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He nodded and cupped her cheek, let the pad of his thumb drift over her lower lip. “To that end, I would like to still keep my promise of protecting you.”

“Which has been a bit dodgy, wouldn’t you say?” she whispered with heavy teasing in her voice.

“Cheeky.” Gently, he tapped her nose, wanted to spend hours counting the freckles on her upper cheeks. “However, I would also like to stay in touch after the house party. Do you think you might be interested in such an arrangement?”

Surprise lay stamped through her expression. She rose up on an elbow to peer down at him. “Are you asking to court me, Major?”

Was he? There was no use denying it, so he nodded.

Would she play him for a fool? Only time would tell.

“I haven’t had much experience in matters like this, but if you are willing?

” Before she could speak, he rushed onward.

“I will be there in London, waiting to welcome you once your family returns at the end of the summer.”

Tears welled in her eyes. “I’ll need to wait three months before seeing you again?”

“Well, we can exchange letters, and perhaps I can come back to Cartwell Manor to visit a time or two if your parents will allow it.” And they damn well should after he’d rescued their daughter from certain death.

“That would be lovely.” She slipped her arms about his neck and pulled him down for a string of kisses. “We should probably talk to my parents about that tomorrow morning. I don’t want to ruin Debra’s night.”

“Agreed,” he whispered against her lips. “But to be clear, I wish to court you with or without your parents’ permission.” They were both of an age of know what they wanted from life. “If we find we don’t suit, we can break it off, no harm or foul.”

And much easier than an engagement with less hassle. Besides, if he ever wished to ask that of a woman again, he needed to be fully certain she was loyal to him.

“I have a good feeling about this, Major.”

For long moments, he held her close then eventually he eased off her body. “We should dress and rejoin the ball lest I make the completely wrong impression with your parents.”

Caroline nodded. She stretched, put herself fully on display for his hungry gaze before she scrambled to her feet and snapped up her abandoned chemise.

“I am very much looking forward to this next phase of life, but promise me that you’ll ask me to partner with you if you ever decide to offer your detective services to private clients.

Solving a murder was rather a fun way to pass the time. Except for fighting with a madwoman.”

His heart squeezed, and for the first time he looked forward to what the future held.

“It is rather an exciting way to pass the time.” Especially with her, and how they broke the tension together.

“Partnering with you was the best decision I’ve made in recent years.

I almost hope I am needed on a new case, so we’ll have the excuse to spend more time together. ”

“So do I.” When she smiled at him, his world tilted slightly.

Where would this new relationship go, he had no idea, but he welcomed the challenge.

Major Kourier and Miss Ives will return in an all new case in Mayhem Beneath the Mistletoe in November 2025, so be sure to reserve your copy in preorder .

In the meantime, here is the blurb for Mayhem Beneath the Mistletoe:

Christmastide means dancing, kisses in the snow… and murder most foul.

Ever since May Day, the Honorable Caroline Ives has felt at sixes and sevens, partially due to the mercurial courtship from a certain handsome, if grouchy major, and partially because she’s been anxious to discover where she fits in the beau monde.

What society deems proper isn’t what sets her soul on fire, but lending a hand to the major to solve mysteries—and enjoying his kisses—is.

As much as she wants him to secure her future, he’s dragging his feet regarding the romance.

Life has changed for Major Felix Kourier.

After partnering with the delectable and intelligent Caroline to solve a mystery, he suddenly has a new purpose for his existence.

As he’s tried—and failed often—at courting the viscount’s daughter, he wonders if he should perhaps ask for her hand, for she is much like enjoying a rare sunny day.

Perhaps doing so at a Christmastide ball would prove just the thing to secure the delightful romance that’s turned his life upside down.

While the Christmastide season envelops London, fate interrupts the heady romance when the body of a prominent peer is found on the steps of St. Paul one rainy afternoon.

What’s more, he was one of Felix’s friends.

As an investigation unfurls, the unlikely pair is on the case.

Investigating during the holidays is difficult, especially when a killer is adamant secrets remain unspoken.

Staying a step ahead is key, and if the deductive couple wants their passionate courtship to proceed, they’ll need to prove more brilliant than a murderer’s mayhem beneath the mistletoe.