“I am sure it will be better before I retire tonight.”
A large, far from warm smile formed on Lady Jillian’s lips. “That is nice to know though I don’t know what possessed you to act in such a hoydenish manner.”
Miss Valentine lifted an eyebrow and answered. “Because it was fun.”
Broadridge laughed and settled in the vacant seat Noah had planned on taking. Mentally Noah cursed and wished the brother and sister had not been invited. It was his fault they were here. When Meadows suggested them, then crossed the names from the list because he wasn’t sure they would fit well with the others, it had been Noah who insisted they be included. That was when he thought he wanted Lady Jillian. He would rather remain a bachelor and risk the title going to a distant relative than marry her.
He looked over at Rosalind who didn’t even blink when Lady Jillian vaguely insulted her and knew, in his gut, that Rosalind was the one he wanted to marry.
“Lady Meadows has tea, chocolate, cakes, and biscuits,” Lady Jillian said, turning way from Rosalind. “Let’s get you something warm to drink, Lord Felding. You must surely still be cold after your outing.”
Noah glanced back over his shoulder. “Could I get you something, Miss Valentine?”
Before she could answer, Broadridge stood. “I will see that she has a cup of chocolate.” He rushed past Noah and Lady Jillian stopping before the two maids who were pouring and filling plates. Why was Broadridge suddenly interested in Rosalind?
* * *
Rosalind hoped she hid her disappointment of no longer being in Felding’s arms when he settled her in the chair nor did she wish to reveal the stab of pain at seeing Lady Jillian claim Felding’s arm. They were perfect for each other in status and appearance no matter how much she wished to deny the truth. They practically moved as one as Felding escorted her across the room to the tea cart. Would her heart ever stop yearning for Felding, or would she spend all of her days wishing for someone who could never be hers?
It would be even harder to put him from her heart and mind now that he had kissed her.
Broadridge returned and set a plate of biscuits on the table and handed her a cup of chocolate.
“Thank you.” She smiled up at him.
“It was my pleasure,” Broadridge responded and settled into the chair on the other side of the small table. He crossed his legs as men often do in polite company and sipped from his cup. The pinky on his right hand rose straight and proud while the remaining fingers grasped the handle. So, this was how a future duke took his tea. She couldn’t recall Felding, or any gentlemen of her acquaintance, sipping tea in such a manner.
Steamed rolled off the top of her chocolate, and Rosalind breathed in deeply. As a child, she wasn’t certain if it was the play in the snow or the treats afterward that she enjoyed most. There was no such confusion today.
She took a sip and glanced at the gathering over the rim of her cup. Most were seated, but Lady Jillian had led Felding across the room. She held a teacup in one hand while her other arm remained linked at his elbow. Today the play had been the best because she had been with Felding. There wasn’t much joy in the chocolate as she had to watch him court another while she sipped it.
“I was rather impressed with your aim, Miss Valentine,” Broadridge said to her drawing Rosalind’s attention away from Felding and Lady Jillian.
She arched a brow in question, and she set the cup back in the saucer she held on her lap.
“Most women do not know how to throw at least with any accurate aim.”
Laughter bubbled up in her. “When one has six brothers, one learns quickly if she wishes to defend herself.”
“Yes, well, I suppose.” He took a quick sip. “I would have never hit my sister with a snowball or anything else.”
A smiled pulled at Rosalind’s lips. “You weren’t even tempted once when she was a child?”
The gentleman straightened and blanched. “Heaven’s no.” He sighed and looked over to Lady Jillian. “She was such a frail thing. I would have hated to have hurt her in some way.”
Rosalind followed his line of vision. Lady Jillian was rather dainty with the exception of her breasts. Even the best modiste and demure bodice could not hide the voluptuous form. Is that what attracted Felding the most? She had overheard her brothers speaking on more than one occasion about the anatomy of women. They didn’t know she was about, of course. And, it was usually late at night while they helped themselves to uncle’s brandy. They must have assumed everyone was asleep, but too often Rosalind was in the library where she spent many hours reading and would often fall asleep in there only to be awakened by their guffaws and snorts. What she never understood was why men liked ladies breasts. They served no real purpose except for feeding babes.
“Lady Jillian is a dainty young woman,” Rosalind finally said.
“She and Felding do make a striking couple,” Broadridge said as he watched after the couple. “I am certain my father will grant Felding’s request.”
Her heart stilled for a moment, and Rosalind turned more fully toward Broadridge. “Request?”
“Oh dear.” He placed the teacup back in the saucer and placed it on the table before leaning closer. “I really shouldn’t have said anything, but I assumed you knew.”
“Perhaps I do,” Rosalind said quietly. She was just as certain she didn’t, but he might tell her something she did already know. So in that case, it wasn’t so much of a lie.
“As you are close friends with the family, surely you are aware that Felding intends to ask for my sister.”
Her chest tightened and for a moment Rosalind feared she might not be able to breathe. She couldn’t speak nor could she think. All she could do was nod hoping he would take that as her having already known Felding’s plans.
“Though we should say nothing, I am sure you understand.”
“Oh, of course,” Rosalind managed to get out.
Broadridge picked up his cup and turned in his seat once again and watched those in the room. More importantly he kept an eye on his sister. Rosalind found herself doing the same except it was Felding she looked at. Though Lady Jillian had her arm linked with his, as was often the case since her arrival, neither was speaking to the other. Lady Jillian smiled prettily and smugly, but Felding could only be described as stoic and sober. If he was not happy to be beside Lady Jillian, why was he going to marry her?
Felding glanced in her direction, and their eyes locked for a moment. His were dark and intense. Why had he kissed her today when he was intent on marrying another?
Rosalind swallowed and looked away. She couldn’t be in the room now. She couldn’t be anywhere near Felding. If she sat here much longer, she just might cry. The ache began deep and the more she tried to ignore it, the stronger it became. He was marrying another. Even though it shouldn’t be a surprise, it would have been easier to accept if she hadn’t fallen onto his lap today and allowed him to thoroughly kiss her.
Tears stung her eyes. She needed to get out of the room
Rosalind placed her cup and saucer on the table and stood immediately regretting the action. She had forgotten about her ankle. Though it didn’t pain her much, putting her full weight on it was not a pleasant experience. She glanced up. Felding moved in her direction his brow etched with worry.
Lady Jillian held tight to his arm and said. “Mr. Valentine, I believe your sister needs your assistance.”
Demetrius’ head jerked up from the discussion he was having with Mr. Parker and came to Rosalind’s side. “What is wrong?”
“My ankle is sorer than I realized,” she whispered. “I think I would like to go upstairs and lie down for a bit.”
“Of course.” He slid his hand about her waist and helped her walk from the room though it was more of a limp. When they reached the stairs Rosalind groaned. Her ankle would be throbbing by the time she got to the next floor.
Demetrius bent and picked her up, much as he had done when she was a child, and ca
rried her to her room. She hated this weakness and needing to rely on others unless if it was Felding carrying her. She wouldn’t have minded in the least. That was another matter entirely, however, and she could never allow him to do so again.
Her brother placed her on the side of the bed and stood over her. “Do you need to see a doctor?”
“No, I think I just need to remain off of it for the night.” With any luck, Rosalind could claim it was too tender for the remainder of the stay and not have to see Felding and Lady Jillian together. Lying in bed and crying her eyes out for a few days suited her perfectly.
Nineteen
Noah wanted to go after Rosalind. Her face was pale, mouth pinched, and eyes dark with pain. He should have insisted she rest and stay off of her ankle, and it was clearly more painful than she let on. Lady Jillian kept him from doing as he wished by the hold on his arm. He could have yanked it away from her but didn’t wish to cause a scene.
He tried to relax. Perhaps it was best that Demetrius carried her upstairs. Had Noah done so, he might not have returned to the gathering but remained with Rosalind in the intimate bedroom just the two of them. That would never do because he wasn’t sure he could control his desire enough not to kiss her again. And if he started kissing her while she lay in bed, it would be too easy to simply disrobe and make love to her.
He shouldn’t have even kissed her and certainly not with such passion.
His body warmed at the memory, and he glanced down at the lady clinging to his arm. Whatever possessed him to think Lady Jillian would be an acceptable wife?
Demetrius returned a moment later. “If you will excuse me, Lady Jillian, I need to speak with Mr. Valentine.”
She smiled up at him, and her eyes hardened. What warmth that developed from the memory of Rosalind’s kiss quickly chilled.
“I will accompany you,” she offered with a false smile.
He stared at her dumbfounded. When a person excused themselves, the other person remained behind. If anyone was knowledgeable about etiquette, it was Lady Jillian.
“I will only be a moment,” he insisted.
“I don’t mind.”
Was the woman mad?
Instead of arguing, Noah led her across the room to Demetrius. “How is Miss Valentine?”
Demetrius thrust his fingers through his hair. “Her ankle pains her but she will recover.”
“Are you certain she doesn’t need a doctor?” Noah demanded.
Lady Jillian stiffened and Demetrius looked at him with surprise. Perhaps he should have kept his tone more conversational.
“If Rosalind believes she needs one, she will let me know.”
“See, she will be fine,” Lady Jillian insisted. “It is kind of you to be concerned about your friend’s sister.”
Rosalind was far more than simply Demetrius’ sister, but Noah didn’t dare voice those thoughts to Lady Jillian. Perhaps he should, and maybe she would let go of his blasted arm.
“Noah,” Penelope said as she drew up to him. “Could I have a moment of your time?”
He breathed out a sigh of relief. His sister was here to rescue him.
“How are you this evening, Lady Penelope,” Lady Jillian greeted. “That gown is lovely on you.”
“Thank you,” she replied. “If you wouldn’t mind, I need to speak with my brother. Alone.”
The false smile slipped from Lady Jillian’s lips and the hold on Noah’s arm loosened giving him the opportunity to slip free. “I am sure Mr. Valentine will be pleased to keep you company in my absence,” Noah said and executed a bow before turning to his sister and held out an arm. “After you.”
Noah followed his sister from the parlor and down the wide hall and into Meadows library. She studied the room and looked around, and Noah assumed she wanted to be assured they were alone before she shut the door.
Penelope had encouraged him to go after Rosalind earlier. Did his sister really wish for him to make a match with Rosalind? What of his other sisters and step-mother? Would they wish to have Rosalind in the family?’
He thrust his fingers threw his hair already knowing the answer. They had adored Rosalind when they were children and no doubt still did. He could not think of a better person to make his wife.
But what did Rosalind think of him? He must have shocked her this afternoon when he kissed her, but Noah couldn’t have let an opportunity such as that pass him by.
He narrowed his eyes on Penelope as she circled the room checking behind furniture. Should he ask for her help? Would she be able to use the opportunity of sharing a chamber with Rosalind to find out how she felt about him?
No. It was best neither Penelope nor any of his sisters know what he was considering. They would only make his pursuit more difficult by interfering though they would call it being helpful.
Penelope stopped in the center of the room and speared him with a glance.
“You don’t really mean to offer for her, do you?” Penelope demanded with fists planted on her hips.
Surely Penelope didn’t know about what happened between him and Rosalind did she? How could she? Penelope had been in the house with the others.
Noah tilted his head and studied her. “I am surprised you would have an objection.” The Valentines had been friends of the family for years, and Penelope had wanted him to walk with Rosalind earlier. Did she now find fault with Rosalind? Were there concerns that he should know about?
Penelope dropped her jaw and stared at him as if he were daft. “She is the last person who could make you happy.”
Though Noah had been resigned to the fact that he might not have the love match his friends were lucky enough to find, he could certainly see himself happy with Rosalind. More than happy. There would be warmth and passion with the very good possibility of love.
He straightened. It would be easy to love Rosalind and perhaps he already did. Would it be possible that she might one day return his feelings? “I don’t understand. What is your objection exactly?” He hoped it wasn’t because of Rosalind’s family being common though it would surprise him if Penelope held such a narrow view.
“She is cold.” Penelope held up on finger. “She is rude.” Another finger raised. “And she is unkind to others she feels are beneath her.” Another finger raised.
Noah frowned in confusion. Since when was Rosalind any of those things?
“And she clings to you as if you are her very own life raft.”
“Cling?” He muttered and then it dawned on him. “You mean Lady Jillian?”
“Of course I mean her,” Penelope cried. “Who else could we be discussing?”
Noah relaxed and then began to chuckle. “No, I have no intention of pursuing Lady Jillian and wished she would forget I exist.”
Penelope arched a brow and narrowed her eyes on him. “Then why did you speak with her brother?”
How the hell did Penelope know what he had been about? Noah stomped to the sideboard and poured himself a glass of whisky. “That was when we first arrived when I believed Lady Jillian and I would suit.” He turned back toward his sister. “I simply informed the man that I wished to get to know his sister better. I If I thought we would suit, I would call on His Grace and request permission to court her.” He took a drink and the whiskey burned a path down his throat. “I no longer believe it would be a good match.”
“You haven’t given Broadridge a reason, or Lady Jillian for that matter, to believe you have changed your mind,” Penelope pointed out.
Noah sighed and thrust his fingers through his hair. “I’ve tried, but I don’t know how to go about it without being an ass.” He leaned back against the desk.
Penelope’s eyes crinkled with delight thought Noah could tell she was trying not to smile. “So there is a chance you might be considering Rosalind?”
His eyes shot up to meet hers. Had he let on his feelings somehow? No. It wasn’t possible. He was being very careful until he could meet with Broadridge and so Rosalind’s reputation wasn’t
damaged further. . “What do you mean?” He asked slowly.
A smile tugged at Penelope’s lips. “I saw you.”
He straightened. It wasn’t possible she saw them this afternoon. Penelope must have seen something else and interpreted it to mean one thing though Noah wasn’t sure how that was possible.
She began pacing thoughtfully. “The first time was after the scavenger hunt.” She turned toward him, and her smile broadened. “You were at the top of the stairs, your hand on her cheek, and her hand covered yours. I am quite certain that if Lady Jillian hadn’t called up, you might have kissed Rosalind then and there.”
Noah sighed and relaxed back against the desk. Penelope had seen nothing he need concern himself with though she was correct. Noah had been about to kiss Rosalind. “You misunderstood.” Noah tipped the glass and took another drink.
“Truly?” Penelope asked with interest. “Did I misunderstand when I watched you kissing her this afternoon after she fell onto your lap?”
Noah choked on the liquid. “How? What?” He couldn’t form a coherent thought. If Penelope had seen them then others might have as well. He needed to speak with Demetrius before he heard from someone else. He respected their friendship too much to have Rosalind dishonored by gossip. They would marry quickly, and there would be no reason for him to ever hunt for a wife again.
“I had gone upstairs to retrieve my shawl. I could see you clearly from the window.”
He slouched and rubbed his forehead. How many bedrooms had windows that had view of the rocks?
“Everyone else was downstairs,” Penelope added.
Noah looked up at her. “Are you certain?”
She bit her bottom lip and seemed to think for a moment. “I believe so. I didn’t count or make a list,” she defended.
“Bloody hell,” Noah muttered. He probably should apologize to his sister, but he knew she had heard it from him before.
He stood and stared at her. “If you saw me with Rosalind, why would you assume I would be marrying Lady Jillian?”
“Because her brother just told Rosalind that you intended to ask for Lady Jillian’s hand right before Rosalind decided her ankle pained her too much to remain downstairs.”
His Christmas Match (A Gentleman's Guide to Once Upon a Time) Page 15