Page 28 of The Gift of a Christmas Scandal

“It’s Mariel.”

He nodded, staying as he was, although every part of his mind insisted that he should put his clothes to rights, that he should help her put her clothes to rights. The longest seconds of his life passed.

“Oh my… I am about to scream”

Mariel’s voice was whisper soft, but not truly shocked at all.

And then she screamed. And ran into the hallway, still screaming. A rush of footsteps sounded, coming in their direction.

“Now, we should look like we are trying to put ourselves in order.”

Selina sounded almost amused, and for a moment they shared a smile, as joy bubbled up inside him. It was done, there was no going back now.

They half stood, pulling clothes into rough order, and were, whilst not totally exposed, still very much en dishabille, when the first people entered the room. Most satisfactorily for their plans, the first rush of people happened to include Lady Phyllida, who promptly fainted, and Lord Hockingmoor, who rather dextrously caught her before she reached the floor.

Seconds later, Mariel reappeared, with Selina’s parents in tow. She was doing an excellent job of being the distraught and concerned friend. Lady Delmont rocked on her feet at the sight that confronted her, then clutched Lord Delmont’s hand.

“Oh Selina… what have you done?”

~~~~~

Selina said nothing, trying to keep her face calm.

She could not admit to joy – not yet, at least. Oddly, she felt not the least shame, standing there with her clothes in disarray and the evidence of her ruination before everyone. She reached for Alex’s hand, and his fingers closed around hers.

The Dowager Duchess stepped into the room, just as Lady Phyllida came out of her faint. Selina noted that Lord Hockingmoor did not completely release her - his arm encircled her, and she leaned into that support.

The Duchess took in the scene, drew herself up, and took a breath as if about to speak. Lord Delmont spoke first.

“Your Grace, I see that I have no need to ask what the situation is – for it is perfectly clear to my eyes what has happened here. All that remains for me to ask, is that you do the only honourable thing.”

Beside her, Alex swallowed, and his fingers tightened on hers for a moment, but when he spoke, his voice was perfectly steady.

“Lord Delmont, In the circumstances, will you grant me the honour of marrying your daughter? For our passion has run away with us, and I fear that we have gone past the forgivable. A special licence will be arranged, tomorrow.”

“I will. In fact, I demand it. I am glad that you are not fool enough to attempt dissimulation. We will discuss the details tomorrow. Early. For now, I believe that my daughter should retire to her room.”

“As you wish, my Lord.”

Selina sighed, but before she could move towards her parents, Alex turned to her, pulling her close, and bent to brush his lips over hers. As he drew back again, amidst shocked mutterings in the room, she whispered, so softly that only he could hear.

“I wish you an early Merry Christmas, Your Grace… Alex… please accept my gift of a disgraceful scandal.”

His eyes sparkled at her words, and he kissed her again before releasing her. She walked towards her mother, ignoring the scandalised eyes that followed her every step.