Was it selfish to accept an invitation to be a guest so she could experience what others did, to share dinners with Felding, and to pretend just for a bit that she was better than she was?
Would she hurt all the more when she returned to her small room off the nursery in the Sandlin home when it was over?
Felding turned toward them at that moment, and her heart hitched. She would take these days and enjoy them to the fullest knowing that for just a brief moment in time others accepted her in their world.
Rosalind glanced to the woman on his arm and pain sliced through her heart. It was precisely what she feared, assuming the woman was Lady Jillian. She was probably one of the most beautiful women Rosalind had ever seen. Felding would not even notice Rosalind as long as Lady Jillian was about.
Lady Meadows led Rosalind and Lady Penelope toward Demetrius and the blond gentleman. Her brother’s deep blue eyes lit with surprise upon seeing her
“Rosey, I didn’t expect to see you here,” he said with a pleased smile before turning toward the gentleman standing with him. “Marquess Broadridge, allow me to introduce my sister, Miss Rosalind Valentine.”
Broadridge turned and executed a slight bow. A blond curl dropped onto his forehead, and his light green eyes danced with charm. “It is an honor, Miss Valentine.”
Rosalind dropped to a quick curtsey. What was she doing here? One such as she did not socialize with a marquess. Her brother might, but she did not. This was going to be a very uncomfortable party.
Broadridge next turned and bowed to her friend. “Lady Penelope, it is a pleasure to see you again.”
Lady Penelope gave a quick curtsey and smiled at the gentleman she was clearly already acquainted with.
“If you will excuse me,” Lady Meadows announced, “I must return inside.”
Rosaline watched Lady Meadows retreating back wishing she could follow and then find her room in which to hide.
“I thought you were with the Sandlin household,” her brother said.
“Lady Sandlin insisted I attend with Lady Penelope when Lord Felding—”
“—My sister believed,” Lady Penelope interrupted, “that Miss Valentine would enjoy this outing and insisted she accompany me when Noah made the suggestion.”
Rosalind looked at Lady Penelope. Why had Lady Penelope made it sound as if she were a guest and not a hired servant?
“I am glad you have joined the party. It has been far too long since we have visited,” Demetrius smiled down at her.
“If you would come down from London more than twice a year, it would not be an issue,” she teased back.
“The courts are far too busy to get away more often than I can,” he insisted.
Rosalind arched an eyebrow. “As you have managed to attend a hunt this week, I am assuming there has been a sudden decline in crime.”
“A man does need a holiday on occasion,” Demetrius defended.
Rosalind turned to Lady Penelope. “I think the reason he doesn’t return home as often does not have as much to do with the courts as it does Aunt Mary’s questions about his bachelor state.” She finished with a grin and focused on her brother.
Lady Penelope giggled. “I believe Noah avoided mother for the very same reason for a number of years.” She looked past Rosalind’s shoulder, and her eyes crinkled as her smile broadened. “However, I believe that may soon all change.”
Rosalind turned to see who Lady Penelope was looking at though she knew very well it was Felding and apparently, Lady Jillian. They were walking toward the group.
“It appears Felding has taken an interest in my sister,” Broadridge murmured.
Lady Jillian was Broadridge’s sister? As Lady Jillian was the daughter of the Duke of Eldridge, was Broadridge a future duke? Goodness, she really should not be at this gathering.
Rosalind glanced over at her brother. Demetrius seemed very comfortable speaking with Broadridge as if he were born to this status. Would she ever be as at ease?
No, she answered in her mind. When this week was gone, she would return to the Sandlin household and go about her duties.
Felding and Lady Jillian stopped beside them, and he introduced Rosalind to the young woman. She was even more beautiful up close.
“Valentine?” Lady Jillian questioned.
“She is my sister, Lady Jillian,” Demetrius answered before Rosalind could say anything.
Lady Jillian simply nodded, a cold, forced smile on her lips. Had her brother done or said something to offend Lady Jillian?
“Shall we return inside?” Lady Penelope asked. “I would like to get settled before supper.”
“Of course,” Rosalind answered grateful for the escape. Unless Lady Penelope decided to return downstairs and join the others, Rosalind intended to remain in her room until it was necessary to leave.
The two of them stepped inside and were greeted by Lady Meadows once again. “I hope you don’t mind, but many of the guests are sharing a room due to the number who have gathered.”
“Not at all,” Lady Penelope answered.
“I’ve put the two of you together. As you are friends, I thought it a perfect solution, so you would not be sharing a room with someone you didn’t know.”
Rosalind stilled. She couldn’t share a room with Lady Penelope. It wasn’t right. “Lady Meadows,” Rosalind began, “I am Lady Penelope’s companion. Isn’t it more appropriate that I stay with the maids or other servants?”
Lady Meadows laughed. “Miss Valentine, despite what Felding may think, you are a guest in my home. I insist on treating you as one.”
Rosalind slid a glance to Lady Penelope. Would she be upset by this arrangement?
“We are going to have a grand time,” Lady Penelope smiled while linking her arm with Rosalind and practically pulling her up the stairs toward their chambers.
Rosalind bit back a sigh. At least she would be able to watch over Lady Penelope more easily now that they were sleeping in the same room.
* * *
Noah watched his sister and Miss Valentine walk toward the house. The sunlight reflected off the deep red within Miss Valentine’s hair. It truly had transformed from a brighter red in childhood to a lovely auburn matured by time.
“I wasn’t aware you had a sister, Mr. Valentine,” Lady Jillian was saying as Noah returned his attention to those he still stood with.
“Actually, I have five brothers and four sisters,” Demetrius answered.
Lady Jillian paled and her hand tightened on Noah’s arm, but her expression revealed no actual discomfort. “Goodness, such a large family.” She looked at Broadridge. “It is only my brother and I.”
“I wouldn’t have minded having a brother as I was growing up,” Broadridge added.
“Or a sister,” Lady Jillian sighed.
As the pair was ten years apart, they might as well have been only children. By the time Lady Jillian was out of leading strings, her brother would have been sent off to school. Though his sisters had been an irritation more times than he could count, Noah was grateful for each one of them. “I only have four sisters,” he said. “However, Valentine House was close enough that I visited there often and had plenty of companionship.” He smiled at the memories and a warmth spread through him. His childhood was much improved when Vicar Grant and his wife took up residence in the vicarage with their ten nieces and nephews. “They were the brothers I didn’t have at home.”
Lady Jillian frowned. “Valentine House?” she questioned.
“I don’t know why but we started calling it Valentine House,” Noah laughed. “Probably because it had been overrun by Valentines.”
Demetrius laughed with him. “Overrun is an apt term.”
Lady Jillian looked from Noah and back to Demetrius. “Why wouldn’t it be called Valentine House?” she asked slowly. “It is the family name.”
“Because most would refer to it as the vicarage,” Noah answered.
Her face paled further, and her smile dipped a bit.
“Let me get you inside. It is too cold to be out here for long.”
“Yes, thank you.”
Noah turned from the group and led Lady Jillian back inside. Why was she disturbed from the discussion involving Valentine House? Her hand seemed to tremble on his sleeve. Was it simply the cold or something else entirely?
Noah glanced back to Broadridge. He appeared unaffected. Lady Jillian was probably freezing from being outside too long. Soon he would have her before a roaring fire to take the chill from her body. The color would return to her cheeks, and she would stop shivering.
“I don’t recall meeting any of the Valentines previously,” Lady Jillian said as the passed through the door.
“You would not have,” Noah answered. “Their parents were missionaries who died in India. The children were sent to Vicar Grant and his wife to raise.”
She bit her bottom lip and nodded. “Yet they are friends of yours?”
Noah studied her. Did Lady Jillian have an objection to him having friends that were not considered of their status? “Yes. I hold the entire family in high regard.”
Again she nodded and said nothing else as they stopped before the fire, and she pulled her hand from his arm and warmed it before the flames. A footman came forward and relieved her of her wrap.
“Would you care for a cup of tea, Lady Jillian?”
She looked up at the servant concern marring her brow. “No thank you. I believe I will retire and rest before dinner.”
She inclined her head to Noah and quit the room. What was bothering Lady Jillian? And what did it have to do with the Valentines?
Four
Rosalind did her best to concentrate on the conversation occurring around her, but as she did not know anyone seated with her at the foot of the table other than Demetrius. It was easy to simply answer questions politely and listen to the others. At the head of the table, seated near their hosts, Felding was to the right of Lady Jillian. The two made a handsome couple both with blond hair and blue eyes. Felding’s hair was darker than Lady Jillian’s, but they both carried the confident air of being of society and knowing their place in the world. Not a hair was out of place on Lady Jillian’s golden head, and the jewels at her throat sparkled and danced in the candlelight.
Felding was relaxed and at ease. This was the world they were both born to.
The last service had been removed, and Rosalind bade her time until Lady Meadows rose to direct the ladies to the parlor so the gentlemen could enjoy their port. She stifled a sigh and followed the other ladies from the room. Penelope came up to her side and linked an arm with hers. It did much too calm Rosalind’s nerves of being in an unfamiliar position. Lady Penelope would always accept her for who she was, and at least she had one friend among the guests.
“Are you enjoying yourself?” Lady Penelope asked with exuberance.
“Yes, I am,” Rosalind answered even though it was only a half truth.
“What do you think of my brother’s apparent attachment to Lady Jillian?” Lady Penelope whispered in Rosalind’s ear.
“She is very beautiful,” Rosalind answered.
“While that is true, beauty only carries you so far,” Lady Penelope stated wisely. “What do you think of her?”
In truth, Rosalind didn’t know what to think. She had only spoken to the woman for a moment and doubted they would converse again. Rosalind did not like her, but that was pure jealousy on her part and had nothing to do with the lady or her personality. If Lady Jillian did not hold Felding’s affection, Rosalind might be able to look upon her more objectively.
“She seems pleasant,” Rosalind finally answered.
They entered the parlor, and most of the female guests had already taken seats. Lady Penelope led Rosalind to the blazing fire. “I can’t seem to shake this chill.” Lady Penelope rubbed her arms.
It was late November, and there was cold and dampness in the air this evening unlike the crisp weather of this afternoon. Rosalind wouldn’t be surprised if it snowed in a day or two given the humid air.
The heat from the fire did offer a comfort, and Rosalind was glad to be standing before it with Lady Penelope and not across the room with the other ladies discussing the latest news of those in Society. Rosalind didn’t know anyone they gossiped about and was often lost in the conversations. Lady Penelope sat beside Lady Meadows and Mrs. Chambers smiling sweetly and making comments when necessary. Rosalind could only hear a few of the words, but apparently they were discussing a grand wedding at St. Paul’s.
“I need to get to know her better,” Lady Penelope whispered a moment later. “I know nothing about her other than her connections. If my brother is going to court her, I need to know more.”
“Do you think he will offer for her?” Rosalind asked not sure if she wanted the answer.
“I am not certain, but I can’t allow him to marry someone I don’t approve.”
Rosalind chuckled. “Isn’t it usually the other way? Gentleman approve future husbands not sisters approving future wives?”
Lady Penelope frowned. “True. And as much as I want Noah settled, it still needs to be with the right lady. It must be someone who loves him and will get on well with his family.”
The tea cart was rolled into the room, and Lady Meadows began directing the servants in pouring tea for the guests. A maid delivered a cup to both Lady Penelope and Rosalind. Instead of holding it by the handle, Lady Penelope clasped it in both hands. “Why can’t I get warm?”
Her cheeks were slightly flushed which gave Rosalind some concern. “Are you feeling unwell?”
“I am in perfect health.” Lady Penelope grinned.
Rosalind accepted Lady Penelope’s answer and glanced back across the room, looking at the ladies over the rim of her cup as she sipped. Would Lady Jillian love Felding the way he deserved? Would Lady Jillian one day hold Felding’s heart?
She dearly hoped Lady Jillian returned Felding’s affection because he was such a good man, kind and generous, and deserved to be loved deeply.
The gentlemen sauntered into the room a few moments later. Felding barely glanced in the direction of where Lady Penelope and Rosalind stood and walked directly to the area where Lady Jillian was sitting.
Lady Meadows stood. “Shall we all adjourn to the music room?”
There were murmurs amongst the guests in agreement, and they followed Lady Meadows into the hall. Felding offered his hand to Lady Jillian and assisted as she stood and then offered his arm. Lady Jillian thanked him with a breathtaking smile and allowed him to lead her from the room.
“I suppose we should follow,” Lady Penelope grumbled as the last of the guests exited. “I do loathe to leave the fire.”
Rosalind was perfectly content to remain where she was away from the others. No doubt Lady Jillian had the voice of an angel and played beautifully.
“If you wish to remain here, I will stay with you.” Rosalind hoped Lady Penelope did decide to remain behind.
“We shouldn’t,” she sighed. “We should probably follow them.”
“Would you like me to retrieve a shawl for you?”
Lady Penelope gave her the oddest look. “Rosalind, you are not my servant. If I wish for a shawl, I will retrieve it myself or ask a maid to do so.”
“I don’t wish for you to be uncomfortable.”
“I wish for you to behave as the guest you are,” Lady Penelope chastised with a smile and linked her arm with Rosalind’s and led her to the music room.
The guests were gathered around going through the different music selections when they entered. Lady Penelope pulled Rosalind across the room to stand before the fire again.
“You don’t wish to participate?” Rosalind questioned her.
“No. I don’t sing well nor can I play an instrument with any proficiency.”
Rosalind frowned. She would have argued with the woman’s talent, but in truth, she had never heard Lady Penelope sing or play.
“You should join in,
however,” Lady Penelope said after a moment.
“No, I couldn’t,” Rosalind insisted.
Lady Penelope turned toward her. “Why not? You play beautifully.”
Rosalind was shaking her head to disagree.
“Tell that to someone who has not heard you play in church.”
“Those were hymns and well-practiced.”
Lady Penelope snorted. “I’ve also heard you in your home, and my own, and you’ve always played anything put in front of you without a mistake.”
Heat crept into Rosalind’s cheeks. “That was different. I was only playing for my family and yours.”
Lady Penelope gestured to the gathering. “They are no different.”
There was a vast difference between the two, but Rosalind didn’t wish to argue. “I would rather not.”
Lady Penelope sighed. “Very well.”
* * *
Noah had no intention of participating in the musical presentation but was anxious to learn if Lady Jillian sang, played an instrument, or both. He usually avoided musicals during the Season because most of the time the debutant being presented had little talent though mothers seemed to think their daughters were the best vocalist to grace London in a decade. He only had to attend those he was required to because he was squiring a sister about Town.
Tonight was different, however. He wanted to know if musical entertainment was something he and Lady Jillian might enjoy in the future.
Once music was chosen, some of the guests took seats while others stood in small groupings. Lady Jillian returned to his side her song choice in hand.
“Who shall play?” Lady Meadows asked.
None of the guests offered to be the accompanist and everyone glanced about the room to the others.
Lady Meadows frowned and concern marred her brow. “Does no one know how to play?”
Noah glanced at Lady Jillian, she smiled weakly. “Not well enough that I could accompany a singer.”
He nodded. He certainly couldn’t play. It as a shame Phoebe wasn’t here. Then again, if his sister were present, and somehow had been convinced to play for the guests, the others would prefer to simply listen to her without a vocalist.
His Christmas Match (A Gentleman's Guide to Once Upon a Time) Page 3