Page 25 of Yule Be Mine

“I suppose if it’s allowed…” She gazed up at him, her eyes slightly darkened. “Then we should spend lots of time together.”

“My thoughts exactly.” They were headed into the big family room now. “So I thought perhaps a carriage ride this afternoon would begin to let us become better acquainted.”

“What an excellent idea!” She squeezed his arm and Yule felt it all the way down to his boots. Damn, but they’d better persuade her parents to agree to as short an engagement as was socially acceptable.

“Mama, Papa, Charlotte.” Penelope’s joyous voice filled the room with her excitement. “Yule and I are betrothed.”

Of course, the announcement had come as no surprise, though there was much hugging and kissing between Penelope and her mother and sister.

Mr. St. Claire shook Yule’s hand. “We can see to the settlements later this week, my boy. We’re ever so happy to have you in the family.”

“I am as well, sir. And I’m certain my family will be thrilled to know we will now have a closer connection.”

“Mama, Papa, Yule wants to take me for a carriage ride this afternoon. That’s allowed now, isn’t it?” Penelope returned to Yule’s side, taking his hand possessively.

“Yes, of course it is, my dear.” Mrs. St. Claire sat down and indicated the sofa next to her. “Won’t you have a seat, Yule?”

“I think I must return home to inform my parents, ma’am. They will want to hear this news as soon as possible. But I’ll return at two o’clock for that carriage ride.” He kissed Penelope’s hand and she blushed.

“I’ll be waiting,” she said, breathlessly.

That little catch in her voice went straight to Yule’s groin and he had to suppress an urge to groan. “So will I.”

*

True to hisword, Yule’s carriage arrived at precisely two o’clock in front of the St. Claire’s townhouse. In moments, Yule was out the door and running up the steps. He was about to knock when the door opened and there stood Penelope, dressed in a very fashionable red carriage dress decorated with rows and rows of flounces, and a pert bonnet with a large red and white striped bow tied under one ear.

“I just couldn’t wait.” She grinned from ear to ear. “I’ve been watching for you for the last half an hour.”

“You look like a Christmas treat.” Indeed, she made his mouth water. He offered his arm, which she took with a fierceness that surprised him.

“And you look very dashing, sir.”

Wanting to look his best for Penelope, he’d changed into a more dapper ensemble for their ride. His newest suit was a fashionable green and blue plaid, which he wore with a white shirt and dark blue cravat. “I am glad you approve, my lady.”

He ushered her into the carriage and gave the driver directions to head for the park. “I thought we’d begin in Hyde Park, then branch out through the fashionable parts of Mayfair and St. James. I can show you where my digs are, and then we can pay a call on my parents and grandparents at Welwyn House.” He chuckled. “They are just dying to see you and gush over my fiancée.”

“My parents are simply thrilled. We sat and talked a blue streak after you left. So much to think about and do.” She settled back in the seat beside him, her arm and breast resting against him familiarly.

Yule swallowed hard and tried not to think about how close she was and how much he wanted to kiss her this minute.

“I think six months is scarcely time enough to get everything done.”

He jerked his head around to peer down at Penelope. “Six months?”

“Yes, Mama has said that a six-month engagement is plenty of time to make the arrangements for the wedding, but when she began listing all the things that must be done, I cannot help but believe that it will take longer than that.” She looked up at him, the little frown he so adored furrowing her brow. “Don’t you think so?”

Aghast at the plan, Yule kept a smile on his lips, his mind feverishly working on a way to countermand a half-year betrothal. “If my family and yours work together, I think we could dispense with such a long engagement, Penelope. They aren’t really necessary, are they? The point is that we are married and can begin to spend our lives together.”

“Well, that is true, Yule. That is the main reason for the wedding.” She gazed up at him, her face wreathed in smiles. “But don’t you wish to squeeze every moment of joy out of our betrothal? We can be seen about town together, we can go to parties together, dance every dance together.” Her cheeks grew rosy. “We can kiss…and you can show me that strange thing you did again.” Her eyes sparkled and his cock gave an answering surge. “You said I would like it eventually. So the more we practice—”

“Oh, good God.” Yule could not resist her. The feeling of her body pressed against him was enough to send him spiraling upward like a shooting star. The wide-eyed innocent stare, the Cupid’s bow mouth poised for a kiss, the faint, sweet scent of violets that clung to her pushed him to grasp her shoulders, turn her toward him, and pull her perfect mouth up to his.

He noted her surprised “Ah” but no resistance as he pressed his lips to hers, then stealthily pressed his tongue to the seam of her mouth.

She hesitated, then slowly parted her lips.

More slowly than before, he slid in, his leisurely pace an agony for him, but he was determined not to frighten her again. Besides, they had all afternoon in the carriage. Gently, Yule began his exploration, trying to make the experience as pleasant as possible for her. He circled her tongue, then hesitated to see what she would do.