His Mistress by Christmas

Book 3: Sinful Family Secrets

by Victoria Alexander

Genres: Historical Romance

Synopsis

For three years, Lady Veronica Smithson has been perfectly happy as a widow-and thoroughly independent. Still, the right gentleman could provide the benefits of marriage without the tedious restrictions. And in Sir Sebastian Hadley-Attwater, renowned explorer and rogue, Veronica is sure she has found him.

Sebastian will come into his inheritance in a matter of weeks-if his family deems him responsible enough. There's no better way to prove his maturity than with a wife. But though Veronica will share his bed, she refuses to marry. However, Sebastian has a plan: An intimate sojourn at his new country house will surely change Veronica's mind. For Sebastian never takes no for an answer. And he intends to persuade his Christmas mistress that they belong together-in this, and every season to come. . .

"This Victorian yuletide romance provides erotic sizzle and delectably clever dialogue on every page." -USA Today

Release date: October 24, 2011

Publisher: Zebra Books

Print pages: 320

Sample

November 30, 1885

“He’s the one,” Veronica, Lady Smithson, said softly, more to herself than to the woman beside her. She smiled with satisfaction. She did so love it when all went according to plan.

“Shhh.” Portia, Lady Redwell, hushed her and gazed with pride at the speaker behind the podium on the stage at the far end of the room.

“. . . and admittedly, while it was somewhat more adventure than we had bargained for, in hindsight it was not merely exciting but quite remarkable.” Sir Sebastian Hadley-Attwater paused in the polished manner of an expert speaker and gazed out at the audience seated before him in the Explorers Club lecture hall.

A knowing smile carved deep dimples in a face that would be altogether too handsome were it not a bit browner than was fashionable. An intriguing scar slanted across his forehead above his right brow. His blue eyes, under hair so dark a blond it was nearly brown, gleamed with humor and intelligence. He scanned the room slowly, and only a woman long in her grave would fail to wonder what it would be like to have those eyes gaze at her and her alone.

Veronica noted the moment he caught sight of his cousin, sitting beside her toward the back of the hall. His eyes lit in recognition, and Portia beamed. Portia’s parents had died when she was very young, and her aunt and uncle had taken her in. She’d grown up with Sebastian and six other cousins. He nodded slightly in acknowledgment of her presence, then continued his perusal of the audience. His gaze settled on Veronica briefly, although he was no doubt staring at her hat, one of her most impressive, then continued on.

“In conclusion, allow me to say there is only one thing in life that stirs the senses more than stepping foot upon an unknown land or seeing with your own eyes sights only a handful of your fellow men have ever seen.”

His gaze returned to Veronica, this time meeting hers. She raised her chin slightly and cast him a slow smile. A smile of acknowledgment and encouragement, although from what she had heard of the famous adventurer, little encouragement was needed. His exploits with women were as extensive as his adventures in foreign lands, at least according to gossip and Portia.

“And that”—his smile widened and his dimples deepened, if possible—“is at last returning home.”

The most delightful sense of anticipation shivered through her. Oh yes, he would do.

Applause erupted from the crowd that had gathered to spend the evening in the illustrious adventurer’s presence and listen to his stories of uncivilized lands and unknown peoples. It had been an evening filled with the excitement of daring tales told by a master storyteller. Sir Sebastian had held the crowd in his hands.

Veronica leaned close to her friend and spoke low into her ear. “He’s the one.”

“I heard you the first time,” Portia said absently, clapping with an unusual display of enthusiasm. A proud smile curved her lips. “The one what?”

“The one I want.”

“The one you want for what?” Portia’s attention remained on Sir Sebastian, who was now accepting the accolades of the crowd in a modest and unassuming manner. While Veronica suspected there was nothing modest and unassuming about the adventurer, his demeanor added to his appeal. He would do nicely.

“And now, as anyone who has heard me speak before will attest, I have been rather more efficient than usual tonight.”

An amused chuckle washed through the crowd.

“Therefore we have time for a few questions.” Again his gaze sought hers. A challenge sparked in his eyes, as if daring her to do more than meet his gaze. Veronica did indeed have a question, but not one she was prepared to ask. At least, not yet. Immediately a dozen hands shot up. Sir Sebastian pointed to a gentleman toward the front.

“Sir,” the man began. “In your third book, you relate an encounter with a tribe during your expedition down the Amazon, and I was curious as to whether. . .”

“Oh, yes, he’s perfect,” Veronica murmured.

Portia snorted in a most unladylike manner. “Nonsense. I was raised with the man. I can tell you any number of ways in which he’s not the least bit perfect. Why, I can recall . . .” Portia glanced at Veronica. “The one you want for what? What are you talking about?” Her eyes narrowed. “What are you planning?”

“Sir Sebastian.” On Veronica’s other side, her aunt Lotte rose to her feet. “I should like to know, given your renown as an explorer and adventurer and as I have been told you are most forward thinking . . .”

“Stop her.” Portia clutched Veronica’s arm.

“Would that I could.” Veronica patted her friend’s hand in a comforting manner and bit back a grin. She should have expected this. Miss Charlotte Bramhall had her own campaign to wage.

“Thank you, ma’am. I do try to be progressive.” Sir Sebastian favored Aunt Lotte with his compelling smile. A smile that surely made every other gentleman in the hall wish to be him and every lady wish to be with him. Veronica wondered if the older woman was at all affected.

Apparently not. Aunt Lotte’s expression remained firm.

“Excellent.” Aunt Lotte nodded. “Then I should like to know your opinion as to the acceptance of women as members of the Explorers Club.”

A groan passed through the crowd, and Portia’s hand tightened.

Sir Sebastian’s brows drew together. “I’m afraid I don’t quite understand the question.”

“It’s very simple, young man. Do you or do you not support full membership for women?”

Sir Sebastian chose his words with obvious care. “It seems to me, as you are here tonight and the lectures of the society are open to all, there is no need to grant full membership to the fairer sex as it would only be a . . .” He thought for a moment. “An undue burden, as it were.” Again he smiled an altogether pleasant smile, although Aunt Lotte might well interpret it as condescending. Poor man. He might have come face-to-face with uncivilized natives in the far jungles of the globe, but he had never done battle with Miss Charlotte Bramhall. Sir Sebastian continued with innocent disregard for his imminent danger. “It’s my understanding that full members residing in London are required to participate fully in all matters regarding governing of the organization.”

Veronica winced.

“And you think that a burden?” Aunt Lotte squared her shoulders. “Rubbish. As progressive as you may be, Sir Sebastian, perhaps you are not aware of the significant advancements made in the last twenty years by women through independent travel and sheer determination. Women who can explore the reaches of the Nile can certainly handle the dubious burden of administration of a mere organization.”

“I have no doubt of that.” He chuckled. “But, my dear lady, there is also tradition to be considered. Progress cannot be allowed to simply sweep aside traditions that have been nourished through the years.”

“Tradition, sir, is simply a male excuse—”

“Miss Bramhall!” Sir Hugo Tolliver, director of the Explorers Club, leaped to his feet, fairly pushed Sir Sebastian away from the podium, and glared at Lotte. “This is neither the time nor the place for a debate as to the merits of membership.”

“Do tell me, then . . .” Lotte glared right back. “When would you suggest—”

“Now, ladies and gentlemen,” Sir Hugo pointedly addressed the crowd. “Refreshments are being served in the foyer, and as is our tradition, Sir Sebastian will be joining us.” With that, Sir Hugo escorted Sir Sebastian off the stage and toward the door.

People stood and headed toward the foyer, toward what was more than likely tepid lemonade and the chance to make the personal acquaintance of the adventurous Sir Sebastian.

Lotte stared after them. “What an annoying beast that man is.”

Veronica rose to her feet. “I assume you are speaking of Sir Hugo. Sir Sebastian struck me as most cordial and quite charming.”

Lotte scoffed. “Cut from the same cloth, no doubt.”

“He is a man, dear.” Veronica smiled. “We must make allowances.”

“Ha.” Lotte’s brows drew together. “Women have allowed men to get away with this kind of nonsense for centuries. It’s past time we took our proper place in society.” She glanced at Portia, still seated and trying very hard to look as if she had never met Lotte, or Veronica, either, for that matter. “Are you coming?”

“Of course we are.” Portia reluctantly got to her feet. “He is my cousin, after all.”

“Then you should take him in hand.”

“Go on, Aunt Lotte. We shall meet you there,” Veronica said quickly.

“Very well.” Lotte started off, determination in the set of her shoulders and the spring in her step.

“Whatever possessed you to bring her with us tonight?” Portia glared at her friend.

“I didn’t bring her with us. It was simply a coincidence that she had already planned to attend. A pleasant coincidence.”

“Not the word that immediately comes to my mind.” Portia huffed. “I was afraid this sort of thing would happen.”

“What sort of thing?”

“I knew she would make a spectacle of herself.”

“Scarcely that, darling. She simply asked a question.” Veronica took Portia’s arm, and they started after the crowd streaming toward the exit.

“But what a question! Women as members of the Explorers Club indeed.”

“She was entirely right and I quite agree with her, as you well know,” Veronica said smoothly. “And if she hadn’t asked, I very well might have.”

Portia heaved a long-suffering sigh. “I don’t know why the women of your family have to be so. . . so. . .”

“Independent in our thinking? Intelligent and not afraid to show it?”

“Yes,” Portia snapped. “It’s not at all becoming.”

“Pity.”

“You’ll never find another husband if you don’t learn to be more circumspect.” A warning sounded in Portia’s voice. “Men do not want women who are overly intelligent.”

“And I do not want a man who would expect me to be someone I’m not,” Veronica said in a lofty manner. “Besides, I have no intention of marrying again.”

Portia stopped in mid-step and stared. “Good Lord, Veronica, don’t be absurd. Of course you will. I know I will. Although I would prefer to choose a husband myself,” Portia added under her breath. In recent months, her well-meaning family had begun a concerted, and not especially subtle, campaign to find Portia a new husband, placing one eligible bachelor after another in her path. “We’re women. It’s what’s expected of us.”

Veronica cast her a pleasant smile. “I prefer not to do what’s expected of me.”

“Yes, I know.” Portia rolled her gaze heavenward.

“Furthermore, I don’t see why women in our position should be expected to marry.”

“And what position is that?”

“Marriage gives women financial security. Even in this day and age women have few ways to provide for themselves.” Veronica shrugged. “You and I have independent wealth. Our financial futures are assured. Therefore there is no need to marry.”

“No need to marry?” Portia’s eyes widened at the blasphemy.

“None at all.” She hooked her arm through Portia’s and again herded her toward the door.

“But surely you don’t intend to spend the rest of your life alone?”

“No, I don’t.” Veronica shook her head. “It’s only been a little more than three years since Charles died, and I am already tired of being alone. And I am not the type of woman to whom the idea of flitting from one man’s bed to the next is especially appealing.”

“Thank God.” Relief sounded in Portia’s voice.

Veronica smiled. She hadn’t yet decided if she would tell Portia exactly what she planned. Still, she might need the other woman’s assistance, even though Portia’s proper nature might well be too shocked to permit her to render any true aid.

Veronica scanned the crowd in front of them. An indomitable Aunt Lotte was making her way toward the foyer. Through the open doors she could see Sir Sebastian, surrounded by admirers, most of them female. He spoke to everyone who approached him in what, even from this distance, struck Veronica as a charming and gracious manner. It was most admirable.

“Tell me more about your cousin.”

“I don’t know what more there is to tell.” Portia thought for a moment. “You’ve read one of his books.”

“Two actually.”

“Then you know of his foolish pursuit of adventure in the guise of expanding man’s knowledge of the unknown. I can’t bear to read them myself. They’re rather heart-stopping, you know.”

“But he does know how to tell a story,” Veronica murmured. Indeed, she had found his prose to be evocative and even sensual.

“The family hoped he would go into business or study the law. Instead he has spent the last dozen or so years traveling to those places on this earth few civilized men have ventured. It’s most distressing.”

“Well, it’s not law.” Veronica bit back a grin.

“He always was something of a rebel as a child. Always doing things he shouldn’t. Never following anyone’s rules but his own. Still . . .” Portia heaved a resigned sigh. “He has always been my favorite.”

“Somewhere deep inside you, Portia, you long for adventure.”

“My life is rather dull,” Portia said under her breath, then realized what she’d said. “Not dull. How absurd. I don’t know why I said that.”

“Those least likely to bend . . . ”

“Are most likely to snap. Yes, yes, you’ve said it before, but it’s utter nonsense.” Portia scoffed. “I have no intention of bending or snapping.”

“Of course not,” Veronica said. “You’re quite content with your uneventful life.”

Portia nodded. “Indeed I am.”

Veronica knew better. It struck her on occasion as both odd and remarkable that she and Portia, along with Julia, Lady Winterset, knew one another as well as they did given they hadn’t known each other at all until a few years ago. It was chance that they had happened to meet at Fenwick and Sons, Booksellers, but no doubt fate that they had become fast friends. They had each lost their husbands some three years ago to accident or illness or mishap and had met at a time when each needed a friend who was not tied to her loss. While not one given to overt displays of piety, Veronica often thanked God she had found these friends, in truth, these sisters she’d never had nor ever missed. Now she could not envision her life without them.

“Aside from Sebastian, we are quite a proper, well-behaved family,” Portia said firmly, although Veronica did wonder how a proper, well-behaved family could produce a man who wandered the far reaches of the earth. Or perhaps it was only a proper, well-behaved family that could.

“He certainly doesn’t look the least bit well behaved.” In truth, with his rugged good looks, Sir Sebastian looked like a hero from a novel. “He looks like a man who plunges headfirst into adventure.”

“It’s the scar.” Portia studied her cousin. “It makes him look like, well, exactly what he is.”

“No doubt a souvenir from one of his expeditions.”

“I suspect he likes people to think that.” Portia chuckled. “The truth is he fell out of a tree when he was a boy.” The closer they got to Sir Sebastian, the slower the crowd moved. They were scarcely walking at all now. Portia tapped her foot in impatience.

“I gather it’s been some time since you’ve seen him.”

“He’s been back in England for several months, according to the rest of the family. But he’s yet to make an appearance at any one of the gatherings they have subjected me to of late. Although with Christmas less than a month away, those gatherings will become even more frequent and Sebastian is certain to attend.” Portia craned her neck to see around the crowd. “I understand he’s purchased a house in the country.”

“Oh?” A casual note sounded in Veronica’s voice. “Do you think he intends to stay in one place for a while, then?”

“I have no idea what he intends, but I will certainly ask him if we ever get close enough. Why are you asking questions about Sebastian?” Her eyes narrowed. “And you never answered me. What did you mean by he’s the one you want? The one you want for what?”

“I haven’t decided yet.”

A break appeared in the crowd in front of them, and Veronica urged Portia forward.

Portia stood her ground. “Veronica Smithson, I don’t believe you have ever lied to me before.”

“Nonsense, Portia.” Veronica shrugged. “I have lied to you on any number of occasions.”

“And I have never known you to be undecided about anything.”

“Ah, well, there’s always a first time.”

“What are you planning?”

Veronica peered around her. “There’s a path opening behind you.”

“I don’t care!” Portia’s eyes widened. “If you are interested in pursuing Sebastian, I should warn you, he is not interested in marriage.”

“Nor am I, as I believe we have already established.” Veronica took her arm, turned her, and started steering her toward Sebastian.

“Then what do you want?” Portia pulled up short and refused to budge.

“You won’t like it.”

“No doubt.”

“It really isn’t any of your concern.”

“He is my cousin and you are my friend, so it most certainly is my concern.”

“You may rest easy, then. I have no desire to become your cousin’s wife.” Veronica focused her gaze on Sebastian and smiled. “I intend to be his mistress.”

Portia stared in disbelief. “You what?”

“You heard me.”

“I hoped I was mistaken. Or I’d gone deaf. That is the sort of thing that would strike any decent person deaf. There are warnings about things like that, you know.” Portia’s brows drew together. “You can’t possibly be serious.”

“I’ve never been more serious,” Veronica said, her gaze lingering on Sir Sebastian. He was a fine figure of a man.

“Well, I won’t have it! And I cannot believe you would suggest such a thing. I know you pay no heed to matters of this nature, but this is . . . ,” Portia sputtered. “It’s immoral. That’s what it is. Beyond that.” Portia squared her shoulders and met Veronica’s gaze directly. “It’s scandalous! And I will not permit it!” Several heads turned in their direction.

“Darling, you have nothing to say about it. However . . .” Veronica leaned closer. “It would be considerably less scandalous if you refrained from announcing it to the entire world.”

“I don’t care!” Regardless, Portia cared more than anyone Veronica knew about scandal, and she lowered her voice. “I know you always do precisely as you please, but this is entirely too much, even for you. It’s wrong, Veronica. And it’s . . .” Portia searched for the right word. “It’s selfish. That’s what it is. Selfish.”

Veronica raised an amused brow. “How on earth is it selfish?”

“You’re thinking only of yourself. Think of the scandal. How it will affect your friends and your family. Your father and your grandmother and your aunt.” Portia cast a reproving look at Lotte, still making her way toward Sebastian. “Perhaps not your aunt but . . . Harrison.” Portia sucked in a sharp breath at the thought of the overly proper brother of Veronica’s late husband. “Harrison would be appalled.”

“Harrison is far less concerned about scandal than he once was. Besides, he’s now married to Julia and scandal is what brought them together. I daresay my dear brother-in-law now understands the benefits of a certain amount of scandal.”

“Well, I don’t!” Portia snapped.

“I shall make you a promise, Portia dear. I shall be wonderfully discreet in all matters pertaining to any”—she cleared her throat—“arrangement I may come to with your cousin. Which was my intention all along. If you will do me one small, insignificant favor.”

“Humph.” Portia glared. “And what favor would that be?”

“Introduce me to him, of course.”

“That’s right.” Portia brightened. “You haven’t even met him. Why, there’s every possibility he won’t be the least bit interested in you.”

“I can’t imagine such a thing.” Veronica drew her brows together. “Nor, do I think, can you.”

“Admittedly, you’re not unattractive.” Portia cast an assessing eye over her friend. “Although not as pretty as Julia.”

“Yes, well, then I shall simply have to try harder,” Veronica said in a firm manner. She knew better than to let anything Portia said annoy her. Although she was never deliberately unkind, Portia did have an alarming tendency to speak without either hesitation or thought.

Portia had made no secret of the fact that, among the three friends, she thought Julia was the pretty one, Veronica was the clever one, and she herself was the most proper of the group. It was absurd. It would be most immodest to admit it aloud, but Veronica considered herself every bit as pretty as Julia, perhaps even more so.

While Julia was the epitome of blond English beauty, one could tell just by looking at Veronica that she was no ordinary creature. If she did not have men falling at her feet, it was not a result of her appearance but rather her nature. She had always been independent and outspoken and had never hidden the fact of her intelligence, qualities she had long ago accepted as not being especially appealing to men. And didn’t her mirror confirm that, with her dark red hair and tall stature, her deep brown eyes that flashed more often than not with amusement as well as intelligence, she was striking and very nearly unforgettable? Julia was the pretty one, indeed.

“Why are you frowning at me like that?” Suspicion sounded in Portia’s voice.

“Was I?” Veronica favored her friend with her sweetest smile. “My apologies. A random thought captured my attention for a moment. It was nothing of significance.”

“I have a random thought of my own.” Portia’s voice was cool. “I cannot condone anything as depraved as you attempting to seduce—”

Veronica laughed.

Portia ignored her. “—my cousin, even if Sebastian himself would no doubt be amenable to the idea. He has a certain reputation, you know.”

“One of many reasons why I have selected him.”

“However—”

“I don’t believe I mentioned seduction.”

Portia glared. “You wish to become his mistress. I assume there will be a certain element of seduction involved.”

“I hadn’t thought of it quite like that, but you’re right.” Veronica bit back a grin. “I daresay there are any number of other concerns I have not yet thought of.”

“Perhaps you have not given this proposal of yours due consideration.”

“I thought I had, but I may well be mistaken. If you have any other, oh, suggestions or recommendations, or notice any impediments that I have not thought of—aside from the question of scandal or propriety—I should be delighted to hear them. Do go on.”

Portia studied her for a moment. “As I was saying, while seduction does not have my approval—”

Veronica choked back another laugh.

“I could certainly approve of any and all attempts to embroil Sebastian in marriage.”

“Marriage?” Veronica’s brows rose, although she shouldn’t be at all surprised at Portia’s offer. “Dear, dear Portia, what a wonderfully charming and thoughtful offer, although I suspect your cousin wouldn’t agree.”

“Goodness no. Sebastian is not at all interested in marriage.” Portia cast a resigned glance at her cousin, who was still surrounded by admirers. Most of them female. “He is entirely too busy with his travels and his books and his lectures to be interested in marriage. But if anyone can lure him to the altar, I would wager it would be you.”

“That may well be the nicest thing you’ve ever said to me. And don’t think your confidence in me is not appreciated, as is your offer of assistance, but”—she laid her hand on Portia’s arm—“do try not to be shocked. I want a man, darling, not a husband. I’ve had a husband, and while I have no regrets on that score, I have no desire to have another. I want adventure, not routine. I think I have already made that clear.”

“But—”

“However, I do want a man in my life for longer than the usual length of an affaire de coeur. I am not interested in a casual encounter.”

Portia winced.

“I would be an excellent mistress. I am unfailingly loyal, you know.”

Portia stared.

“I do plan to be faithful and would expect faithfulness in return.”

Portia’s mouth opened in stunned silence.

“I am an accomplished hostess, well spoken, and would certainly be a benefit to any man of ambition.” Veronica’s gaze strayed back to Sebastian.

Shock glazed Portia’s eyes.

“I am something of a catch, Portia. I can’t imagine any i. . .