Mistletoe and Mayhem: A Regency Holiday Romance Anthology, page 83
He and his brothers were doing what they could to pay off the debts their father had left and refill the family coffers. Thomas, his younger brother, was doing a fine job at the publishing house with the help of his wife, Annabelle, and her successful books.
Graham, the eldest and the Earl of Carlington, was working to make their entailed properties more efficient as well as bettering their tenants’ lives.
Now it was Hugh’s turn. Unfortunately, the one idea he felt he’d be good at and would eventually provide an income required significant funds.
With renewed determination, he searched for Miss Waverly and turned in time to see her entering the room with Miss Gray and their aunt at her side. He hadn’t seen Mrs. Penrose since her arrival when she’d mistaken him for a servant.
He moved forward to greet them before his competitors could do so. “Good evening, ladies.”
“Mr. Raybourne,” Miss Waverly returned his smile. “I hope the evening finds you well.”
“It does now,” he said as he held each of their gazes in turn. Why was it that his chest tightened when his gaze reached Lucy?
Mrs. Penrose narrowed her eyes as if suspecting he was up to no good. “And why would that be?”
“Because I have the pleasure of speaking with the three most beautiful ladies in the room.”
“Few others have arrived, so your attempt to compliment us has failed,” Mrs. Penrose announced. She turned to Lucy. “Let us find a seat.”
“May I fetch you glasses of sherry?” Hugh offered, deciding to ignore Mrs. Penrose’s comment. One had to assume she was always in a grim mood.
“That would be lovely,” Miss Waverly said. “So kind of you.”
“Quite nice,” Miss Gray agreed with a stern look at her aunt. “Isn’t it, Aunt Edith?”
“Yes. An effort worthy of praise, I’m sure.” Mrs. Penrose gestured toward the settee. “Now I’d like to sit if we’ve all decided how kind Mr. Raybourne is.”
Miss Gray’s look of apology made Hugh long to tell her all was well. She need not worry that her aunt would offend him. Besides, he had no doubt he’d eventually win over the woman. With a bow, he stepped away to pour the sherry.
In short order, he returned with three glasses, pleased to see that none of the other gentlemen had arrived to steal Miss Waverly’s attention. “Here we are.” He handed each of them a glass.
“Thank you.” Lucy looked at him from under her lashes. That simple glance sent awareness prickling under his skin.
“Did you have an enjoyable day, Mr. Raybourne?” Emma asked with a secretive smile.
Did she think their brief time together had made it so? Her confidence was annoying at times. “I did indeed.” He glanced at Lucy. “From the very start, it was enjoyable.”
Her dark eyes, the color of coffee beans, widened, and a delicate blush stole up her cheeks. She truly was beautiful.
Emma glanced at her cousin then at him, obviously puzzled by the silent exchange.
“A delightful day all around.” He forced himself to meet Emma’s eyes and offered a charming smile, hoping she’d ignore his remark. What was wrong with him that he’d risk annoying the woman he hoped to court? Nor did he want Lucy to become a target of her cousin’s ire because of him.
Emma smiled then sipped her sherry. “Tomorrow will be great fun as well. We have an afternoon of games planned.”
“Games?” Viscount Jameson joined them with a drink in hand. “What sort of games?”
“Good evening, my lord,” the ladies said in unison.
“All sorts of games, but I refuse to share details now,” Emma continued after greetings were exchanged. “I want them to be a surprise.”
Lucy glanced away, and Hugh realized at once the reason. She would no doubt again be spending the afternoon with her aunt and not participate in the fun. Didn’t Emma realize this? Why had they bothered to invite Lucy if she couldn’t join the festivities? It seemed a cruel gesture in his opinion.
He intended to do what little he could to make certain Lucy enjoyed her free time. Someone needed to assist her, especially if her family wasn’t going to. He told himself it was the unfairness of the situation that bothered him, but that didn’t ring completely true.
Chapter Four
Lucy descended the stairs early the next morning, excited at the prospect of skating again. To her surprise, Hugh already stood in the entranceway wearing his greatcoat. She hadn’t been certain if he would rise early again to skate when he’d skated the previous afternoon, but here he was, prepared to brave the cold.
“Good morning.” His warm smile sent awareness tingling along her skin as she joined him.
“And to you.” A tiny part of her longed for this moment—to have a handsome man waiting, eager to spend a few minutes with her no matter the time of day. But in reality, she knew Hugh was simply being polite. His true focus was on Emma, and she couldn’t forget that.
“Good morning.” Emma descended the stairs a moment later, wearing a fur-lined cloak, matching muff, and looking lovely despite the early hour.
If Lucy hadn’t been watching, she would’ve missed the brief frown marring his brow.
“My cousin decided to join us,” Lucy said to explain Emma’s presence.
When Emma had demanded an explanation for his remark in the drawing room, Lucy told her about their brief meeting at the ice-skating area earlier and their plan to skate again. Of course Emma wanted to join them. While Lucy knew it wouldn’t have been appropriate for them to be alone, she now felt like the chaperone. But the outing wasn’t to be wasted, and she set her mind to enjoy it, regardless of the details.
Warmly bundled with skates in hand, they left the house. Low clouds hung in the sky, making the air feel even colder.
“Do you think it might snow?” Emma asked from the depths of her hooded cloak. “Christmas would be perfect if it did.”
Lucy sniffed the air, trying to detect the hint of moisture that often accompanied snow. “It might.”
Hugh chuckled. “We rarely have snow for the holiday, but I have no doubt if both of you ladies wished it so, the weather will cooperate.”
“If only we had that power.” Lucy shared a smile with Emma. There were many things she’d wish for if she could. To spend one more holiday with her parents. To have a family of her own. To find love. But such wishes were both impractical and impossible. For now, she hoped for a pleasurable morning of skating.
If there was one lesson she’d learned over the past few years, it was to appreciate the small moments. This promised to be a particularly fine one, and she wanted to enjoy it fully then tuck it away to pull out on a lonely night yet to come.
They reached the ice-skating pond and excitement filled her. Not that she’d have the chance to glide across the ice on Hugh’s arm. His escort would be for Emma to enjoy. But just the image of skating with him made her smile.
“You must truly love to skate, Miss Gray.” He bent to assist Emma to strap on her skates, much to her cousin’s delight. “That is a bright smile for so early on a cold morning.”
“Yes, I do,” Lucy said. “There’s nothing like the feeling of freedom it brings.”
Hugh paused to study her, making her feel as if she’d shared a secret she hadn’t realized she’d been keeping. She supposed that was one way of coming to know each other, exchanging preferences and dislikes. Would she have the chance to do the same of him?
“As do I,” Emma added as if not to be left out. “Isn’t it grand? Even at this ungodly hour.”
“We won’t have any sun today it seems.” Hugh finished assisting Emma and turned his attention to Lucy, but she’d already buckled on her skates.
The idea of him holding her foot, even with her boot on, rattled her thoroughly. He offered his hand to help her stand and guided her onto the ice then repeated the gesture for Emma.
Lucy was pleased Emma seemed to be in good spirits as she knew her cousin didn’t care for early mornings. They skated together, going around the pond while Hugh put on his skates.
He quickly joined them, proving to be a natural on the ice, even managing to skate backward in front of them, claiming he wished to see their beauty as he skated.
His outrageous flirting soon had both Emma and her laughing so hard they had to slow their pace.
“Mr. Raybourne, please,” Lucy begged as she pressed her muff against her middle. “My stomach hurts from laughing.”
He feigned a hurt expression. “Why you find my compliments amusing is beyond me. I meant them all.”
“Even the one about the moon rising with each breath we take?” Emma shared a look with Lucy, and they both were in stitches once again.
Hugh heaved a beleaguered sigh then skated between them, offering his elbow to each. “My skills at charming beautiful ladies have obviously grown rusty with disuse.”
A glow of happiness settled around Lucy as they continued circling the pond in companionable silence. The touch of his arm wrapped with hers made her feel like champagne with tiny bubbles of joy rising to the surface. She caught the faint scent of musk and forest, a very manly smell, so different from the lily scent Aunt Edith wore. The only sound breaking the quiet was the swish of their skates as they glided in unison.
The moment was perfect, and she closed her eyes briefly to hold it tight, imprinting it to her memory with all her senses.
“You are lucky to have such a wonderful place away from London,” Hugh said, his gaze sweeping over the rolling hills. He looked content as he admired the view.
Lucy was again surprised a gentleman like him would find pleasure so far away from the frantic pace of the city.
As if sensing her perusal, he looked at her, a gentle smile in his eyes. She returned it, realizing she now held one of his secrets—a fondness of the countryside. The warmth of that knowledge filled her. Perhaps they had more in common than she realized.
“Shall we race?” Emma asked, breaking the fragile moment.
Lucy blinked to clear her thoughts, reminding herself that she was only supposed to become acquainted with him because Emma had asked her to, not for her own pleasure.
“Of course,” he agreed then raised a brow at Lucy. “Shall we?”
“Absolutely.” What could she do but agree?
“Go!” Emma rushed forward, but Lucy and Hugh soon caught up with her.
The three shouted encouragement to each other as they raced to the opposite end.
Lucy had no doubt Hugh allowed Emma to beat him, and she followed suit, holding back to allow the two the victory.
Emma pretended to suddenly lose her balance, and Hugh caught her in his arms. Lucy forced a smile as they laughed, still holding each other. They made a beautiful couple.
Mr. Raybourne was the best of the suitors her cousin had, though Lucy had yet to spend much time with the others. But the thought of sharing her opinion with Emma had Lucy turning away.
After dinner the following evening, once the gentlemen had rejoined the ladies in the drawing room, Hugh watched from across the room as Emma gave Lucy a pointed look. With a reluctant nod, Lucy approached Miss Barnes who stood next to her brother, as always. The woman rarely left his side and acted quite uncomfortable when she did.
He couldn’t hear the conversation, but he had a guess as to what was being said. It proved correct as Miss Barnes followed Lucy a short distance away to join Mrs. Waverly, leaving Emma to speak alone with Mr. Barnes.
Hugh scowled at Emma’s behavior. The more he came to know her, the more he realized she was used to getting her own way with everyone, including Lucy. Emma used her cousin for whatever purpose she needed. That annoyed Hugh in no small measure. Lucy was too nice to her. From what he could tell, Emma never returned the favor, though he supposed he shouldn’t be so quick to judge on such short acquaintance.
Before he realized what he was doing, he walked across the room to join Lucy, Mrs. Waverly, and Miss Barnes.
“Mr. Raybourne, we were just sharing how pleased we are that it’s snowing,” Lucy said as her aunt excused herself and stepped away.
“I confess I’m pleased as well,” he offered. “Quite festive, don’t you think, Miss Barnes?”
“Quite.” The lady blinked several times as a ruddy blush filled her cheeks. She seemed to have a difficult time finding the courage to meet his gaze. The guarded way she acted suggested she feared he’d ravish her while everyone watched.
Her behavior annoyed him, though he couldn’t say why. He supposed he preferred the way Lucy treated him as if she enjoyed their conversations.
“The snow might make our attempt to gather greenery on the morrow more difficult.” He glanced at Lucy, wondering if she’d be able to join in the fun.
“I wonder how much we’ll get,” she said, her brown eyes gleaming with delight.
“Greenery or snow?” he asked, hoping her excitement meant she would indeed be accompanying them.
“Both.” She smiled as she met his gaze and a warm sensation filled him. Did she realize what a gift her smile was?
He chuckled. “I assume you’re hoping for a significant amount.”
“I am.” Her quick admission amused him. “It would be lovely if it snowed several inches. Then we could take the sleighs to the woods. What of you, Miss Barnes? Do you wish it to snow?”
“It would make a special Christmas,” the lady said even as her brow wrinkled. “Though I worry it would make travelling home difficult.”
“We might all be snowed in together until the weather clears.” He said the words jokingly, but the expression of alarm on Miss Barnes’ face suggested she truly feared that might come to pass.
Lucy patted the woman’s arm. “Have no worries. We rarely receive that much snow here, especially this early in the year.”
The lady’s look of relief was comical. As if concerned they’d take offense, she added, “It’s lovely here, of course.”
“You prefer your home though.” Lucy nodded. “That’s a benefit to travelling. It makes one appreciate home all the more, don’t you think?”
“True,” Miss Barnes answered, though her response lacked conviction.
Lucy’s gaze held on something in the distance, but he had the distinct feeling she saw something else entirely. A memory of her own home prior to her parents’ death? He wanted to reach out and squeeze her arm, anything to let her know he was sorry for her loss. To lose both her mother and father at such a tender age must’ve been terribly difficult.
“What of you, Mr. Raybourne?” Lucy brought her attention back to the conversation. “Are you anxious to return to London?”
“Not especially.” His apartment served as a comfortable place to live but little else. Graham, his eldest brother, and his wife would be celebrating the holiday with her family. Thomas and his new wife would do the same. Hugh would’ve been an extra no matter who he spent it with. “Though I would hate to wear out my welcome here. How is Mrs. Penrose feeling this evening?”
“She’s well, though a bit out of sorts at being in a strange place with a different routine. She prefers her own home and schedule.” Her quiet yet wistful smile said so much. She exhibited endless patience with the demands of both her aunt and her cousin.
He was beginning to see her many admirable traits as she once again changed the topic with the hope of drawing out Miss Barnes.
As the two women spoke, he glanced over to where Emma and Barnes conversed. Emma batted her eyes at something he said, making Hugh wonder how often she’d done that to him without him realizing it. The movement as well as her expression seemed contrived from this distance. He’d have to pay closer attention next time he was with her.
“Were you speaking about the snow?” Viscount Jameson asked as he joined them, his gaze holding on Miss Barnes.
Was there something between the pair, Hugh wondered? That would be ideal as it would leave more time for Hugh to spend with Emma. Yet when the viscount’s gaze shifted to Lucy, irritation slid through Hugh. Lucy treated him in the same warm, friendly manner she displayed with everyone. She was too kind for her own good.
He berated himself at the thought. How easy it was to forget his purpose here when he was with Lucy. He needed to worry more about Emma and less about her. To that end, he excused himself from the group and circled the room until he arrived at Emma’s side. Barnes appeared less than happy to see him.
After finding a way to compliment Emma, he kept the conversation on her, hoping to learn more about her. He had yet to select a gift for her or her mother as he wanted to have a better idea of what they might like before making a purchase. He’d brought a fine bottle of port for Mr. Waverly that he was sure the man would enjoy. Hugh intended to journey to the small village to find something for the ladies there in the coming days.
Yet his gaze continually wandered back to Lucy, despite his best intentions. If only he was free to make choices about his future based on his heart rather than money, this would be a perfect Christmas. But if he wanted something more in his life that provided both a purpose and an income other than gambling, he needed to marry well. With a resigned sigh, he turned away.
Chapter Five
“Oh my.” Lucy stared out the window the next morning, delighted to see the snow was still falling. Large flakes swayed gently down, creating a peaceful scene, and a significant amount had fallen during the night. Perfect for their plan to gather greenery as it meant they could take the sleighs to the woods.
Thank goodness Aunt Edith had given her approval. The thought of missing the outing was too painful to consider. She had fond memories of collecting holly, mistletoe, and boughs of evergreens in years past.
She and Aunt Edith had done little to celebrate Christmas in the past few years other than have roasted goose for Christmas dinner, attend church services, and give gifts to the servants on Boxing Day. If Aunt Jane and Uncle Andrew had invited Aunt Edith and her for Christmas during that time, Lucy hadn’t known about it. Already this had been a delightful holiday.
