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

by Charles, Jane

  He glanced down the hall and then in the opposite direction. “Come with me.” He grasped her hand and led her to a set of stairs leading down to the second floor. At the landing, they turned away from the parlor and toward a section of the house she had not visited not even when they were on a scavenger hunt. At the turn at the end of the hall, they entered a gallery. Along the gold papered walls were portraits of ancestors dating back over a hundred years. Demetrius led her to a set of chairs along the center wall and sat.

  “What is bothering you?”

  She straightened and looked at him. “Nothing,” she insisted.

  Demetrius narrowed his eyes. “I know you too well, Rosey,” he insisted. “Something has upset you, and I want to know what.” He reached across, grasped her hand, and gave it a gentle squeeze.

  It was all she could do not to blurt out her feelings for Felding, but her brother would think her ten times a fool if she confessed. “I don’t belong here, Demetrius.”

  “Neither do I,” he chuckled. “But they don’t know that. They accept us for what they see, and it should be kept that way.”

  “Exactly,” she agreed and leaned forward. “You are a barrister, and I am so proud of you.” Her shoulders slumped. “But I am a nurse maid. A servant.”

  “You are also my sister.” His eyes bore into hers.

  “That doesn’t mean I belong.”

  Demetrius leaned back and studied her. “There is something else bothering you.” It wasn’t a question but a statement.

  “Nothing that won’t be solved once I return to the Sandlin nursery.”

  Demetrius snorted. “That all depends on if Felding marries Lady Jillian or not doesn’t it.”

  Her eyes widened, and her mouth popped open. How did he know?

  “I’ve been watching you, Rosey.” He leaned forward again. “I’ve also seen how Felding looks at you, and he no longer holds Lady Jillian in high regard.”

  Hope surged, but she quickly squelched it. “I am no longer sixteen and believing myself in love,” she defended. She had been foolish to ever have made such a confession to Demetrius so long ago. At least he hadn’t laughed at her but assured her she would change her mind one day. She hadn’t. “Besides, it doesn’t matter, and it is best forgotten.” She straightened her skirts. “I will not wish for the impossible.” She turned to look at Demetrius. “Because we both know it is impossible.”

  He smiled sadly at her. “Unfortunately, I do.” He took a deep breath and sighed. “I just hope Felding retains his good sense and does not marry Lady Jillian. She will make his life miserable.”

  A small smile pulled at her lips. “In that I agree completely.”

  Fifteen

  Noah chose not to hunt this morning and remained in bed. It had been a late night, and he had indulged in too much brandy after the ladies had retired.

  What to do about Lady Jillian? Last night she had insisted on partnering him in Whist. Thank goodness they weren’t playing with real money, or he would be broke. Noah didn’t mind losing at a game of cards, but some of the cards she played made no sense. He wondered if she even understood the game. When they weren’t playing cards, she was constantly at his side and if he didn’t know any better, he would think they were attached. Meadows and their closest male friends eyed him with a mixture of speculation and humor. Noah was sure they wished to question him about his intentions, but Broadridge had remained with them until the night came to an end.

  It has been a long tedious evening made worse by the absence of Miss Valentine. Why had she remained away? Was she simply tired or was she suffering from her fall? She claimed to have not been injured nor was she limping, but was she trying to hide pain? She had taken a hard fall, and the snow may have been softer than his body. Though his intention had been to catch her, it just didn’t work out as he intended.

  Noah almost stopped and checked on Rosalind on his way to his chamber last evening and even had the ready excuse to see if his sister was feeling better, but the hour was so late by the time he climbed the stairs that Noah feared waking Penelope or Rosalind. Instead, he had gone onto his room, shut the door, and opened the bottle of brandy he had won.

  Lady Jillian’s possessiveness of him was about to drive him to Bedlam. He should have never kissed her because apparently she assumed they were now courting. She had staked her claim, and Noah didn’t like it one bit. But how should he go about discouraging Lady Jillian without hurting her feelings? Certainly, she hadn’t come to care for him in such a short time.

  Noah slowly dressed for the day trying to decide how best he could go about discouraging Lady Jillian or at the very least avoiding her from being in his pocket for the remainder of the visit. There were only three days left but if Lady Jillian insisted on being with him constantly, this holiday would feel like a year.

  On his way to the breakfast room, Noah stopped by Penelope’s chamber. He wanted to see how she was feeling today and also to make sure that Miss Valentine wasn’t going to hide away in the room. He knocked several times but when there was no answer, Noah slowly opened the door hoping he didn’t find Miss Valentine in a state of undress again. Not that he would mind seeing her as such, Noah simply didn’t wish to embarrass the young woman.

  The room was empty, and the bed had already been made up. Apparently his sister felt well enough to return to the house party, and Noah’s mood lightened immediately. He could insist on remaining at his sister’s side to assure himself of her health. By Penelope’s side would also be Miss Valentine, and he could converse without anyone remarking upon it. Hopefully, Lady Jillian would grow bored with his attention to Penelope and find someone else to entertain her.

  In fact, he might just question his sister with regard to Lady Jillian and Miss Valentine as long as she swore never to reveal his thoughts.

  He grumbled under his breath. If he said anything to Penelope, Noah might as well be having the discussion with Phoebe, Patience, and Phillipa. None of them ever kept a secret from the other, and he certainly didn’t want them speculating on any relationship between him and Miss Valentine when he wasn’t even sure if one would develop.

  Noah paused at the entrance to the breakfast room and studied those who had gathered. Thankfully, Lady Jillian was not present, and Penelope and Miss Valentine were already seated. He filled his plate with a variety of breakfast foods and found a seat beside his sister.

  “How are you feeling?” He studied Penelope to make sure she was feeling well enough to be up and about.

  She smiled brightly at him. “I feel as if I was never ill to begin with.”

  Her color was normal, and Penelope didn’t appear to be in any distress. Noah put his concern aside though he would watch so she didn’t tire herself.

  Noah wished to ask Miss Valentine how she was this morning, but she sat on the other side of Penelope, and it was rude to talk over his sister. If they were in their own home, with his sisters, Noah would have made the enquiry but would not here.

  Movement at the entry to the breakfast room drew his attention. Lady Jillian stood in the center and glanced from one occupant to the other. When she finally saw him, she smiled brightly. Noah simply nodded and began eating as quickly as politely possible.

  His sister placed her utensils at the side of her plate as did Miss Valentine. The two were already finished with their meal, and Noah hoped the two would linger until he was done so that he wasn’t left alone with Lady Jillian. Why hadn’t he taken the seat beside Miss Valentine? There would have been no empty seat beside him, unlike now. If someone didn’t sit there, he didn’t doubt Lady Jillian would.

  His sister and Miss Valentine sipped tea and talked quietly while Noah continued to eat covertly watching Lady Jillian fill her plate. He glanced away when she began to turn and held his breath. As he feared, she approached the empty chair beside him. Noah stood and held it out for her before the footman could pull away from the wall. It was only the polite thing to do.

  “Thank you,” sh
e smiled sweetly at him. Noah didn’t notice the lips as much as he did her eyes. There was a confidence about Lady Jillian as if she was assured of her place in his life.

  Noah returned to his seat and directed his attention back to the food on his plate. He should inquire after her health or at least greet her, but Noah feared any attention he showed would only encourage her further. He took a quick sip of his coffee; his appetite was now gone. Penelope and Miss Valentine both moved to leave the table. Before a footman could come forward, Noah was pulling their chairs out and offered his arm to his sister.

  “Are you leaving so soon, Lord Felding?” Lady Jillian inquired with a frown.

  “I wish to spend time with my sister,” he answered and stepped back to allow Miss Valentine to pass and then escorted Penelope from the room.

  Miss Valentine stopped and turned to them. “If you don’t mind, Penelope, I think I will walk outside. I would enjoy the fresh air.” She glanced at Noah. “However, if Lord Felding wishes to be somewhere else, I can stay by your side.”

  “Go on, Rosalind,” Penelope insisted. “I know how you love to be out of doors.” She glanced out the window beside the door and sighed. “I just wish I could join you.”

  “Not after being ill,” Noah warned.

  “I said I wished not that I would,” Penelope retorted.

  Noah turned to Miss Valentine. “Enjoy your walk.”

  In truth, he wished to be with Miss Valentine but did not want to leave Penelope alone until she was settled.

  Noah guided his sister into the parlor where a few other guests had gathered. The chatted quietly amongst themselves, but Penelope nodded to a sitting area across the room away from everyone else. His sister settled into a chair, and Noah took the one beside her.

  “Are you still intent on pursuing Lady Jillian?” Penelope whispered.

  “No,” Noah said equally quiet. He did not need for anyone else to overhear their discussion as it would only lead to gossip and by the way Lady Jillian was always by his side, no doubt gossip had already begun.

  “Thank goodness,” Penelope sighed.

  Startled by her response, Noah straightened. “You do not care for her?”

  “Not in the least,” Penelope almost hissed. “Once we are home, I will share with you some of the things I have overheard.”

  He narrowed his eyes on her. “If it is gossip, I don’t wish to hear it.”

  “I wish it was as simple as that. What I overheard was the lady speaking herself, and she is not for you.” Penelope leaned in further. “If you had said you intended to ask for her, I would be insisting on a private word away from everyone else.”

  This intrigued Noah, but he could wait to ask after they were home. As he had no intention of offering for Lady Jillian, it wasn’t necessary that he know his sister’s objections right now.

  “However, there is one particular miss I would not mind you pursuing.”

  Noah pulled back and studied his sister. Was Penelope going to be playing matchmaker now? She had tried during her first two Seasons to no avail, and he was able to put her off. However, now he was curious as there was only a handful of available women who were guests unless Penelope was thinking of someone from the last season.

  She arched a brow and laughed lightly. “Do you really not know who I refer to?”

  Noah shook his head not sure if he wanted to even ask.

  Penelope rolled her eyes. “Men are so dense.” She leaned in. “Rosalind,” she whispered.

  He narrowed his eyes. Had his interest shown somehow? If so, had others noticed? Was that why Lady Jillian was so possessive? “She is a family friend.”

  His sister snorted. “I am not a fool.” She glanced about the room before looking at her brother again. “I suggest this would be a good time to take a walk while Lady Jillian is occupied with her breakfast.”

  Penelope was practically pushing him after Miss Valentine not that he needed any encouragement. “I shouldn’t leave you alone.”

  “I am recovered and nothing is going to happen to me in a room full of other guests.”

  Noah still didn’t rise.

  “Go on,” she ordered. “I promise not to leave this room, or even this chair, until you return.”

  He knew she would be fine without him, and Noah had been overly concerned when he first insisted she have a chaperone. However, it turned out to be the best decision and not because Penelope actually needed anyone.

  Demetrius entered the room and glanced around.

  Noah stood and motioned him over.

  “Have you seen Rosalind,” Demetrius inquired.

  “She is taking a stroll outside,” Penelope answered.

  “I should go be with her,” Demetrius began to turn.

  “Please don’t,” Penelope begged. “If you are concerned, Noah was just saying he wanted fresh air and since I cannot be out, I would enjoy your company.”

  His sister was manipulating the situation so he could spend time with Miss Valentine. “If you don’t mind” Noah added.

  “Of course not,” Demetrius agreed.

  “It has been ages since we talked,” Penelope said as soon as Demetrius was seated. “You must tell me about the courts.”

  Noah stalked away hoping that was all his sister decided to discuss with his friend and prayed she didn’t bring Demetrius in on her matchmaking scheme.

  * * *

  Rosalind stepped outside and took a deep breath. It was good to be out of the manor. Too many hours inside put her on edge especially when surrounded by people she did not know in a strange house. She wandered down one of the paths that had been cleared though she couldn’t go very far unless she stepped into the snow. It was deep enough to come to her calf and as much as Rosalind wished to walk further, she did not relish the idea of snow falling inside of her boots.

  “It isn’t as cold as I thought it would be.”

  Rosalind turned to find Lord Felding striding toward her. What was he doing out here? “Does Penelope need me?”

  He chuckled. “No, your brother is keeping her company, and I thought to join you on your walk.”

  Rosalind’s heart hitched. Why would Felding wish to walk with her? She glanced past him, but nobody else had come out of the house. Why wasn’t he walking, visiting, or sitting with Lady Jillian? He was supposed to be courting her.

  Felding paused beside Rosalind but did not offer his arm. So, he just wished to join her not escort her? If she were Lady Jillian, he would offer his arm. But, he was courting Lady Jillian not her.

  They turned at the small bend in the path. Felding had his hands linked behind his back, and Rosalind shoved hers inside pockets. “I wish we received snow like this at home,” Rosalind said wistfully. What else could she discuss with Felding besides the weather? It was a bit unsettling that he joined her, and she certainly wasn’t prepared to speak with him on any subject. As a child, she never had any problems talking to him, but the infatuation that came upon her at the age of fifteen left her self-conscious and reluctant to speak unless they were involved in a game such as yesterday.

  “As do I,” he agreed.

  She glanced up at Felding from beneath her lashes. “The twins are old enough to play outside now. Hopefully we will have snow after I return.”

  He grinned. “They will have a grand time I am sure.”

  “Lord Felding, Miss Valentine, I didn’t realize you were out here.”

  Rosalind glanced up and toward the voice calling to them. “Lady Jillian and her brother were walking toward them from the opposite direction. That was why Felding had joined her. He knew Lady Jillian was out with her brother and hoped to come across them. Though it hurt that he would use her in such a way, no doubt had it been Penelope outside he would have done the same. He probably thought of her no differently than he would one of this sisters. Rosalind forced a smile and tried to bury the disappointment.

  The brother and sister paused before them. “I thought you did not like the cold or snow.�
� Felding directed his comment to Lady Jillian.

  Rosalind glanced at him. The smile he had revealed earlier when discussing the twins was replaced with one that could only be described as polite. Had she been wrong? Was Felding not trying to find an opportunity to spend time with Lady Jillian?

  She laughed. “Broadridge insisted I join him outside and said I would enjoy myself.”

  Broadridge? Did she not call her brother by his name? Or, did she only address him by his title when with others outside of the family?

  “I dare say he is correct. It is a lovely day and not too cold.” She stepped forward and linked her arm with Lord Felding’s. Rosalind stepped quickly back before she was forced to the side and into the snow.

  Felding’s jaw tightened and a muscle ticked in his cheek. Did Rosalind have it so completely wrong? Was Felding no longer interested in Lady Jillian? The expression in his eyes was anything but joyful.

  “Allow me, Miss Valentine.” Broadridge offered his arm.

  She eyed it for a moment and then slipped her gloved hand into the crook of his elbow. “My sister may not enjoy being outside in the winter, but I do,” he said.

  “As do I, Lord Broadridge.” Rosalind smiled up at him hoping the confusion of this situation and her thoughts did not show on her face.

  Lady Jillian turned and led Felding down the path the way they had just come, and Broadridge escorted Rosalind after them.

  “Did you play in the snow much as a child?” Broadridge asked her.

  “When we were given the opportunity,” Rosalind responded. “Did you, my lord?”

  “Not often.” His chuckle made the skin crinkle around his eyes. Lord Broadridge was a handsome gentleman and didn’t appear as stuffy as he had the day before when he didn’t wish to even hold a ladder let alone climb it. Not that it mattered what she thought of him or what Broadridge thought of her. He was simply offering an escort because his sister was now with Felding. Any other gentleman would have done the same.