Her Heart's Christmas Wish

By Erin Grace

Amateur botanist Charlotte Grey has long declared she should never wed.

When six eligible gentlemen offer for her hand at a party, she sets them impossible tasks - if her beaux are truly interested, they must deliver her such grand items as citrus plants, a Wardian case, and botanical books - all by Christmas Eve!

It's all in jest, of course. Nothing will come of it.

But when a series of unusual gifts begin arriving, Charlotte worries who is behind such gestures that are filling her heart - and her parlour!

*Originally published as 'Seven Lords Proposing', a novella as part of the 12 Rogues of Christmas box set.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Erin Grace
• Release date: Mar 30, 2021
• ISBN: 9781393584179

Book preview

Chapter One

Exhausted from yet another Christmas party, Charlotte Grey sat back against the plush seat of the carriage and fanned herself.

Although she did like this time of year, she found the endless route of festive celebrations exhausting by the last week ’til Christmas.

Indeed, that must have been the most amusing party yet. Her sister, Marion, laughed and dabbed at her forehead with a delicate lace-trimmed handkerchief, her flushed cheeks aglow from one too many glasses of spiced wine. What say you, Mr. Garwood?

She smiled as Jonas Garwood seemed to regard her sister in his usual wry fashion, for he would never admit to enjoying himself at a party or ball. In fact, during the fifteen years she’d known him, he seldom looked forward to going to parties at all.

Not that she could blame him at times.

When they were much younger, life and having fun had seemed so simple.

He liked studying animals. She liked playing with dirt.

Well, plants. To be more precise.

Nowadays, the poor man was hounded relentlessly by scheming mamas dangling their young daughters in his path in the hope they’d catch his eye.

But, when you’re handsome, respectable and very, very wealthy, there was little chance of not being hounded until you have finally chosen to wed.

And, in that respect, they were very much alike—neither wanting to marry at all, if given the choice.

But, once, that had not been the case. At least, not for one of them.

Do stop pestering the man, Marion. You know he considers these affairs tedious. Her older brother, Robert, sighed and adjusted his cravat. As do I, in fact.

Marion playfully smacked his leg with her fan.

Wretch, you do not. Say what you will, but I know you go just so you may see one particular lady. Marion winked at her. Isn’t that right, Charlotte?

She glanced at Jonas, who sat back in the shadows, a contemplative smile upon his lips. Dressed in severe black, with a crisp white shirt and neck cloth, his masculine elegance was only accentuated by his gray, caped coat that outlined his broad shoulders.

Not that she usually dwelled on Jonas’s looks, but she couldn’t help but admire him...as did every other eligible female at the party.

Stop it, Marion. Robert sighed and glanced out the carriage window. I know you are referring to Miss Hepburn, but I can assure you we are nothing but amicable acquaintances.

Indeed? Marion smirked and rose an eyebrow. Well, you certainly seemed all attentive during the dances, and whilst playing the games. And, I must say, the games tonight were vastly more amusing than those we usually play. Don’t you agree, Charlotte?

Yes. Quite so. She smiled at Jonas and taunted him playfully. Although some did not wish to play.

Jonas stared at her with hooded eyes. I’m afraid you must think of me as a bore, Miss Grey.

Her eyes narrowed a little. No more than you have always been. Though perhaps it would do you good to try to enjoy yourself a little more.

Perhaps. He regarded her with his usual contemplative expression, designed to try and change the subject. I simply don’t find young men and women teasing each other for affection very amusing.

Good lord, man. Robert shook his head. Even I don’t go in for that romantic nonsense, but surely you have some sense of humor?

Of course he does, but he’d prefer to devote all of his time to his serious studies and business investments. Isn’t that so, Mr. Garwood? Marion turned to her. I must say, I did enjoy that last game where we had to name a secret gift to an admirer that they must produce on Christmas Eve, should they wish to offer for your hand.

Yes. Quite amusing. She shook her head. But, you are already married, Marion.

Marion shrugged. I can have a little amusement while my husband is at sea yet again, can’t I? Besides, it wasn’t serious. Harmless flirtation. Everyone there knows I’m married.

You see? It was just in fun, Jonas. Robert stretched a little then relaxed against the seat back. After all, what man in his right mind would propose on Christmas Eve, let alone contrive to find half of the ridiculous gifts the ladies asked for? I heard some asked for emerald necklaces and tiaras made of pearls. Not everyone is wealthy. Nor do they have London on their doorstep.

Honestly, Robert. No one would actually go out and buy such extravagances. Marion sighed. Besides, could you imagine all those gifts actually showing up, followed by proposals? Too amusing by half, I dare say.

Her brother shifted uncomfortably against the chair and looked out the window.

Her shoulders sagged.

Poor fellow. How she felt for him.

As a young man, he had everything—good health, enviable bloodlines, and classically handsome features—everything but money, that is.

Even the carriage for the party belonged to Jonas, who had always been there to ensure her family never went without elegant transportation to these events. Something, on behalf of her family, she was forever grateful for.

And what did Miss Hepburn ask of you, Robert? Marion, who was at times painfully ignorant of their brother’s feelings, continued to question his interest in the lovely Miss Hepburn, whose father was a wealthy merchant.

I’d rather not say. He blushed. "Besides, Miss Hepburn