Regency Romp - Happy Christmas Mr Jones (Regency Romps) by Linda Sole Page B

it,’ Tomas said trying to look innocent and failing as his eyes twinkled.  ‘Especially as you assured me that you did not care for money and needed only a carriage, a horse and a dog.  I think that perhaps my wife should have a few fashionable clothes, don’t you?  I might be tempted to give her some jewels…if she smiles at me.’
                  ‘Oh, Captain Milliband,’ Lydia said.  ‘You are far too good to me.  I am sure I do not deserve -’
                  She got no further for with one fell swoop, he snatched the bunch of mistletoe from the ground, held it over her head in one hand while using the other to pull her close.  Lydia’s breath caught as his head bent towards her and then his mouth took possession of hers.  His kiss was so sweet and yet so powerful, so demanding that she lost herself in responding to him with all her heart.
                  ‘Oh, I do love you,’ she said when at last she could breathe again.  ‘Will you forgive me?’
                  ‘There is nothing to forgive,’ Tomas replied.  ‘I am a wealthy man in need of a wife to love me and care for me.  I should have made it possible for Jane and Michael to wed had you not said a word, for I like your sister very well and Michael is one of my best friends.  So stop thinking yourself wicked, my darling Lydia – and kiss me.’
                  Lydia obeyed, giving herself up to the pleasure of showing him how much his kisses were appreciated and enjoying the new and exciting sensations coursing through her body.  She was beginning to suspect there was a great deal more to marriage than a wedding ring and a new home – and she thought she might like discovering what Captain Milliband had to teach her.
                  ‘Captain Milliband…’
                  ‘Tomas, my darling, if you please.’  He looked down at her appreciatively.  ‘What more can I do for you?’
                  ‘Nothing, except to keep kissing me,’ she said.  ‘Mama never told me what marriage was all about but you won’t mind showing me – will you?’
                  ‘I shall be delighted to teach you all you need to know.’  He touched her cheek, smiling down into her eyes.  ‘My innocent little love, I would have you no other way.  Are you sure there is nothing more?’
                  ‘We shall have to tell my uncle – and Jane - the good news.’
                  ‘Later,’ he said and held the mistletoe over her head once more.  ‘I am so grateful to Mr Jones for giving us such a wonderful present.’
                  ‘Yes, it was kind of him,’ Lydia said and giggled, because she suddenly knew that everything would be all right.  Tomas would look after her and Jane would be happy.  ‘I think we should wish him a Happy Christmas don’t you?’
                  ‘I quite agree,’ he said, pausing to gaze down at her.  ‘Happy Christmas, Mr Jones – and now I want to kiss the lady who has just consented to be my wife.’
                  Lydia smiled contentedly, because she was very happy to oblige.
                  Happy Christmas, Mr Jones, she thought but was too busy kissing to say the words.  It seemed a little bit of kindness had brought happiness to so many people at this wonderful time of year.  In the New Year there would be two weddings, hers and Jane’s.
                  She hoped that Mary and Annabel would find husbands soon and be as happy as she and her sister already were…