A Promise For Christmas (Historical Holiday Romance)

by Lynn Landes

  Trying to convince them that he loves Aiylin fell flat after she went home whining about a sore wrist. Unfortunately, she’s being difficult. He was trying to court her, but she has refused him at every turn.

  Instead, he will be forced to put her in a compromising situation, he grins thinking about her begging beneath him. Shaking himself from his reverie, he stares out the window of his shop. The flowers he had sent were returned. The florist said no one was home. Even when they tried to deliver them to the factory, they were refused. His frown had the young delivery man backing away.

  “Where are they?” he growled. No one can keep a secret in this town. “Want to earn some extra money?”

  “Yes, sir!”

  “Find out where the Millers are?” The bell rings as the kid leaves and Langdon paces.

  Where could they be? He’s just about to close up when one of his best customers enters.

  “Good afternoon, Mrs. Weise. What can I do for you?” he asks and offers her and arm to guide her to a chair.

  “I heard you had an altercation with my son, Patrick a few nights ago. I hope you won’t judge him too harshly. He’s been spending too much time with the Miller family, I’m afraid.” She sniffs and pats her white braided updo.

  “Not at all. It was a misunderstanding, please, think nothing of it. I was just closing up for the day. May I offer you some tea?” he asks, sitting across from her.

  “That would be lovely,” she sits back and struggles not to cry at his kind treatment of her. Langdon makes a fresh pot and spills a few drops of his special medicine into her cup. Sitting across from her, he offers her the cup and watches as she sips it.

  “Forgive me, but my son ran off with that family! He left me a letter!” she hisses and has to fan herself to calm down.

  “I’m so sorry, Mrs. Weise,” he pats her hand. “What did the letter say?” he asks

  “Only that I was being unreasonable, and he loves her. They are married by now, and that sister of hers helped her plan this betrayal!”

  “You mean Aiylin?” he asks watching her finish her tea.

  “Yes, that’s the one!” she dabs her eyes and accepts a refill of her tea. “Is it warm in here?” she waves a hand at her flushed cheeks.

  “Yes, the tea will help refresh you. I’m sorry they’ve treated you so terribly,” he leans forward and watches her sip. “Aiylin has been teasing me for months. I thought we might have something special but finding out that she could treat someone like this makes me think twice.” She nods in understanding. “Would you have dinner with me, Mrs. Weise?”

  “Oh!” the thought of going home to the empty house has her nodding eagerly. “Yes, please. Don’t worry yourself, Patrick, someone will snap you up.” She fans herself and smiles, “That tea was delicious,” she giggles. “You must share the recipe, and I will spread the word about what a kind young man you are. You’ll have more offers than you can count.”

  Patrick smiles, “That’s kind of you. We are kindred spirits, hurt by the same family. I find that once I purge the offenders by talking about it, it is easier to move on.”

  “That’s a wonderful attitude.”

  He guides her to the door and out front into her carriage.

  It is early at the restaurant, and Langdon and Darla are seated straight away. He’s able to pry information out of Mrs. Weise with only one glass of wine and some attention. The poor old woman is lonely. After she drops him off back at his shop, Langdon smiles, watching her drive away.

  She told him most of what he needed to know. The rest he will get from the train station. Aiylin is out of town, visiting the old women’s sister. Perfect. He will pay her a visit, and if she won’t marry him, he wonders how much her stupid father will pay to save her reputation? He laughs and adjusts his suit. It’d be much easier if she’d comply, but sometimes doing things the hard way is necessary.

  He smiles, thinking of the last city he left behind. “His check is late,” he reminds himself as he walks back inside his shop to his room upstairs. Aiylin’s lack of compliance has him living modestly. He sits down to write another letter to the father of his last… conquest.

  The young girl was eager to prove her independence and he was happy to assist her in her endeavors. Patrick thinks of her fondly and remembers with a giggle the look of shock on her face the morning after he used her. Her father was quick to comply when she announce their affair, thinking he meant to marry her. His laughter is deep as he murmurs, “Marriage was not an option,” which he quickly explained to the poor old man. His shame at his daughter’s behavior had him agreeing to terms. “I will make him wire the money western union,” he murmurs.

  “Don’t worry, Aiylin. Marriage to you is the perfect answer to my money problems. I’m coming for you.”

  Chapter 6

  Tinley jumps at every noise the next few days. She runs to the front door, multiple times with hope in her eyes and Sebastian walks over to his mother.

  “You must tell her that it was just a fairytale, Mother,” he insists.

  “I can’t do that, Sebastian. Why would you ask me to lie to my grandchild?” she runs a hand over her perfectly styled white hair and glances over at Tinley.

  “Because, Mother, she could have gotten hurt and now her heart will be crushed when whatever she asked for doesn’t show up. What am supposed to do?”

  “Distract her, Son, and leave the rest to the Lord,” she smiles softly at him.

  “I have some contracts to look over and designs to finalize. I need to work.” As the owner of the Becker Steel Mill in Harrisburg, Sebastian is under tight deadlines, but this year he promised himself and his daughter that he would take time off for the holidays. Finding time for his only child is a struggle. After his wife died, he was left to raise her on his own. Of course, the nanny he had hired was a gem, but Mrs. Flanagan was on vacation with her own family. Now he wishes that he’d brought her along.

  “Don’t forget we have guests coming, tonight,” his Mother reminds him. “Patrick’s fiancé, Miss Miller, is arriving on the train.”

  “Yes, of course. We’ll make sure that she has fun before sending her on her way.” Hopefully, she won’t expect a handout like his Aunt is always asking for. “I need to get some work done.” He wanders back to the office and closes the door leaving his mother to watch Tinley.

  “Tinley,” she calls, “it’s time to make a list,” Elizabeth informs her.

  “What kind of list?”

  “A Christmas list. Stanley is going to town to pick up supplies tonight. If we’re going to decorate, we will need to get baking supplies, candles…”

  “Oh!” she claps her hands together.

  “Come sit down and help me.”

  Together they create a long list of supplies. The cook's list was given to her this morning for the next two weeks. “Tinley, it may snow. Did you bring your boots?”

  “Yes, Ma’am,” she replies. “Don’t forget drinking chocolate, Oma!” She spins excitedly.

  “Of course,” Elizabeth writes down the ingredients and smiles. “We can't have Christmas without hot chocolate!”

  “When are we going to decorate, Oma?”

  “Tomorrow we will get all the boxes down and sort them. Have you thought of a present for your Father for Christmas, Tinley?”

  “Yes, I have, Oma, but I can’t tell you,” she wrings her hands together.

  “You can tell me anything, angel,” Elizabeth insists.

  Tinley climbs into her lap and places a hand on each cheek. “Oma, it was just like you said,” she whispers. “I was asleep, and the glow woke me,” her eyes glitter with excitement.

  “Tell me, child,” she insists gently.

  “It whispered to me to make my wish, Oma, and when I did it flickered!”

  “I remember,” her voice is hoarse with emotion. “Just remember that sometimes, things don’t happen instantly, it may take time. Be patient, my love.”

  “Waiting is the hardest,” she deflate
s in her lap.

  “I know my sweet. Now, tell me what dress you are wearing to the party tonight.”

  “My purple dress. Daddy said it makes my hair shine,” she smiles.

  “That it does. I need to speak to the cook about dinner. Tonight will be a night to remember.”

  Chapter 7

  Langdon is at the train station Friday morning and books a seat on the first train to Nazareth. According to Mrs. Weisz, they were married last evening. Aiylin is still in Harrisonburg which puts her about four hours ahead of him. He plans to catch up to Aiylin and convince her to marry him. One way or another.

  She needs to be taught not to speak so openly. Her father has spoiled her by allowing her free will. That can be easily broken, in fact, he’s looking forward to molding her into the perfect wife.

  When the snow begins to fall, he happily thinks that it will slow her down. Not that it will stall his plan. The train stops in Harrisonburg to refuel, and he enjoys the layover in a café.

  He glances at the general store and frowns. It’s highly possible that Aiylin will resist his instruction. Perhaps he should get supplies. Langdon walks through the heavily falling snow into the general store.

  “Can I help you find something, sir?” the clerk asks.

  “Yes, please. I require some soothing drops,” Langdon says.

  “We keep those behind the counter.” He turns and unlocks the cabinet, reaching inside to pull down a small brown glass bottle. “They are popular. Can I help you find anything else?” he asks.

  “Yes, Kimball cough syrup.” Langdon pays and tucks the bottles inside his pocket. He hurries to the train station only to hiss in anger when the departure is delayed due to snow.

  “How long will the delay be?” Langdon demands.

  “No telling, sir. The hotel across the street has openings. I’d hurry though, they tend to fill up fast.”

  “Great!” Langdon grumbles and stomps away. “Another expense I didn’t need.” Later in his tiny room, he sips on the soothing drops, also known as morphine and smiles. He sits thinking of his bride to be. The cough syrup is useful for sedation, though it took some experimenting to get the correct dosage. The soothing drops will make her sleepy, relaxed, and compliant. The other will knock her out completely.

  “Soon, Aiylin, we will be together.”

  Chapter 8

  Nazareth

  Aiylin steps from the train and shivers. It has gotten much colder. She can see her breath and heavy clouds are hanging in the sky. As she walks towards the luggage being unloaded, she spots her guitar case and picks up speed.

  “That’s mine,” she insists and grabs it before anyone else can. She ignores the strange looks, thankful that she removed the ridiculous hat.

  “Can I help you miss?” a young voice asks. Aiylin is surprised when a boy of ten offers to assist her.

  “Oh, yes, please. Those two bags,” she points to the bags with A.M. monogrammed on the side. “I could take your guitar for you,” he suggests eyeing her case.

  “No one touches this, but me,” she quips. “Follow me, please.”

  “Yes, Ma’am,” he grabs her bags and follows her through the station.

  Aiylin stops when she notices an older gentleman holding a sign with her name on it. “I’m Miss Miller.”

  “Wonderful. Is this all you have, Miss Miller?” he asks, gesturing to her guitar case.

  “Oh no, this nice young man,” she turns to introduce the boy, but he’s gone. “No!” she gasps. “He was right behind me!”

  “My name’s Stanley, Miss Miller. I work for the Becker family. I’m sorry to say that you’ve been swindled. Don’t worry, we will take care of you.”

  “But my clothes!” She spins around looking for any sign of the boy.

  “Welcome to Nazareth,” Stanley chuckles. “I will report it to the Sheriff’s office for you, Miss Miller. While I’m doing that you could make a stop at our general store for the necessaries. We will pay for anything you’ve lost.”

  “That’s very kind of you, but I shouldn’t have been so gullible,” she frowns. “Thank goodness he didn’t get my guitar.”

  “That's an excellent attitude. It’s just clothes. Thankfully, you weren’t hurt.” Stanley guides her deftly through the station and outside to a covered carriage. “We need to hurry,” he glances up at the cloudy sky, “it looks like snow.”

  “Snow?” She glances up and notices the thick layer of snow clouds. “Perhaps I should stay in town,” she murmurs, but Stanley is insistent.

  “No ma’am, Miss Miller. Snow doesn’t stop the people of Nazareth from going to a party. You’re expected.”

  “Wonderful,” Aiylin says and allows him to lift her guitar case into the back. “It needs to stay dry,” she chews her lip in worry.

  “Yes, Ma’am.” He covers it with a tarp to hide it from view and snaps the reins to guide them down the street. “I’ll pick up a second tarp inside to make sure.”

  “Thank you. It was my Grandfathers.”

  “An heirloom. Do you take it everywhere you go?”

  “No,” she laughs. “I’m planning on staying in town for a few days, and I needed it with me.”

  “I see. Well, Nazareth is small, but you should find everything you need. We have a large Christmas market coming up, with a tree lighting in the main square,” Stanley says.

  “That sounds lovely,” she replies, glancing around. It is a charming town with beautiful Victorian homes. Stanley points out that Main street has a bakery, a post office, a church, and a general mill. The Nazareth hotel is at the end of the road, and Aiylin makes sure to remember where it is.

  “I hope you don’t mind, but I will leave you at the general store, I have an order to pick up around back. I will visit the Sheriff and hurry back.”

  “Not a problem. I will pick up what I need to replace my stolen goods. I shouldn’t be long.” Aiylin jumps down and turns back to him. “Don’t let anyone steal my guitar, please.” She wrings her hands and looks as if she’s about to change her mind.

  “I promise to guard it well,” Stanley insists.

  Aiylin nods and hurries inside thankful that she travels with her money inside her corset. She is quick to tell the clerk her predicament. The young girl grabs a carpet bag and begins to fill it with necessities.

  “I’m only in town for three days. I won’t need much, though I will need a dress to wear to a party tonight. Do you have anything?”

  “Of course! You must be talking about the Becker’s party! Everyone is talking about it. My name is Tasha Layton.”

  Aiylin smiles at the nice young woman with dark hair. “We had designers from out of state send in sample dresses. Follow me.”

  “I thought it was going to be a small party,” Aiylin asks.

  Tasha grins, “Any chance to dress up and dance, and people will show up.” Aiylin finds that she’s excited about a party. How fun to show up and not have any preconceived notions about her or her family. No one knows her. She can just relax and enjoy a Christmas party. Music, food, and dancing. Tasha digs in the rack and comes out with a dress.

  “This one?” Tasha asks, and Aiylin gasps.

  “It’s lovely,” she murmurs and runs a hand over the midnight blue satin dress. It is simple with a bustled skirt and long sleeves. The tightly corseted waist will definitely draw attention. “Is it too formal for this event?”

  “No, in fact, you will be underdressed. Most are wearing Christmas colors. Reds, Golds, and greens,” Tasha frowns. “I can pull something else.”

  “No, I love it. I just hope it fits.”

  Tasha laughs, “That’s what corsets are for.” Soon she is outfitted with a clip for her hair and a black choker with a musical note pendant.

  She picks two more-day dresses, one evening dress in dark pink, as well as shoes, a sleeping gown, and wrapper. “Tasha, you’ve made this fun. I’m almost glad I was robbed,” Aiylin smiles as she draws out her cash to pay.

  “Sherif
f Dane will not like it one bit. I’m sure he’s already looking for the hoodlum. I will see you tonight. The dance is at eight!”

  The girls part as friends and Aiylin is surprised to find Stanley waiting with the Sheriff. Tasha smiles and waves as she loads all the bags into the back of the wagon.

  Sheriff Dane talks to Aiylin and writes down everything she says. “I know who it was. I’ll have a talk with him and see what we can recover, but I wouldn’t hold high hopes, Miss Miller.”

  “I understand. Thank you, Sheriff.” She smiles and notices the way Tasha watches them. “Tasha has made me feel welcome with her kindness. Will we see you tonight at the party?” she asks as Tasha walks over to stand beside her.

  “Hello, Miss. Layton,” he grins and pushes his black hat back. “I wouldn’t miss it.”

  The snow begins to fall, and Tasha gasps. “Snow for our Christmas party! Tonight is sure to be memorable,” she exclaims.

  “We should go, Miss Miller,” Stanley calls and soon they are riding out of town.

  Aiylin shivers in the cool air and glances up as the snow begins to fall heavier.

  “We’re almost there,” Stanley assures her. Ten miles from town and Aiylin’s hair is a mess of strawberry blonde waves. Her overcoat has grown heavy from the wet snow seeping into it. Thankfully, Stanley turns down a treelined path that is dusted in snow.

  As they break through the trees, Aiylin gasps. “Oh, it’s lovely.” She claps her cold hands together and smiles at the large Victorian home with its ornate and decorative architecture. Turrets and a full wrap around porch have her longing to find a nook to play her music in.

  Stanley stops and smiles at her. “It sure is. Can you walk from here, Miss Miller? I need to enter at the back of the property to unload the supplies.”