A Passion Puzzle of Unrequited Love…

Greetings Lovely Readers,

Christmastide is almost upon us, and with that comes house parties, games, wassail, and… seduction. This is a tale that began six or seven years ago. Our younger readers may want to ask their elders regarding the earlier details.

It concerns a certain viscount who was once rumored to be close to an “announcement” with Lady C. Much to everyone’s surprise, while the viscount was away, his rakish best friend took the reins. Poor Lord P returned to find his heart’s desire betrothed to Lord W.

The forlorn Lord P spent the next year drinking away his sorrows until Lord W. unexpectedly died. (Perhaps not too unexpected considering Lord W’s propensity for gambling, drinking, and dangerous vices.) We waited to see the original couple reunited, but the said widow fled to the country and away from prying eyes and pushy viscounts.

Blink those lashes and move ahead to the present. This widow has grown quite the reputation for annual house parties. Only this upcoming event has a very short and unique guest list. Even more interesting is the invitation. Lady W challenges the guests to a series of contests, and she will accept the proposal of the winner.

Guess who was seen riding pell-mell to Lady W’s country estate? On the eve of Christmas Day? According to our sources, an unrequited love may soon be resolved. Will the banns soon be read for Lord P and Lady W? Or will the viscount accept a final defeat and leave the widow to her own vices?

Stay tuned for the results of this passion puzzle. We’ll be waiting to see who is left standing after the wassail is gone and the yule log has been snuffed out.

A Scoundrel’s Christmas Challenge

By Aubrey Wynne

A contest to win her fortune…

Lady Winfield, a wealthy widow of six years, is infamous for her outrageous house parties. While hosting her annual Christmastide gathering, Christiana proposes a new game: a daily challenge of her choice. She will accept the proposal of the man who can best her at three or more competitions by Twelfth Night. Though all agree to the diversion, no one expects the games to include marksmanship, archery, and fencing.

A contest to win her heart…

Lucius, Viscount Page has held a torch for the countess since his university days. But he doused the flames of passion after she married his best friend. Ten years later, the embers begin a slow burn when he learns Christiana may be ready for another husband. Lucius, determined not to waste this second chance at love, presents the audacious Lady Winfield with a secret challenge that she can’t resist.

Will their midnight rendezvous and private contests end in certain victory for one or a dual attraction for both?

Excerpt:

“Brother,” cried William, “it’s good to see you again. My apologies for not being able to meet you at White’s before you left London.”

“Happy Christmas,” Lucius said as they thumped one another on the back. “Have you just arrived?”

“Yes. We ran into Nettie and Weston outside.” Will turned to the man beside him. “May I introduce Mr. Charles Wilkens, whom I work with in London. If you ever need a solicitor, he’s your man. Charles, this is my brother Lord Page.”

“Mr. Wilkens.” Lucius inclined his head. William was a barrister, and solicitors often required him to present a legal action for a client. But Will was supposed to be bringing the final suitor for his sister. “Where is…”

“The gentleman was unable to make it. However, I ran into Charles on his way to another house party. So, I convinced him to stay with us a night before he continued on to Falcon Hall.” Will grinned, his hazel eyes twinkling as he mentioned the location.

Falcon Hall.

Lucius’s head snapped up. “Are you well acquainted with Lady Winfield?” he asked, ignoring the mad thumping of his heart.

“No, my lord. My uncle, Sir Horace Franklin, has been trying to buy two slate mines from her. It’s in Wales and close to two that he owns. She has put him off for over two years, and then he received an invitation to her estate over Christmastide.” Charles shrugged. He was tall with brown hair, kind brown eyes, and a genuine smile. Lucius liked him immediately.

“It seems one must have a personal invite to be admitted. The wording is quite cryptic.” Will grinned at his friend. “Would you mind showing it to him?”

Charles set down his satchel, opened it, and pulled out a thick lavender card with holly and ivy entwined around the edges. He handed it to Lucius.

Admits bearer to the private house party

Of the Countess of Winfield at Falcon Hall.

Guests shall arrive 24 December.

The competition for the desired prize begins 25 December thru 6 January.

Lady Winfield will only accept the proposal of the gentleman

Claiming victory of three or more challenges.

The favor of an answer is requested.

His mouth fell open. What was the chit up to? The vague wording of this left too many questions. Marriage? “Mr. Wilkens, I have questions and a proposition for you.”

Buy link:

https://books2read.com/scoundrelschristmaschallenge

About the Author

USA Today Bestselling author Aubrey Wynne resides in the Midwest with her husband, dogs, horses, mule, and barn cats. Obsessions include wine, history, travel, trail riding, and all things Christmas. Her Chicago Christmas series and historical romances have received multiple awards and nominations as a Rone finalist by InD’tale Magazine.

Aubrey’s first love is medieval romance but after dipping her toe in the Regency period in 2018 with the Wicked Earls’ Club, she was smitten. This inspired her sweet Regency spin-off series Once Upon a Widow, and a steamy Scottish Regency series, A MacNaughton Castle Romance. Her Regency detective series, Paddy’s Peelers, will launch in 2025.

Social Media Links:

Website:

http://www.aubreywynne.com

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/magnificentvalor

Aubrey’s Ever After Facebook group:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/AubreyWynnesEverAfters/

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/Aubreywynne51

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/Aubreywynne51

Bookbub page: