Page 55 of A Christmas Miracle for the Frosty Marquess
Gently, he made his way to her, each step filled with purpose.
“Clara,” he said softly, taking in her countenance. Her silver satin dress made her as radiant as a star. Her long auburn hair was pinned out of her face with diamond combs, and it cascaded down her back and over her shoulders in curls. The scent of roses permeated the air all around her, and the flush to her cheeks was breathtaking. “You look absolutely beautiful.”
She smiled, her gaze never leaving his.
“And you look quite dashing, Julian,” she said.
Julian grinned, the compliment filling him with pride. He had wanted nothing more than to impress her. And he had succeeded.
“Thank you,” he said.
The Duke raised his champagne glass, tapping it to get the attention of everyone.
“This is a joyous night,” he said, his voice filling the room. “With the company of our dear family and friends, we shall begin this evening’s activities.”
Everyone applauded gently, everyone moving to stand close to one another. Even Sarah and Edward were attentive, waiting for further instructions. Julian smiled as he glanced over all the faces present. For the first Christmas since his mother had died, he felt delight at the celebration to come, rather than dread. It was a wonderful feeling. Almost as wonderful as having Clara standing so close to him.
The ceremony began, and the grandeur of the Yule Log ritual, an age-old tradition, commenced. Laughter and lively conversation filled the air all around them, but Julian felt as though Clara and he were in their own world. She handed him a sprig of mistletoe, her fingers brushing his.
“For good luck,” she said softly.
Julian’s face warmed, but it wasn’t out of embarrassment. His blood was warming quickly at her touch, and it took all his strength to not pull her in to kiss her.
Their hands met again as they jointly placed the mistletoe on the Yule Log, sealing their hopes and wishes for the year to come. The flames from the log danced higher, casting flickering shadows that celebrated their budding connection. And with his desire to put his lips on Clara’s, he made a decision he hadn’t expected to make in that moment.
The Yule log’s warmth enveloped the room, setting the stage for an evening of joyous revelry. The orange and gold flames licked the air, casting a mesmerizing dance of light and shadows on the walls of Thornmire Manor. Laughter, playful banter, and the hum of familial conversations created a tapestry of happy sounds. Unable to keep his thoughts to himself any longer, he turned to directly face Clara.
“I’ve been meaning to speak with you,” Julian said with emotional intensity. “Ever since our encounter this morning, there has been something I wished to say to you.”
Clara nodded, urging him to continue, her face a mixture of hope and curiosity.
“What is it, Julian?” she asked.
Amidst the merriness around them, Julian felt a gentle stirring within. A desire to bare his soul, to reveal hidden truths to Clara, beckoned him irresistibly. But there was one more thing he wanted to do, inspired by the festivities and the holiday spirit. He gave her a wide grin, patting her gently on her shoulders. A soft smile played on his lips as he leaned closer to her.
“Pardon me for a moment,” he said quietly, giving her hand a gentle pat. The warmth of her touch lingered, making it harder to leave. “I promise I’ll be back shortly, and I will finish what I was about to say.”
Clara’s mouth fell open, clearly surprised by his sudden desire to leave. She looked confused and baffled, but she nodded and smiled curiously.
“Very well,” she said. “But please, do not keep me in suspense all evening.”
Julian grinned again, shaking his head.
“I can assure you, I will not,” he said.
As Julian raced upstairs, his mind ran through memories of a time gone by. He remembered the years filled with grief following his mother’s demise and the insidious way it had consumed him, sealing his heart in an impenetrable fortress of sorrow and detachment. But now, there was a glimmer, a light that had started to seep through the cracks, and it bore Clara’s name.
Reaching his room, Julian swiftly got a small, ornate box from his drawer. Clutching it close, he made his way back downstairs, his heart pounding in tandem with the rapid beat of his thoughts. As the last vestiges of the Yule celebrations waned, Julian knew the moment was ripe. He rushed back to Clara’s side, offering her his arm.
“Would you accompany me for a walk?” he asked. “There’s something I’d like to share with you alone, at least for the moment.”
Clara once more looked surprised, and her curiosity was clearly piqued.
“What is all this about?” she asked with a soft giggle.
Julian gave her a smile filled with adoration.
“All shall be revealed,” he said.
