Winter Rose: MIracle Express, #1

By Leona Bushman

Also Book 4 in the Darkest Series

Lady Caroline Rose had given up on love and marriage. She wanted more than a marriage of convenience. That stood even more so after she saw the love her brother and his wife had. But who wanted to marry the sister of the Dark Duke? Every time her brother brought out the contracts giving her control of her finances, she saw the truth of the men who pretended to love her and want her. They wanted her money and the connections to a duke for their businesses.
Well, she had had enough of that.
The one man who hadn't balked, she had chased away, not believing he could be any different. Now, though, Michael was back in her life, and her heart whispered his name to her in the dark of night.
Michael had accepted the Christmas invitation only because his mother had insisted. Two weeks celebrating the holidays when his only love had been lost to him sounded awful, but he had given into her enough to at least take the train to visit her.
Then he found Lady Caroline Rose in the same railcar heading to the same place. Could they find a second chance to be together? Could he overcome his hurt from her earlier rejection? Would she finally allow him to love her the way he craved?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Leona Bushman
• Release date: Dec 16, 2019
• ISBN: 9781393312307

Book preview

This is a work of fiction. Names, Characters, places and incidents are used fictionally, or are the product of the author’s imagination. Any resemblances to real places or people are purely coincidental or fictionalized.

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To my love. May we have our second chance.

Chapter One

F or Pete’s sake, brother , Lady Caroline said in complete exasperation, murmuring to the servant as she pointed her things out before continuing. I have been gallivanting about the globe for a year now, mostly on your dime even. I am capable of making sure my bags make it onto a train.

She put her hands back in her rabbit fur muff for warmth. Despite her gloves, the chill of England after spending so much of her time in the much warmer parts of the world like Italy and Spain bit bone deep.

It’s not just the travel arrangements. Though I am sure you are aware of that. You were there as well as I when Lord Montgomery’s mother announced that he would be going back home to the area at the same time we are. If it would help, Lillian and I can postpone the christening, he said, real concern in his voice.

I am quite capable of dealing with him, too, she snapped, as pain slashed through her at the mention of Lord Montgomery. However, when her brother grimaced, she softened her tone. I thank you, brother, for your love and protection. But this is important to you and Her Grace. Little Charlie doesn’t deserve to have his Christening put off just because Lord Montgomery and I did not become engaged.

She leaned up on tip toe and kissed his cheek. I understand why you married before I made it back home, and more, why you didn’t bring me home. I want to see my nephew be baptized. Even if his father is the Dark Duke, she teased.

His infamous smile flashed back at her. Oh but how hard it had been growing up under his shadow. The death of their father had hit him harder than anyone else. She’d also been devastated, and he’d been there for her, stoic and hiding the depth of his own pain, always protecting her and the other members of the family. For once, she would protect him.

Though he had yet to share the details about his involvement in recent events, she heard enough from their talking to know things had been dangerously touch and go for all of them. She grinned. I will help mother with the preparations. I am sure that between her and I and your extremely well trained servants, things will be prepared to perfection for you upon your arrival.

She is already there. Probably has the house gleaming, he said with a grin.

She shared that moment with him. Their mother was a formidable woman, one who’d raised them well, in her estimation. A shadow fell across her face. She had thought to have kids one day, wanting to be as good as a mother as her own. However, she was well above the usual age for marriage mart. And once Lord Montgomery had left her, she could not see herself with anyone else. Though there was a close call in Italy when she had become melancholy and lonely, but she had called it off.

What is it, Rose? he asked, using his pet name for her. He had always said she was just like the flower. So beautiful and kind to those who deserved it, but only showing the thorns to others, leaving them cut and flayed and bleeding.

I will never give Mother grandkids. Do not misunderstand me, for I am glad for you and Her Grace. I plan to spoil my nephew to pieces, along with any other nephews or nieces you add to the mix. However, once in a while, I wish things had been different, that I had a few wee little ones at my feet, waiting on the excitement of Christmas. She blinked back tears. You know what? I may just adopt the tradition of a Christmas tree brought by the Prince Consort. We can make ornaments to shine under the candlelight. Do you think his little lordship would enjoy that?

She adored how her brother’s eyes lit up as he spoke of his sweet Charlie. His little lordship loves shiny things, though he seems to want to spend a lot of his time simply snuggled up. But I would enjoy having some fun brought into the home after this past year. Thank you, Rose. I know she doesn’t say much, but Mother has been worried about us. This sounds just the thing to bring back some normalcy for us all.

Impulsively, despite the public nature of the London Train Station, she leaned up and kissed him on his cheek. Consider it done, Clarence.

He brushed her cheek in a brotherly, quick caress. Do not forget the others coming. We will have another baby and the Viscount and Viscountess there as well. He frowned and turned his head to the side. In fact, I was under the distinct impression they would be here, he mumbled.

Lady Carolyn smacked his arm with her muff. Clarence! How dare you!

Smiling the boyish one from their childhood, Clarence threw some of his famed charm at her.

She narrowed her eyes at him, glaring all the while she spoke. Do not play that game with me, brother. I am not Mother to be put off by your charm. You arranged for them to go with me, did you not?

He had the grace to appear sheepish. Things have been dangerous here, and there are some who do not understand it was the fake Dark Duke who did the vilest things, and I fear they would seek revenge upon you once they perceive you are my sister.

She rolled her eyes. Words, brother. I have no words. I shall be fine. If I see the Viscount and Viscountess, I shall simply give them your regards. Then she sighed and put her hand on his cheek. I appreciate the gesture. I do. However, I am not a maiden fresh out of short dresses. I know how to take care of myself.

As she spoke, Henrietta, the servant who had traveled with her and been a friend to her, came up to them. After a bow for Clarence and a murmured, Your Grace, Henrietta turned to Lady Carolyn.

I have bestowed your trunk in the proper area, and have your things you requested in a seat, awaiting your pleasure, my lady.

You are a dear, Henrietta. Lady Carolyn turned to her brother. "See? Henrietta is more than sufficient, plus, we have the extra ones you insisted on sending with me. Jacob, was it? And George. No, do not deny it. I saw your scary footman scurrying around here, trying to hide his face from me. Now, I must board my train," she said as she saw the conductor check his watch and start to climb aboard. They would announce departure any time.

Her brother grabbed her hand as she stood on the bottom step. Please, be careful and remember I love you. It’s been hard watching you suffer with the fools of men who would use you. One day, I hope your dreams come true.

With rapid blinking to hide the sudden tears in her eyes, she nodded as she swallowed back the lump. I have missed you brother. The train whistle blew. See you in a few days.

Concern still clouded his eyes, but he released her hand. However, it did feel a bit silly to have him worried about her this way after trekking on her own the way she had. Then again, she had long suspected that she had not heard the more disturbing details of the atrocities visited upon them all. Though they laughed at the dinners—and really, were they not a large family—shadows never lay far behind the eyes. A word or an action, and suddenly, one or more of the group would have a look in their eyes.

Lady Hermione had some real charm and spunk, and Lady Sarah was a true lady with surprising spunk and new sort of views for women, much like Lady Carolyn’s own brother. Their husbands seemed such lovely people and doted on their wives. Lord Thomas softened whenever he showed up with their son—Hermione’s son, though you would not know it by looking at them—and proved to