His Mistletoe Miss (Magic and Mayhem #2)

Chapter

1

Blast! The bodice was, well, so uninspiring. No matter how she drew it, scooped or squared, Holly Prescott achieved the exact same result—dull. And the sleeves—redundant. There must be something that she could come up with that was new, inventive and would set society on its ear, but all of her creative talents had abandoned her

this

day

.

Setting her pencils aside, Holly rubbed her cold hands together then blew into the palms to warm them as she glanced out the window and into the gardens below. Alarm rioted through her body. Oh, this will never do, A young woman, with whom she was not yet acquainted, was gazing up at Ethan, the Duke of Westbury, as if every word he spoke dripped of gold. Why were the two even in the gardens? It was December and nothing was in bloom, though Holly had no doubt that in the spring and summer the gardens at Castle Keyvnor were nothing short of glorious and an inspiration to any

artist’s

eye

.

Was the chit actually fluttering her eyelashes at Ethan? Holly stood to get a closer look, and the sketchpad slid from her lap, thudding against the muted blue and cream rug, followed by her pencils that rolled in every direction, but she couldn’t worry about them now. Not when a miss was giggling up at Ethan. Or at least Holly assumed the miss giggled since she delicately covered her mouth with a

gloved

hand

.

Holly adored Ethan, she truly did, and would be forever grateful that he’d taken her in six years ago upon the death of her brother, but in short, His Grace was far from humorous. Stodgy, stern, strict, and caring, but not amusing. Further, he was

a

fool

.

Goodness! Was the miss now blushing? It must be the cooler temperatures causing the misses’ cheeks to color because Holly couldn’t imagine Ethan ever saying anything that would cause anyone to blush. In fact, she couldn’t recall ever hearing him curse, let alone say anything inappropriate. Had he not been heir to a dukedom, Ethan would have done quite well as a vicar. Not that he was overly religious, but he shared the same drab temperament as any minister Holly had ever known.

Despite any lack of personality, it wasn’t any wonder so many misses sought Ethan out. He was the Duke of Westbury after all and any single lady whom Ethan had encountered only saw the title, without a care for the man. They were really no different from Ethan’s youngest sister, Lady Ivy, who also sought a duke of her own instead

of

love

.

Foolish! A title was cold comfort if one was not happy in a marriage.

Holly had already lost count of the number of times she’d stepped in and saved Ethan from being trapped since she’d made her coming out three years ago, and if Holly had one goal, it was to see Ethan married well and happy. Just because he was a duke, and must marry and produce an heir and spare, did not mean he shouldn’t find love as well. If anyone deserved happiness, it was Ethan. Certainly there was a lady who would appreciate him, tedious though he may be, more than they desired the title.

What will never do? Oliver Dallimore asked from behind and Holly spun around. Oliver was her dearest friend, as well as Ethan’s cousin.

And why of all places are you in here? This room is as cold as what I imagine a dip in the Thames would be this time of year. Then he looked at the large fire in the fireplace and frowned.

Large and bright as it may be, the flames had done little to bring warmth to the room. This is the quietest public room in the castle and I wished for a place to sketch in peace. My chambers face north and are rather dark without any direct sunlight. She glanced around and shrugged. The cold is probably because of the ghosts. Holly assumed that was the reason for the chill because half a dozen spirits had been gathered when she walked into the parlor, not that she minded of course. It wasn’t as if they were harmful. They’d been somewhat surprised, or at least she assumed that was the expression on their nearly transparent faces when she acknowledged them with a mere nod. But, she couldn’t be bothered with ghosts right now, even if she was intruding on their gathering.

Not you too? He rolled his eyes as he picked the sketchbook from the floor. "Just because something probably happened that others cannot explain, a hysteria has developed so that now anyone who steps into this blasted castle is convinced they’ve encountered a being from another realm. It’s nonsense, I

assure

you

."

Holly glanced at the four she could still see and smirked. The little boy, who probably wasn’t any older than five, ducked his head. Holly didn’t mind seeing ghosts that were older since they’d lived a full life, but her heart ached to see one so young and taken far

too

soon

.

Oliver flipped through her sketches, pausing on occasion to study the drawings. These are very nice. It is a shame you were the daughter of a baron and are now the ward of a duke, otherwise, you’d do quite well as a modiste.

That’s very kind of you. She took her book from Oliver and stared down at her latest design. These were her future. She might be everything Oliver stated, but her dowry was only five thousand pounds and the small manor on the coast near Tintagel. With so little to offer, Holly did not expect to marry, which was why she’d made a plan for her future. Once she achieved her majority in two years, she would return home and become a dressmaker.

How she missed her home. She’d not been back in nearly two years, though Westbury assured her that the property was well cared for. It was still her home and no matter how long she’d lived with Westbury and his youngest sister, Prescott Place would always

be

home

.

You never answered me, Oliver interrupted her thoughts. "What would

never

do

?"

With that, Holly returned her attention to the gardens below. Another miss has set her sights on Ethan, and I’m certain the cap shall quickly follow.

Just because a young lady speaks with Ethan does not mean that she immediately begins planning their wedding, Oliver argued as he sidled up next to her, rubbing his arms as if to

get

warm

.

Goodness, she could see his breath. No wonder no other guests had ventured inside this sitting room, lovely though it may be. The wool gown she’d chosen for today must be warmer than she realized because other than her fingers being cold, Holly was quite comfortable.

She is quite lovely, Oliver murmured.

I suppose, but she really should have chosen a different color for her pelisse. A redhead should never wear yellow. Holly nibbled on her fingernail, a horrible habit that she must break, but how could she when her guardian was in danger. Besides, Ethan doesn’t need lovely. He needs a lady who will care for him more than the title or his wealth.

Ethan can take care of himself. Do give the chap some credit.

I do, but neither you nor Ethan can possibly understand the female mind and the manipulative thoughts that can take root when a single duke, who is not unpleasant to look upon and young enough to enjoy spending time with--even if he is dull--is present.

Yes, by your description, I can’t imagine why ladies don’t flock to Ethan’s side the moment he steps into a room, Oliver offered sarcastically.

Oh, she wished Oliver would take this seriously, but he simply did not understand. "They do, just not physically. Instead, they quietly scheme on how to get him alone and thus

ruin

him

."

"Last I heard, it is a lady who is ruined and never

a

duke

."

"And most ladies would willingly serve themselves up and risk a sterling reputation if it meant they’d become a duchess in

the

end

."

Oh, something must be done and Holly was just now realizing that it would be harder than ever to protect Ethan at the castle than at a ball or any other entertainment where each location was limited and one could eavesdrop on plans in a retiring room. But how could she protect him here, of all places?

If any of the ladies she’d encountered in these last three years had truly cared for Ethan, then Holly would have stood back and let love take its course. Unfortunately, Ethan, as with most gentlemen, was easily susceptible to flattery, which was why she must continue to protect him as she had since she was eighteen.

"Please inform me when you have vanquished the ruinous lady from Ethan’s side so that I might be available to

comfort

her

."

Holly slid a look at Oliver and smiled. Oh, you are a rogue, dear Oliver.

He smiled unashamedly. I rather enjoy repairing the hearts of those Ethan dismisses.

Holly snorted. "Hearts have