A Nobleman's Noel

By Anthea Lawson

From USA Today bestselling author Anthea Lawson comes this heartwarming tale of the holiday season filled with sweet kisses, misunderstandings, Christmas trees, and best of all, true love.

Lady Peony Talbot never meant to be tangled in a false betrothal to her best friend’s brother. After the holidays, she promises to break their engagement, but William Banning will never know that it will break her heart into the bargain.

NOTE: This story first appeared in the Noble Holidays collection.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Fiddlehead Press
• Release date: Oct 28, 2021

Book preview

Chapter One

Lady Peony Talbot, the only daughter of Lord and Lady Minnerton, hated Christmas.

Indeed, she disliked the entirety of the winter holidays, beginning with the first hint of Yuletide cheer and ending with the celebration of the New Year.

Hate was a very strong word, she knew, and she was not a lady much known for the strength of her opinions. Meek, and kind, and sweet—that was how Society thought of her. Weak, the most uncharitable might even say.

She was sick unto death of it.

Which was, perhaps, why she exploded at teatime with the full honesty of her emotions.

No, she said, setting her teacup down so forcefully that the liquid sloshed over the sides. I have no interest in attending the Whittington’s Winter Ball and attempting to snag Lord Corwin’s affections. He is a shallow, greedy womanizer and I don’t care if he will be a marquis. I can’t stand the fellow.

Her mother gaped at her.

But, Peony, your prospects—

Are shrinking every year. Peony forced the words out past the lump in her throat. I understand that, Mother, but your meddling is only making everything worse. Can’t you see that?

I only want to see you settled. All the eligible gentlemen are being snapped up. Her mouth set in a thin line, Lady Minnerton dabbed ineffectually at the spilled tea spreading on the tablecloth. You might have had a prince, if you’d an ounce of sense.

Cheeks heating, Peony glared at her mother. Your interference caused that courtship to end in disaster.

"And then you allowed that scheming Eliana Banning to swoop in and—"

Eliana is my best friend, and I’ll not hear another word! Peony stood and tossed her napkin down on the table, heedless of the servants’ wide eyes. You know as well as I that she believed the lies about Prince Sebastian for an entire year. She deserves every happiness with him. They both do—no thanks to me.

Sudden tears pricking her eyes, Peony whirled and sped for the safety of her rooms, where she might cry in private.

Everything was wrong, and she could not deny her own guilt. Part of her had known that trying to trap Prince Sebastian into marriage was a terrible idea, but her mother’s voice had been too loud. As had Peony’s own fears.

But she was done with such games and maneuvering. She would attend the Winter Ball, but she most assuredly would not be involved in any schemes centered on maneuvering some gentleman into marriage.

Can you reach that spot, Will?

William Banning’s mother handed him a bag of gilded almonds, then pointed to a place high in the branches of the evergreen tree currently dominating their parlor.

Two year ago, when his older sister had introduced the notion of Christmas tree to the Banning household, he’d thought it a ridiculous idea. But now, helping his mother decorate the fragrant green boughs, he admitted he was becoming a fan of the tradition.

It’s looking so festive, his mother said, echoing his thoughts. A pity neither of your sisters are here to help this year.

Will made a noncommittal noise, hoping to stave off the next topic.

You know, marriage seems to suit them both. She wound a gilt ribbon about the lower portions of the tree, then handed it to him with a significant raise of her brows. I think it’s high time you considered the idea.

Drat. Marriage was the last thing he wanted to discuss.

I’m perfectly well as I am, he said.

You might think so, but your father and I would like to see you settled, and with an heir, before we get too much older.

You’re scarcely tottering into your dotage. He gave her a fond smile. There’s plenty of time for me.

She sent him a scolding look. That’s what you think—and then, suddenly, it’s almost too late.

There’s no one I’m interested in marrying. He tied off the ribbon at the top of the tree, then snagged a leftover bag of almonds to snack on.

Truly? His mother cocked her head. What about Angelica Barrows?

Her? He could not help his puff of laughter at the thought. She’s a notorious gossip, and couldn’t carry a tune in a bucket.

Brow creasing, his mother offered