Jo Beverley - [Rogue ] (45 page)

Judith laughed at the memory of that first meeting. "And you the golden-tongued diplomat."

He looked into her eyes. "I've discovered diplomacy is not the key to secrets of the heart."

Judith realized they were neglecting Lucy, though the smiling woman did not seem to mind.

"Thank you for coming," Judith said. "I hope you will all come over as often as you can. Our children should be playmates, and we need regular crowds to bring this place to life."

Lucy chuckled. "I'm sure you two will soon start a crowd of your own."

Judith blushed. Lucy dashed off to corral two of her sons who were heading for the spiced ale.

Judith and Leander went over to his uncle and exchanged Christmas greetings. The older man couldn't speak well, but it was clear he was delighted to see Leander in his home. He gripped Leander's hand. "Welcome. Welcome."

Leander knelt and kissed the hand. His uncle touched his head like a blessing. Judith kissed Charles Knollis's cheek. "Thank you," she said. She knew what it meant to Leander to have a family, and one who loved him.

Bastian and Rosie came running over, full of questions, and Leander explained again what had happened in London. He assured them that Timothy Rossiter was safely on the seas.

Then Judith, Leander, Bastian, and Rosie wandered the hall as a family, greeting and being greeted. More oranges appeared and Bastian and Rosie went off to offer them to the children. Someone started a song, and rough country voices took it up with no pretensions of tunefulness or elegance.

Here's health to the master,

And a long time to live.

For he's been so thoughtful

And ready to give.

Wassail, wassail, merry wassail

Nasal, gravelly, the chorus swelled up to fill the pristine hall.

Here's health to his lady

For her kindly care,

It's but right and proper

That she well do fare,

Wassail, wassail, merry wassail.

Judith had no hesitation in joining in with the chorus, her imperfect voice lost in the swell. Leander sang, too, rather more tunefully.

Here's health to his children,

The lively young sprites,

His line shall be long now

If he has his rights.

Wassail, wassail, merry wassail
.

Rosie and Bastian giggled over this, but they, too, joined in the chorus.

And this is a fine house

That noble do stand,

We pray it be blessed

As any in the land.

Wassail, wassail, merry wassail.

Judith could almost imagine the marble walls absorbing this rough, traditional sound and being transformed into something more true to the good English earth.

Eleanor and Nicholas suddenly appeared at their side, with a wine bottle and four glasses.

"Spiced ale not to your taste?" asked Leander. "Begone. I'm working on being a good Englishman."

Nicholas had a mischievous twinkle in his eyes. "Then this is definitely just what you need." He turned the bottle so the label neatly inscribed
Elderberry 1814
could be seen.

Leander groaned. "Is my love to be put to the test so soon?"

"Ha!" declared Judith. "If I had my way, you would be facing fig juice and vinegar, you wretch!" She took the glass Nicholas had poured and passed it to Leander.

All their eyes were on him as he tasted, and Judith could see the control he'd clamped upon himself. He sipped cautiously, then relaxed in amazement. "Remarkable. It's very good. It really is." He put his arm around Judith. "Not that I should be surprised. All you touch is good and sound. Will it offend you if I say you truly are my angel bride?"

Judith's smile was radiant. "How could it, for if I have wings and halo, my dearest Rogue, they are assuredly of your providing."

The End

Want more from Jo Beverley?

Page forward for a special Author's Note

followed by an excerpt from

FORBIDDEN

The Company of Rogues Series

Book Four

Dear Reader,

Christmas Angel
is the third book in the Company of Rogues series. The first is
An Arranged Marriage
, Eleanor and Nicholas's story. The second is
An Unwilling Bride
, about Beth and Lucien. If you missed those you can buy the e-editions now.

If you've enjoyed
Christmas Angel,
I'd appreciate it if you wrote a review for your on line bookseller or forum.

I wrote the first draft of
An Arranged Marriage
in 1977, making this series over thirty years in the making.

You can keep up with the latest news by "liking" my author page on Facebook, and/or signing up for my occasional newsletter on my website.

Happy reading always,

Jo

www.jobev.com

Page forward and continue your journey

with an excerpt from

FORBIDDEN

The Company of Rogues Series

Book Four

Excerpt from

Forbidden

The Company of Rogues

Book Four

by

Jo Beverley

New York Times & USA Today

Bestselling Author

FORBIDDEN

Reviews & Accolades

"Ms. Beverley breaks just about every rule in the book and makes us beg for more in this enthralling love story."

~Romantic Times

"FORBIDDEN is a delight to read. Any woman would be able to understand Serena's horror at the thought of another marriage like her first, and her inability to trust

Francis in the beginning."

~Romance Reviews Today