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A PRINCE FOR YULETIDE - ANTHEA SHARP *

CHAPTER ONE

The scentof fresh spruce filled Banning House, wafting from the tree taking up the entire bow window in the parlor. Miss Eliana Banning hummed under her breath as she tied small bags of sweets to the branches. The family—with much urging on Eliana’s part—had adopted the tradition last year, when Prince Albert and Queen Victoria had installed the first Christmas tree in Buckingham Palace. Indeed, many noble families had been quick to embrace the Germanic custom. All up and down the street, trees graced the windows of the Mayfair town houses—but the Bannings had been among the first.

“William,” she said to her older brother, who was assisting her in the tree trimming, “there’s a bare spot near the top. Do fill it.”

“Hand me a gilded almond,” he said, mumbling the words around something in his mouth.

She narrowed her eyes. “You beast! No wonder it’s empty. You stole the bag of candy that was there.”

William hastily swallowed. “A man must have sustenance during these difficult times.”

“If I were any taller, you’d be banished from the room.”

“A pity you have such stubby arms,” he said. “But truly, I must be off soon. I’ll send in the maids and footmen to help.”

Eliana picked up a rustling length of paper chain, then set it back down again, her mood dimming. “I miss Selene. We had such fun last year.”

Her older sister was married now, with a house—and Christmas tree—of her own. And while Eliana did not begrudge her sister her happy new life, in the months since Selene had married and left Banning House, a strange discontent had settled over Eliana.

She sighed, very softly. If she were perfectly truthful, perhaps she was a bit jealous. After all, Eliana had always been the very model of a pretty, agreeable, and sociable young lady. Yet plain, serious Selene had been the one to make a brilliant match.

Certainly, Eliana had gentleman callers aplenty, and good friends both male and female, but increasingly, she felt as though she were holding up a mask that no one cared to look behind. It felt as though all the gentlemen she associated with only seemed interested in pursuing fun and jollity, and nothing more. Everyone was so very merry and witty, and, in truth, it was becoming a bit exhausting.

And speaking of masks…

“We might as well finish up for the day,” she told her brother. “I must prepare for the Midwinter Masque.”

William shot her a look. “Is that tonight? Hetty is accompanying you, I hope. Don’t get up to any mischief, Eliana.”

She swatted him on the shoulder. “You sound like Father. Yes, of course my companion is coming—what do you take me for? And Selene and Jared will be there as well.”

“That’s the Duke and Duchess of Ashford, you impertinent girl. Make sure you curtsey appropriately.”

She rolled her eyes, then went on the attack. “And when willyoumarry, sir? You’ve a title to inherit and pass down to your sons. You’d best get busy.”

He frowned and gave a mock shudder. “Leg shackled so soon? I’m young yet. Don’t you thinkyoushould be the next in the family to go?”

“I’m younger than you by six years!”

“Yes, but you’re a girl. You grow stale much sooner.”

Grinning, William ducked away from her threatening hand. “I’m only teasing, Ellie. You’re a pretty girl, and you have plenty of time.”

“Of course I have.” She sniffed at him, but the words echoed hollowly inside her.

Selene had narrowly avoided being a spinster, and Eliana feared she was headed for that same fate. Was she doomed to be always the merry companion, and never the bride? It was all very well to have a pretty face and sweet nature, but not if she only attracted empty-headed buffoons for suitors.

Increasingly, she wanted something more—wanted tobesomething more, herself. If only she knew what that was. It was as though she were living in a cocoon, wrapped up in expectation and habit, unsure if she even had wings. What if she broke out and discovered she was only a worm, and not a butterfly at all?

“Give my love to our esteemed parents,” William said, heading to the hall to fetch his coat and hat. “I’m planning on Christmas Eve dinner next week, of course.”

“And our annual caroling,” Eliana reminded him. “We’ll gather here this coming Thursday at two o’clock. Don’t look so doubtful—we need your voice more than ever, now that our best baritone is out of Town for the holidays.”

“Alas, you must settle for second best.” William pulled on his gloves, then bent to kiss her cheek. “Enjoy your ball tonight, and—”

“Yes, yes. Stay out of trouble. I don’t know why everyone thinks I’m such a scapegrace. I’m actually quite a proper miss, you know.”