The Earl's Christmas Delivery (14 page)

The ladies were lost in a flurry of talking, making plans for the future and laughing over
the astonishing events of the day. The children swarmed over the amazing new addition of the
piano-forte
, pounding discordantly and laughing at their accomplishment. Bexley hobbled to Myserleigh and gave him a slap on the back along with a look that appeared something like pity, but then he was distracted by sight of the package from the confectioner. He made nearly as many giddy noises as the children, poking mince pies into his mouth and calling out tender appreciations to his wife for remembering them.

The earl took it all in. He stood off to the side, watching everyone enjoy their holiday and realized that for the first time since childhood, he actually felt a part of it all. This was not someone else's Christmas, this was
his
Christmas. And this was
his
family. He belonged here and he always would.

He scooped up little Charlie and called to the other children. They looked up from the
piano-forte
with expectant pouts, assuming he was about to scold them for making too much noise. He smiled at them instead.

"I've never heard such wonderful music. Perhaps when we come back from the stables you can play some more for us."

Miss Liza scowled. "Why should we go out to the stables, Uncle?"

"Well, you didn't think Miss Meriwether would show up without a present for you."

Little Johnny was just old enough to realize this must mean something important. "Her present is in the stable?"

"I don't know where else we would keep a pony around here, do you?"

It took only a second for the words to sink in and the two older children to start dancing about the room like wild animals. On their final turn they careened into Miss Meriwether, both of them grabbing her legs in clumsy, joyous hugs.

"You brought us a pony! Thank you,
Mish Meriwevher!"

Carole beamed. "It was your Mamma and Papa's doing, but I selected her for you. And just wait... when you meet her you will see there's one extra surprise!"

More dancing and more squealing ensued. Charlie scrambled down from the earl's arms to get in on the fun and Carole was clearly having the time of her life. Servants arrived bearing coats for outdoors and Myserleigh realized his time alone with Carole had ended for now. She belonged to his family and he'd have to get used to sharing her.

But he was a
determined man. He'd talk to the vicar tomorrow, perhaps even ride to London for a special license. He'd make certain he was married to his
Mish Meriwevher
within a fortnight and they would honeymoon at Hopewell Abbey where there were two dozen rooms to hold kissing boughs. And no giggling children to interrupt.

Yet.

Note from the Author:

What was I thinking to combine
elements from A CHRISTMAS CAROL and the Biblical Christmas story, then set it all in Regency England?

I was thinking what a wonderful way to follow the developing relationship between an unlikely couple, while at the same time celebrating all the wonderful things that Christmas is. I hope you have fun picking up on the little nuggets I've included here--the Regency versions of gold, frankincense and myrrh, the funny names I've given people and places, the humorous story twists--and I hope all of these serve to remind you of the True Meaning of Christmas.

As we celebrate true love in the form of God's son given to us in a manger, may you also know the true love of family and home.

About the Author

Susan Gee
Heino thinks the sexiest thing a man can do is engage in witty banter. If he happens to be wearing breeches and a cravat while he does this, all the better. If he comes with a noble title, a tortured past, and perhaps even dimples, then he is just about perfect.

Her lighthearted Regency Romances are full of quirky heroines who tend to feel exactly the same way—at least they do by the end of the book. Usually it takes a little convincing by the cravat-clad hero. But no matter what adventures ensue, the hero always ends up with his lady. And vice versa.

Ms. Heino lives in rural Ohio with her non-cravat-inclined husband, two very remarkable children, and an accidental collection of critters. She loves to hear from readers so please visit her website or connect on social media!

www. SusanGH.com
Love's funny sometimes
!