A Christmas Match: A Regency Romance (Landon House Book 4)

by Rose Pearson

  This seemed like the perfect opportunity for her to mention her interaction with Lady Norwich and, despite the nervous anticipation that filled her, Charity was quite determined to do so. She could not imagine what he would say – for he might brush off the conversation as nothing more than foolishness on Lady Norwich’s part, but still, she wanted him to know of it. “Both myself and Lady Hayward went to the milliners yesterday,” she said, as Lord Hosmer took a sip of his tea. “I - I had an encounter with Lady Norwich.”

  Lord Hosmer looked at her for a moment before his brow began to furrow and he set his teacup back in its saucer.

  “Might I ask if this was a welcome meeting?” he asked. “From the look on your face, I would expect you to state that it was not so.”

  “I wish I could say otherwise, Lord Hosmer, but you are correct, it was not welcome,” Charity replied, a trifle tentatively. “I was hoping to speak to you of it tomorrow evening at the ball, but it is good that we have the opportunity to do so now. I feel it only fair to warn you that I believe Lady Norwich still has…” She bit her lip, not quite certain how to express it. “She was greatly distressed that you had stepped out on the dance floor with me but had not done so with her.” The look of shock which appeared on Lord Hosmer’s face told Charity that she had been right to speak of such a thing to him. His expression was almost frozen, his eyes holding tight to hers as though he was uncertain of whether or not she spoke the truth. “Lady Norwich appeared to blame me for that circumstance, Lord Hosmer,” Charity finished, spreading her hands. “I know not why.”

  She held his gaze steadily, growing a little perturbed by his lack of response. Why had he not said something to her as yet? Why had he not immediately remarked that there was naught but foolishness in Lady Norwich’s suggestion? Surely he was not delighted to hear of Lady Norwich’s upset? Whilst she knew that Lady Norwich had hurt him greatly, Charity had never once thought that he would be callous enough to hope that, one day, he might be able to do the very same to Lady Norwich in retaliation!

  “Lord Hosmer?” Her voice was quiet now, tension tightening her frame as she leaned a little further forward in her chair, seeing how he began to blink rapidly, shaking his head as he did so. “I did not mean to –”

  “Forgive me, Lady Charity.” Lord Hosmer tried to smile but she could see that it did not reach his eyes. “What you have told me has come as something of a shock, I confess. I never once expected to hear that she….” Again, he shook his head and let out a long, slow breath as he did so. “She was upset that I refused to dance with her? Truly?”

  “Yes,” Charity replied, seeing a flash of anger in his eyes. “I was, I confess, a little surprised by such a thing but she appeared to be quite determined in her accusation.”

  “An accusation that you were to blame for my decision?” he asked, as Charity nodded. “How very odd.” His anger faded as he looked back at her. “I am sorry for that, Lady Charity.”

  A little relieved that he had finally spoken and that he was not in any way seeming to justify Lady Norwich’s outburst, Charity shook her head.

  “It is not your fault in any way, Lord Hosmer,” she replied, honestly. “I am only glad that I was able to speak to you of this, for I cannot be certain of what she intends.”

  “It sounds very much as though she intends to make certain our acquaintance is renewed, just as it was before,” he replied, looking now a little grim. “To pretend that all is well, that nothing has altered between us.”

  Charity nodded slowly, seeing the frustration in his eyes.

  “I am sorry if I have made things at all difficult for you.”

  “No, no!” His exclamation came quickly and he rose from his chair. Much to her astonishment, he came towards her and, not quite certain what else she ought to do, Charity found herself on her feet, now standing rather close to him. “Forgive my vehemence but I cannot permit you to ever believe that you are the one who has done wrong,” he said, reaching out and taking her hand in his. Charity swallowed hard. “You have attempted to show me the joy and the happiness that can be found at this time of year, Lady Charity,” he continued, still speaking with great fervor and eagerness. “You have sought to encourage me when I have been determined to remain in darkness and, had it not been for you, I am quite certain that I would have lingered on in such a fashion for a very long time indeed.” His thumb rubbed across the back of her hand and Charity caught her breath, her whole body seeming to burn with a sudden and furious heat. “I can listen to the songs of Christmas being sung and find delight in them, rather than permitting myself to be taken back to a more melancholy time. I can look out at the snow and…” He trailed off, tilting his head just a little as he looked at her. “I can look out at the snow and, rather than see Lady Frederica telling me that all was at an end, I see a young lady standing by the window, looking out at the snow and smiling with such evident delight that my heart begins to yearn to capture that beauty and happiness for myself. I have begun to find a new path, Lady Charity, and that has been entirely due to you. How can you then think that there might be something wrong in your actions? You must never, never permit yourself to believe so. I shall not permit it.”

  This long speech came to a sudden end as he lifted her hand and pressed his lips to it. Such was the force of emotion that swept through her at his action, at the feel of his lips against her hand, that Charity swayed slightly for a moment, almost entirely overcome by all that she felt. When he lifted his head to look into her eyes, the urge to step a little closer so that she might be all the nearer to him seemed to push her in forward – only for the door to open and Lord Hosmer to quickly step back.

  “Do forgive me, Lord Hosmer.”

  Charity took a small step back as Lady Hayward entered the room, praying that her chaperone had not seen precisely just how near Lord Hosmer had been to her – nor that his lips had been pressed against her hand.

  “There is nothing to forgive, Lady Hayward,” Lord Hosmer replied, with a small bow. “I called unexpectedly and did not even have the decency to send a note first to inform you of my intentions!”

  “But it seems now that I have missed your visit entirely,” Lady Hayward replied, with a quick smile, although her eyes caught Charity’s and, instantly, Charity was aware of just how much heat spiraled through her at the look. Evidently, Lady Hayward was either aware of, or a little suspicious of, what had taken place between Charity and Lord Hosmer during her absence. “Have you taken tea with Lady Charity already?”

  “I have,” Lord Hosmer replied, glancing back at Charity, who could not, for whatever reason, look into his face given the swell of embarrassment which was now rising slowly in her chest. “But if you would like me to stay a little longer in order to converse, Lady Hayward, then I would be very glad to do so. I should not want you to feel in any way neglected, Lady Hayward.”

  Much to Charity’s relief, Lady Hayward only laughed and waved a hand at him.

  “Now you are being much too generous, Lord Hosmer,” she answered, as Charity managed a small smile. “I shall not keep you. You are to be at the ball tomorrow evening, however?”

  “I am,” Lord Hosmer replied. “And I am, for what is the first time in a very long while, eagerly looking forward to it.” Another glance towards Charity told her that she was the cause of such a change in his heart and Charity could not help but smile back at him, feeling both relief and gladness that he had been so changed. “And there will be a great many dances, wonderful entertainment and, from what I have heard, quieter rooms where singing and various other entertainments will take place. Lord Livingstone is a gentleman who does not spare any expense!”

  “It sounds quite wonderful,” Charity replied, her heart already filling with excitement at Lord Hosmer’s description.

  “And you will make certain to dance with me, I hope?”

  The blush that warmed her cheeks was more than obvious, but still, Charity’s smile remained.

  “I should be very gl
ad to do so, Lord Hosmer.”

  His eyes flickered as he smiled back at her, perhaps recalling what had been shared between them before Lady Hayward’s interruption.

  “Wonderful,” he replied, bowing low. “Until tomorrow then, Lady Charity.”

  “I look forward to seeing you again, Lord Hosmer,” Charity replied, speaking honestly. “Good afternoon.”

  Chapter Twelve

  Benedict’s brow furrowed as he made his way into the ballroom.

  “You do not look particularly happy, given that we are now stepping into what is certain to be a most excellent and enjoyable evening,” Ramsbury remarked, one brow lifted. “Christmas Day is a very short time away and this is one of the most enjoyable evenings of the Season! Although,” he added, a small smile tugging at his lips, “from what I recall, last year you stayed only a short while and then made your way to Whites.”

  “Pray, do not remind me of such foolishness,” Benedict replied, with a small shake of his head. “This year, I am quite determined to find all manner of enjoyment.”

  “Then might I suggest that you remove that frown from your face?” Ramsbury replied, with a chuckle. “Otherwise it may appear that, despite your supposed eagerness and delight, those around you will believe that you are quite out of sorts!”

  Making a great effort to rearrange his features, Benedict let out a long breath and looked to his friend, seeing how Lady Ramsbury had already fallen into conversation with another acquaintance. “It seems that Lady Norwich has spoken to Lady Charity and stated, quite clearly, I might add, that she was most displeased that I chose to dance with Lady Charity and, at the same time, refused her.”

  Ramsbury’s genial smile faded in an instant.

  “What can you mean?”

  “It is just as I have said,” Benedict told him. “Lady Norwich appears to blame Lady Charity for the fact that I will not dance with her. I am rather surprised to hear such a thing, of course, but I do not disbelieve Lady Charity, of course.” He frowned again, despite himself. “It seems rather odd, given that Lady Norwich and I are only briefly reacquainted. Indeed, we have only had one very small conversation and I made it quite plain to her, I am sure, that I have no wish to further our acquaintance in any way.”

  “Quite understandable, and wise,” Ramsbury agreed. “So why then should she have such discontent if you would not dance with her?”

  “That is something which has laid heavily on my mind ever since Lady Charity informed me of it,” Benedict replied. “And whilst I am very eager indeed to see what this evening will bring, I am also a little perturbed.”

  “You are concerned that Lady Norwich will approach you and say something?” Ramsbury asked, now looking a little confused. “Surely such a conversation, whilst a little awkward, mayhap, is no great cause for concern?”

  Pausing for a moment, Benedict nodded and then shrugged.

  “I do not know what it is that Lady Norwich wants,” he said, truthfully. “I believe that is what concerns me the most. Although I made quite plain to Lady Charity that I had no interest in furthering an acquaintance with Lady Norwich, no matter what the lady in question might suggest by making statements such as that!”

  Ramsbury chuckled.

  “That is also wise, Hosmer,” he answered, as Benedict gave him a wry smile. “I believe that you would not wish to do anything at all to injure your current acquaintance with Lady Charity. Am I right in suggesting so?”

  Benedict did not hesitate.

  “You are quite correct,” he stated, recalling silently just how he had kissed her hand and how such a small action had filled him with great waves of emotion. He not only appreciated her, valued her and thought well of her, there was a closeness beginning to form between them that he simply could not depart from. Indeed, the only urge within him was to further their acquaintance all the more and, in fact, to consider what might now be before him should he only dare grasp it. Lady Charity had shown him the joy and the happiness that could be found in not only the little Season but also in the excitement that came in the days before Christmas and for that, Benedict wanted always to show her just how much she had come to mean to him.

  “Then might I suggest that you go to speak to her at this very moment?” Ramsbury asked, nudging Benedict with his elbow. “And perhaps steal the supper dance?”

  Benedict grinned at his friend, all concern – for the moment – gone from his mind.

  “An excellent suggestion,” he replied, as Ramsbury chuckled. “Do excuse me.”

  Benedict knew the moment that Lady Charity saw him, for her eyes flared and a small blush warmed her cheeks as she darted her gaze away for just a moment, in a clear attempt to make certain that those she spoke to at present did not think poorly of her. A smile crossed his face as he continued towards her, already thinking of what it would be like to waltz with her again. After their closeness the previous day, before Lady Hayward had interrupted them, Benedict had felt himself yearning for something more, something that would not fade but would only grow stronger.

  “Good evening, Lady Charity,” he began, just as the gentleman and the lady that she had been conversing with excused themselves from her and Lady Hayward. “And good evening Lady Hayward. What an excellent evening this is!”

  Lady Charity laughed, her eyes sparkling.

  “How marked a change there is in you, Lord Hosmer!” she answered, with a bright smile. “I am sure that last Christmas time, you would not have found such enjoyment!”

  He grinned at her.

  “Indeed, it would have been just as you have described, Lady Charity. Ramsbury will tell you the truth of it all, should you ask him! I was, most likely, very poor company, and would not have lingered long in the ballroom. Instead, I believe I went in search of card games and the like before returning home rather early!”

  “But not this evening, I hope,” Lady Hayward asked, a knowing look in her eyes.

  Benedict inclined his head.

  “I intend to do the very opposite,” he informed her. “Lady Charity, might you be willing to present me with your dance card? I should like to steal two of your dances, if I may?”

  Lady Charity handed it to him without hesitation.

  “But of course, Lord Hosmer.”

  Relief crowded his heart as he saw that her supper dance was still available to him, as well as a few others. Swiftly he wrote his name for the supper dance and the country dance, knowing that he would have to wait for some time for the supper dance but trusting that it would be worth the wait.

  “The country dance and the supper dance, Lady Charity,” he murmured, handing it back to her. “If that would suit you?”

  “It would suit me very well, Lord Hosmer, thank you,” came the quiet reply, her fingers brushing his as she took back the dance card. “I look forward to our dances.”

  “As do I,” he replied, a deep sense of contentment filling him. “As do I, Lady Charity.”

  “It is close to the time for the supper dance, is it not?”

  Lady Ramsbury laughed and put one hand on Benedict’s arm.

  “I do not believe that I have ever seen you so eager, Lord Hosmer,” she said, as Benedict looked away, a little embarrassed. “Can it be that you might now be considering courtship with Lady Charity?”

  “I shall hide nothing from you,” Benedict replied, quietly. “I have every intention of courting Lady Charity. In fact, I would admit to considering a little more than that, if I were being entirely truthful with you. She is the most wonderful of young ladies and I do not think that I would ever have found such joy again, were it not for her.”

  Lady Ramsbury’s smile was gentle and Benedict knew that she was truly glad to hear him speak so.

  “I think Lady Charity is an excellent choice, Lord Hosmer,” she answered, quietly. “And I have no doubt that she will accept you, whatever you may choose to ask her! I have seen the look in her eyes when she is with you, the smile that your mere presence brings to her. There is an i
ntimacy between you both that has become more than apparent and I am truly happy at such a development. It will bring you both a great happiness, I am certain.”

  “I believe it will,” Benedict replied, a smile on his face that he could not seem to remove. “And now, if you will excuse me, I must go in search of the lady. I have been looking forward to this dance for most of the evening!”

  Lady Ramsbury laughed and pressed his arm gently before he stepped away, making his way through the crowd and hearing the laughter and the delight that came from the other guests. With Christmas Day only a short time away, there seemed now to be a fresh happiness in Benedict’s heart that he was certain would never fade for as long as he was with Lady Charity. The air might be chilly with the snow still falling, but the warmth that was in his heart was blazing with heat. And it was all thanks to Lady Charity.

  “Lord Hosmer?”

  He stopped suddenly, just as Lady Norwich stepped in front of him. Her eyes were fixed on his, her lips thin and there was a tightness about her frame which spoke of a great deal of tension.

  “Lady Norwich,” he said, his smile fading. “Do excuse me. I have no intention of being rude but I am engaged for the supper dance and should not like to be tardy.”

  He made to step past her but Lady Norwich took a small side step and forced herself in front of him.

  “You refused to dance with me, Lord Hosmer.”

  A little surprised, Benedict spread his hands.

  “As I have every right to do,” he replied, as calmly as he could. “Forgive me, Lady Norwich, but I –”

  “You must.”

  Her insistence began to irritate him.

  “I have heard from Lady Charity what you spoke of,” he said, relieved now that he had chosen to make his way to Lady Charity’s side well in advance of the supper dance beginning. “I do not understand it, Lady Norwich and I will absolve you at this very moment of any hope that you might have of any sort of renewed acquaintance between us.”