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

by Charles, Jane

  Rosalind glanced away. “You’ve been upset since I fell on you.”

  His hand came up and caressed her cheek. Rosalind looked up. “Please, do not think me angry with you.”

  She stared into his warm eyes. Had she read him so wrongly?

  “I am angry at Broadridge because he should have either held the ladder or climbed it.”

  Rosalind found herself smiling as relief surged through her. “I am not sure he knows how,” she giggled.

  “My thoughts exactly.” He returned her smile while his thumb brushed back and forth across her cheek. Whatever chill she possessed earlier was long gone.

  “I am also angry with myself.”

  This statement brought surprise. “Why?”

  “If I hadn’t been so intent on winning, I wouldn’t have allowed you to climb the ladder in the first place. It was wrong of me.”

  Rosalind brought her hand up and placed it so that his was blanketed between her hand and her cheek. “I was just as intent as you, and we are lucky neither of us was injured.”

  He leaned towards her. They were merely inches apart. All she had to do was rise up on her toes, and their lips would meet.

  “Please hurry, the others are returning.”

  Rosalind jerked back and looked down the stairs. Lady Jillian stood at the bottom smiling up at them. How long had she been there, and what must she think? Thankfully Felding’s hand was on the cheek away from the stairway and hopefully Lady Jillian could not see it. Such a caress would no doubt make her angrier than Felding had been earlier.

  “I’ll only be a moment.” She stepped back from Felding. She should have never stood so closely to him and most certainly should not have covered his hand with hers. It was bold and bordered on scandalous.

  Felding let his hand drop. “I will see you momentarily.” With a slight bow he turned and strode down the hall, and Rosalind made her way to the chamber she shared with Penelope. It was only two doors away from the stairs and when she reached it, she noticed the door stood ajar. Rosalind slowly pushed it open, hoping Penelope had not left her bed because it was too soon for the young woman to be up and about.

  Penelope was leaning back against the pillows, a silly grin upon her face, and Rosalind closed the door.

  “Tell me what happened.”

  “I fell from a tree and landed on Lord Felding and then rolled into the snow.”

  Penelope’s eyebrows lifted. “What were you doing in a tree?”

  “Trying to gather mistletoe,” Rosalind chuckled. Now that they were away from the situation, it was rather humorous. “I need to change and return downstairs. I’ll tell you everything when I return tonight.”

  “You had better,” Penelope insisted.

  Rosalind grabbed a fresh dress and ducked behind the screen. Ever since Felding had walked in on her this morning, she knew she would not risk being caught again. She could only hope he had forgotten.

  “How are you feeling?”

  “Almost as well as yesterday morning.”

  Rosalind peeked out from behind the screen. “Would you like me to remain with you?”

  “Of course not,” Penelope insisted. “I continued reading where you left off and when I tire, I will go to sleep.”

  “If you are certain?” She watched Penelope’s face to make sure the woman wasn’t lying to her and simply being kind. If she wanted company, Rosalind would stay even if it meant their team would lose. Surely Lady Meadows would not make them forfeit if Penelope wished Rosalind to remain with her.

  “Yes, now hurry. I am sure the others are waiting.”

  Fourteen

  Noah practically slammed the door to his chamber. Broadridge was a worthless ass, and his sister was no better. Not only were they of no help during the scavenger hunt and a danger while trying to gather Mistletoe, but when Miss Valentine fell, Lady Jillian didn’t even glance in her direction but showed only concern for him. Broadridge simply stood over her studying her as if she was an interesting specimen before helping Noah stand. It was Miss Valentine that Lady Jillian should have hovered over and who Broadridge should have helped stand. They practically treated her as if she was of no significance.

  His blood still boiled over their treatment of Miss Valentine. Even if he had still wanted to court Lady Jillian, this outing proved that she could never fit in his life. If that was the way she treated Miss Valentine, how did they treat their servants? He was just as certain he did not want Broadridge as a brother-in-law, dukedom or not.

  He pulled off his coat, waistcoat, boots, and breeches and tossed them into a pile. There was a slight chill to the room, and he shivered as he strode to the armoire to gather new clothing.

  At least Miss Valentine was not injured, and that was really what was most important. Noah wasn’t sure he could have forgiven himself if she had been. He should have never allowed her to climb the ladder.

  What had he been thinking?

  He stood before the fire and pulled on his clothing. The only bright spot on the disaster was when she landed on him. Her soft form molded about him, and the snow cushioned his back. He could have easily lay there for several moments with her legs tangled with his, and her breasts pushed against his chest. His arms had automatically gone around her, and it was all he could do not to pull her tightly against him, roll them both so that he was over her, and then kiss her. Had they been alone, that is precisely what he could have done.

  Walking to the mirror, Noah tied the cravat around his neck. It wasn’t as neat as what his valet would produce, but it didn’t matter. This was not a formal event and if he could, he would go without the cravat altogether. The things were a nuisance.

  He settled into a chair and pulled on a dry pair of boots glad that he had thought to bring a second pair with him.

  With a sigh he settled back against the cushions. Under the tree wasn’t the only place he could have kissed Miss Valentine but at the top of the stairs as well. He was just about to when Lady Jillian called up to them. Had she arrived but a moment later, she would have found the two of them locked in an embrace. At least that was what he wanted when Miss Valentine had placed her hand over his. Thank goodness he hadn’t, or Miss Valentine could have been ruined at yet another house party, and he would be to blame.

  He stood and shook the wrinkles from his clothes and strode for the door.

  Except in this case, if Miss Valentine found herself ruined, he would gladly marry her.

  Noah paused as that thought settled. Yes, he would happily marry Miss Valentine, and the idea didn’t unsettle him in the least. Then again, a few days ago he thought he could be content married to Lady Jillian.

  The idea continued to churn in his mind as he exited his chamber at the same moment as Miss Valentine. She had changed into a light blue gown which made her sapphire eyes all the darker and enhanced the rose of her cheeks. She was lovely indeed.

  “Shall we join the others?” He offered his arm.

  With a slight smile, she slid her hand into the crook of his arm, and they descended the stairs and returned to the gathering.

  Lady Meadows stood at the end of the room with a list, and Lady Jillian beckoned Noah and Miss Valentine to where she and her brother were. The basket sat on the floor at her feet.

  “Whoever has gathered the most correct items will be our winners,” Lady Meadows announced. “For the gentlemen, it will be a bottle of brandy. For the ladies, a comb.” She held the list up to read. “The items are either the King of Hearts or King of Diamonds, a comb, a quill, a toy soldier, yellow ribbon, mistletoe.” She looked up from her list and looked towards Noah and Miss Valentine. “In hindsight that was probably not the best option.”

  “We retrieved mistletoe,” Mr. Parker announced.

  “You also returned too late,” Lord Meadows laughed.

  “The last item was The Complete Fairytales by Charles Perrault,” Lady Meadows grinned. “In French.”

  Lady Jillian jumped to her feet. “We have everything but
the mistletoe,” she said proudly as if she had been an active participant in the contest.

  “As there is only one copy of the book in this house, that would make you the winners,” Lord Meadows announced holding up two bottles of brandy.

  Noah walked forward and accepted his as did Broadridge.

  As he returned to his place in the room, Noah considered he might just be drinking from it tonight once he was alone in his chamber. There were many things he needed to consider with most of his thoughts settled on Miss Valentine.

  Lady Jillian marched across the room and accepted the hair comb from Lady Meadows as did Miss Valentine. Where Lady Jillian simply glanced at it before slipping it into a pocket, Lady Valentine, sweetly thanked Lady Meadows and cradled the prized as if it were gold.

  Though the comb wasn’t jewel incrusted like the one Lady Jillian had offered for their use earlier in the day, it was adorned rather prettily and would look lovely in Miss Valentine’s auburn tresses. She wore her hair pulled away from her face most of the time and should have silver combs with sapphires to match her eyes and diamonds that sparkled in the candlelight.

  * * *

  Rosalind studied the comb after she returned to her seat. It was silver with delicate and intricately carved flowers at the top. She had never owned anything so lovely and would keep it in a safe place only to be worn with her best dresses and on special occasions. She couldn’t wait to show it to her sisters and had no doubt they would wish to borrow it on occasion perhaps when they attended assemblies at home. As Rosalind would not be attending any herself, possibly she should gift it to the next sister, Isabella, if she promised to share it with her sisters when the occasion called for it. As Rosalind didn’t anticipate any change in her profession, she had no reason to wear such a lovely object while attending four-year-old twins.

  The guests began to mill about and gathered into small groups. It would be supper time soon, and no further activities had been planned. Lady Jillian had moved to a place on the settee near Lord Felding, and Broadridge came to her side.

  “I hope you are uninjured from this afternoon,” he asked with concern.

  This was the first time the man had engaged her in conversation since their first introduction. “I am unharmed,” Rosalind smiled up at him.

  “It was rather impressive how you determined which each clue meant.”

  Rosalind blushed and glanced away embarrassed by the compliment. “I’ve played many games with my siblings and am rather competitive.”

  “So I noticed,” he chuckled. “I do hope that if there are more games as such, we can be partnered. I could learn much from you, Miss Valentine.”

  She wasn’t sure what to say to the odd compliment. The clues were not that difficult to decipher. Had the gentleman never played a game before? “What games do you enjoy, Lord Broadridge?”

  His brow puckered with a frown. “I’ve never played many parlor games,” he admitted after a moment. “I am not sure I enjoy them.”

  He certainly didn’t seem to enjoy the scavenger hunt, but perhaps he just wasn’t sure how to go about it. “Hopefully you will enjoy the rest of the entertainments Lady Meadows has planned.”

  He smiled down at her his green eyes darkening. “I am sure I will if you are my partner,” he said in a low tone.

  Goodness! Whatever did he mean by that? Was it because he decided she was good with games, or was there more meaning behind his words.

  She glanced over to where Lord Felding sat beside Lady Jillian. Neither was speaking to the other nor were they conversing with others. Felding’s jaw was tight, and his body ridged. Odd, she would have thought him to be more relaxed around the lady he was intent on courting. Lady Jillian, on the other hand, seemed quite comfortable and revealed a smug smile as she glanced at Felding beneath her eyelashes.

  “Felding has shown an interest in my sister,” Broadridge whispered in Rosalind’s ear.

  Rosalind didn’t need to be reminded but forced a smile.

  “I anticipate Felding will be seeking me out very shortly asking to court Jillian.”

  Rosalind was rather surprised Felding had not already sought permission. His main focus for this holiday was to begin a courtship, wasn’t it? “I wish them happy.”

  The events that were transpiring should not be a surprise, and if Rosalind thought she was prepared for this outcome, she was not. She had let herself forget that Felding was meant for Lady Jillian while they were on the scavenger hunt today. She should have never come to this house party and insisted on remaining at the Sandlin home. Lady Penelope did not need her and all this visit had accomplished was to make her want Felding more. Goodness, in the library today all she wanted to do was kiss him. And the same thing had occurred when they had gone upstairs, and he expressed his displeasure in the lack of assistance from Lady Jillian and her brother.

  Felding would never think of her as anything more than a servant or sister of a friend. She was someone he had known a good portion of her life while she only fell further in love with him the more they were in each other’s company.

  Weariness came over her, and Rosalind wasn’t sure she could endure the rest of the night with a smile on her face. Her heart ached too much.

  Why should she remain? Penelope’s health was improving but would not leave her bed until tomorrow. Rosalind should not leave her alone for the evening.

  She smiled up at Lord Broadridge. “Please excuse me. I must speak with Lady Meadows.” With that she crossed the room and requested that when supper was served that a tray be delivered to the chamber for both her and Penelope.

  “You won’t be joining us this evening?” Lady Meadows asked with a frown.

  “Though I wish to, I think I shall rest. Falling from the tree seemed to have taken a bit out of me,” she laughed lightly. It was the only excuse Rosalind could come up with though she was suffering no ill-effects from the fall.

  Lady Meadow’s eyebrows rose in alarm. “I thought you were unhurt?”

  “I am,” Rosalind quickly assured her. “Perhaps a bit sore, but I will recover and be fine tomorrow. However, tonight I would like to rest, and since Penelope is feeling better, I am sure she would like the company.”

  “Of course, but do let me know if you need anything.”

  “I will,” Rosalind assured her then turned toward the door. She glanced back one last time to Felding and Lady Jillian. His eyes were on her, and Lady Jillian was watching Felding. He should be more attentive to the lady if he intended on making her his wife.

  The mere thought was painful, and Rosalind turned and left the room. The two would probably be married before spring, and she would just have to come to terms with her own feelings and accept that Felding would never be hers. She always knew such would be the case, but that didn’t mean she wanted to see him with another.

  When she entered the chamber, Penelope was resting against pillows reading and glanced up in surprise. “Why are you here and not at supper?”

  “I am going to dine with you tonight.”

  Penelope frowned. “You should be with the others.”

  Rosalind sighed. “If it is all the same to you, I would rather be away from them for the rest of the evening.”

  Penelope closed the book and looked at her with concern.

  “I am tired.”

  “Are you sure there isn’t something more?” Penelope asked with suspicion.

  Rosaline would love to confide in the young woman, but as Felding was her older brother, she didn’t dare. It was best nobody knew what lay in her heart. “I promise there is no other reason.” She settled into the chair beside the window.

  Penelope still studied her, and Rosalind prayed Penelope didn’t suspect the truth or question her further.

  They were interrupted by a scratch at the door, and Rosalind rose to answer it. It was a maid carrying a tray with their meal which Rosalind directed her to place on the table. “I will serve Lady Penelope,” Rosalind instructed. The maid bobbed a curtse
y and withdrew from the room.

  Penelope pushed the covers back and rose from the bed. After she had put on her wrap, she made her way to the table.

  “Should you be out of bed?”

  “I am recovered,” Penelope assured her. “The doctor was correct that this illness goes as quickly as it arrives.” She drew a chair up to the table and sat opposite of where Rosalind stood. “Sit. I am famished.”

  As the two ate, Rosalind explained in more detail the events of the day and how her fall from the tree had come about. Despite her personal feelings with regard to the lack of assistance from Lord Broadridge and Lady Jillian, she was very careful not to say anything disparaging about the two.

  “Lord Broadridge expects Lord Felding to ask permission to officially court Lady Jillian after the first of the year,” Rosalind finally said.

  Penelope frowned. “It is a good thing I am leaving bed tomorrow.” She pursed her lips and leaned back into the chair. “I need to spend time with Lady Jillian and have a word with my brother before he makes a colossal mistake.”

  “I know you don’t care for her,” Rosalind said. “Perhaps after you get to know her better, you will feel differently.”

  “I highly doubt the possibility,” Penelope insisted before lifting the glass of wine.

  After they were finished eating, Rosalind insisted that Penelope return to bed before she took another chill and piled the used plates back onto the tray. When a scratch came at the door, she assumed it was a maid to gather their dishes. Instead she found her brother in the hall.

  “Demetrius, is something amiss?”

  “I wanted to check on you. Lady Meadows indicated you were not feeling your best.”

  “I am simply tired,” she assured him.

  He narrowed his eyes on her. “I think it is more.”

  What could he possibly know or think. “I am fine.”

  “Walk with me,” he suggested.

  Rosalind glanced back to Penelope.

  “We can’t talk here, and I think it is time for a discussion,” he insisted.

  Her heart in her throat, Rosalind stepped into the hall and closed the door. “What would you like to discuss?”