His Christmas Match (A Gentleman's Guide to Once Upon a Time)

by Charles, Jane

  Rosalind fought to keep the smile on her lips. “They are a kind and generous family.”

  “Yes, they are,” Lady Jillian said with a cold smile and swept past Rosalind.

  Rosalind did her best to put Lady Jillian’s comments from her mind as she turned down the hall and took the stairs to the lower floor. Did everyone recognize the dress as one Lady Sandlin had worn last Season?

  It didn’t matter she insisted to herself as she turned at the bottom of the stairs toward the library. She was only here for the week and would return to her life as a nursemaid in the end, and the clothing would be given back to Lady Sandlin.

  Rosalind paused outside of the library. The door was closed, and she hesitated. What if Lord Meadows was inside and didn’t wish to be disturbed? But wouldn’t he be with his guests on the sleigh ride?

  She bit her bottom lip and decided not to disturb whoever was inside and turned back toward the stairs to find Lord and Lady Meadows leaving the parlor.

  “Miss Valentine, is Penelope feeling better?” Lady Meadows asked.

  “She is awake and a bit weak, but her fever has broken.”

  “Is there anything you needed?” Lord Meadows asked.

  She prayed they didn’t think her plan was presumptuous. “I thought to read to Lady Penelope and hoped to borrow a book from your library.”

  Lady Meadows grinned.

  “Excellent idea,” Lord Meadows announced. “You may make use of any book you wish.”

  The couple turned and walked back toward the entrance.

  Rosalind stared at the door. If Lord Meadows was with his wife, then she wouldn’t be interrupting him in the library. She slowly pushed the door and stepped inside. Tall shelves filled with books of every imaginable shape and size covered a wall. It was magnificent. She let the door close behind her and wandered to the shelves and began reading the variety of titles.

  Ten

  Noah remained in the chair at the corner of the room and watched the door slowly open. He prayed it wasn’t Lady Jillian looking for him. She was the last person he wished to see at the moment.

  The lovely vision of Miss Valentine entered the room and closed the door behind her. She didn’t even notice him but glided to the bookshelf and began looking over the titles.

  He should alert her to his presence, but this was an opportunity to watch her, study her, in a way that was not proper in a group of people. Her hair was efficiently arranged in a knot at the back of her head more like the style worn by a servant than a lady, but a few ringlets escapade caressing her delicate neck. He longed to place his lips against the tantalizing skin between her shoulder and neck and stifled a groan. Lady Jillian’s kisses may have cooled him, but the presence of Miss Valentine, even from across the room, heated his blood.

  How had he not noticed how attractive she was?

  Was he considering her on a more intimate level because of how he had seen her unclad earlier? Would he have feel the same passion for Lady Jillian had he walked in on her in the same state of undress?

  Could he even trust his feelings? A day ago, he’d wanted to court Lady Valentine, believing them a good fit. Today he couldn’t imagine life with her being pleasant, while lust for Miss Valentine swept over him.

  Noah rose from his seat and padded across the room. He shouldn’t simply stare at her without revealing himself. She was bound to realize he was in the room and would wonder why he hadn’t spoken. Besides, he needed to be closer to her. Would his desire grow stronger at her side?

  “What would Lady Penelope enjoy?” Miss Valentine murmured to herself.

  “She has a taste for horrid novels, if you must know.”

  Miss Valentine gave a squeak and jumped before wheeling around. Her deep blue eyes blinked up at him. “Lord Felding, I had no idea you were in here. I apologize for disturbing you.”

  Yes, she was a disturbance but not in a way she could begin to imagine. “I welcome the intrusion.” He stopped beside her. “Penelope is feeling better?”

  “Yes. I thought to read to her when she isn’t sleeping.”

  Miss Valentine could be out in the sleighs enjoying the outing as everyone else, yet she chose to stay by his sister’s side. He knew well enough she considered herself a servant to the family, but he didn’t wish her to think of herself in such a manner especially this visit at the Meadows. “I do hope you don’t plan on staying cooped up in your chambers for the duration of this visit.”

  She smiled sweetly. “I don’t mind.”

  Noah knew in his gut that she didn’t. Any other young woman would wish to participate and enjoy herself, but he suspected Miss Valentine would be perfectly content taking care of Penelope even if she saw it as a duty.

  “I insist you join us later this afternoon” he grinned, “Lady Meadows is planning a scavenger hunt.”

  Her blue eyes lit with excitement. Before he went off to Oxford and during his breaks from school, the entire Valentine family had spent much time in his home, or he and his sisters visited theirs, often participating in games. Miss Valentine probably enjoyed them most, often quick to guess a charade or found the most items on any scavenger hunt list.

  “She will also be assigning the teams. I can hope we are together.”

  Miss Valentine pulled back. “Why?”

  How could she even ask such a question? “Because I know the team that includes you will win.”

  A slight blush stole into her cheeks, and she turned away from him and back to the bookcase. “I will try to take part if Penelope is resting and does not need me.”

  “A maid can sit with her.”

  “It is not the same,” Miss Valentine said quietly. “Lady Penelope will need to be entertained and most maids can’t read or play games.”

  In that she was correct, but Noah needed to get Miss Valentine out of the chamber. How else would he be able to discover if it was simply physical attraction that now drew him to her or something that could be deeper?

  She lifted her hand and trailed a long, delicate finger along the spines of the books as if she were reading the titles. Noah stepped behind her and read along those on the top shelf too high for her to see. A light scent of lemon, jasmine... He closed his eyes and inhaled. Lily of the Valley! He knew that scent. He had come across it at

  Floris on Jeremy Street at few weeks ago when he was shopping for presents for his step-mother and sisters. He reasoned that all ladies liked perfumes and fragrances, but once inside and faced with all the choices, he became overwhelmed. He hadn’t anticipated choosing a perfume could be so difficult. The clerk had explained the nuances of each scent, and Noah smelled more than he ever cared to sniff again, but Lily of the Valley was the one he had been drawn to. He had not smelled it often and almost purchased a bottle for Patience. Now he was glad he hadn’t for that sweet scent would now always be associated with Miss Rosalind Valentine.

  He glanced down to the top of her auburn head. If he took on step closer, they would be touching. Or if he bent ever so slightly, he could place his lips to the delicate nape he had admired earlier. Of course, he would do neither. He wasn’t even sure if Miss Valentine could view him as anything other than another brother figure of which she already had six.

  What was he thinking? Of course he couldn’t kiss her or touch her. What kind of gentleman kissed a lady in one room and an hour later wanted to touch another woman? He knew many men who would find no fault in his desire, but they were also rakes, rogues, and gave little thought to the women they were pursuing or hearts they were breaking. Noah knew he would have to tread carefully in distancing himself from Lady Jillian before he turned his attention to considering Miss Valentine.

  As much as he wished to take her in his arms at this very moment, he tramped down the desire and focused his attention back on the titles of the books.

  * * *

  He was so close behind her that Rosalind was finding it difficult to breathe or read. Though she perused several titles on the shelf, if asked, she couldn�
�t tell you the names of any of the books. Lord Felding’s heat radiated from him warming her back, and her skin prickled with awareness. It was all she could do not to lean back into him and absorb more of his warmth. Of course, she would never do such a thing. He was simply helping her choose a book for his sister and had no idea what his closeness was doing to her.

  “Ah, this is the one.” He pulled the book from the shelves and lowered it before her.

  She took the book from him. “Love and Horror by Ircastrenisis?”

  “Have you read it?”

  “No, but I’ve heard of it.” She turned to face him and sucked in her breath. He was much closer than she realized. Half of a step, and they would be touching. She grasped the book tightly hoping he didn’t notice her slight tremor. Goodness. Nobody had ever had such affect on her person. Not even Thorn when he staggered into her that one fateful night. Ladies practically swooned when in Thorn’s presence not that he made her wish to do the same. However, Lord Felding certainly caused her knees to go weak and her breaths short. Thank goodness he did not realize what he did to her pulse, or anyone else for that matter, because she could not endure another house party where accusations were flung at her for trying to “better herself”.

  “I understand it is more of a satire of the horrid novels Penelope enjoys, but she might find it entertaining.”

  Rosalind had read very few horrid novels or novels in general. She preferred histories. “I will take it to her.” She glanced up and met his light blue eyes. “Thank you for the recommendation.”

  He stared down at her his eyes intense, jaw tight, and mouth set in a firm line. Had she displeased him somehow? Had he read her thoughts? Heat stole into her cheeks. She would surely die of mortification if Lord Felding ever suspected her feelings for him.

  “It is my pleasure,” he said a moment later his voice deep and warm washing over her entire being. She needed to get out of here before she made a cake of herself and tried to do something foolish like kiss him. What woman wouldn’t want to feel his firm lips against hers or experience his arms around her waist pulling her close?

  Rosalind fought the urge to pull at her collar as heat rose within her being as she stepped away from Lord Felding.

  He reached out and grasped her elbow. “You will join us this afternoon?”

  She gave a quick nod though she wasn’t so certain participating in games where he was involved was an intelligent choice.

  A slow smile formed on his sensuous lips, and Rosalind swallowed. “I intend to have you on my team, so I am assured we will win.”

  “It has been many years since I’ve played any games, Lord Felding.” She tried to ignore the stab of pain. He didn’t want her with him because of the same attraction that she felt but because she was competitive. Though secretly thrilled that he admired this in her, Rosalind couldn’t help but wish for more.

  “If you will excuse me, I will go read to your sister.”

  He let his hand drop and stepped back. Rosalind moved toward the door but didn’t glance over her shoulder.

  It was time to let go of her silly girlhood dreams and put Lord Felding as far from her thoughts as possible.

  She pulled the door closed behind her and moved toward the stairs. The book in her hand felt heavy though it wasn’t larger than any other of its genre. Maybe it was her heart that was heavy, and the book simply dragged her down.

  Rosalind grasped her skirts and lifted as she began to climb the stairs. Perhaps this book was what she needed to take her mind off of Lord Felding. Maybe it would keep her occupied for the duration of the visit until she retreated to the safety of the nursery of the Sandlin household. At least there she wouldn’t risk her heart being broken by unrequited love.

  When she reached the chamber, the door opened and Lady Meadows stepped out into the hall. “Miss Valentine, did you find a book?”

  “Yes, thank you.”

  “I will see you later then,” she said as she moved from the room.

  “If Lady Penelope if feeling well enough that I can leave her.”

  Lady Meadows stopped and arched an eyebrow. “She will be and if not, there are plenty who will sit with her.”

  Rosalind opened her mouth to argue, but Lady Meadows held up her hand. “Not another word or argument.” With that she turned and glided down the hall.

  With a sigh, Rosalind entered the chamber and closed the door behind her.

  “Did you find a book?” Penelope asked from where she reclined against the pillows.

  “Yes,” Rosalind answered as she moved to the chair. “You look as if you are feeling better. Some healthy color has returned to your cheeks instead of the paleness of sickness or red of fever.”

  “Goodness. I must have looked a fright,” she chuckled softly.

  “Of course not,” Rosalind insisted. She hadn’t meant to insult Penelope but simply stating facts.

  “I am sure after a fitful night and then not leaving the bed, I have looked better,” she smiled, “but, I am feeling improved. Perhaps all I need is a night of rest, and I can rejoin the others.”

  “That would be lovely.”

  “What book did you find?”

  Rosalind handed it to Penelope who frowned.

  “Your brother recommended it,” Rosalind answered quickly. “He said you enjoyed horrid novels.”

  Penelope looked up and studied Rosalind. “So that was the delay.” A grin pulled at her lips to indicate she was teasing. “I am sure Noah had a number of unpleasant comments with regard to my reading preferences.”

  “He only mentioned you preferred horrid novels, nothing else.”

  “He was in the library?”

  “Yes. Why?”

  “Lady Meadows thought he had come here.” Penelope sat forward. “Was anyone else with him?”

  “No. He was alone when I entered to the room.”

  “Good,” she explained and fell back against her pillows.

  “Why?” Rosalind sank into the chair beside the bed. It wasn’t her place to ask such a question, but she couldn’t help herself. If it was a topic regarding Lord Felding, she wanted to know everything.

  Penelope scrunched her nose in disgust. “I was afraid Lady Jillian might be with him.”

  “I think they make a lovely couple.”

  “Perhaps in appearance, but that is all.” She sighed and grasped her hands together on her lap. “Lady Jillian will not make my brother happy.”

  “You cannot know such a thing,” Rosalind insisted though she feared the same. But she was not in a position to judge anyone. Nobody would be good enough for Felding, and she was simply too jealous to be objective.

  “My brother is blinded by her beauty,” Penelope insisted. “If he heard some of the things I’ve heard the lady say, he would not give her another thought.”

  Rosalind bit her lip. Penelope had only disliked the comment Lady Jillian had made to her in the music room. Surely she couldn’t have heard anything else. She had been ill in her bed since that night.

  Rosalind turned a bright smile on Penelope. “Lady Jillian is the daughter of a duke and beautiful. I am sure Lord Felding would not pursue her if he didn’t believe they would suit.”

  “Does he strike you as that shallow?” Penelope questioned.

  “Of course not!” Rosalind was taken aback and straightened. “If he were, Lord Felding would not be friends with my brothers.” She sighed. “However, friendship and whom one chooses as a wife are two different matters entirely. One cannot do much better than the daughter of a duke.”

  Penelope snorted. “I can assure you that Noah could care less who her father is.” She tossed her hands down making the blanket lie flat again. “I just hope he sees the same side of Lady Jillian as I have before he does something foolish like ask for her hand.”

  Rosalind studied Penelope. “I don’t understand. I thought your family was anxious for Lord Felding to marry.” It wasn’t her place to ask such questions, but she could not help herself w
hen Penelope had introduced the subject. Ten or twelve years ago this conversation would not have been odd, but they were adults now. She was just a servant.

  “Oh we do. It is time he set up his nursery, but we want him happy as well.” Penelope frowned. “I know Lady Jillian will not make him so, and it would be horrible to stand by and watch him be miserable.”

  Rosalind did not know what to say nor did she have any encouraging words. “I am sure everything will work out for the best.” She opened the book. “Would you like me to read?”

  Eleven

  All of the guests were gathered in the largest parlor, and Noah leaned against the mantel of the fireplace watching the door and waiting for Miss Valentine to emerge from upstairs. If she didn’t arrive soon, he might just fetch her. Lady Jillian drew up to his side. Yesterday he would have found her attention promising, but he no longer wished to encourage her. He glanced down, and she smiled up at him.

  Had he not truly looked closely at Lady Jillian before today? Though the smile was pretty enough, hardly any warmth lingered in her eyes. There was an aloofness, and Noah wasn’t sure if it was possible for her to be warmer. So many in Society were distant, even in their relations, and it wasn’t something he wanted for himself.

  Was it because of how she had been raised? She certainly had a different upbringing than his though he was also raised to respect his title and all the duties that came with it.

  “Do you enjoy scavenger hunts?” he found himself asking.

  “I’ve never participated before.”

  “You are looking forward to it at least?”

  “Of course,” she answered with a tight smile. Noah suspected she would rather be doing anything else at the moment, but her breeding kept her from declining the invitation to participate. It would be rude to do so. The only two people who had excuses for not joining the others were Penelope, who was ill in bed, and Lady Lavins because she was blind. If Miss Valentine didn’t join the gathering, they would have odd numbers.