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

by Charles, Jane

  “Rosalind,” Lady Felding began gently. “The only thing that is important is my step-son being happy.”

  “Then, I can assume that there are no objections to me marrying Rosalind?” Noah asked to the group as a whole.

  Rosalind held her breath looking at each face as they voiced their opinions. Not one argued with him. She watched closely fearing they didn’t wish to hurt her feelings, but each of the family members seemed genuinely happy for them.

  “So, what is to be done about Lady Jillian?” Sandlin asked.

  Noah pushed his fingers through his hair. “I’ve tried and tried to think of a solution but none have come to me.” He narrowed his eyes at Rosalind. “And, no, you are not going to tell the world yourself.”

  “Oh, it shouldn’t come to that,” Lady Sandlin insisted.

  She glanced at each and every one of them, still unable to truly believe that they would accept her as Noah’s wife. “The truth may become known one day. You do realize that, don’t you?” They had to understand that stopping Lady Jillian did not make the situation disappear.

  “We will weather that storm when he comes,” Lady Felding assured her.

  Phillipa leaned back, sipping her tea, her focus once again somewhere else. “I know that face, I just wish I could remember.”

  “Maybe it is in a painting,” Noah chuckled.

  Phillipa slowly sat straighter and tilted her head toward your brother. “I believe it is.”

  * * *

  Noah simply stared at his youngest sister. “Are you certain?” he demanded.

  “Not entirely, but why else would Lady Jillian look so familiar to me. I only leave the estate to travel to art exhibits, and she has never visited here.” She leaned forward and placed her teacup on the table before pushing herself to stand with the use of her cane. “I just need to find it.”

  The task may not be as easy as it sounded. Phillipa had been collecting art work since she was a child. Noah still remembered the first time she saw a painting and was mesmerized by the color. Phillipa had only been around the age of ten at the time, and they had been at May Day Celebration. While his other sisters had been able to run, play, and be with their friends, Phillipa needed to continue at a more sedate pace because of her limp. Noah purchased the painting for her and that summer supplied her with all the paints, papers, pencils, and canvases a young girl could want. Since that day, she had collected more paintings than he could count. None were painted by anyone famous, but when Phillipa found a painting that appealed to her, she purchased it. There were dozens stacked in the room off of the library. Phillipa’s chamber, studio, sitting room, and storage for her paintings were located in the right, ground-level wing of the house because she could not negotiate the stairs well. The left wing had been converted into Victoria’s chambers as she had been confined to a wheelchair after the accident that injured her and had taken his father.

  One of the twins yawned and rubbed their eyes, and Rosalind bent forward to pick the child up. “I should take Heather up for her nap.”

  “You are no longer in my employee, Miss Valentine,” Sandlin announced.

  Rosalind’s face fell, and she looked to the floor. “I understand.” She settled Heather back beside her brother.

  “I don’t think you do,” Sandlin laughed.

  She eyed him askance.

  “I can’t have Felding’s betrothed working as our nursery maid.”

  A small smile formed on her lips, and Rosalind’s shoulders appeared to relax.

  “But what are we to do?” Phoebe whined. “The children do love her.”

  “And I love them.” Rosalind scooped Heather back in her arms. “Let me take them upstairs. I will return for Campbell in a moment.”

  Noah wanted to call her back. They had a painting to find. Instead he picked Campbell up and followed Rosalind to the nursery. The twins settled into their beds without a fuss and closed their eyes, and Noah pulled Rosalind from the room.

  “I love you,” he whispered.

  “And I love you,” she returned.

  He took her lips with his. When they broke, he stared down at her. “This will all be over soon, and then we can wed.”

  “I am afraid it will not be as easy as all that.”

  He frowned. “Perhaps not, but in the end we will be together.”

  The smile didn’t quite reach her eyes, but Noah knew it would take time before she ceased worrying about what anyone would think of her family. He didn’t give a bloody damn if all of society knew the truth. He had found love, and it was much more important than doing as society dictates and being miserable for the remainder of his life.

  “I shouldn’t leave them alone,” Rosalind gesture back to the nursery.

  A maid turned the corner at the top of the stairs. “You won’t.”

  Rosalind turned as the maid came upon them. “Lady Sandlin sent me up to care for the children.”

  “Thank you,” Noah said and escorted Rosalind to where the others had gathered. The room was dark because heavy curtains were pulled to protect the paintings from the sunlight. Noah suspected they had not been opened in years. His family was looking through stacks of paintings that were leaned against every available space along the walls. He had not been in here in ages. How had his sister collected so many, and what did she plan to do with them? Besides the ones that were purchased, there were several Phillipa had painted before she decided to learn to sculpt. Those works of art were on shelves bracketed along the walls.

  “Where to begin?” Rosalind asked in awe.

  “At the stack right beside us, I suppose.”

  There were landscapes, buildings, flowers, and people with no connection. Noah couldn’t understand what his sister saw in these pieces, but if it was what gave her pleasure, who was he to deny her.

  “I think I found it,” Patience said as her face turning a rosy hue.

  Phillipa limped over to peer down at the canvas in the middle of the stack leaning against the wall. “I knew I had seen her face before,” she said triumphantly.

  The others gathered, and Sandlin reached in pulling the painting out so everyone could view it. There was a collective gasp throughout the room.

  Noah found himself grinning, and it had nothing to do with what he was viewing in the painting. He was now free of Lady Jillian.

  “Do you think she posed for it, or did someone else put her face to the body?” Lady Sandlin asked.

  “I can’t imagine why anyone would do such a thing?” Sandlin said.

  “I can’t imagine Lady Jillian posing for such a painting,” Penelope retorted.

  “Perhaps she posed for a portrait, but the artist took liberties,” Rosalind suggested.

  “She appears younger than she does now. I wonder how long ago it was painted,” Patience observed.

  It didn’t matter how it came to be or when. Here was something Lady Jillian would not want the world to view. Whatever had possessed her to lounge on a settee in only her shift exposing a stockinged calve with the straps of her chemise dipped dangerously low on her shoulder so as to reveal the hint of a nipple while she stared straight ahead with a seductive title to her lips?

  “Why did you buy this painting, Phillipa?” Phoebe looked at her sister in confusion. It was something a man would want not a young lady.

  “Because it is beautiful,” Phillipa sighed. “The lines, shading, and coloring. The person who painted this is very talented, and I thought the woman stunning.”

  Noah studied the painting. He knew nothing about art, but it was a lovely portrait of Lady Jillian even if a bit risqué.

  “What do you plan to do with all of these paintings?” Sandlin gestured to the stacks around the room.

  Phillipa bit her bottom lip and looked away from everyone. “I wish to open a museum of sorts,” she said quietly. “I wish to exhibit this artwork for others to enjoy.”

  Noah had no idea his sister was considering such an idea.

  “Where?” He couldn�
��t imagine her wanting to do so in their small town.

  Phillipa blinked up at him and worry lines formed between her eyes. “In London.”

  He simply stared at her.

  “I know it isn’t proper, but why should I keep all of this to myself? These artists are unknown, for the most part, and their work deserves to be seen.”

  Art was the one thing Phillipa was truly passionate about. While other ladies could ride, dance, and simply stroll through Hyde Park without issue, his youngest sister could do none of those things. He would find a way to give her what she wished.

  But first, they needed to deal with Lady Jillian.

  “Put that aside and cover it. I will reveal it to Lady Jillian when the time is appropriate.” He withdrew the watch from inside of his pocket. “Supper will be served shortly.”

  “Oh dear, I hope our guests haven’t arrived.” Patience moved toward the door.

  “Guests?” Noah demanded. Nobody had told him there were to be others this evening, and he didn’t wish for even more people to expect a betrothal to Lady Jillian. The more who anticipated it the more uncomfortable it would be in the spring when he arrived for the Season with Rosalind, his wife, on his arm.

  “Mother invited the Valentines,” Phillipa advised him. “She knew Rosalind would have to come here for the twins, and as all of them are in residence in anticipation for Christmas, she invited the family.”

  The Valentines? When Noah told Lady Jillian they were expected, he said it only to remind her of her place and his friendship. He had not actually thought a dinner could be arranged for the short time Lady Jillian was visiting.

  “Everyone?” Rosalind questioned. “Even Benedick?”

  “Yes,” Phillipa beamed. “He arrived this morning and came by to accept the invitation.”

  Her smile grew wide, and Noah knew it would be good for Rosalind to see her family and it would give him the opportunity to speak with Vicar Grant. Not that he could ask for Rosalind’s hand while Lady Jillian and her brother were here, but soon, very soon, he would be able to. Now, if Meadows could only obtain the special license and have it delivered, his Christmas would be perfect.

  They left the storage room, and Phillipa locked the door before handing the key to Noah as they made their way to their separate chambers to prepare for supper.

  Thirty-Three

  Rosalind rushed through her toilet to be downstairs in time for her family to arrive. The only clothing with her were the dresses Lady Sandlin had allowed her to borrow, and Rosalind found the blue one Penelope admired laid out ready for her to wear. Had the maid chosen the gown, or had Penelope left instructions for her? It didn’t matter. Tonight she would see her aunt, uncle, and siblings. She hadn’t been with everyone at once in almost a year. As all of Noah’s family was in residence, it would be just like when they were younger when the boys would come down from school except Noah’s father wouldn’t be here.

  Sadness washed over her for a moment. The former Lord Felding had been a good man. She had always believed so and even more so with the knowledge that he knew the truth of her family and still accepted them. It was a shame he wasn’t still alive. Would he have accepted her as a daughter-in-law for the heir? Rosalind liked to think he would have.

  A maid entered as soon as she was dressed and set Rosalind at a dressing table and quickly arranged her hair. Rosalind tried not to fidget, anxious to join the others, but calmed when she was told her family had not yet arrived. The moments stretched, and when the maid pushed the last pin into her curls, Rosalind jumped from the seat and hurried out of the room.

  She stopped at the entrance to the largest sitting room at the front of the house and across from the formal dining room. This is where they usually gathered when the Valentines visited because of its size and ability to accommodate them all. Only Lady Jillian and Lord Broadridge were present.

  “Were you looking for Lord and Lady Sandlin?” Lady Jillian inquired. “They have not come down as of yet.”

  Rosalind took a deep breath and straightened her shoulders. “No, I am not.” She walked into the room and a footman approached.

  “Would you care for a glass of wine before supper, Miss Valentine?”

  “Yes, please, Thomas.” She knew each servant by name. They were the same ones who had been here since she could remember.

  “Aren’t you to see to the children?” Lady Jillian asked with censure.

  Rosalind accepted the wine and moved to sit across from Lady Jillian. Rosalind was not going to let her ruin this evening for her. “I will be joining the family this evening. A maid is seeing to the twins.”

  She glanced across to Broadridge who glowered at her. She hadn’t spared that gentleman a glance since he accosted her in the gazebo. Not even when they dined while traveling. The cut on his head was healing, but an ugly bruise of purples and dark blue spread across his forehead. He had brushed his hair forward to cover most of the injury, but it could still be seen. Rosalind found she had no sympathy for him.

  “I am glad we have a moment alone, Lady Jillian.”

  The woman arched an eyebrow.

  “I assume your brother knows how the match between you and Lord Felding came about?”

  Lady Jillian narrowed her eyes at Rosalind. “He understands that Lord Felding and I have discussed an agreement that will be finalized after he speaks with my father.”

  Rosalind glanced at Broadridge who studied his sister. A hint of confusion crossed his face. So, Broadridge wasn’t aware of the blackmail. As Rosalind only spoke in the most general terms, Lady Jillian couldn’t be certain Rosalind knew what she was using to force Noah to do her bidding.

  As much as Rosalind wished to tell Lady Jillian exactly what she thought of her, Rosalind would not. With any luck, Noah would be free of this woman shortly, and the fewer people who knew of the blackmail and her family history the better.

  She forced a smile. “I wish you well.”

  Lady Jillian offered her a cold smile. “That is rather magnanimous of you, Miss Valentine, given the circumstances.”

  Rosalind hitched a brow. If Lady Jillian wished to reveal her desperation of what means she would go to, Rosalind would let her. “How so?”

  “Clearly you are in love with Lord Felding.” She leaned forward. “You never thought he would actually marry someone like you?”

  “Me?” Rosalind questioned innocently.

  “You are the daughter of missionaries. Your uncle is a vicar. Lord Felding is a marquess. His wife and mother of his heirs must be a lady. Surely you understand.”

  Rosalind took a sip of her wine. “I have a great deal of respect for Lord Felding and his family, and I am well aware of what he requires in a wife.” She would not acknowledge her feelings for Felding to Lady Jillian as it was none of her concern. “I only wish to see him happy.”

  “I am sure he will be very happy with me.” Lady Jillian brightened. “I am beautiful, daughter of a duke, and wealthy. What more could any gentleman wish for?”

  Rosalind simply stared at her. “I hope you can love him as well.”

  Lady Jillian quirked the corner of her mouth. “Love is for those who are weak and causes people to do foolish things.” She took a sip of her wine. “Those of us who are in Society and must pave the way for a better England and cannot afford to be ruled by such an inconsequential emotion as love.”

  Rosalind looked into her eyes. There was pain and sadness Rosalind had never seen before. What was Lady Jillian trying so hard to bury and deny? “I pity you then.”

  Lady Jillian drew back. “Save your pity for someone who deserves it. I have everything I could ever possibly want, and very soon, I will have Lord Felding as well.”

  Rosalind chose not to say anything further as she did not want to tip their hand at what they had discovered amongst Phillipa’s paintings. She would let Lady Jillian live with her delusions for now though she did pity her. Why would anyone wish to deny themselves the opportunity to love and be loved. Had
she loved and been hurt? Was that why there was pain beneath the lady’s façade? What had happened to her?

  * * *

  Noah drained the glass of brandy and stood. Sandlin followed. The two of them had been locked away from the others in the library so Noah could tell him everything that had occurred at the house party. Well, not everything exactly. He did owe it to Rosalind to keep a few of their encounters private.

  “The Fairies?” Sandlin chuckled.

  “Yes.” Noah grinned as they walked to the sitting room. “Even I have a moral.”

  He paused at the entrance to note Rosalind alone with Broadridge and Lady Jillian. Where was the rest of his family? Shouldn’t they be downstairs by now? And, how long had Rosalind been forced to visit with those two?

  Noah studied Rosalind’s face, but she seemed unconcerned and rather content whereas Lady Jillian still held the cold confidence he had come to associate with her. Perhaps he should reveal the painting now that there were only a few of them present?

  The front door opened, and Noah turned to find Vicar and Mrs. Grant enter followed by Rosalind’s siblings.

  Footmen rushed forward to take the wraps as Noah escorted Mrs. Grant into the seating room. Broadridge stood at her entrance, and Lady Jillian looked on in confusion. Noah quickly made the introductions. She had a right to meet and come to know the family she was intent on destroying if she did not get her way.

  Rosalind rose from her place and crossed to her aunt and embraced her before moving to her uncle and down the line. The only person she did not hug was Demetrius. Of course, she had just spent a week with the man and had not missed him as much as the others.

  “You have arrived!” Victoria exclaimed as a maid wheeled her into the room. “I am so glad you could join us.” She looked to the footman. “Please, see that everyone has a refreshment, Thomas.”

  Lady Jillian gaped at Victoria but quickly recovered. Did she not know of his step-mother’s paralysis?

  Noah’s sisters entered a few moments later, and he studied Lady Jillian as Phillipa entered. Lady Jillian frowned and looked away. When Lady Jillian had first arrived, Phillipa had been seated and her cane out of sight, and Victoria had been on the settee. Anyone seeing them at that time would have never guessed at their injuries. Apparently, Lady Jillian had much to learn about the family she wished to be part of, and if she did or said anything to hurt his sister or step-mother, he would ask her to leave no matter what the cost to Rosalind.