Page 57 of The Iron Duke's Flaming Christmas
His heart expanded with joy as he gazed out at the wintry landscape. Christmas was mere days away. He had just invited the Bomind family to come to Trenton House to celebrate with them all.
His heart trembled. It was going to be the first Christmas he would celebrate since Mary’s passing. It was well past time to do so.
A slow smile spread over his face. And now, he was able to give Selene a Christmas gift that both of them would never forget. The very best Christmas gift of them all.
Chapter 29
“Merry Christmas, Pa,” whispered Selene, kissing her father on the cheek. “I am so happy that you and ma are home at last and able to spend Christmas Eve with us.”
Mr. Bomind smiled, gazing around the ornate parlor. He looked completely stunned that he was there, sipping port before dinner at Trenton House, along with the duke, Lady Lenore, and Captain Redford, who had brought Emma, as well. The two of them looked so happy, gazing at each other shyly, glowing with love.
Emma had whispered to her as they walked into the parlor that the duke had intervened on their behalf, talking with her parents, assuring them that the captain would look after their daughter and had given their blessing for their betrothal. Selene was so happy for them. There was no impediment to their union, now.
Not like me. The duke and I have declared our love, at last, but there is no guarantee we will ever be able to marry. I must appreciate this time together now.
“We are so very happy for you, daughter,” replied her father, his eyes misting. “We always wanted you to find yourplace… we just never thought it would be here.” He gazed around the parlor again, shaking his head incredulously. “Whoever knows what fate has in store for any of us?”
Selene sighed. “Yes, it is truly amazing.” She paused, a wave of sorrow sweeping over her, amid the joy. “But… it is probably a brief sojourn, Pa. I do not know what my future holds.”
Her father put a hand on her arm, looking at her intently. “Have faith, Selene. You might be surprised.”
Selene opened her mouth to ask him what he meant, but at that moment, Lenore rushed to them, clutching a neatly wrapped gift in her hands, gazing up at her adoringly.
“The bow on the back of your dress has come undone,” whispered Selene, caressing her face gently. “Turn around and I will tie it for you.”
She bent down, tying the bow. When she looked up, the duke was staring at her from where he was standing at the fireplace talking with the Captain, with a look of such tenderness and quiet joy on his face, that her heart shifted in her chest.
“Go on,” she whispered to the little girl. “Go and give it to him.”
Lenore nodded, rushing over to her father, shyly handing him her gift. He thanked her, ripping off the paper, a slow smile spreading across his face as he gazed at the homemade book in his hands.
“It is a book about birds,” he cried, holding it up in his hands, so everyone could see. “My daughter made it herself!”
Everyone cheered, crowding around to admire Lenore’s work. Selene felt like her heart was going to burst with pride and love as she watched the girl transform with joy, gazing at her father, as he proudly showed off his gift.
She blinked rapidly, gazing around the parlor. The Christmas evergreens were draped everywhere, and so many candles were lit, glowing brightly in the room.
Soft snow was falling outside, pure white flakes against the indigo of the darkening sky. And she was there amid it all, with her parents and friends, his daughter… and him.
She took a deep breath, still unable to believe it was actually real. She had a special Christmas present for him—one that she thought he needed, more than anything in this world. She would give it to him later, when they were alone together.
Their eyes met and held across the room. The love between them was so blindingly strong now and growingstronger by the day. He had welcomed her family for Christmas. But would they ever be able to declare their love to the world? Or would they be forced to always live apart?
***
Ian stood up at the table, clinking a spoon against his glass for silence. Dessert had just been cleared and they were enjoying the last glass of wine. Everyone fell silent, gazing at him.
“Thank you all for coming and sharing Christmas Eve with us,” he declared, his voice strong. He turned to Selene, his eyes softening. “This woman has changed everything for me, turned my world around… and now, I am overjoyed to tell you that her father has given his blessing to our marriage. That is, if she’ll have me…”
There was a shocked silence for a moment, then everyone started cheering wildly, clapping. Selene jumped up, rushing to him, staring at him incredulously.
“Is it true?” she gasped, turning to her father, who nodded slowly, looking overwhelmed with joy. “Oh, I am so happy! I will marry you!” She hesitated. “But… how is it possible?”
Ian took a deep breath, and taking her hand, gazed into her eyes. “Selene, there is no easy way to say this…” He stole alook her parents, who nodded. Turning his gaze on her again, he squeezed her hand and spoke softly.
“It seems that your parents, who love you to the ends of the earth, adopted you. You were left in their care by the late Marquess of Garton. He asked your parents to raise you as their own. But in truth, you were his illegitimate daughter. He wanted you cared for.” He took a deep breath. “So, you see, there is no impediment any longer to our marriage. You have noble blood running through your veins.”
“What?” stammered Selene, the blood draining from her face. “I… I do not understand…”
