Winter Wishes: A Regency Christmas Anthology

by Cheryl Bolen

  To Benjamin’s surprise, the Marquess of Delham emerged from one of the rooms with several friends.

  “How interesting,” Walker said. “The rigid Delham spending the afternoon gambling.”

  “Is that unusual?” Benjamin asked.

  “I’m not here often enough to know, but I would hazard a guess that it is. His anti-French remarks have offended some.”

  “Oh?”

  “Rumors say that he made his wife release her French lady’s maid and replace her with an English one.”

  “Interesting.”

  “Granger. Walker. Good to see you both.”

  “Delham.” Benjamin rose to greet him alongside Walker.

  “Care to join us?” The marquess swept his hand toward one of the gaming rooms.

  Benjamin hesitated. While he wanted to remain on good terms with Delham, he didn’t have any interest in gambling. That was one of the vices he’d set aside. Yet he didn’t care to insult the lord either.

  With Walker at his side, he joined Delham and his friends in the gaming room, planning to merely observe. He’d made a promise to himself to avoid such things.

  “A game of piquet perhaps?” Delham asked. “Or do you prefer whist?”

  “None today,” Benjamin replied with a smile to ease his answer. “I must leave soon as I have another engagement this evening.”

  “I would guess it involves a woman,” Delham said with a knowing look. “Your family has quite the reputation.”

  Benjamin said nothing as Delham slapped him on the back. Apparently, being at the club loosened the man’s spirit. Perhaps this was the perfect time to gain Delham’s support for an idea that had been on Benjamin’s mind for some time. “Didn’t you mention you knew several men injured in the war?”

  “Indeed. Good soldiers, every one of them. Why do you ask?”

  “I have a notion of how we might help those who fought so bravely for our country only to return home to struggle.” Benjamin couldn’t have been more pleased at the spark of interest in Delham’s eyes.

  Louisa smiled politely at Viscount Stanich until her cheeks hurt. The lord had far too much to say. From horses to politics, he had an opinion on everything and took any opportunity to share it.

  She’d had the faint hope he wouldn’t be in attendance at the Burdett ball. Perhaps the time had come to be less polite to the viscount. Hadn’t anyone told him that listening was as important a part in conversing as speaking?

  “Please excuse me,” she interrupted when he drew a breath. “I must speak with my cousin.” She hurried away before he could respond.

  “Louisa,” Annabelle said in surprise as Louisa looped her arm through hers.

  “You must rescue me from Viscount Stanfinch.” She glanced over her shoulder to make certain he hadn’t followed her.

  “Isn’t his name Stanich?”

  Louisa closed her eyes briefly at the mistake. “Of course. How silly of me.”

  “I thought you liked him.”

  “I should like him. He should be perfect.” How disappointing that he wasn’t. Or perhaps the fault lay with her.

  Annabelle chuckled. “However?”

  “I fear I might commit murder if forced to hear anything more about the horse he wants to buy.”

  “But you like horses.”

  “I do. I had no idea one could make them as boring as he does.”

  “Let us make good our escape.” Annabelle guided her to the opposite side of the ballroom where they could keep an eye on the viscount from a distance. “Perhaps you should give your attention to another man for a time. That might discourage the viscount.”

  Louisa considered the notion. “But who?”

  Annabelle dipped her head, and Louisa followed her gaze only to catch her breath at the sight of Benjamin.

  “No. That’s a terrible idea.” Anyone but Benjamin.

  “Why? He’s handsome, titled, and doesn’t seem boring at all.” Annabelle turned to study her. “Your cheeks are flushed, although he hasn’t yet seen you let alone spoken with you. Would you care to explain?”

  “It’s warm in here.” But Louisa couldn’t pull away her gaze. Nearly four days had passed since she’d last spoken with him. Time and distance should’ve reduced her attraction to the man, but that didn’t seem to be the case. Where did that leave her? She couldn’t be attracted to a rogue.

  “Interesting.” Annabelle pulled Louisa along with her as she moved closer to Benjamin.

  “What are you doing?” Louisa whispered.

  “Moving into his line of sight in case you decide you wish to speak with him.”

  “I don’t.” She found the fortitude to turn away. “Where is Viscount Stanich? I have a question about his horse.”

  “Lady Louisa. Miss Annabelle. I hope the evening finds you both well.”

  Why did his voice send shivers of awareness through her? There was nothing to be done except respond and do her best to hide her ridiculous reaction to him. “Good evening, my lord.”

  He looked especially handsome tonight, she thought. His dark hair was swept to the side and brushed the collar of his black coat. She appreciated that his cravat was tied in a simple, less fussy manner than most men favored.

  They exchanged pleasantries then Aberland and Caroline joined them. Oddly enough, their arrival didn’t reduce the tension that gripped Louisa.

  “Well done, Granger,” Aberland said. “I am impressed.”

  “By what?” Benjamin’s brow rose in question.

  “I understand from Delham that he’s joining your efforts to create a charity for wounded soldiers.”

  Louisa stared at him in surprise. “A charity?”

  Benjamin nodded. “Something I intend to oversee myself. So many men were wounded in the war and are in need of assistance. If we can aid their recovery and help them find new ways to function so that they can continue to be valuable members of society, all will benefit.”

  “That is a tremendous idea,” Caroline said as Annabelle agreed.

  What a surprising action for a rogue to take. Louisa had two cousins from her father’s side who’d been injured in the war. One had lost a limb. To think they could be offered assistance to regain their lives was heart-warming.

  “During my travels, I came upon a number of men who were dealing remarkably well with their injuries,” Benjamin said. “I think we can learn from men like them even if they live in other countries. With the right training and a little funding, of course.”

  “I don’t know how you managed to convince Delham of your plan, but you did.” Aberland shook his head as if still in disbelief.

  “I caught him at a weak moment.” Benjamin smiled.

  Louisa noted the twinkle in his eye, but he didn’t expand on his remark, leaving her to wonder.

  A rogue who did the right thing and established charities for wounded soldiers? Be still her heart.

  “Lady Louisa, would you do me the honor of a dance?”

  “Of course.” Why did he have to ask now when her ability to resist him had been reduced even more?

  She took his arm, ignoring her breathlessness as he escorted her to the dance floor. She risked a glance at him from under her lashes, wondering who he really was. The rogue that his reputation suggested or someone quite different?

  “Are you enjoying the ball?” he asked as they lined up with the other dancers for the cotillion.

  She hesitated. In truth, she hadn’t been until now. Conversing with Benjamin was a completely different experience than talking to the viscount. They were both men, but that seemed to be the only similarity.

  “The evening has been...interesting.”

  They went through the moves of the dance, their gazes catching as they turned this way and that. She felt as if the rest of the dancers fell away, leaving the two of them to move in time to the music. She didn’t pretend to understand what was happening, nor did she like it. Benjamin was an unpredictable man with a dangerous reputation. But he was a more
enjoyable companion than the viscount or any other man she’d met thus far.

  With a sigh, she released her indecision for the moment. Surely she could enjoy this dance without worrying about the days to come. Once the mental barrier she’d placed between them had been removed, she began to notice the little things.

  The feel of his strong fingers as they so gently brushed hers.

  The breadth of his shoulders as he turned.

  The hint of a smile that quirked the corner of his mouth.

  His dark eyes that held on her as if they shared a secret.

  Awareness caused her middle to perform dance steps of its own. Though she’d performed the cotillion more times than she could count, something felt different this time, and it was all because of Benjamin.

  “Thank you,” she said as the music faded.

  “The honor is mine.” He offered his elbow and escorted her to where her cousins still visited, gave a polite bow, and bid them a good evening.

  “Well?” Annabelle asked.

  “He is an excellent dancer.” Louisa looked over the crowd for her mother. Anything to avoid meeting her cousin’s curious gaze.

  “I would guess he’s excellent at many things.” Annabelle smiled.

  Louisa felt heat in her cheeks but didn’t respond. She had no doubt her cousin spoke the truth. But Louisa had yet to decide what to do about it.

  “I’m so pleased about Granger’s idea of a charity for wounded soldiers,” Caroline said. Her sympathetic glance at Louisa suggested she’d changed the topic to spare her more of Annabelle’s comments.

  “To think he gained Delham’s support.” Annabelle shook her head. “The marquess is known to be tighter with funds than most spinster aunts.”

  “So many families have been affected by the war,” Caroline said as she shared a look with her sister. “We have distant family members who could use assistance.”

  Louisa knew Caroline had hoped to make a good marriage in order to save her family’s finances. Her father’s failing health had put them on the brink of disaster. Louisa’s mother had offered assistance, but Caroline and her mother had refused, pinning their hopes on a good match to sustain them for the long term. It had come as a surprise to Caroline to discover Aberland had substantial wealth.

  Louisa was grateful not to carry the burden of needing to marry for money, but she intended to take great care to ignore her passionate nature. For that would surely land her in trouble.

  “This should be a good beginning,” Delham said as he handed Benjamin a list.

  Benjamin had spent the past three days in various meetings, many of which had been with Delham. Planning for the charity for wounded soldiers was well underway. He’d stopped by the marquess’s home to pick up the list of lords that Delham believed would be interested in joining the cause.

  “This is quite an extensive list.” The number of names surprised him.

  “Those with a mark beside them are ones with whom I have already spoken. The rest you’ll have to approach but feel free to use my name.”

  Benjamin couldn’t have been more pleased. During his travels as a spy, he’d seen many wounded men with little hope in their eyes. If he could do anything to alleviate their continued suffering, he would. He’d readily admit that one of the reasons he wanted to start this charity was to assuage his own guilt at not having served in the war himself.

  Spying had been dangerous at times, but he’d never been shot. Aberland had continually told him that he saved more lives than he realized with the information he provided, but he still detested the fact that he hadn’t been beside his fellow countrymen on the battlefield.

  “I’ll contact each person and let them know the date of our first meeting. I’m hoping that by holding it the week before Christmas, many will be in a generous spirit.”

  Delham chuckled. “Quite clever of you.” A commotion from the entrance stopped him from saying more. “What on earth?”

  The library door flew open as he rose. His wife stood in the doorway, eyes wild as she clenched a letter in trembling hands.

  “What has happened?” Delham asked.

  The marchioness’s gaze landed briefly on Benjamin, yet he didn’t think she truly saw him.

  “I am ruined.” She blinked back tears as she started to sob.

  Benjamin rose, alarmed at the sight. “I’ll go.”

  But the marquess waved his hand, whether to silence him or suggest he remain where he was, Benjamin wasn’t sure. He waited to see if Delham offered another clue.

  The man put an arm around his wife’s shoulders gingerly as though not used to offering comfort or affection. “What are you speaking about?”

  “This!” she exclaimed as she handed him the letter.

  Delham’s face turned white as he read the contents. Without a glance at Benjamin, he herded his wife out of the room and pulled the door closed.

  Benjamin waited, wishing he’d been able to escape. When voices echoed in the entrance, he realized the marquess hadn’t shut the door. The marchioness’s hysterical tone was clearly audible. He stepped forward to close the door, preferring not to bear witness to whatever catastrophe had found the marchioness.

  “Yes, I allowed him to paint me in the nude,” she said in a shrill voice that carried clearly to Benjamin’s ears. “At least he showed interest in me. You certainly do not.”

  The marquess’s angry response was too quiet to hear, much to Benjamin’s relief.

  “He says he’ll show that portrait to everyone if we don’t pay the money he’s demanding.” Another murmured response from the marquess was followed by more shrill words from his wife. “He is French. Yes, I know you detest all things French. Why do you think I chose him?”

  Benjamin shut the door as quietly as possible, not wanting to reveal his presence or interrupt the pair. He heard voices briefly before they faded. Apparently, Delham had convinced his wife to take their conversation to a more private location.

  Benjamin hesitated. If Delham didn’t return soon, he’d leave. If only he could un-hear their conversation. To think the marchioness had allowed a Frenchman to paint her portrait in the nude was shocking. To learn the artist had decided to use it against her was even more disturbing.

  The fact that the marquess had been the one who’d cautioned him against Louisa and her mother was nearly laughable now. Obviously, the man needed to keep an eye on things closer to home.

  When several minutes had gone by without the lord’s return, Benjamin let himself out, telling the butler that he had to leave for another appointment. Delham would have to trust that Benjamin would keep the terrible situation to himself. He had no intention of telling anyone.

  Chapter 6

  Benjamin arrived at the Portland ball that evening with the hope of conversing with several of the men on Delham’s list. At least, he told himself that was the reason he attended. In truth, he hoped Louisa would be there. If given a chance, he would very much enjoy another dance with her.

  Her zest for life and occasional disregard for proper behavior might have initially caught his interest, but her intelligence, protectiveness of her mother, and her wit had kept his attention. Added to that was her beauty, grace, and a confidence rarely shown by younger women. She fascinated him in every aspect.

  He smothered a sigh. He needed to take care not to single her out with his attentions. That meant dancing with a few of the other ladies in attendance, a notion he didn’t care for.

  While the Season wouldn’t be underway until spring, many people were in London since Parliament was in session. Christmas would soon be upon them, and everyone appeared to be in fine spirits. They needed little excuse to host an event. The gatherings were smaller and less frequent this time of year, but that suited him. That made finding the men he wanted to speak with about funding the charity easier. It was also easier to find Louisa amongst the guests.

  This evening, she wore a primrose gown with embroidery decorating the neckline and capped sleeves. Her up
swept hair revealed an elegant neck and shoulders. He didn’t think he’d seen a more delectable sight. Conversing with her would have to wait until he completed the evening’s mission. With regret, he turned away to peruse the crowd and found two of the men on his list. Both were older, closer to Delham’s age than his own. Though he’d met them before, he didn’t know them well.

  As Benjamin eased through the guests toward them, he wondered what solution Delham had found for his problem. Would he pay the painter for the portrait to keep his mouth shut? The options were limited, but obtaining the painting was imperative. Without it, the painter’s claim of the marchioness posing nude could be easily dismissed.

  All the more reason to marry a woman who wouldn’t behave in such a manner.

  “Crenshaw. Thompson. Good to see you,” Benjamin said.

  “Sorry to hear of your uncle’s passing.” Crenshaw’s cravat was tied so high that he had difficulty turning his head.

  “To lose them all so suddenly.” Thompson shook his head. “Terrible.”

  “Thank you.” Though he preferred to come to the point, he visited on other subjects until a lull in the conversation allowed him to mention the charity.

  “For wounded soldiers, eh?” Crenshaw nodded stiffly. “Fine idea.”

  “Great need for it,” Thompson added.

  “We’d like to invite each of you to join the endeavor. We’re in the process of gathering funding and determining the services to offer.”

  “Funding. Hmm.” Thompson tapped his chin even as Crenshaw frowned.

  Already Benjamin could tell they had reservations about donating money, which irritated him to no end. Both were wealthy and could spare a few pounds to help those less fortunate, especially for the soldiers who’d risked their lives to protect England. Though he was certain that with enough time, he could persuade them to join his efforts, he decided on a simpler method of convincing them.

  “Delham suggested the two of you would be instrumental in assisting us in designing the charity, but if you don’t care to do so...” As a well-respected member of the ton, Delham’s name carried weight.