Gentleman of Her Dreams: Dreamwalkers, #1

By Caylen McQueen

Every night, handsome George Shrewsbury crashes into Cecilia's dreams. They waltz together. They travel the world together. He's a fearless flirt and a flatterer.

In the real world, George Shrewsbury is in a coma.

Cecilia is perplexed. Is she a hopeless spinster falling in love with a figment of her imagination, or does the bedridden George actually visit her as she sleeps?

Sensuality Level: Sweet
Length: Novella

• Language: English
• Publisher: Caylen McQueen
• Release date: Oct 14, 2018
• ISBN: 9781386079972

Book preview

CHAPTER ONE

Aunt Cecilia! Oh, Aunt Cecilia, it's so wonderful to see you!

Wilomena greeted her favorite aunt with open arms and a smile that tested the limits of her face. The sight of Cecilia alighting from the carriage had restorative powers for her soul. Wilomena adored her new husband, but his constant company at Welwyn Hall was nothing short of oppressive. Her aunt's arrival was precisely the change she needed.

As Cecilia and Wilomena embraced, a small brown dog dashed in circles around their ankles. Before her aunt could ask, Wilomena explained, That's Imp. He's Arthur's dog.

Cecilia Aubrey was a handsome spinster of seven and thirty.  Despite her decent looks and pleasant demeanor, she had weathered the marriage mart without success. She was a bluestocking, much to the dismay of her mother, who would have preferred an insipid daughter who knew how to flirt. Wilomena was one of her brother's children, and they had always adored each other above all others.

When the aptly named Imp tugged on the hem of Cecilia's dress, Wilomena scooped him into her arms and chided him with a clicking tongue. Bad boy, Imp! she exclaimed. "You're being very naughty."

With a hitched a shoulder, Cecilia said, I don't mind. He could have chewed holes in this old dress, and I would have thought it was amusing.

Wilomena cradled her husband's dog as they turned in the direction of Welwyn Hall. The red brick manor was Wilomena and Arthur's home. It was the grand estate of Lord and Lady Winterbottom. After three months of marriage, Wilomena still struggled to call herself by that name. Lady Winterbottom was foreign to her ears.

How have you been? Cecilia asked as they walked the tree-lined path that led to Welwyn Hall. Are you enjoying life as a viscount's wife?

Wilomena's answer surprised her. "It's not all it's cracked up to be. Arthur makes me happy, but... I get bored sometimes. I was never bored when I was with you! You were so imaginative and clever."

Lord Winterbottom bores you? Cecilia asked.

Imp started to squirm, so Wilomena set him free. "I wouldn't say he bores me, but he doesn't have an interest in games, stories and music. He can be so serious."

As they spoke, the subject of their conversation appeared in front of Welwyn Hall's main entrance. Cecilia wasn't thrilled to see him, but she made herself smile. She had never been fond of Wilomena's husband. He was only a few years younger than Cecilia, and had flirted with her on occasion, with subtle winks and compliments. Wilomena, at four and twenty, was ten years younger than her husband. Lord Winterbottom's age never troubled Cecilia—it was his reputation that bothered her. Before marrying Wilomena, he was a known rake.

Miss Aubrey! Lord Winterbottom greeted her. It is always a pleasure to see you. How was your trip to Hertfordshire?

Uneventful, Cecilia replied. And how are you, my lord? Are you well?

Arthur marched into the foyer and motioned for the ladies to follow. I'm always well. I sense your skepticism, but I'm absolutely serious. I am never stricken with disease or depression. I'm the definition of fine fettle.

We should all be so lucky, Cecilia said. I have only recently recovered from a cold.

The viscount asked, But you feel well enough now, I hope?

Oh, yes. Definitely so, replied Cecilia, who stepped into Welwyn Hall for the very first time. Her eyes swelled at the domed ceiling and massive murals on the wall. You have a very fine estate, my lord.

I know, agreed a chuckling Lord Winterbottom. Welwyn Hall is an enviable place. I have no doubt you will enjoy your time within its walls.

I'm sure I shall.

Lord Winterbottom continued down the hall, leading them nowhere in particular. To Cecilia, he asked, You will be joining us for supper, I hope? Or are you too exhausted from all of your travels?

I would be honored to join you. She flashed a smile in her niece's direction. Even if I was tired, I wouldn't want to miss a moment of Wilomena's company.

"Ah, but she's Lady Winterbottom now! Arthur corrected her with a wink. Cecilia hated his winks. They were over-exaggerated and condescending, and often accompanied by a snide smile. You will have to get used to calling her that."

Wilomena swatted her husband's arm. Nonsense! Cecilia is my dearest friend and most beloved aunt! I would never ask her to call me—

Arthur interrupted, I was teasing, dear. There's no reason to get so ruffled. Now... if you're up for it, Miss Aubrey, I thought you might like to meet my brother.

Brother? Cecilia exclaimed. "I didn't realize you