A memory tickled in his brain of seeing the guest list and Noah brightened. “As a matter of fact, I believe two of your brothers are invited guests.”
Miss Valentine blinked in surprise. Perhaps this would convince her to attend as Penelope’s chaperone. She could even be considered a guest as long as she knew her first duty was to see to Penelope though he didn’t suspect Miss Valentine ever shirked a duty in her life.
“Demetrius and Benedick are both invited,” he added.
Her brow furrowed. “Will they be attending?”
Noah rubbed his chin trying to recall if Meadows had received a response from the brothers. “Demetrius will certainly be there. I am not sure of Benedick.”
She bit her lip again and looked over at Phoebe. Was Miss Valentine finally considering the possibility? This would be a perfect opportunity for her. She would be able to visit with those who were friends with her brothers, make new acquaintances, and hopefully put the rumors of the past to rest. Noah also knew that she would remain by Penelope’s side during their entire visit freeing him to pursue Lady Jillian. “Please?” he asked.
Her shoulders lifted and dropped with a sigh. “If Lady Sandlin believes I should . . .”
A smile burst on Phoebe’s lips. “Of course I think you should. You will have a wonderful time.”
Miss Valentine tilted her head and narrowed her eyes. “I will be attending Miss Penelope not attending a party,” she reminded them.
“And my brother will make his Christmas match,” Lady Sandlin teased Felding with a laugh.
Two
As soon as Lord Felding left the following morning, Lady Sandlin took Rosalind in hand and to her chambers. She proceeded to pull a number of dresses and other various items from her wardrobe that had all been designed and made for her last spring. Lady Sandlin discarded the ones made of lighter fabrics and kept the gowns with longer sleeves and of woolen or heavier material. “It will be colder up north,” Lady Sandlin explained. “But, I will still make sure you have a ball gown.”
“I am sure a ball gown is not necessary,” Rosalind insisted. Even if Lord and Lady Meadows planned such an event, she wouldn’t be attending in anything other than in the capacity as a chaperone.
Rosalind had been overwhelmed by the growing pile of clothing on the bed. “I am certain I do not need so many items.”
“One must be prepared for all activities and events,” Lady Sandlin instructed. “It isn’t as if I will be wearing them,” she insisted as she patted her protruding belly. “You might as well get good use out of the clothing.”
The garments were made of the finest material and nicer than anything Rosalind had ever worn.
Lady Phoebe spent the day having her try on one outfit after another and called in two maids who were handy with a needle to make any necessary adjustments, not that there were many. In her normal state of health, she and Lady Sandlin were much the same size, and it wasn’t long before the trunk was packed.
Lady Penelope arrived two evenings later in a large town coach and settled into the Sandlin home. Her intention was to visit with Lady Sandlin for a few days before they traveled onto the Meadows Country Home. Lady Penelope was five years younger than Rosalind, but they had played together as children as the vicarage bordered the Felding Estate. It wasn’t until Rosalind was older, too old to have an interest in those so much younger than she, that Rosalind became aware of how the families were of different stations in life. With such knowledge, Rosalind distanced herself from Lord Felding’s siblings because it was best. The sisters were ladies. She was the poor relation of a vicar. Yet, during all of those years they were growing from childhood, not once did Lady Sandlin’s parents give any indication that the Valentine children were beneath their children but welcomed them as playmates.
Rosalind fingered the soft pelisse as the coach rumbled along the road. Though the clothing was finer than anything she had in the past, she kept reminding herself during this journey that she was not a guest but a companion and chaperone for Lady Penelope. She was fulfilling a duty, nothing else, despite how well she was dressed.
“We should be there soon,” Lady Penelope grinned after she pulled back the curtain and looked out at the countryside. “I am so glad you have come with me. We will have a grand time.”
“I hope you will enjoy your stay, and I will do my best not to be a hindrance.”
Lady Penelope rolled her eyes. “I don’t need a companion or a chaperone,” she insisted. “I want you to enjoy yourself as well.”
Rosaline stifled a sigh. Lady Sandlin and Lady Penelope had the idea that Rosalind would be attending as any invited guest, and that simply wasn’t the case. When Lady Penelope was with others, Rosalind intended to make herself scarce and attend Lady Penelope when needed. “My duty is to see to you,” Rosalind reminded the young woman.
“Noah worries too much,” Lady Penelope dismissed. “I have yet to do anything that would cause him concern, nor am I as impetuous as Phoebe.” She let the curtain fall back into place.
The coach rolled to a stop and Rosalind’s stomach tightened. She had been worried about this house party since it was decided she was going. It wasn’t that she feared the house party; she just wasn’t sure she could watch as Lord Felding courted a real lady.
She shook the thought from her mind. Rosalind always knew he would marry a fine lady who was his equal. A lord of his stature would not ever consider the niece of a vicar with a questionable background. Not that anyone had any idea exactly how questionable. That would remain a secret forever. Society believed she and her siblings were the orphans of a missionary and his wife who had died, and that was how they came to live with their uncle by marriage. Nothing was further from the truth.
* * *
Noah stood at the back of the parlor not really speaking with anyone. He was waiting for Lady Jillian. He had arrived a day early to visit with his good friend, Lord Meadows, and the rest of the guests began arriving this morning. Though Lady Jillian had been out for two Seasons, he had not taken notice of her until this fall. He wasn’t quite certain what had intrigued him or if it was simply the fact he was finally ready to settle and pursue a wife.
He had first been drawn to her beauty. Blond hair, ribboned with gold in the sun, light blue eyes, and a pale complexion. Her beauty was arresting. Noah couldn’t believe he had not noticed her before, or that she hadn’t been married off by now. Her dowry was impressive, not that he needed to marry someone of wealth, but it was a comfort to have. The few times they conversed, she was soft-spoken and pleasant. When she delicately laughed, he found himself smiling. Noah looked forward to coming to know her better, and the house party offered the perfect opportunity. If it went as well as he hoped, he might be betrothed before the Season even began and could relax in knowing that he would be doing his duty with a wife he could tolerate.
It was time he married and set up his nursery. The realization had struck Noah this past summer. He had hoped to find love as his friends had. Their marriages were far richer and happier than those in society who had married for connections. As the little season began, he resolved to find and settle on a wife, and that was when Lady Jillian came to his attention. He still needed to come to know her a bit better before a final decision was made on whether they would suit, but Noah suspected that there would be a betrothal. One day, they might even come to love each other.
Activity in the foyer drew his attention. Others had arrived, but he could not yet see who they were or make out the voices. . Noah glanced around the room. His closest friends were already here and had arrived yesterday as he had. Sir Richard Lavins and his wife, Simone, were presently walking in the gardens enjoying the sunshine. The air was brisk but not uncomfortable.
Marius Parker, and his wife Sabrina, were seated by the fireplace and in a quiet discussion with Dillon Chambers and his wife, Emily. Though there were many gentlemen he numbered as friends, Noah considered Sandlin, Meadows, Parker, Chambers, and Lavins to be his c
losest friends.
Lady Meadows rose from her place on the settee when the newest guests entered. Noah forced himself to remain where he stood as Lady Jillian walked into the room beside her brother, Marquess of Broadridge, the future Duke of Eldridge. Lady Jillian looked as lovely as he remembered, not that it had been that long since Noah had seen her. It was only a few weeks ago they shared a waltz before he’d retired to the country.
As Lord Broadridge and Lady Jillian were escorted about the room, Demetrius Valentine approached and stood beside Noah. They had known each other since Vicar Grant, his wife, and the children moved into the vicarage. Even though Demetrius was a few years his junior, they remained friends throughout the years. Before being called to the bar, Demetrius had served as Noah’s and Meadows’s solicitor. Now they were friends who enjoyed each other’s company even if Demetrius never went into society.
“Benedick did not join you?” Noah questioned without taking his eyes from Lady Jillian as she moved about the room escorted by her brother and Lady Meadows.
“He is in the middle of an investigation. There has been an increase in thefts along the waterfront,” Demetrius explained his brother’s absence. “He believes there is a new gang in the area and won’t rest until they, and their leader, are caught and transported.”
Noah nodded. Benedick always held a strong sense of justice even as a boy. It didn’t surprise Noah that he had joined the Metropolitan Police along the Thames and quickly moved up in ranks and held a position as an investigator. Noah expected Benedick to be in charge of all of the police eventually.
“I thought this was just to be a hunt,” Demetrius whispered. “Men only.”
“That was the original intent but Lady Meadows wished for better entertainment than we could offer.” Noah chuckled. “As such, our pleasant hunt has turned into a house party with all the entertainments anyone could wish.” He glanced to Lady Meadows who was now leading Lady Jillian and her brother toward them. “I am not sure I disagree with her plans either.”
The trio stopped before Noah and Demetrius.
“Lord Felding, I am sure you are acquainted with Lady Jillian and her brother, Lord Broadridge.”
He bowed toward Lady Jillian and she dropped to a quick curtsey before Lady Meadows turned toward Demetrius.
Noah watched Lady Jillian carefully. He had seen women seem to fall under a spell when in Demetrius’s presence without him even uttering even a single world.
“Lady Jillian, may I introduce Mr. Demetrius Valentine,” Lady Meadows said.
Demetrius bowed deeply before her though she didn’t offer even the slightest curtsey in greeting. She merely studied his face with a smile frozen on her lips. Did Lady Jillian find something unpleasant about Demetrius? Noah knew of no one who didn’t like the man.
Then again, he did not know Lady Jillian all that well, and she was quieter than most ladies. It could simply be she was shy or not comfortable around strangers.
“How are the courts these days?” Broadridge asked sticking out his hand to shake Demetrius’s.
Demetrius laughed. “Eventful. I am glad to be away from London for a short time.”
“I have more guests arriving,” Lady Meadows interrupted. “If you will excuse me, please.”
The gentlemen nodded before Lady Meadows sailed across the room.
Noah and Demetrius knew Broadridge from school, and soon Broadridge and Demetrius were discussing the hunt. Lady Jillian smiled pleasantly but didn’t appear at all interested in the discussions of the hunters, game, or the area they would be riding in on the morrow. She kept glancing about the room then out the window but made no objection to not being included in the discussion.
“Would you care to stroll outside, Lady Jillian?” Noah asked and offered his arm.
Her smile became genuine and took his offered arm. “Thank you.”
He led her through the doors and onto the grounds. The sky was a serene, deep blue and the air crisp. Why hadn’t he thought to have her retrieve her pelisse before venturing out doors? Lady Jillian would be cold in a very short time. “Perhaps we should return inside.”
“No, please.” Her smile brightened revealing straight white teeth.
“At least let me have a servant retrieve your wrap.”
She nodded quickly. “Very well.”
Noah led her back inside and signaled to a footman. She said nothing as they waited; she simply smiled prettily. She was nothing like his sisters who chattered his ear off whenever given the opportunity. Only one could be considered quiet, and that was Patience who spent most of her waking hours seated before a canvas or lump of clay.
The servant returned in short order and assisted Lady Jillian into the wrap before Noah once again led her out of doors. It wasn’t so brisk he needed anything other than what he was wearing, but he had a jacket whereas Lady Jillian was simply in a gown.
“Did you have pleasant travel?” Noah asked. He was at a loss of what they could discuss. He didn’t yet know what interests they might have in common.
“Yes, we did.”
He glanced about them. Others had taken to strolling the dormant gardens, but he wasn’t sure he wished to join another group at the moment. His intention was to come to know Lady Jillian during this party, and he couldn’t do that if they were speaking with others.
“The weather is mild for this time of year.”
“Yes, it is.”
Noah stifled a sigh. He had never had so much difficulty chatting with a lady before. In fact, most ladies led the conversations.
“Lady Meadows has a number of entertainments planned. Tonight she will ask the guests to entertain with music.” He glanced down at her. The top of Lady Jillian’s blond head came to his shoulder. She was a petite woman but well-rounded where it mattered. “Do you play or sing?”
She smiled up at him. “Yes, I do.”
Perhaps Lady Jillian was painfully shy until she came to know a person because Noah could swear he had seen her engaged in conversation at balls, soirees, and picnics this past fall. Why was she not conversing with him? Perhaps she didn’t wish to encourage him?
The thought gave him pause. What if she had already rejected him in her mind?
If that was the case, why was she walking with him now? She could have claimed it was too cold to be outside or invent any other excuse if she did not wish to stroll with him.
Was she simply a quiet person?
Noah steered Lady Jillian back toward the house when Demetrius Valentine and her brother, Lord Broadridge, stepped outside and walked to the edge of the veranda and lit cheroots.
“How do you and my brother know Mr. Valentine?” she asked quietly.
Was Valentine the reason Lady Jillian was no longer interested in being in his company? Noah shouldn’t be surprised. His sisters did claim Valentine to be devilishly handsome not that Noah noticed. “I’ve known him since childhood. His family home borders my estate.”
She nodded but continued to study Valentine and her brother as she walked back toward the manor.
“He also attended school with your brother, myself, Lord Meadows, and many of the gentlemen who are here.”
Lady Jillian tilted her head. “What does he do?”
“He is a barrister in the criminal courts.”
A frown knit her brow. Was she disappointed that Valentine wasn’t of a rank? Lady Jillian was the daughter of a duke and would be expected to marry within the haute ton and Valentine fell far short of such a connection.
Three
Rosalind scanned those who were walking in the garden or standing on the veranda in discussion.
“There he is,” Lady Meadows pointed out.
Rosalind looked to where she gestured. Demetrius was standing with a blond man whom she did not recognize. Actually, Rosalind knew nobody who was present other than Lady Penelope and Lord Felding. Everyone else was a stranger to her except for her brother of course.
“All of the other gentlemen who are attend
ing have brought a wife or a sister,” Lady Meadows explained. “As your brother is here, and did not bring anyone with him, I insist you attend as a guest and not as Penelope’s companion.”
Lady Penelope nodded eagerly as her dark curls bounced against the back of her neck.
Rosalind turned back to her hostess. “I couldn’t.”
“But you must,” Lady Meadows cried and grasped her hand. “If you do not, my numbers will not be even.”
They wouldn’t have been even before Rosalind thought to herself.
“Now I can have an even amount of gentlemen and ladies about the table for dinner and at other gatherings.”
Rosalind wanted to argue that she was not a lady, but her brother wasn’t a gentleman either. Apparently, Lady Meadows meant the title to be used in the loosest of terms.
“You can still play the part of my companion to make Noah happy,” Lady Penelope insisted. “I assume we will spend much time in each other’s company regardless of your role, but it isn’t necessary that I have someone watching over me here.” She gestured around to those gathered. “The gentlemen who did not bring a wife brought a sister and since all of the men are friends, they wouldn’t dare behave inappropriately toward an unattached female.”
Not if one wanted keep a friendship at least, Rosalind added to herself. She really had no need to be at this gathering as Lady Penelope’s companion or chaperone. Nor should she be attending as a guest. Her brother had earned that right by the friends he had made and by becoming a barrister. She had nothing to recommend herself or explain her presence at such a gathering.
On the other hand, when would she get another opportunity to live as if she were part of society? She would also be in the same vicinity as Lord Felding. He may be courting another, but Rosalind welcomed any time she could be in the same room as Felding.
His Christmas Match (A Gentleman's Guide to Once Upon a Time) Page 2