by Lynn Landes
“Of course. I could use a walk.” She smiles and jumps down, ignoring the falling snow and watches him drive away.
A path leads through the snow to a lantern that is glowing warmly. Aiylin is drawn to the large, black iron, lantern. “How strange,” she murmurs as she walks over to it. When she steps into the glow of the light, its warmth surrounds her. “Oh!” she gasps in delight.
Reaching out a hand, she touches the metal, expecting to find it cold, but instead, the surface greets her with a soft radiant heat. She laughs and looks up at the light. “Amazing!” she exclaims, allowing the lantern to warm her hands and body.
Tinley watches through a window and shouts. “Oma! She’s here!”
Before Elizabeth can stop her Tinley, rips open the front door and takes off running towards her. Aiylin glances over in surprise at a little girl running towards her.
“You came!” she stops a foot away from Aiylin and stares up at her. “Are you real?” she whispers.
“I think so,” Aiylin teases and steps out of the beam of light and instantly the cold wraps around her. The light flickers and Tinley squeals in delight.
Aiylin laughs at the child’s excitement, wondering who she thinks she is.
“Are you a Christmas Angel?” Tinley asks.
“I don’t think so,” she laughs softly. “My name is Aiylin Miller.” The snow begins to rain down, heavier by the second.
Aiylin is enchanted by the snow-covered child with her dark curls. She holds out a hand, and Elizabeth watches with a smile from the porch as Tinley reaches up and takes her cold hand.
“Oh! We should hurry, you forgot your coat.” Aiylin lifts her skirt with one hand and winks at Tinley. “Shall we run?”
Sebastian steps outside to stand beside his mother and watches as Tinley takes the hand of a lovely young woman and runs towards them.
Her laughter has a musical quality, it wraps around him and shocks him to his core. Just as they reach the porch, she drops her skirt and picks up Tinley to lift her onto the porch. “Careful now, it will be slippery.”
Aiylin is smiling when she lifts her face to the adults waiting for her. Her eyes fly open wide when she sees the handsome stranger glaring at her. He doesn’t look at all pleased to find them running through the snow. Irritation is coming off him in waves, and Aiylin almost steps away from him. Instead, she turns her attention to the older woman.
“She came, Oma!” Tinley says as if that explains everything and she runs inside abandoning Aiylin.
“You must be Miss Miller,” Elizabeth says.
“I am. You must be Mrs. Becker. I hope you’ll forgive my entrance, but it seemed the thing to do.” Aiylin says and grins when the man watching her turns and hurries inside without saying a word.
“Call me, Elizabeth,” she laughs.
Chapter 9
Aiylin shivers as the cold starts to chill her dress and shoes. The heat of the entrance is a welcome relief. The high ceilings, deep archways, and carved woodwork are stunning. It is an opulent foyer.
She stops walking, not wanting to drip water all over the dark wood floors. “Forgive me, Elizabeth, but I’m making a mess.” Trembling and drenched, she is thankful her overcoat was made of wool.
“What did you think would happen when you played in the snow, Miss Miller.” Sebastian snaps from the hallway.
“Hardly playing, Sir. I’m sorry, I didn’t catch your name?” Aiylin snaps and trembles in her heavy, wet clothing.
“Forgive my son, Sebastian, he’s clearly forgotten his manners.”
“Your Bastian?” Delight flickers across her lovely face, “Patrick has told us many stories of your childhood antics,” Aiylin teases.
“I am Sebastian Becker, you may call me, Mr. Becker,” Sebastian snaps. How many women will be thrown at him trying to marry into his money? His aunt has been trying to get money from him for years. He turns to walk away, missing the shocked expression on Aiylin’s face.
“Of course,” Aiylin stammers, “I can explain,” she turns to Elizabeth.
“Mrs. Becker, you won’t believe the journey this young woman has had,” Stanley interrupts from the doorway. “She was robbed at the station, and we had to stop to buy her some necessary items and clothes, then it started to snow. I had a wagon full of supplies, and well, I dropped her at the edge of the path.”
Sebastian stops and turns around. He steps back towards her, causing Aiylin to back away from him. The flash of fear across her face has him stopping. “I hope you weren’t hurt, Miss Miller.”
“I’m fine, though your floors are getting wetter by the second,” Aiylin quips.
“Where are my manners?” Elizabeth takes her by the arm and guides her up the stairs and away from the glowering man. “Come with me. A warm bath will set you right.”
“Thank you,” she turns to look at Stanley. “Where is my case?” she asks.
“I had it sent to your room, Miss Miller,” he smiles at the relief on her face.
“Wonderful.”
After she disappears, Sebastian releases his breath.
“She’s lovely,” Stanley sighs. “All she cared about was her instrument. Not her clothes and she refused to let me pay for anything. Poor girl got chilled on the ride.” He turns and hurries back to help unload supplies.
Sebastian frowns and finds Tinley watching him. “I dreamed about her Daddy, and she came.”
“What?” he asks and scoops his daughter up. “Why did you go out without your coat?”
“I saw her daddy, waiting under the light!”
“I see how that could be confusing, love, but right now we need to get you warmed up and ready for the party.”
“Are you going to dance with me?” she asks sweetly.
“Is my name on your dance card?”
“I don’t have a dance card, Daddy,” she pouts.
“That’s okay, all your dances are for me.”
Tinley giggles and hugs her daddy. “But maybe, just save one dance for her.”
“We’ll see.” Patrick is engaged to marry Miss Miller, and from what he’s seen, his cousin is one lucky man. Her beauty is undeniable, and those eyes! He’s never quite seen anything that color before. She seems to be graceful and engaged, he reminds himself. The flash of fear has him questioning his cousin’s treatment of her.
Elizabeth guides her up the wooden steps and past multiple bedrooms, on the second floor, before stopping in front of double doors. She pushes them open and walks inside with Aiylin following. “This will be your room.”
Her bags have been unpacked, and her dresses are hanging, but her eyes are instantly drawn to her case. “Oh!” she gasps, “Thank goodness,” she rushes forward, being sure not to drip on it as she opens it to inspect it. A sigh of relief and she turns to find Elizabeth watching her.
“I must look a mess,” Aiylin teases as she closes the case.
“A bit. The party isn’t until eight, I will have a tray sent up for you with hot tea and biscuits. Enjoy a long bath, Miss Miller.”
Aiylin starts to unbutton her wet coat. The thick fur trim is now saturated, but the red wool was able to keep most of the water on the outer layer of the coat.
“A word please, Mrs. Becker.”
“Of course,” Elizabeth lets the maid in, she starts the bath and takes the soaked coat.
“As I said earlier, I am Aiylin Miller. My sister, Mena, sent me in her stead, and your nephew Patrick asked me to give you this letter.” She pulls the slightly damp letter from her corset and blushes.
“Thankfully I kept it close, or it too would have been stolen.”
“I see.” Elizabeth smiles hugely and stares at her. “Let me make sure I understand correctly. You aren’t marrying Patrick, he married your sister, Mena,” she asks.
“Exactly. In fact, they were married Thursday and are on holiday. The letter explains everything. I needed to get away, and Mena and Patrick asked that I come and tell you in person.”
“I see. Patri
ck is one of my favorites. Your sister must be special to have stolen his heart.”
“They were lucky to find each other. Patrick has been like a brother to me, and Mena adores him.”
“I’ll explain everything to Sebastian while you get cleaned up for the party.”
“Right this way, Miss Miller,” the maid says.
Elizabeth sits on the edge of the bed and reads the two-page letter detailing her sister’s disgraceful behavior. They sent Aiylin in her place, and she is expected to leave tomorrow on the train.
“We shall see what the weather does. Our new guest may need to stay a little longer, which may not be a bad thing.” She hurries from the room smiling after instructing the maid to help dress Miss Miller.
“The party will be held in the spacious parlors located on the first floor. This provides formal living areas for guests who do not wish to participate in dancing,” the maid explains as she helps with Aiylin’s hair.
They pull it up, securing it with a black clip and fasten the choker with a musical note around her neck. The dress is stunning in its simple design, though Aylin is questioning the low neckline.
A knock has her turning to watch as the maid opens the door. “Mr. Becker would like to see you in the library, Miss Miller.”
Aiylin frowns and follows the maid from the room. This can’t be good she thinks. They walk down the broad steps and Aiylin stops to look at a massive chandelier. “The acoustics in this room must be amazing,” she murmurs before quickly catching up to the young girl. She stops on the first floor at a dark wooden door and knocks.
“Miss Miller is here, sir.” She steps back ushering Aiylin inside a beautiful library with a roaring fire and piano. When she starts to close the door, Aiylin stops her with a hand on the wood.
Sebastian is thankful she’s distracted as once again her simple beauty is mesmerizing. The blue gown is a perfect complement to her coloring. He can’t help but admire a young woman who can turn up frozen and drenched, yet, still wearing a smile.
“Leave it open,” she requests.
“Yes, Miss,” the maid turns and leaves.
Sebastian watches with a frown.
“What’s wrong, Miss Miller? Don’t you trust yourself?”
“Let’s just say that I’ve learned the hard way not to allow myself to be in a dangerous position.” Aiylin doesn’t smile as he approaches her. Her mouth goes dry, and her heart begins to race. She has to force herself not to back away from him. He's handsome. Not just attractive, but wickedly handsome, she thinks. There is a resemblance to Patrick, but Sebastian is more intense.
“You didn’t seem worried about your reputation earlier today as you cavorted in the snow,” he teases. Her nearness is affecting his ability to think straight. Space, that is what will be required in this situation.
Aiylin stares at him for a moment before sighing softly. “I don’t know you, Mr. Becker, though I must admit to being slightly disappointed. Patrick has told us so much about you, but I’m not seeing the man he described. He described a kind man, with a great sense of humor. I’ve yet to meet him.”
Sebastian’s eyes widen at her boldness. He stares at her taking in the color of her honey hair, to her plump pink lips and trails down her body. He raises his eyebrows at her dress. “You are definitely… more than I was expecting. Tell me, Miss Miller, how much money did my Aunt promise you if you came here?”
Aiylin fights back the blush and rush of shame that tries to creep in. She remembers her father’s words and glares up at him. “Patrick doesn't need your money,” she hisses, “and I'm not sure why you feel it’s necessary to shame and embarrass me, Mr. Becker. I know my worth, and I deserve better.” She tries to step around him only to flinch away when he reaches out for her.
“Forgive me,” he lifts his hands, and she backs away. “That’s the second time I’ve seen fear in your eyes, Miss Miller. Are you in trouble?”
“Of course not.” Aylin flushes, “I don’t know you, Sir. You haven’t earned the right to touch me.”
Sebastian grins, “Does Patrick have to ask permission to touch you?”
“What?” she gasps. “Don’t be ridiculous, he never touches me.” She rushes to the door, wondering what kind of people he’s used to being with. It’s time to go. Party or not, she won’t stand for this. “I’m sure I can take a train out first thing in the morning,” she mumbles.
“Wait!”
“What is it?” she stops and glances over her shoulder at him.
“My daughter, Tinley…”
“She’s your daughter?” she interrupts him. “Of course, that beautiful dark hair. Tinley is adorable, she must get that from her Mother.”
“True enough,” he laughs softly and gestures to a chair and asks, “Could we sit for a moment?” Aiylin is standing near the door with her arms wrapped protectively around her middle.
“Why? So you can continue attacking me?”
“Forgive me, Miss Miller. It’s just that my Aunt has done this before. Sent beautiful women to try to get money from me.”
Of course she did, Aiylin thinks. Was this her plan to send Mena here to entice Sebastian? Did he just call her beautiful? Shaking away the thought she nods.
“I believe that, considering how she’s treated Patrick lately. I’m sorry you’ve had to deal with that.” Aiylin nods and walks cautiously to the chair. She sits across from him, perching on the edge of the seat should she need to run. Sebastian is quiet, and she can sense his hesitation as he sits and picks at the lint on his black jacket.
“I would ask that you be kind to my daughter. She’s struggling this Christmas, and I won’t have her feelings hurt.”
She stares at him for a quiet moment before replying. Her eyes trail over his face and takes in the serious look in his eyes.
“I’m sorry to hear that. I’ll be gone tomorrow. Therefore you can rest easy, Mr. Becker. Even if I could, I would never hurt a child,” she replies softly.
Tinley flies into the library followed by Elizabeth.
“There you are! Sebastian, the guests are arriving. Could you and Miss Miller stand together and greet them. You can make introductions.”
“Me too, Oma?” she asks.
“Of course, darling.”
Tinley rushes over and grasps Aiylin’s hand.
“Call me, Aiylin, please,” she says to Elizabeth. Tinley spins in her purple velvet dress.
“That dress is perfection on you,” Aiylin says, glancing down at Tinley.
“Thank you. Purple is my favorite, but I love yours too. Doesn’t she look beautiful, Daddy?”
Aiylin is smiling at him when he glances at her, “Yes, of course. If you like that much skin showing,” he quips.
“Some men like skin, Mr. Becker, though I suppose you are too old to keep up with the fashions of today.” Aiylin stands and faces him defiantly.
Sebastian lets out a deep bark of laughter that has her grinning in response, “Touché, Miss Miller.”
Elizabeth grins at the banter between them. “Here we go. I hope you like to dance, Aiylin, because in that dress you will have every man in town asking for a chance to step on your toes.”
Her smile fades as he offers her his arm.
“What? No quick-witted response to that.”
“I’m going to kill my sister, the next time I see her,” she mumbles as he guides her to the front foyer. They stand next to each other, not touching and greeting the guests as they come in. Aiylin is overwhelmed by names and faces. It’s a good thing she doesn’t have to remember any of them.
“Tasha,” she smiles when a familiar face approaches.
“You look spectacular, Aiylin,” she exclaims.
“As do you. Thank you for your help this morning,” Aiylin turns to Sebastian. “Tasha helped me today at the general store.”
“That’s very kind of you. You are clearly a woman of exceptional taste. We will, of course repay you for your lost items, Miss Miller.”
“Th
at’s not necessary, Mr. Becker. It was my own stupidity.”
“You are a guest in my home, Miss Miller. It will offend my mother if you insist on this path. I’d say you are stubborn, but hardly stupid. If you’ll excuse me please,” he walks away and stops to talk with a woman named Emily.
Aiylin is shocked into silence by the backhanded compliment.
Sebastian chooses that moment to look across the room at her. He grins when he catches her watching him.
“Well,” Tasha says softly. “I often wondered what it would take to capture his attention.”
Aiylin blushes and looks at her new friend. “It’s not like that, Tasha. I’m leaving tomorrow.”
“Maybe,” Tasha smiles and watches as Sebastian walks back towards them with a young woman on his arm.
“Miss Miller, let me present Miss May and her mother.” Emily is lovely, in her emerald green Christmas dress trimmed in tiny red ribbons. Dark hair and dark eyes glare at her with intense dislike.
“It’s nice to meet you,” Aiylin replies.
“You don’t mind if I steal Sebastian, do you, Miss Marley,” Emily says and then laughs.
“Of course not,” she tries to say, but they are already walking away.
“Marley?” Tasha teases.
“Miller,” Aiylin snaps as Sebastian walks away with Emily, leaving her to greet the rest of the guests with Tasha and Elizabeth.
“Don’t let her bother you, Aiylin, she’s been trying to get his attention for two years,” Tasha complains before looking around for the Sheriff.
The music is playing, and Elizabeth guides Aiylin, and Tinley into the great room. It has been cleared out for this purpose. Tinley stays close, and it turns out that she is the perfect deterrent to keeping some of the men away, but not all.
An hour later, Aiylin is wishing she had stayed in town. The women are not happy to have an outsider in their midst. Most of the men have been exceptionally kind, and she avoids talking about her family. Things can be awkward when men know you come from money. It’s fair to say that her feet will be sore tomorrow.
Repeatedly her eyes are drawn back to Sebastian. He’s easily picked out. Aiylin watches Sebastian dance with Emily and frowns. Sheriff Dane approaches her.