Winter Wishes: A Regency Christmas Anthology

by Cheryl Bolen

  “Very well.” She looked away to speak with someone else, but his desire continued to simmer steadily.

  The ride was rough as they crossed a field, and more than once, Louisa bumped against him. Surely it wasn’t his imagination that she remained there for a long moment.

  He assisted her to alight once they’d stopped. Benches had been situated along the end of the pond to allow people to sit and strap on their skates. He managed to keep his distance as they did so, speaking with several acquaintances.

  In short order, the skaters were circling the pond. The servants had swept away the dusting of snow earlier, leaving smooth ice. Another brake arrived with some of the local gentry who joined them.

  Benjamin hadn’t skated since his youth, but after a few turns around the pond, he seemed to have remembered the necessary balance and stride. Louisa appeared to be an expert at it, gracefully gliding across the ice and making it look easy. He increased his pace to catch up with her, nearly falling in his haste.

  “Lady Louisa, you are an excellent skater.”

  “We’ve been able to skate often the past few winters as it’s been so cold.” Her hands were tucked beneath her cloak as she glided beside him.

  “Does your mother skate as well?”

  “Not since my father passed away. The two of them could practically dance on the ice.” Her smile faded. “Those memories are why she prefers not to spend Christmas in the country.”

  “Perhaps one day, she’ll be able to remember those times with fondness instead of pain.” He still missed his parents, especially during the holidays. His father might have been a rogue, but he was still his father.

  “I hope so.” With a shake of her head, she said, “Enough of such a dark subject. Would you care to race?” The sparkle in her eyes made him catch his breath before her words sunk in.

  Before he could respond, she was off, navigating the slower skaters as she raced to the opposite end of the pond. He followed suit, not bothering to try to catch her. She glanced over her shoulder, her laughter pulling him forward.

  With a groan, he realized he couldn’t resist her. Her joy for life might cause her to take a few risks, but it made her all the more appealing. He caught up to her as she neared the end and looped his arm through hers which caused them both to spin. He swore he felt his heart spinning as well.

  Louisa prepared for the ball that evening in breathless anticipation. Something had changed between her and Benjamin during those carefree moments on the frozen pond as if the defenses they’d both held had shattered into tiny pieces like an icicle falling from the roof.

  She had to think the unusual situations in which they’d found themselves of late had both tested and bound them together in a way few people experienced. Dare she hope he felt the same? That they might have something special between them that would hold them steady and true in the years to come?

  She closed her eyes tight as a deep longing swept through her. There was no need to rush anything. She could simply enjoy the time they had together along with the fact that Christmas would soon be upon them. The thought of the magical combination of those two events was what caused her breath to catch.

  “You look lovely,” Beth said as she made a final adjustment to the holly sprig sitting on the curls at the back of her head.

  “Thank you, Beth. The ball should be quite enjoyable.” Louisa rose from the dressing table and faced Beth. “Am I ready?”

  “A little more color.” Beth patted both her cheeks lightly before studying Louisa’s white gown decorated with green velvet ribbons. “Perfect.”

  Louisa laughed. “I hope you enjoy the evening as well.”

  “There’s a handsome footman I have my eye on. We’ll see if he’s off duty this evening.”

  With a smile, Louisa walked across the hall and knocked on her mother’s door.

  The door opened, revealing her mother, beautiful as always. “Louisa, you look lovely.”

  “As do you.” She leaned forward to press a kiss on her mother’s cheek, pleased to note no shadows lingered in her eyes. “Shall we venture downstairs?”

  They joined the other guests in the ballroom. Candles and small mirrors were everywhere, creating a magical gold and silver atmosphere. Though greenery wouldn’t be used for decoration until Christmas as it was considered bad luck to bring it inside any earlier, bits of mistletoe hung here and there.

  “It’s our own frost ball, don’t you think?” Louisa’s mother smiled and squeezed her hand then moved toward a group of friends.

  Before Louisa could decide who to join, awareness prickled along her bare neck. She glanced over to see Benjamin at her side.

  “Good evening.” His gaze swept over her hair and gown then lingered on her face, making her glad she’d taken time on her appearance. “May I say how beautiful you are?”

  Her heart tilted at his words. He hadn’t said she looked beautiful, but that she was beautiful. How did he so easily know the right thing to say? “Thank you.”

  “May I have the honor of two dances this evening?”

  Her eyes widened as her heartbeat sped. Doing so would make others aware of his interest in her. “I would like that very much.”

  He reached for her hand and tucked it into the crook of his elbow. “Shall we join the others?”

  In truth, she was tempted to suggest they find a hidden alcove so they might have a few moments alone together. She dearly wanted to ask what he was thinking. Yet there was something delicious about waiting to find out. Anticipation heightened her senses and danced along her body.

  “Is it just me, or is there mistletoe everywhere one looks?” Benjamin asked as they walked across the room.

  “The Marchioness of Delham must be hoping to provide her guests with some amusement.” Louisa spotted several places where the distinctive greenery with white berries was placed.

  “I have to wonder if she and the marquess had a reconciliation of sorts after the close call with the painter.”

  Louisa chuckled. “You think she hopes to catch her own husband beneath the mistletoe?”

  “One has to wonder.” Benjamin shared a smile with her.

  This, she thought with a sigh. This was what she wanted. Shared moments filled with laughter and longing. Moments with Benjamin.

  Dare she hope that might be possible?

  Chapter 9

  Benjamin clenched his teeth as yet another man danced with Louisa. He wanted her all to himself, an impossible wish at a gathering such as this. What he felt for her was new and fragile and demanded exploration. How could he manage that in a houseful of people? He’d danced with Lady Adele and several others, but they didn’t compare to having Louisa in his arms.

  “Granger,” Delham said as he approached. “I hope you’re enjoying the ball.”

  “I am.” He forced his thoughts away from Louisa. He’d seen Delham that afternoon when the men had met to discuss the details of the charity but hadn’t had a chance to speak with him privately. “Thank you for hosting such a wonderful party. The skating this morning was especially enjoyable. I haven’t attempted that in a long time. I thought you might join us.”

  Delham scoffed, just as Benjamin knew he would. “Such pastimes are for your generation. Not mine. You’re lucky you didn’t break your neck on the ice.”

  “Danger often adds an element of enjoyment.”

  “Spoken like a young man.” Delham chuckled. “I see you’re still enjoying a bit of danger this evening.” He tipped his head in Louisa’s direction.

  “I enjoy the lady’s company.” He fought the urge to come to her defense by listing all her fine qualities. The older man already knew of his interest in her, but Benjamin had no intention of sharing more.

  Delham sighed. “Who am I to offer such advice when my own wife has proven to be far more brazen than I could’ve guessed?”

  Benjamin was surprised the older lord admitted as much. “Perhaps it might be helpful to spend more time with her.” The marchioness
stood a short distance away. Her frequent glances toward her husband suggested her thoughts were on him. “I would be willing to wager that she’d be delighted if you danced with her.”

  Delham stared at him as if he’d lost his mind.

  Benjamin shrugged. “There has to be a reason she had mistletoe placed everywhere.”

  The marquess glanced around the ballroom as if only now realizing the fact. “Humph. I suppose a dance isn’t so much to ask.”

  Smiling, Benjamin watched as Delham moved toward his wife.

  “What has you so amused?” Louisa asked as she arrived at his side.

  “I believe our host is realizing the potential benefits of mistletoe.”

  “That is a lovely notion just before Christmas.”

  “Do you know what I would like?” He kept his voice quiet, mindful of those standing nearby.

  “What?” The warmth in her eyes only caused his own desire to grow.

  “A moment alone with you. Mistletoe is not a requirement.”

  “It’s not?” That couldn’t possibly be disappointment in her expression, could it?

  “Because I would kiss you regardless of its presence.”

  “Oh?” Her voice was breathless, her eyes dark.

  Suddenly, he couldn’t wait a moment longer. “Would you care to escape the heated ballroom for a moment on the terrace?”

  She swallowed hard as if uncertain whether to take such a risk.

  He wanted her to agree more than anything, to take the sort of risk she’d so boldly done before. But this time, for him. How ironic, when that same boldness had nearly convinced him she was wrong for him.

  “I’ll meet you outside when the clock strikes midnight.” Then she stepped away, leaving him wondering if he’d asked too much.

  He retrieved his watch from his waistcoat pocket and realized he’d know soon. Midnight was only a quarter of an hour away.

  Louisa made her way to the retiring room, wondering if the risk was too high. If they were caught...

  She shook her head. They weren’t going to be caught. Everyone was enjoying the ball. They only wanted a moment together. Was that so much to ask? One kiss. Well, perhaps two. Then she would return to the ballroom, as would he, with no one aware of their absence.

  A few minutes alone with a rogue...

  Yet she hesitated, all too aware those minutes could easily end in the same situation that had caused Caroline and Aberland to become betrothed. It was a gamble, which was why she wanted time to consider rather than giving into impulse. What if he wanted more than a kiss? Her feelings for him caused her to worry that she’d give in to her desire for him.

  She smiled at some of the other ladies in the room then paused before the dressing table mirror to check her appearance. Her heightened color and the sparkle in her eyes spoke of the hopeless tangle of her emotions. How could she decide whether she wanted Benjamin in her life if they didn’t have time together? She wasn’t considering his suggestion simply for the thrill but because she wanted a private moment with him. That was worth the chance of discovery.

  She glanced at the clock on the table to see that midnight drew near. After a deep breath to calm her nerves, she returned to the ballroom to make her way around the dance floor toward the terrace doors, unable to see Benjamin anywhere. Had he already stepped out?

  To her surprise, the terrace door opened beneath her hand.

  “Join us, Lady Louisa, for a few moments away from the heated ballroom.” Delham opened the door wide. The marchioness stood next to him, a rare smile on her face. “The night is clear, and the stars are amazing.”

  Voices sounded behind her, and she turned to see many of the guests following her.

  Confused, she stepped outside, and a strong, warm hand grasped her arm. “Benjamin?”

  With a smile, he drew her toward the rear of the terrace, away from the faint light and the guests emerging from the ballroom doors. “We’re taking a moment to admire the stars.”

  He drew her into the shadows at the dark edge of the terrace where the night was deep. He stood with his back to the house and shifted her to stand before him, facing out as well. The warmth of his body compared to the chill of the evening caused her to shiver. He pulled her against him, his hands warm on her arms. “Are you cold?”

  “Not anymore.”

  The guests looked up, murmuring in admiration at the swath of stars painted across the night sky. No one was directly beside them, nor did the others pay them any mind. It was as if they were alone in the crowd, hidden by the moonless night.

  To her surprise, Benjamin eased them farther back, a few steps around the corner of the house and truly by themselves, at last.

  “I hope you don’t mind that I invited others to come outside.” Benjamin’s quiet voice near her ear caused tingles along her body. “I wanted a moment alone with you without jeopardizing your reputation.”

  “How clever of you to think of this. Thank you.” She turned to face him, enjoying the view nearly as much as his presence. “I forget how magical a winter’s night in the country can be.”

  “Yes.” He pressed a kiss on the side of her neck, then another just below her ear. “Being with you truly is magical.”

  Best of all, he held her as if he never wanted to let her go as they looked up at the stars together. His soft sigh of contentment squeezed her full heart. How silly of her to worry he might want more than she was willing to give. He’d once again reassured her that she could trust him despite his reputation.

  “Can we pretend we have mistletoe?” she whispered as she looked at him, his face only a shadow as she placed her gloved hands on his chest.

  He chuckled quietly. “I happen to have brought some with me.” He shifted his arm then reached for her hand and placed a sprig of what she assumed was mistletoe in her palm, though it was too dark to tell. “There. For you. To remember this night.”

  Then he kissed her, long and deep, melting her heart. Not only did this man make her toes curl, but he also held her affection. Could this be love?

  He eased back. “We should return to the others,” he whispered. “You must be growing cold.”

  She bit her lip, unprepared to share her feelings. Not until she was sure. But she didn’t want this moment to end. Did he possibly feel the same way? His heartbeat thudded beneath her palm, suggesting he wasn’t immune to the moment either. “If you insist.”

  “Only if you promise to allow me to collect another kiss at Christmas. There’s more than one berry on the mistletoe.”

  Heat filled her, making her forget the cold. How sweet of him to think of the tradition of removing a berry for each kiss shared beneath the mistletoe. “I look forward to it.”

  He lifted her hand and pressed his lips to the delicate bare skin of her wrist, just above her glove, then escorted her to the terrace where most of the guests were returning to the ballroom. “I’ll follow shortly.”

  Resisting the urge to remain with him, she stepped inside, holding the mistletoe tightly. Was Benjamin a rogue or a gentleman? Did he care for her as much as she did for him? She dearly wanted to know before she fell even harder for him.

  Sunday morning arrived with a softly falling snow that came down in large, plump flakes. The party was nearly at end, and the guests would depart on the morrow. Benjamin found the snow delightful, but some of the other guests didn’t. They grumbled as they bundled up for the ride to the local church, piling into any coach with room. The coaches made more than one trip to accommodate all the guests who wished to attend the service.

  Louisa had caught an earlier ride, much to his dismay. But the smile she’d given him as she’d walked out the door with her mother had eased his disappointment.

  Benjamin sat on the far end of the bench seat in the next coach, hoping the ride to church wouldn’t take long.

  “Do you have room for one more?” The feminine voice belonged to Lady Adele, Viscount Gibbon’s sister. Gibbon was nowhere in sight.

  “Onl
y if you don’t mind sitting on my lap,” called out Stafford. His jest was followed by laughter.

  Those in the carriage squeezed closer, and she joined them, ending up pressed against Benjamin. She smiled shyly at him as she settled into position. Luckily, the ride to the church was brief, and Louisa had saved a place on the pew next to her and her mother.

  “I feared you were going to be late,” she whispered.

  “As did I.”

  He heard little of the sermon with Louisa so close.

  Snow continued to fall as they made the journey back to Delham’s for dinner. The feast consisted of roasted venison, plum pudding, trifle, and almond cake, along with other delights. Louisa was seated at the opposite end of the table, and he found himself once again near Lady Adele. She didn’t offer much in the form of conversation but continually looked at him from under her lashes. She answered any question he posed with simple answers, making talking to her difficult.

  Her brother, Viscount Gibbon, watched closely as if he expected Benjamin to make an unwanted advance. By the end of the meal, Benjamin decided the pair were annoying.

  Many of the guests enjoyed cards after dinner. This time, Benjamin made certain he shared a table with Louisa. Cribbage was not one of his favorite games as he rarely played it, but Louisa was a master at it.

  “Are you certain you know how to play?” she asked with a grin after he’d lost yet another hand.

  “Perhaps it’s been longer since I last played than I thought.” He counted his cards with one eye on the number of pegs she was ahead of him on the board. There was no hope of him catching her, but he didn’t mind losing to her. “Are you sure you wouldn’t rather play whist?”

  She laughed and patted his hand. “Let us finish the game.”

  Though he longed for another rendezvous on the terrace, he resisted. The time to collect his kiss would come soon as Christmas was only a week away.