The Marquess

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Lady In Disguise

  Wendy’s Books

  About the Author

  An Enchanted Christmas Collection

  A Regency Holiday Romance Anthology

  By Wendy Vella

  An enchanting set of Regency Christmas romances from USA Today bestseller, Wendy Vella.

  CHRISTMAS WISHES

  Miss Hero Appleby distrusts noblemen, especially self-indulgent rakes like Lord Caruthers. However she was desperate for money to support her children this Christmas, so it is to him she must go. Perhaps it had been wrong of her to point out his many faults so boldly, but the man drove her to distraction and all thoughts of lady-like behavior disappeared in his infuriating presence.

  Max didn't remember much of his first meeting with the annoying Miss Appleby, thanks to the after effects of one drink too many. But he vaguely recalled he'd promised her something, just to get her out of his house so he could suffer in peace. Unfortunately peaceful was the last word to describe her as he found out the next day. She was unlike any woman he knew - opinionated and rude certainly, but she worked selflessly to provide for children that were not even of her blood. Max had believed himself incapable of strong emotion yet Hero was changing that belief. Could his long forgotten Christmas wish really come true?

  THE EARL FROM CHRISTMAS PAST

  A feisty regency Miss and a cold arrogant Lord. Can a sweet kiss under the mistletoe, and a dangerous secret be enough to rekindle what they once shared?

  Gabriel Lord Lockhart wants nothing to do with the woman his childhood friend has become. Calculating, and aloof, Maddie’s beauty is now just a façade, and she is nothing like the mouthy hellion he remembers. That was until the day he found her on a dirty street in one of the seediest areas in London, championing children.

  He soon realizes how wrong he’s been about her, and that the feelings he’d once had for her had grown into something powerful. Now all he has to do is keep her safe!

  Miss Madeline Spencer loathes society but has promised her parents she will behave so she can keep her freedom. Everything is going to plan until Gabe stomps back into her life. He uncovers her secret, and demands she stop taking risks. She soon realizes that the gentle boy she once loved is now a man with an iron will, but she can’t allow him to deter her from what must be done. Even if it means she can’t be with the man she loves.

  MISTLETOE AND THE MARQUESS

  Marriage was something Miss Partridge had hoped to delay indefinitely, but due to her father's reckless behavior she is now expected to save the family from ruin. Determined to have one last night of freedom before marrying a man she detests; Jemma attends a Christmas Masquerade Ball. When a handsome highwayman awakens something inside her, with stolen kisses and whispered promises, she flees, vowing to forget about the man who touched her soul.

  From the moment the Marquess of Harrington sees the Grecian Goddess enter the ball, he wants her. Harry is not usually one for irrational impulses - indeed his life does not allow for that - but this woman makes him lose all reason. Her touch ignites a fire inside him, and her kisses sear his soul. When she runs from him he is determined to find her and finally unmask the woman who has captured his heart.

  A little less sparkle and a little less stress.

  This Christmas from my family to yours, I wish you all the very best

  Wendy xx

  Christmas Wishes

  Chapter One

  “Miss Appleby has called, my lord.”

  Because he was incapable of the act, Max didn’t lift his head from the back of the chair as the butler approached.

  “Who?”

  “Miss Appleby, my lord,” he said again in what Max felt was an unnaturally loud voice.

  “Yes, I heard that, but who is Miss Appleby, Freddy?” he whispered, not wanting to antagonize the small orchestra tuning their instruments inside his head. An over indulgence of cognac had given him a ripping headache.

  “I believe she is the late Lord Appleby’s daughter, my lord.”

  “And what is the late Lord Appleby’s daughter doing out in this weather?”

  “As to that, my lord, she did not tell me.”

  “The snow must be up to her knees. Did she walk here?” Max rasped.

  “She brought a sturdy horse and cart, my lord.”

  “Why is she in a horse and cart and not a carriage?” Max tried to lift his head but with a pitiful moan, he slumped back into his seat.

  “I’m sure it’s not my place to comment, my lord.”

  Max forced open one bloodshot eye and directed it at his butler. “Yes it is, you old gossip.”

  Rather than be offended, the butler relaxed his rigid stance, eager to impart what he knew.

  “As I understand it, Lord Appleby passed leaving a male relative everything. However, the daughter was bequeathed Bratton House by her late grandmother, my lord.”

  Hell, his head hurt. Max tried to open the other eye but the task was beyond him.

  “Bratton House? No one’s lived there for years. In fact, if my now pickled memory serves me correctly, the Appleby family have never lived there or in Neathern.”

  “Miss Appleby lives there now with her children.”

  “How many children does she have?” Max said and then regretted the loud tone. “She can’t be more than twenty-five years old surely?”

  “They are orphans, my lord, and she wishes to discuss them with you.”

  He couldn’t do it—not today. Actually, given his reputation, she was a fool for even standing on his doorstep, let alone asking to see him. He knew that seeing such a woman would test his fortitude any day. However, today, in all likelihood, it would kill him. She was one of those do-gooders and would expect him to hand out coins for every orphan and widow from here to London. She'd be dressed in black, her lips clamped together in a prim line and she'd give him a condescending look that suggested he was only a day away from residing in hell.

  “Freddy, do anything you can to remove her from the house and I shall quadruple your salary.”

  “As you wish, my lord.”

  “And, Freddy,” Max added. “As Lord Radley is responsible for my condition this morning, find the biggest pot you can from the kitchens and the accompanying lid, then take them to his door and bang them as loudly as you can. Then sto
p for a few minutes whilst he tries to fall back into the blessed relief of slumber, then redouble your efforts.”

  “Shall I bring you another powder, my lord?”

  Max sighed. His butler had never taken orders well. In fact, the old reprobate was enjoying his discomfort, he was sure of it.

  “Yes, damn you.”

  His entire body shuddered as his butler shut the door loudly, the sound echoing inside his head.

  “I’ll kill you when you rise, Radley, just see if I don’t,” Max croaked as he struggled to ease himself into a more upright position. He should have stayed in bed but had foolishly thought moving to this parlor would clear his head and not remind him of the minutes he had spent emptying the contents of his stomach into the chamber pot.

  Lord Dominic Radley had arrived shortly before Max was due to sit down for his evening meal last night. Frozen to his blue toes, he had stomped inside, shaking snow everywhere, demanding food and drink. He had wanted to know why Max had secreted himself away in his country house and was not going to attend the Christmas house party he was on his way to. They had consumed several bottles of cognac during the evening and Max had stumbled to bed just before sunrise.

  “But I must see Lord Caruthers, sir. My business is of the utmost importance!”

  Max's eyes shot open to stare at the door from behind which that voice had come.

  “Miss Appleby, I insist you leave at once. Lord Caruthers is a busy man.”

  Freddy’s voice held a touch of desperation to Max’s mind, he then watched in horror as the door handle moved. Bracing his hands on the arms of the chair, he forced his back into the cushions so he would at least give the appearance of being vertical.

  “I shall not leave until I have seen Lord Caruthers. He will not evade me again!”

  Max could do nothing to stop the unmanly groan as the shrill voice reached him. The owner then sailed into the room with his butler on her heels. He watched the woman walk a few paces, her eyes looking for him. She didn't wear black; she wore a dull grey bonnet, thick scarf and equally dull grey cloak. Max saw rosy cheeks but not much more, as she was still some distance away and focusing on anything was causing him a great deal of pain.

  Chapter Two

  Hero Appleby glared at the man sitting unnaturally still in the seat before her. His face was pale and sickly, and sweat dampened the dark curls pressed to his forehead. Hero had seen Viscount Caruthers from a distance once but she had never been this close to him. Not that she’d ever wanted to be of course. He was an arrogant nobleman who had a reputation for sin.

  His broad shoulders almost spanned the chair back, and his large hands clenched the wooden arms. Dark brows were lowered over eyes the color of the moss that grew on the banks of the river when it wasn’t iced over, as it was today. They were, however, bloodshot. He was scandalously dressed in only two items of clothing. Beige breeches and a loose white shirt that was unbuttoned to reveal dark chest hair. His feet were bare and he should have been cold, yet there was a sheen of sweat on his face.

  The ladies of Neathern constantly tittered about what a rake he was and clucked over the antics that reached their ears from London, but secretly Hero knew they would be pleased if he ever looked their way. If they saw him as she was seeing him now, in a state of near undress, they would have gossip fodder for weeks. Hero, however had no time for such nonsense. He was a wealthy nobleman who didn’t care a fig about anyone but himself. He had not answered one of the ten letters she had written to him. Despite her feelings about him, she had to force herself to ignore a distinct flutter in her chest because there was no denying he was fiendishly handsome.

  “My lord, you will pardon the intrusion,” she said, sinking into a curtsey, “but it is most imperative that I speak with you.” Hero thought he winced but she forged on. “I care for children who are left to survive on their own at Bratton House. We are desperately in need of funding or I fear they will suffer illness or worse in this weather.” Yes, definitely a wince.

  “Are you unwell, Lord Caruthers?” Hero took a cautious step closer and then she smelt it—liquor—and realized instantly that he was suffering the effects of a night spent overindulging. He obviously had a pounding headache. Hero felt no sympathy for him. Having seen her father and his friends in just such a condition many times, she knew the signs and had no tolerance for such behavior.

  “Is this a life or death matter, Miss Appleby?”

  Hero nodded as he ground out the words and felt her fury rise. How dare he drink himself into a stupor when her children were frozen and starving with a leaky roof above their heads. Horrid, indulgent creature. She had a good mind to start singing loudly, off key.

  “But will the matter hold until tomorrow, Miss Appleby?”

  “I—”

  “I beg of you, Miss Appleby, please just answer the question.”

  He was looking a bit green now. His hands opened and shut on the wood as he tried to breathe through his nose. She almost felt sorry for him—almost—but after waking to see yet another of her children with a fever, she’d known there was not a moment to lose. She had been told Lord Caruthers was in residence and decided to confront him. Her children needed help and he was just the man to provide it. His coffers were filled to the brim and he owned several estates if her sources were correct.

  “My children's health is a very serious matter, my Lord, and one I have no wish to put on hold.” Hero's voice had risen toward the end and she took perverse pleasure in seeing him swallow several times.

  “Will one more day make a difference to them? Is it a life or death matter?” The words were spoken softly through clenched teeth.

  “Well, as to that, my lord, perhaps you could define life or death? On the way here, I stopped in to see old Mr. Tadbolt, who was having his boils lanced, and to him, that is a matter of life or death, especially considering one had festered. You should have seen the weeping, oozing sore.” You are a wicked woman, Hero Appleby, she thought, watching Lord Caruthers press a hand to his mouth.

  “I…I shall be grateful if you leave, Miss Appleby…at once,” he rasped.

  “I will not leave until I have said what I need to, Lord Caruthers. These children have no one to defend them and their situation is dire!” Hero pitched her voice so it sounded shrill and was once again rewarded with a wince. “They are falling sick and shivering in their beds, plus, I do not have enough food for them.”

  Suddenly he was standing before her, glaring down at her, although the effect was spoilt by bloodshot eyes. He was a large man; in fact, she had never met anyone bigger. Perhaps it had not been wise to provoke him, she thought looking at his clenched jaw.

  “If you leave now, I will call upon you tomorrow.”

  That surprised her. Narrowing her eyes, Hero looked up at him. Could she trust him? “How do I know you’ll come?”

  “Are you saying my word is not good enough for you, Miss Appleby?”

  Suddenly, he didn’t look sick and instead, seemed every inch the Fifth Viscount of Caruthers with a long and illustrious list of ancestors at his back.

  “Well, as to that—”

  “If you wish to gain my support in something, Miss Appleby, I would not continue that sentence.”

  And then, suddenly, he was gone, having walked around her and out the door without a backward glance.

  “I shall see you out now, Miss Appleby,” the butler said and she could hear the censure in his words.

  Hero found herself on the front step minutes later with the door firmly shut behind her. A gust of wind nearly knocked her off her feet as she looked up the stone façade to the windows three storeys above. Would she be forced to return here tomorrow, or would the viscount be true to his word? Hero didn’t hold much faith in noblemen having been raised by one. With a final glare, she pulled the hood of her cloak over her head and walked to the cart she had arrived in. Climbing in, she promised Simon an extra bucket of feed for making him stand and wait for her in the cold and then s
he headed down the long driveway to the road that would take her home.

  Chapter Three

  Max woke the following morning and opened one eye slowly, and then the other. Relieved when the room stayed still, he stretched, happy that his head was once again firmly on his shoulders. Having slept the best part of the day and night away, he was now in need of a shave, bath, and large meal. A sudden vision of a pair of fierce brown eyes filled his head, and following that was the memory of the shrill Miss Appleby’s visit yesterday whilst he was endeavoring to hold the contents of his stomach down. Witch. She had stomped into his parlor as if she owned it and demanded he listen to what she had to say. She had spoken of boils and festering sores and that had been enough for his stomach to revolt.

  He had a vague memory of a grey cape and matching bonnet tied in a prim bow beneath her pale chin. She had questioned his word, he remembered that, and seemed to doubt he would actually present himself at her home today, as he’d promised. She'd muttered something about letters she'd sent him. Letters, he had definitely not received. Max just knew she was the kind of meddlesome woman who poked her nose into everyone’s business.