The Rake’s Christmas Wager (Spinsters and their Suitors #2)

Chapter 23

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

L ily fastened her new velvet cloak and adjusted her bonnet, as she waited for the rest of the party to assemble for Church services on Christmas morning. Guests joined her and began talking excitedly about the festivities of the day, including the Christmas ball in the evening, but Lily paid them no mind.

She knew the precise moment that Lord Brinton was at the top of the stairs, before she looked to confirm the truth. She caught sight of him, resplendent in a well-tailored navy coat and deep burgundy cravat, his gaze meeting hers with a brief, private smile.

Three other ladies all began speaking at once as he descended. Lord Brinton politely answered their inquiries and then came to stand by Lily.

“Happy Christmas, Miss Ashworth,” he said, a smile on his lips. It was strange to hear him use her surname again, after she’d been so used to hearing him speak to her with her Christian name. But it was best to not give others the wrong impression, or perhaps even the right impression.

She smiled back at him. “And to you, Lord Brinton.”

“I believe it will be a very Happy Christmas.”

Miss Harper and Miss Davenport each took one of Lord Brinton’s arms.

“Do say you will dance with me this evening,” Miss Harper simpered.

“Oh yes,” Miss Davenport joined in. “We should love it above all things.”

Lord Brinton smiled politely. “I do believe there will be plenty of time for dancing,” he said, then he turned to Lily. “But I have promised the first set to Miss Ashworth already. Isn’t that right, Miss Ashworth?”

Lily smiled. He had not previously claimed the set, but Lily was not about to tell that to Miss Harper and Miss Davenport, who both looked particularly distressed by the news. “You most certainly did, my lord.”

“The carriages are ready,” Beatrice announced. “And after services, I have the most wonderful surprise.” She ushered everyone into carriages for the ride to the village church.

Lord Brinton helped both Miss Harper and Miss Davenport into the carriage. Then he turned to Lily, and his smiled widened. She stepped up onto the steps, and he squeezed her hand gently. “Thank you for your assistance,” Lily said.

“The pleasure is mine,” he said. Once she was secure in the carriage, he joined Lily on the bench.

Conversation on the way to the church was almost impossible as both Miss Harper and Miss Davenport seemed to be in a contest for who could speak the most words during their short drive. Cheerful bells jingled against the horses’ harnesses.

Once at the church, Lord Brinton held out his hand to help the women down from the carriage. Lily was the last guest out of the carriage, and it proved to be to her advantage, for she had no sooner placed her hand in his, than he had looped it through his arm, and escorted her toward the church. As they walked the short path to the church, he whispered, “With your permission, I should like to have a private audience with you after the service.”

Warmth filled her, though the air was frosty. She nodded. “Of course, Lord Brinton.”

The stone chapel nestled in the trees looked quaint under its blanket of snow. Inside, candles glowed softly against the dark wood, and the scent of pine mingled with the reverent tones of the organ. As hymns rose through the chapel, Lily sang with heartfelt joy, her voice blending with Lord Brinton’s rich baritone beside her. Every so often, his gaze would drift to hers, and her heart would skip in response.

When the service concluded, the house party returned to Wintervale, greeted by an array of sleighs awaiting them for an afternoon ride across the snowy hills. Laughing, everyone gathered wool blankets, admiring the intricate carvings and plush cushions in each sleigh. Lord Brinton appeared beside her just as she tucked her hands into her muff.

“Shall we?” he asked, offering his hand.

She took it, her heart beating faster as he helped her into one of the smaller sleighs, where there was comfortably only room for the two of them. The wood was intricately carved, and thick woolen blankets were spread invitingly over the seats. She settled in, her pulse racing as Henry climbed in beside her. His nearness, the comfort of his presence, seemed to ward off the cold better than any blanket.

The sleigh glided smoothly over the snow, the rhythm of the runners and the jingle of bells filling the air. A gentle quietness enveloped them, broken only by soft conversation and laughter from the sleighs ahead.

Lily’s heart raced as they passed beneath snow-laden branches that arched over them, framing them in a secluded white tunnel. She felt Henry’s arm wrap around her shoulders, adjusting the blanket more snugly around her.

“Lily,” he began softly, his tone deep and sincere, “there’s something I must say.” He turned to face her fully, his gaze steady yet filled with an intensity she hadn’t seen before.

His tone, so sincere and steady, made her heart race. She turned to face him fully, anticipation flickering in her chest. “What is it, Henry?”

He took a deep breath, his gaze holding hers as he began. “I never thought I would meet someone who could make me feel this way,” he said softly, his voice rich with emotion. “And in all my efforts to impress you, I found myself unprepared for how much you would mean to me.” He reached into his coat and took out a folded piece of paper, pausing as he looked into her eyes. “If you’ll permit me, I’ve written a few words that I think capture how I feel.”

Lily’s heart swelled at the vulnerability in his voice, and she nodded, breathless. “I would love that.”

He paused, gathering his thoughts, then recited in a low, intimate tone:

“When first we met, I donned a mask,

Of jest and charm, a simple task.

But in your gaze, I found a light,

That stripped away the veiled night.

A heart so pure, a mind so clear,

You’ve shown me love that’s free of fear.

No gilded words nor games nor guile—

Just honesty in every smile.

I see in you the truest friend,

With whom my heart could start, could mend.

So here I am, without pretense,

My heart laid bare, my one defense.”

The words hung between them, each syllable like a note in a melody that resonated in her soul. She could hardly breathe as his voice, so close and so earnest, wove around her heart, drawing her closer to him.

As his voice softened, finishing the final lines, Lily felt her eyes fill with tears, each word touching her deeply. She had always thought herself strong, guarded against sentiment, yet here he was, peeling back every last defense, revealing himself without the slightest hesitation.

Henry took her hands gently in his, his gaze unwavering. “Lily, I never thought I would find someone who could make me want to be a better man, someone who would challenge me and make me feel this deeply. I’ve been a fool, hiding behind words and games, but with you, I’ve found something real. You are more to me than I ever could have imagined, and I don’t want to spend another day without you. Will you marry me, Lily?” he asked, his voice filled with a sincerity that left her breathless. “Will you allow me to spend every day trying to deserve you?”

The sincerity in his voice, the openness in his expression, left her breathless. Here was the man she had come to admire and cherish, not the polished rake persona that he presented to the world, like she’d first imagined; but someone kind and genuine, someone who had shown her his heart and had trusted her with his vulnerabilities.

Her lips parted in a soft smile as she whispered, “Yes, Henry. I would be honored to marry you.”

A look of unguarded happiness spread across his face, softening his expression as he gently cupped her face, his fingers tracing the delicate line of her jaw. His eyes held hers, filled with an intensity that made her heart race.

“You’ve made me the happiest man, Lily,” he murmured, his voice low and full of promise. “I vow to cherish you, to be the man you deserve. For as long as I live, my heart will be yours.”

He leaned closer, his eyes locked with hers, as his hand–warm and steady–cradled her cheek. Their breaths mingled in the cold, frosted air, each heartbeat bringing him closer until, finally, their lips met.

The kiss was soft, slow, and achingly tender, a promise sealed in the quiet magic of the snow-covered hills. She felt her heart soar, the world around them melting away until there was nothing but the warmth of his mouth against hers, the strength of his arms gathering her closer, anchoring her in the sweetness of the moment.

When they finally parted, his forehead rested against hers, both of them breathless and smiling. The sleigh glided smoothly over the snow, the faint jingling of the horses’ harnesses the only sound in the peaceful morning. Lily’s heart brimmed with joy as she nestled against him, feeling the steady beat of his heart in time with her own.

There was much to discuss with this new development, but as they made their way back to Wintervale Manor, with his arm protectively around her shoulder, Lily leaned her head on his shoulder, feeling utterly content to figure out the rest of their future together soon. At present, it was enough to be by his side.

“Happy Christmas, indeed,” she said.

“And to many more to come,” he said, bringing her hand to his lips, and brushing a light kiss on her glove.