The left corner of Penelope’s mouth turned up in a partial smile. “No. She wants you to enjoy yourself for a change.” She slipped a hand from beneath the covers and gave Rosalind’s a weak squeeze. “As do I and Lady Meadows.”
It was very odd that they would take an interest in her in such a way. “Lady Meadows did not even know me before I arrived.”
“She knew of you, and Phoebe asked it of her.” Penelope closed her eyes and sighed.
She really shouldn’t be taxing Penelope with her questions while she was so ill. Rosalind slid Penelope’s hand beneath the covers and then tucked the blankets around her. Lady Sandlin, Penelope, and Lady Meadows may have had their plans, but Rosalind knew where she belonged. At the moment, it was seeing to the care of Penelope. And when she returned to the Sandlin estate, it would be in the nursery. This week was simply a distraction, nothing more, and while she was grateful for the opportunity to be like other young ladies, she knew it was a temporary situation.
* * *
The gentlemen stomped their boots on the front landing before entering the foyer. The hunt had not been as successful as Lord Meadows had wished, and Noah believed the voices of the men not only disturbed the silence of the snow covered morning but sent the game into hiding. Most of the gentlemen did not mind that they didn’t have a chance to shoot, and Noah had never been much of a hunter himself. He enjoyed the chase and the ride much more than the killing.
He handed his overcoat to the footman and followed the other gentlemen into the dining room. He hadn’t eaten much before they left because it was so early in the morning, but the fresh air and ride renewed his appetite; he hoped the buffet was still stocked.
Many of the ladies were at the table breaking their fast, and Noah was relieved to see that even more food had been set out for the guests. He choose a plate and added eggs, kippers, and bread before finding a place at the table. Lady Jillian was seated with two younger ladies, and he took the empty seat to her right. Today she wore a soft rose gown that complimented the tone of her skin.
She smiled sweetly at him as he took his seat.
“Was the hunt successful?”
“No,” he answered. “Perhaps we will have better luck tomorrow.”
The other gentlemen had also filled plates and took seats around the table. Noah looked about for his sister. Neither Penelope nor Miss Valentine was present. Perhaps they were still in bed or asked for a tray in their room. It was odd that Penelope would sleep this late. She had always been an early riser, and Miss Valentine was accustomed to being up early when caring for the twins. Perhaps they had already eaten and returned upstairs.
“I’ve never understood how gentlemen can enjoy chasing, trapping, and killing a poor animal,” Lady Jillian wrinkled her nose in disgust.
Noah focused his attention back on her. “I don’t particularly enjoy the sport.” He took a sip of the hot coffee. The warmth helped take away some of the chill that lingered from being outside. “I enjoy the ride and the chase but not the rest.”
She smiled as if pleased with his answer. It may not be much, but he found one topic in which they were in agreement.
Lady Jillian lifted the delicate tea cup to her lips and sipped. Her pink lips were full and perfect for kissing. How soon should he wait to kiss her? Or should he kiss her as soon as possible to determine if there could be passion between them?
It was a bit bothersome that he wanted to kiss her to determine a future when he wasn’t actually caught up with a desire to kiss her at all.
In the past, the need to kiss women had been strong, yet with Lady Jillian that same desire was missing. Perhaps he should consider that as warning enough that maybe she wasn’t the lady he sought.
Noah focused back on the food before him. It was morning yet. He had risen early and had been out riding, and he was starving. Once one appetite was sated, he was certain other appetites would emerge, and he would find a yearning to kiss Lady Jillian.
“I couldn’t help but note the amount of snow that fell last night,” she said.
Were they already reduced to polite conversation about the weather or was it because they were surrounded by several guests? “It made for a beautiful ride.”
Lady Jillian glanced toward the window. “I’ve never cared much for snow. It is always so messy leaving puddles when it melts, ruining the hems of skirts, and dampening boots.”
Noah loved the snow and had since he was a child. He wished more of it fell at his estate, but it lay in the southern portion of England. They didn’t get nearly as much as the northern regions. “Did you never play in the snow as a child?”
Her eyebrows drew up in shock. “Goodness no.”
Pity for the young girl welled within his chest. He hoped she didn’t raise her own children with the same strictures as she had been raised. If she did become his wife, Noah would make sure his children enjoyed their childhood and not be sequestered indoors from those Lady Jillian’s mother believed were beneath them.
“It is snowing again,” Lady Jillian remarked a few moments later.
Noah glanced out the window. Large flakes fell from the sky and thickening by the moment. He could barely see the trees through the shower of white. If this kept up, they would be snowbound for the duration of their stay.
Many of the guests pushed away from the table and stood as did Lady Jillian. Noah came to his feet and offered his arm.
“I wonder what plans Lady Meadows has for us today,” he said.
“She mentioned parlor games earlier.”
There were several activities Noah would not mind participating in, but most parlor games did not fall on the list, however; it should be expected with young ladies in attendance. Had this been the week Lord Meadows originally planned, the days and nights would have been filled with gambling, cards, dice, billiards, and brandy when not hunting. With ladies present, more genteel activities were required.
As much as he did not wish to participate in a game of charades, or whatever else Lady Meadows had planned, it gave Noah the opportunity to spend more time in Lady Jillian’s company to gauge when he would have the opportunity to kiss her. That is, if he decided in the end it was something he wished to do.
All had been going as planned until Broadridge questioned him this morning. Now Noah felt rushed to make a decision he wasn’t yet prepared to make.
As they crossed the foyer, Lady Meadows was coming down the stairs. “Felding, I need to speak with you.”
He stopped and waited for his hostess. Worry marred her brow, and her mouth was pinched. “What is wrong?”
“Penelope has taken ill.”
Noah straightened. “How ill?”
“She has a fever, and I’ve sent for Doctor Harper,” Lady Meadows explained. “Penelope is resting comfortably in her bed, and Miss Valentine is sitting with her.”
Thoughts of kissing Lady Jillian instantly fled and were replaced with concern for his sister. He turned to the young lady on his arm. “If you will excuse me, I wish to check on my sister.”
“Of course,” Lady Jillian insisted.
Noah barely acknowledged her and took the stairs two at a time and was soon marching down the hall to his sister’s chamber. He gave the door one quick knock before he opened it and stepped inside.
A gasp from across the room drew him up short. Miss Valentine stood before an armoire clad only in a pale, thin shift that fell to just below her knees. Her breasts strained against the material, and it was light enough in the room to see the shadows beneath the thin material which revealed more of her luscious body than he had a right to see.
He should turn away, apologize, leave the room immediately, but he was transfixed by the beauty of her. From her disheveled, deep auburn hair and body of a goddess to her shapely ankles and delicate toes, he found himself thinking how was it possible he had not noticed how desirable Miss Valentine was before now?
She grabbed a dress and pulled in front of her body shielding his view as her face
turned a lovely shade of crimson. Noah’s own face heated, and he wasn’t sure if it was from his own embarrassment at gawking at her or the sudden lust filling his body. He turned away and stepped toward the door. “My apologies.” He didn’t wait for an answer and stepped out into the hall and closed the door.
Noah leaned back against the wall, tilted back his head, closed his eyes, and sighed. He should have never seen Miss Valentine in such a state of undress. It was a vision he would not likely ever forget. Hopefully, she never learned just how much the light material revealed to him or how hot desire shot through his body.
Eight
Rosalind’s hands shook as she buttoned her dress. As she was without assistance at the moment, she had chosen one with front closures. Why hadn’t she dressed earlier, as soon as she was out of bed, or at least as soon as she had Penelope settled after she drank her tea? Why had she waited until after she had eaten from the tray that had been delivered?
Her face was still warm, and she wasn’t sure she would ever overcome the embarrassment of Lord Felding seeing her unclothed. Goodness, what must he think?
Why had he barged in here in such a manner? Didn’t he know she and Penelope were sharing a chamber? Did he often rush into his sisters’ rooms without permission?
She would certainly be more careful in the future and change behind a screen, but it never occurred to her that anyone would simply walk into the room.
Rosalind glanced to the bed. Penelope’s eyes were closed, and she assumed the young woman was asleep. Thank goodness Penelope hadn’t witnessed her embarrassment.
Rosalind’s heart hadn’t yet calmed, and her pulse rioted in her veins. She must gain control so Felding didn’t witness how overwrought she was from the experience. Her appearance had to be perfect before she opened the door to let Lord Felding in. Rosalind walked to the mirror and nearly groaned. He could not have seen her in a worst state. Not only had she been clad only in her shift, but she had not yet brushed her hair. It fell in a mass of tangled curls about her head. What must he think of her being in such disrepair so late in the day?
With a stifled curse, she drew the brush through her hair ripping through the more stubborn knots until she regained some measure of neatness. With a few quick twist and available pens, her hair was neatly knotted at the back of her neck. After a deep breath, Rosalind stepped back and appraised her appearance. All was what it should be. Now if she could only forget Felding had seen her a few moments earlier, her world could go on. Unfortunately, she wasn’t sure she would ever forget the incident nor the look on his face. She had never seen a gentlemen more shocked in her life. His mouth had opened, eyes widened, and eyebrows rose. Was he disturbed, angry, or simply surprised? She tried to read his expression, but her own thoughts were too jumbled at the shock. She hadn’t even reacted quickly enough to pull the dress in front of her to cover her body. What must he have thought of her standing there reacting too late to keep him from viewing her for far longer than she should have allowed?
She would never forget and could only hope he did.
Rosalind smoothed her skirts once last time and walked slowly toward the door willing her hands to stop shaking. She opened it to find him leaning against the wall.
Felding opened his eyes and lurched forward. “Please accept my apologies,” he began. “It completely slipped my mind that you and Penelope are sharing a chamber. When I heard she was ill, I rushed up here not pausing to consider.” He stopped and looked at her. His light blue eyes bore into her. “I am terribly sorry. Can you forgive me?”
He was as embarrassed as she which calmed Rosalind a bit. “Of course.” She stood back so he could enter the room. “Lady Meadows has sent for a doctor.”
“Yes. She told me,” Felding answered as he moved to the bed and studied his sister. He gently placed a hand against her cheek. Penelope opened her eyes and offered a weak smile. “Don’t frown,” she chastised.
“I’m concerned.”
“It’s simply a fever,” she answered in a whisper. “I am feeling a bit better after the willow bark tea Rosalind gave me.”
“I’ll feel better after Doctor Harper has examined you.”
“There is no reason to worry,” Penelope insisted. “I am sure that after I sleep for a bit I will feel just the thing.”
Rosalind seriously doubted that would happy though she agreed Penelope should sleep. “Perhaps Dr. Harper could give her a sleeping drought so she could get the rest she needed to overcome the illness,” Rosalind suggested to Felding.
“Is there anything I can get for you?” Felding asked.
“Nothing,” Penelope sighed. “Go enjoy your day.” She narrowed her eyes on him. “Don’t you have a lady to court?”
Rosalind’s heart tightened. She had forgotten for a short time that Felding was intent on courting Lady Jillian. She wished she could have forgotten for a bit longer.
“Your health is much more important,” Felding insisted.
“Noah, go. I will be fine.”
He glanced back at Rosalind wearing a worried frown on his face. “I will stay with her. Why don’t you join the others?”
Rosalind straightened and came forward. “It is I who will stay, Lord Felding,” she insisted. “I am here to see to your sister’s needs.” A smile pulled at her lips. “It is what you hired me for.”
“Not to be her nurse. Simply a companion.”
“Stop. Both of you,” Penelope moaned from the bed. “Go, Noah. I would much rather have Rosalind help with my current need and not you.” She pushed the covers down her body.
“Are you going to be ill?” Felding asked anxiously.
“No,” Penelope sighed. “But I do need to use the necessary.”
Color stole into his cheeks, and Felding backed toward the door. “I shall leave you then.” He bolted from the room closing the door behind him.
“I knew that would get him to leave,” Penelope chuckled lightly as Rosalind came to help her stand and led her to the chamber pot behind the screen.
* * *
Noah paced in the parlor waiting for Doctor Harper to return downstairs. The man had been up there nearly half an hour. Certainly he had a diagnosis and decided on the proper treatment.
Around him, the guests were getting ready for sledding. Meadows had sleighs available, and the horses were being harnessed to each. Though it still snowed, it wasn’t coming down as heavy as it had earlier. A sled ride with Lady Jillian would be pleasant if he wasn’t so worried about Penelope.
What if her condition was worse than she or Miss Valentine believed? What if she became more ill? What if she developed a cough or worse?
“Is Lady Penelope very ill?” Lady Jillian asked.
“She does not seem concerned.” He pushed his fingers through his hair in frustration. “Miss Valentine is worried, but not nearly as much as I.”
Lady Jillian linked her arm through his and pulled Noah further into the room. “What did the doctor tell you?”
“He hasn’t come back down.” Noah glanced back toward the stairs. “Why is he taking so long?”
“These things take time,” she smiled sympathetically. “Why don’t you have a cup of tea? I am sure he will be down shortly.”
Noah blew out a frustrated breath but allowed Lady Jillian to pull him further into the room and toward the tea cart.
“Lord Felding prefers a dash of milk and no sugar,” Lady Jillian instructed the servant.
He stared down at her. How did Lady Jillian know how he preferred his tea unless she had been paying attention yesterday? He hadn’t anticipated her show of concern, and now she was seeing to his comfort as a wife would. It was an unexpected comfort.
The maid prepared the cup as instructed and handed it to Noah. He sipped and let his attention wander toward the entry once again. Why hadn’t the doctor come down yet?
“Come,” Lady Jillian linked her arm with his again, “let’s sit by the entry so you can see the doctor the moment he emerges from u
pstairs.”
Once again, Noah allowed Lady Jillian to lead him across the room. She chose two chairs beneath a front window which also gave a clear view of the stairs and landing on the second floor. He tried to relax and enjoy his tea but knew he would be unable to do so until someone told him that Penelope would recover.
He knew he shouldn’t worry, but he couldn’t help himself. He could not recall Penelope ever being ill. Not even as a child. The fact that she was now was of serious concern.
“Thank you for coming out, Doctor Harper.” Lady Meadows’ voice trailed down the stairs before Noah saw either her or the doctor. He came to his feet and walked to the foyer.
“What is wrong with my sister?” he demanded.
“It is simply an ague,” Doctor Harper assured him.
“Ague?” Lady Jillian asked coming up beside Noah. “Is it serious?”
“I suspected Lady Penelope will be herself in a day or two. These things usually disappear as quickly as they come.”
Relief shot through Noah, and he felt the tension leave his shoulders.
“Keep her comfortable, feed her broth and tea, and I’ve left medicine to help her sleep.”
“Thank you, Doctor Harper.” Noah shook the man’s hand before Lady Meadows led him to the door.”
Noah turned to Lady Jillian. “If you will excuse me, I would like to check on my sister.”
“Of course.” She smiled sweetly.
“Please encourage Miss Valentine to come down,” Lady Meadows called after him. “She insists on remaining by your sister’s side.”
“How very kind of her,” Lady Jillian murmured beneath her breath, but Noah still heard. He was taken aback for a moment by what he perceived to be as the lady’s dry tone and forced smile.
He must be mistaken. Just moments ago Lady Jillian was showing him kindness and concern with regard to Penelope.
When he reached the door to Penelope’s chamber, Noah knocked and waited for Miss Valentine to answer. He didn’t want to walk in on something he should not as he had earlier, and he wished he could get the vision out of his mind. It was easy not to think of how Miss Valentine looked, standing in only her shift, while worried about his sister. Now that Noah knew Penelope only needed rest, Miss Valentine was once again in the forefront of his thoughts with her thin shift and disheveled hair as if she had just been tumbled.
His Christmas Match (A Gentleman's Guide to Once Upon a Time) Page 6