Snug in a Snowstorm

by Cynthia Moore

  Snug in a Snowstorm

  Cynthia Moore

  Blush sensuality level: This is a sweet romance (kisses only, no sexual content).

  Lady Isabella Porter and Lord Gerard Malden have known each other since they were children. Isabella thinks of Gerard as someone who teased her unmercifully and made her feel inadequate as a young girl. This is a very unfortunate state of affairs for Gerard, because he has loved Isabella for many years.

  A sudden, fierce snowstorm and misplaced notes informing both of a change of plan mean Isabella and Gerard are forced to spend the Christmas holidays together in very unusual circumstances. Gerard realizes he must use the time he’s been given with Isabella to change the opinions she formed as a girl so she may look upon him with favor and, if he is fortunate, lasting affection.

  A Blush® Regency Cotillion romance from Ellora’s Cave

  Snug in a Snowstorm

  Cynthia Moore

  Dedication

  To MG. You’re the one. Thank you for the wonderful romance.

  Chapter One

  Early December, 1813

  “Do you know how delighted I would be if you and Gerard were to fall in love and get married?”

  “What?” Lady Isabella Porter’s hand shook and she spilled some tea into the saucer. How strange! Her father had mentioned something similar to her not long ago as well. She slowly lowered her cup to a nearby table and tried to act nonchalant. “Where did such a farfetched and laughable idea come from?”

  “It’s hardly an impossible scheme. My brother is very handsome and you are beautiful. We have all grown up together and you know each other very well.”

  Isabella sighed with exasperation as she studied her childhood friend Julia, who patted her rounded belly, swollen with child. Julia was the only daughter of the Earl and Countess Forster. She had fallen in love and married Viscount Clayton in a lavish ceremony a little over a year ago just before Isabella’s father had passed away. Perhaps the impending birth of her first baby was making Julia unusually sentimental. “Exactly right. I’m very aware of all your brother’s worst habits and traits. Obviously I would never consider marrying him.”

  Julia shook her head and her blonde curls bounced jauntily. “You know you exaggerate, Isabella. Gerard can be an amusing companion. You remember all the laughs we had when we were young.”

  “Yes, I do. But you and Gerard were doing most of the laughing because both of you were making fun of me.”

  “Well, you have to admit you were an easy target. You were so trusting. You believed almost everything we said.”

  “Until I got older and wiser. I’ll never forgive Gerard for getting me stuck in that tree.”

  Julia giggled. “You had a soft spot for animals. You were determined to rescue that cat.”

  “I didn’t realize how high up I was until I looked down. That was when my limbs seemed to freeze up and I knew I wouldn’t be able to move from that spot.” Isabella frowned as she remembered the incident.

  “But Gerard was close by ready to save you even though you had told him you didn’t need his help.” Julia struggled to rise from the sofa and abruptly sat back down. “Hand me one of those lemon cakes. I’m getting lazy as this baby grows larger inside me.”

  “Here, Julia.” Isabella put one of the pastries on her plate and poured them both more tea. “How was I to know the kitten would ignore me and climb to one of the top limbs on the tree once I positioned myself to grab her?”

  “What about the time you chased the baby ducks into the pond and Gerard pushed you in after them?” Julia laughed out loud and took a bite of her cake.

  “Remember, I caught a chill after that escapade and was very ill for almost a fortnight.”

  “Yes, that was very unfortunate. They wouldn’t let me visit you in your sickbed for fear I might catch it. Gerard was very worried about you.”

  “He never showed any concern over my health.”

  “He hid it from you. I know he would never have forgiven himself if you had died as a result of that prank.”

  “He was lucky that I have a strong constitution.”

  “And now you also have an interest in herbal remedies. Miss Hatch was describing a new tea you have been experimenting with.” Julia paused and frowned. “I don’t remember the ingredients.”

  Isabella smiled when Julia mentioned her companion’s name. Miss Augusta Hatch had been her governess when she was young. The lady had naturally fallen into the role of companion after Isabella’s mother had passed away soon after Isabella’s first season in London. Miss Hatch often acted as if she thought Isabella’s herbal studies were a waste of time but Isabella guessed that she was actually very proud of her accomplishments. “It is made with ginger root soaked in water. Not only does it bring relief to stomach disorders, it can also help with sore throats and coughs when mixed with lemon.”

  “You have too much time on your hands, my dear. It’s hard to believe this is the first time we have seen each other since your father’s funeral. I miss our cozy chats.”

  “I miss them as well. But I have been in mourning and you had a new married life to experience.”

  “Now that your mourning period is over, I want you to visit me more often. I will start with an invitation to spend Christmas with all of us at Forster House. Of course you must bring Miss Hatch as well.”

  Isabella raised her eyebrows in surprise. “At your parents’ home near Rochester? Are you certain you can travel in your condition?”

  Julia pushed out her lower lip in a pout. “The baby isn’t expected until late January. London to Rochester is not a strenuous journey,” she answered in a tone of voice that told Isabella she would refuse to be thwarted in any manner. “David will make every effort to ensure my comfort on the trip.”

  “What about your mother and father? Surely they wouldn’t want to be encumbered by additional, uninvited houseguests at Christmas?”

  Julia made a snorting sound through her nose. “You are hardly a random guest. You’re considered family by all of us.”

  Isabella was suddenly aware of a deep, male voice immediately outside the drawing room door.

  “Don’t bother to announce me, Carter. I know the way.”

  The chamber door was thrust open and a tall, handsome gentleman with thick black hair and deep-blue eyes strode into the room. He was immaculately attired for travel in cold weather wearing a dark-blue coat, matching woolen waistcoat, a loosely tied cravat and tan breeches. His feet were covered by shiny black Hessian boots.

  “Gerard!” Julia called out.

  Isabella hastily rose from her chair and stared at Julia’s brother. They had exchanged brief greetings at his sister’s wedding and he had attended her father’s funeral as well, but with the memory of her recent conversation with Julia fresh in Isabella’s mind, it seemed as if she were looking at him with new eyes. “Hullo, Gerard.”

  Gerard’s complexion darkened slightly as he studied her in turn. “Isabella. I wasn’t expecting to see you here.”

  “It’s been an age since I have seen her,” Julia informed her brother. “I was just imploring Isabella to join us at Forster House for Christmas. Please help me convince her to come.”

  “Of course you must spend the holiday with us.” Gerard indicated that Isabella should sit down and he walked over to join Julia on the sofa. “Have you made other plans?”

  “No, I was going to be at home. Miss Hatch has no living relatives. The rest of my servants, with the exception of my maid Jane Coombs, who is an orphan, will spend the holiday with their families. I will fix a light supper for the three of us on Christmas day.”

  “When did you learn how to fix meals?” Julia asked.

  “Over the past year. I spent
much time in the kitchen working on my herbal teas and experimenting with other remedies. It seemed natural to observe my cook, Mrs. Wright and gain some knowledge of food preparation. She has shown me how to make dough for pastries and explained the complex operation of the kitchen range to me as well.”

  Julia giggled. “I can’t imagine a lady such as you will be required to put such observations to much use. I’m sure cooking any type of food must be harder than it looks; all the more reason to join us for the holiday. Please say you will come.”

  Isabella knew Julia would never stop pleading with her until she relented. “Yes, thank you for the invitation. Miss Hatch, my maid and I will happily join you for Christmas.”

  “I’m glad that has been decided.” Gerard grinned at Isabella and then turned to his sister. “How are you feeling, Julia?”

  “I’m much better, thank you. I can keep my toast down in the mornings now.” Julia pointed to her swollen belly. “I must say this one is letting its presence be known by kicking quite often.”

  “I believe that is a sure sign of a healthy baby.” Gerard came to his feet. “I must go. I had business in London and only stopped to check on you.”

  “You can’t stay over one night? I’m sure David has questions about the crops that he would like to discuss with you.” Julia frowned up at Gerard.

  “I must return to Malden this evening. David can certainly bring up any issues he has with me when we get together for Christmas or he can always send round a note.” Gerard bent over and hugged Julia. “Take care of yourself. I’ll see you soon.”

  Julia sighed and returned his embrace. “I don’t understand why your secretary can’t handle any small matters that might require attention and leave you free to spend some time away from your estate.”

  “You know me. I like to be on hand to make all the decisions pertaining to my property no matter how trivial the problem might appear to be. I promise I’ll be with the family for several days during the holidays.” Gerard walked across the room toward Isabella.

  She got to her feet and gave Gerard her hand. “It…it was good seeing you again.”

  Gerard bent over and placed a light kiss upon her knuckles. “It was the most pleasurable surprise I have had in a long time, my dear.”

  * * * * *

  Gerard strode down the front steps to his waiting carriage. He pulled his many-caped coat more snugly across his broad shoulders and tugged at his scarf as the frosty winter wind buffeted the exposed skin at his neck. He was gratified to see his groom diligently walking the horse around in a small circle in the drive. It wouldn’t do to have the animal become chilled in this uncommonly frigid weather.

  He quickly climbed inside the carriage and shut the door behind him. Seconds later, they were moving on the way back to his estate. Gerard sat back against the squabs and closed his eyes. He visualized lovely Isabella as he had just seen her with her abundant jet-black hair gathered into a cluster of soft curls at the crown of her head, her full, kissable red lips framing even white teeth. Her pert little nose that just turned up at the end, and wide deep-green eyes that had so often looked at him with impatience or frustration in their youth.

  He opened his eyes again and sighed as he stared at the bleak wintery landscape outside the carriage. Again, he replayed the conversation in his mind that he had overheard between Isabella and her father at Julia’s wedding over a year ago.

  “I won’t be around much longer, daughter. I wish you would marry and start your own family as well.”

  “I’m sorry, Father, there is no one at present whom I wish to marry.”

  “I had hoped that you and Gerard would fall in love.”

  “Ha! That tease? He will never be any more to me than someone who often made me miserable when I was a girl.”

  He was a fool to yearn after the woman. She would never look at him with anything other than amused tolerance. He had gone too far with his pranks when they were children and now Isabella thought he was nothing more than a grown-up buffoon. At the time, he had simply done the things he had to her as a way to get her attention but it seemed his eagerness for her regard had cost Gerard dearly. It was quite apparent Isabella could never come to love him as he had loved her all these years.

  Chapter Two

  Isabella supervised the stowing of the final bag that was full of ginger root, tea leaves, a few other miscellaneous herbs and dried flower petals in the carriage that contained their garments and several small gifts for Julia and her family. They were ready to leave for the Forster estate at last. She shivered and worriedly studied the gray skies above her. It was brutally cold. Hopefully the weather would cooperate and they would arrive at their destination safely, without mishap.

  “Come inside, Isabella. The bricks are quite warm. They won’t stay that way forever.”

  Isabella turned and hurriedly walked toward the traveling coach as she heard Miss Hatch’s querulous voice. “I’m coming!”

  The groom helped his mistress up the steps. He shut the door behind her as Isabella sat down, back against the seat next to her companion with a sigh.

  “It seems as if we are going to be away for a month instead of just a few days. You’ve been packing for ages.”

  “This cold weather requires more layers of clothing, as you well know. And there were the presents to bring as well as my herbal supplies.”

  “Yes, you can’t go anywhere without your remedies.” Miss Hatch snorted indelicately.

  “They might come in handy. It brings me a sense of comfort to know I have them with me when I travel.”

  “I suppose one of us might eat something that could disagree with us. You never quite know the quality of the food when you dine in someone else’s home.”

  Isabella raised her eyebrows in surprise as she studied Miss Hatch’s sour expression. “Why the disgruntled attitude? You have stayed at the Forster estate before. Their cook, Mrs. Jasper is excellent.”

  Miss Hatch pulled her gloved hand out from under the blanket and patted Isabella’s arm. “I’m sorry, my dear. You know how cold weather affects my joints, especially my knuckles and my ankles. It makes me quite grumpy.”

  Isabella looked at her companion with a worried expression on her face. “You should have said something earlier, Augusta. Thank goodness I brought some of the dried Arnica flowers with me. I can make up a salve for you once we arrive at our destination. You will feel better in no time.”

  Miss Hatch sighed. “That would be wonderful, Isabella. I admit I’m very glad you know so much about herbs and their benefits.”

  Jane spoke up from her position on the opposite seat. “Many a time my mistress has helped me feel better, that’s for certain.”

  Isabella smiled gratefully at Jane. “I’m glad to hear I have your vote of confidence.”

  The three ladies settled back against their seats and became silent as they prepared for the long journey ahead. It would take most of the day to travel to the Forster estate from London with one stop along the way for a quick bite to eat and a chance to refresh themselves.

  Isabella must have dozed off after their hasty tea at a roadside inn just outside Gravesend. She was startled to hear Miss Hatch suddenly speak out in a fretful manner.

  “The fog is quite thick. I can’t see a thing. We are barely moving, Isabella.”

  Isabella roused herself and stared out of the window. A milky-white haze was all that could be seen. Just at that moment, the carriage rolled to a stop. She reached up to rap on the communicating panel overhead. It was quickly pulled open to reveal her coachman, whose bushy eyebrows and long lashes were covered in an icy film.

  “John, what is happening?”

  “We’re almost there, my lady. There is a large branch lying across the road that George has gone to remove. We should arrive shortly, my lady.”

  “Are you quite able to discern the road?” Isabella inquired with concern. “Is the carriage containing our luggage still behind us?”

  “I can bare
ly see, my lady, but you’re not to worry. I grew up near here. I know the area well. And yes, Edward is just in back of us.”

  “Well that is a relief.” Isabella turned back to the other occupants of the vehicle as the panel above them closed once more. “We are in good hands, ladies. I’m sure we will arrive soon.”

  A few minutes later the coach began its slow forward progress once more. Isabella noted nervously that the fog appeared to be getting denser and darkness seemed to be descending upon them.

  A loud bumping noise made all three ladies tense up in their seats. Jane gasped. “My lady, whatever has happened?”

  Just at that moment, the panel overhead opened once again. “I’ve hit a rock with the right front wheel, my lady. I didn’t see it in this mire.” Mr. Rivers peered down at her, frosty white moisture swirling around him when he spoke. “The entrance to the house is not far. George can accompany you ladies to the door while Edward and I check on the damage.”

  Isabella visualized the cozy drawing room inside the Forster estate with the large fireplace blazing brightly. She wanted nothing more at that moment than to be out of her cold, cramped carriage. She briefly glanced at Miss Hatch, who was sitting ramrod straight, clutching her reticule on her lap, and then at Jane, who appeared poised for flight as she sat on the edge of her seat. “Let’s follow George and waste no time announcing ourselves to our hosts.”

  The ladies exited the vehicle as swiftly as possible considering the precariously tight positioning of the carriage just above a ditch at the side of the road. The trench was barely visible through the mist but George carefully guided the three women down the side of the carriage to the open road and then to the main driveway leading up to the house. They arrived at the front door of the estate without mishap moments later.

  Isabella rapped on the front knocker.

  There was no answer.

  “It’s Lady Isabella Porter. I’m with my maid and my companion Miss Augusta Hatch. Let us in please,” she called out and tapped against the door once more.