Twice Upon a Time (A Danby Family Novella) Read online

  “Thank you, Your Grace.” She lifted her gaze to his and her heart paused a moment in response to the brilliant twinkle in his eyes.

  A smile softened his dignified face. “You are the perfect match for my grandson. There will be no more wandering from home for Julian now that he has a beautiful wife to provide him with a houseful of issue. Do you think you are expecting already?”

  “Grandfather!” Julian came to her rescue. “There are some things even a duke must not ask.”

  “I am a grandfather. I may ask anything I like.”

  Julian tucked her hand in the crook of his elbow. “And as a husband, I can forbid her to answer.”

  Felicity’s spine stiffened. “Forbid me?” She vividly recalled their vows and never once did she consent to allowing her husband to forbid her from anything.

  Julian and Danby chuckled.

  “Ah, so she is a spirited one,” the duke said. “Just as you promised.”

  Julian winked at her. “As you said, she is a perfect match for me.” His compliment and loving gaze smoothed her ruffled feathers.

  “I suppose I must summon Leander next,” the duke said. “Has he truly taken a wife?”

  “He has, Grandfather. A kind young woman with a voracious appetite for reading. She wishes to explore the Danby library.”

  The duke sighed. “Perhaps I should be content with the fact Leander is married. There will be plenty of time to badger him about an heir.”

  “He will be thrilled to hear it, Grandfather.”

  A knock at the door interrupted their meeting.

  “Enter,” the duke called.

  Felicity turned in time to see the butler was back.

  “Your Grace, your honored guests.” He moved aside to allow two finely attired ladies to cross the threshold.

  Her eyes widened. “Mama! Meri!”

  Hurrying to hug one another, they all three spoke in excited half-sentences.

  “How did you—?”

  “His Grace sent a carriage.”

  “I didn’t expect—”

  “And there is a ball.” Meredith bounced on her toes, sending her chestnut curls into a lively spring.

  Felicity looked over her shoulder at her husband. “Did you arrange for Mother and Meri to come to Danby Castle?”

  “I did.” Julian joined their little group and put his arm around her. “You are pleased by your Christmas present, aren’t you?”

  Tears blurred her vision and no matter how inappropriate, she couldn’t help but to reach out and caress his jaw. “I love it, Julian. Even if we share a hundred Christmases, this one will always be the best.”

  He smiled and eased her a little closer to place a kiss on her cheek. “I shall take that as a challenge, sweetheart.”

  The End

  About the Author

  Don’t let bestselling regency romance author Samantha Grace’s sweet smile fool you. She has a wicked sense of humor, and she’s not above embarrassing her characters for a good laugh. Samantha writes what she enjoys reading: romantic comedies about family, friendship, and flawed characters who learn how to love deeply. Part-time hospice social worker, moonlighting author, and pilates nut, she enjoys a happy and hectic life with her real life hero and two kids in the Midwest. To learn more about Samantha’s stories, visit www.samanthagraceauthor.com.

  Other Books by Samantha Grace

  Miss Hillary Schools a Scoundrel (Beau Monde Bachelor #1)

  HE’LL NEVER SETTLE FOR ONE WOMAN…

  Debonair bachelor Lord Andrew Forest lives for pleasure and offers no apologies. But he receives a dose of his own medicine when his family’s houseguest beds him, then disappears without a by-your-leave. He’d like to teach the little vixen a thing or two about how to love a man…if he can find her…

  AND SHE WON’T SETTLE FOR HEARTBREAK…

  After the dashing man of her dreams is revealed as a lying scoundrel, heiress Lana Hillary is ready to seek a match with a respectable gentleman—if only they weren’t so dreadfully boring. Unable to rein in her bold nature for long, Lana flirts with trouble and finds herself entangled with exactly the type of man she’s vowed to avoid.

  Lady Amelia's Mess and a Half (Beau Monde Bachelor #2)

  JAKE BROKE HER HEART BY LEAVING HER AFTER SHARING A PASSIONATE KISS.

  LADY AMELIA BROKE HIS BY MARRYING HIS BEST FRIEND.

  When she returns to town a widow—pursued by an infamous rake, Jake’s debauched brother, and just maybe Jake himself—Lady Amelia will have a mess and a half on her hands.

  Miss Lavigne’s Little White Lie (Beau Monde Bachelor #3)

  A SCOUNDREL DRIVES A HARD BARGAIN…

  Spirited and determined to protect her young brother at any cost, Lisette Lavigne is desperate to flee New Orleans. There’s only one ship sailing to England, though, and the rakish Captain Daniel Hillary will only allow Lisette’s family aboard for a very steep price…

  BUT A LADY ALWAYS GETS THE UPPER HAND…

  Daniel prides himself on running a tight ship, and he knows a lady will be nothing but trouble on a long voyage. Yet he can’t help but break his own ironclad rules when Lisette persuades him that being gentlemanly just this once is his wisest course of action…

  Lady Vivian Defies a Duke (Beau Monde Bachelor #4)

  THE NAKED TRUTH

  Lady Vivian Worth knows perfectly well how to behave like a lady. But observing proper manners when there’s no one around to impress is just silly. Why shouldn’t she strip down to her chemise for a swim? When her betrothed arrives to finally meet her, Vivi will act every inch the lady—demure, polite, compliant. Everything her brother promised the man. But until then, she’s going to enjoy her freedom…

  A REVEALING DISCOVERY

  Luke Forest, the newly named Duke of Foxhaven, wants nothing to do with his inheritance—or the bride who comes with it. He wants adventure and excitement, like the enchanting water nymph he’s just stumbled across. When he discovers the skinny-dipping minx is his intended, he reconsiders his plan to find Lady Vivian another husband. Because the idea of this vivacious woman in the arms of another man might be enough to drive him insane—or to the altar.

  COMING JANUARY 7, 2014

  One Rogue Too Many (Rival Rogues #1)

  From the betting book at Brooks Gentleman’s Club:

  Wager: £2,000 that Lord Ellis will throw the first punch when he discovers Lord Thorne is wooing a certain duke’s sister.

  ALL BETS ARE OFF WHEN THE GAME IS LOVE

  Lady Gabrielle is thrilled when she learns Anthony Keaton, Earl of Ellis, wants to ask for her hand in marriage. She’s not so pleased when he then leaves the country and four months pass without a word. Clearly, the scoundrel has changed his mind and is too cowardly to tell her. There’s nothing to do but go back on the marriage mart…

  When Anthony returns to Town and finds his ultimate rival has set sights on Gabby, his continual battle of one-upmanship with Sebastian Thorne ceases to be a game. Anthony is determined to win back the woman who holds his heart--but he’s not expecting Gabby herself to up the stakes…