If there was one thing Lord George loved more than women, it would be his beloved inventions. Sure, most times he ended up destroying his workshop, (just like he did with the ladies) but this time was different. He had finally made the perfect invention; a moon lamp. A lamp that was charged by moonlight was sure to make news in the Times. He couldn't wait to show his masterpiece to his parents.

The royal carriage rounded a fountain sod with snow and the water frozen to ice. Lord George gazed at his family home through the carriage's window; a classic portico was held by two massive columns and chunks of snow sprayed on the short flight of stairs. He frowned when he noticed only the butler and Teresa the maid, perched at the entrance to receive him. His family should be here to welcome him. That was the proper thing to do. Even though he was away for two weeks, that didn't warrant the lack of respect he was just shown.

"Master, your family isn't here," Joseph, his assistant noticed.

Joseph was a dark skinned man with brown eyes which were good at spotting the right ladies for his master and also keep watch while the Lord did his 'services' to womankind.

"I can see that," The Casanova didn't sound delighted in the slightest, "I would have to speak with them later."

A footman opened the door and the two men walked out, Lord George wrapping his arms around himself. His tailcoat and workshirt didn't do anything to stop the daring cold. A session with a beautiful blonde would be enough to heat things up though. The young man never missed up on an opportunity to think of reasonable ways to warm himself up.

Snow crunched under his feet and a cold wind blew his dark chin-length hair across his chiseled face. Joseph carried their luggage in both arms effortlessly and his master smiled warmly. He always admired the strength of his assistant who never complained at any task.

"Lord George," Jerry the butler bowed gracefully in his tailcoat and bowtie, "We're glad to have you home for Christmas."

The young Lord did a smile, "Indeed." His parents were so glad they didn't bother coming to welcome their only child. Whatever was going on, he would have to find out soon. It was unusual, especially for his mother who was a very traditional woman.

"Lord George," The maid with flaxen hair curtsied and her blue eyes didn't fail to strip the handsome man naked.

Indeed he was. With a wide jaw and high cheekbones, every word he spoke seemed to be pouring out of the jaws of a lion. His deep voice made women tremble to their core and his blue eyes made them fall to their knees. Surely he was a man with words, but without these beautiful features, his results wouldn't have been half as good as they were.

Taking one quick glance at the maid, he instantly remembered steamy memories of the both of them in the kitchen. Trinkets shook, tables broke and a river of pleasure spilled. Instantly, he wanted to remake those memories.

As they entered the foyer tiled with white marble, he gestured for Joseph to come closer. Despite carrying such a heavy luggage, he managed to walk swiftly to his boss.

"That was Evelyn, yes?" The Casanova inquired, a smile hanging down his cheeks.

"Yes, Master." The assistant didn't sweat a thought. He knew his job and always got it done.

"You know what to do."

The man nodded and walked off with their luggage.

"Mr Jerry," Lord George walked up to him, cold hands in pockets, "Where are my parents?"

The bald man seemed shocked by the question but retained his composure, "They claimed to be busy and would see you by nightfall."

What was going on? The marquess thought to himself. Whatever it was, it would be bad. He had never heard of a royal family denying their child and heir a proper welcome. Complete bollocks! If his parent were going to spoil his mood this afternoon, he would make sure to relieve himself the best way he knew how to.

*********

Zipping up his trousers, he came out of the kitchen and climbed up the stairs of the basement. Evelyn never failed to disappoint his expectations. She was a lady with a plump mouth and knew how to use it. A few minutes ago, Lord George was singing God save the queen. Now, he was wiping beady sweat off his forehead with his workshirt's sleeve. He would make sure to visit her again. A lady who could make him sweat this way was all he wanted for Christmas. But for now, he would go to the family's dinning for dinner.

And maybe, if his parents were indeed happy to see him, he would present them with his latest invention. He couldn't wait to see the shocks on their faces when they'd see how brilliant his work was.

Striding along a corridor lit with gas lamps, he made sure to count the amount of them he would replace with his new moon lamps. They were made with clean energy after all. His reflections were shattered when he heard a serious conversation happening around the corner. It so happened to be coming from the drawing room.

He had been taught by his governess that eavesdropping on people was a bad thing. But nevertheless he went on. After all, his governess had told him to respect a woman's decency and he had soiled thousands of them in over ten years.

"We can't tell him, Maryanne, " That was his father! What would he be doing this late in the drawing room with his mother?

Lord George listened intently, ears on the white double door. Maybe this conversation would explain why they didn't welcome him after two weeks away from them.

"Why?"

"George must marry her and we can't risk our chances telling him."