The Patricia Kiyono Christmas Collection

by Patricia Kiyono

  He sensed she had spoken, so he turned so he would have a clear view of her mouth. “Pardon me?”

  “The children should have a Christmas party,” she declared. “I imagine their holiday isn’t nearly as merry as ours. Most of their parents can’t afford gifts. We could give them a nice meal and some small gifts — as a reward for doing so well on their lessons.”

  “Excellent idea,” Phillip agreed. “I have several books I could contribute as gifts. When should this celebration take place?”

  “It would be nice to have it on Christmas Eve, but I’ll have to plan it for the day before. My brother insists on my attendance at the Kringles’ Ball at Holly Hall. He says that since Colette has left him, we must attend several major functions to reassure the ton he is not distraught over her departure.”

  “I think it would be safe to assume no one would think of him that way. But I sympathize for him. I didn’t realize Mademoiselle Colette had left.”

  “Yes, Edward mentioned something to her about financial losses. Apparently he made some investments that didn’t prove to be profitable. The losses weren’t that great, but it was enough to send her packing.”

  “Ah. Well, I’m sure you will be an excellent substitute for your brother. But I hope you will save a dance for me.”

  ~~~~

  Amelia and her lady’s maid Jeanne entered the foyer of Bartlett Manor, gazing at the somewhat shabby splendor. Here and there, she could see places where it was evident that renovations were underway. Amelia’s artistic mind whirled as she imagined homey touches she would have added. Over here is a nice spot for a comfortable seating arrangement. This room needs new draperies and perhaps a more calming color on the walls.

  Utley, the butler who had let them in, took their cloaks and bowed. “I shall inform His Grace you have arrived. Please wait here,” he instructed, gesturing toward a pair of comfortable chairs.

  She was about to sit when she heard a rustling of skirts. Absently, she looked up and then blinked when she recognized the maid. “Mrs. Crabtree. How nice to see you.”

  The woman turned at Amelia’s greeting, and her face lit in a wide smile. She rushed forward and held out her arms to Amelia but stopped short and dropped into a curtsey instead.

  “Oh, Miss Par— I mean, Lady Amelia, I can’t thank you enough for bringing the good duke into our lives. ’E told me you was a real lady, not just a miss — oh, I knew it was so, the way you was always so proper-like. Anyway, ’e got me this job doing the laundry ’ere, and when I had trouble travelin’ from Cheapside, ’e moved our whole family ’ere to this house. Little Bertie is gettin’ his lessons from the valet, Mr. Townley, and the duke’s own physician is seein’ to my Arnold. I fear ’e’ll never be able to walk again, but ’is sight is gettin’ better, and ’is spirits are risin’ each day. Oh, my lady, the duke is a true godsend!”

  Amelia offered her congratulations, and Mrs. Crabtree returned to her duties. Left again with her thoughts and the silent Jeanne, she paced. Today was the day she would tell Phillip about her other life — that of a writer. What would his reaction be? Would he be disgusted? Worse yet, would he demand she stop writing before their association continued? Or would he accept it and encourage her, as he had done with her efforts to help educate the poor children?

  She didn’t think she could bear it if he rejected her other life. Over the last few weeks, he had become so important to her. Who would have known that a duke could be so compassionate for the poor? He’d been so wonderful with the children from the first day he’d visited and had returned several other times to help. He’d listened patiently, interested in their stories, and his big, strong, capable hands had guided theirs as they’d written their letters on the slates he’d bought for them.

  He’d been wonderful with the parents, too. True to his word, he’d helped the Crabtree family. Learning that Bertie Jones was a chimney sweep, Phillip had promptly hired his services and arranged for several other adults to assist with repairs to the manor.

  The handsome duke was fast becoming her life. But writing was her life, also. She had stories to tell, and she enjoyed writing. She had to be honest with him, and if he rejected her, she would be devastated. But she would carry on. Alone.

  She heard the click of a door opening, and then he was there. His handsome face broke into a smile, and he reached out to take her hands.

  “Good morning, Lady Amelia.” He cast a teasing glance at Jeanne. “And I see you have brought a suitable chaperone for your visit to my home.”

  “Good morning, Your Grace, and thank you so much for your generous offer to supply books to the children. They will make wonderful Christmas gifts, and I know they will be appreciated.”

  Phillip executed a half-bow. “It’s my pleasure, Lady Amelia. Let’s go to the library and you can assist me in picking them out.” He turned to Jeanne. “Please come in with us. Lady Amelia mentioned you enjoy reading. Feel free to browse whatever shelves you like. Perhaps you’ll find something to your liking.”

  Amelia, followed closely by Jeanne, walked behind him down the hall to a wide set of doors, which he opened then gestured for them to precede him. They stepped through the threshold but stopped in awe.

  The Peartree library was nearly as large as most ballrooms Amelia had seen. Bookshelves covered nearly every inch of the walls, and each shelf was packed to overflowing with books.

  It was Paradise.

  “Er, it might be easier to select the books if you stepped a little closer to them,” Phillip murmured from behind them.

  Prodded back to the present, Amelia stepped into the room. She started to peruse the shelves to the right of the doorway. Jeanne went to the left. Phillip followed Amelia.

  “The children’s books are over here,” he said as he guided her toward the window.

  She walked with him to the bookshelf, preparing herself for what she had to say. “Your Grace—”

  “Here are some nice books I enjoyed as a youngster,” he told her, pulling them off the shelves. He stopped when he reached a well-worn volume. “This one was my favorite. I’d like to keep this one — for my own children,” he added, casting her a heated gaze.

  Children with Phillip. What an incredible thought. She took a deep breath and scrambled to recall the line of conversation.

  “Oh, yes, Your Grace. You must surely keep your treasured volumes for your own family.” She cleared her throat. “What about some of the adults? Do you know of some easier books or magazines they might enjoy?”

  Phillip turned back to his bookshelves. “Yes, I had thought about that. I remember some adventure stories my brother and I enjoyed when we were young. The vocabulary in them might be easy enough for beginning readers.”

  Quickly, she told herself. Tell him now, before you lose your courage. “Your Grace, I have some books I’ve written myself. I — write love stories. I’m going to give some of them to the women in the group.”

  The duke said nothing, but he continued to peruse the books on the shelves.

  “I hope you’re not appalled at my vocation. I know my brother would insist I stop if he knew. But I’ve enjoyed a measure of success, and I’m actually starting to make some money from sales of my stories.”

  “This is not good. I can’t believe it.”

  Not good? He’s not willing to accept my writing?

  “I know I saw those books just last week. Perhaps I set them aside already.”

  She didn’t understand. Wasn’t he going to reply to her admission? Or was his ignoring it tantamount to a dismissal? She was used to that. Edward tended to ignore her whenever he disagreed with her, and her father had done the same. She’d expected different behavior from Phillip.

  She sighed. Well, if that was how he was going to react, perhaps it was better for her to limit her interaction with the handsome duke. She’d best be on her way as soon as possible.

  Somehow, she managed to remain cordial as they finished selecting gifts for the children. But as soon as
they were finished, she hurried with Jeanne to the door, not answering his reminder about the Kringles’ Christmas Ball.

  ~~~~

  The chapel was abuzz with activity. Garlands of pine adorned with flowers and ribbon cascaded from every wall sconce, and similar decorations brightened the candelabras on two long tables. Robert supervised a group of servants carrying in a large table and benches. Jeanne stood with another group, ready to set the table with plates, cups, and napkins.

  Amelia directed the production in the center of it all. She didn’t look at him, but her senses were all too aware of Phillip as soon as he entered the room.

  “Everything looks lovely, Lady Amelia. I know the children will be delighted with your efforts,” he said near her ear.

  His warm breath sent a delicious shiver down her spine. Would he always have that effect on her? No. She had to be strong. If Phillip couldn’t accept her as a writer, she couldn’t afford to encourage him.

  She took a deep breath and pasted a smile on her face before turning to Phillip. “Thank you, Your Grace. This couldn’t have been done without your generous contributions.”

  “It was my pleasure,” he replied. “Now, how can I be of assistance?”

  “Hmm. Perhaps you could help place the gifts on the table with the candles and fir boughs.”

  Phillip nodded and set the gaily wrapped packages in place.

  As the light from the windows faded, Robert and several others lit the candles, casting the room in a soft, magical glow. All was ready.

  The guests started to arrive. Some of them came in boisterously, excited at the promise of food and gifts. Some came in timidly, as if expecting to be disappointed. But children and parents alike gasped with pleasure as they beheld their transformed schoolroom.

  “Mama! Look at the beautiful decorations! Just like in the story Miss Partridge read to us! And there are presents over there!”

  There was a mad rush for the gift table, but Amelia blocked their way. “Children, there will be plenty of time after we’ve had dinner and a story. Let’s take our places at the table. Parents, please come and sit with us.”

  Benches scraped the stone floors as they were pulled back and the families settled themselves. All stared expectantly at Amelia.

  “Welcome, everyone, to our Christmas gala. We have a marvelous feast for you this evening. But first, perhaps His Grace would like to offer a word of thanks?”

  All heads swerved to Phillip, who had bent to retrieve a child’s spoon that had fallen off the table. Robert, standing beside him, touched his arm and spoke to him softly. The duke cast a terrified glance toward Amelia, and she wondered if she should have consulted him first.

  “Er, yes, of course.” He bowed his head dutifully, and everyone else in the chapel followed suit. “Thank you, Lord, for this food we are about to receive. And for — for our friends all around us this evening. And — and — Christmas. Thank you especially, for Christmas. Er, Amen.”

  As the room echoed with a resounding, “Amen,” a parade of servants entered, bearing platters of roast goose and mincemeat. Others carried trays of goblets filled with cider. The food was set before the stunned guests. Several people looked to Amelia as if waiting for permission to eat.

  “Please enjoy the meal,” she insisted.

  “But, Miss Partridge, aren’t you and the duke goin’ ta eat?” asked one of the adults.

  “Of course we will, later. But you’re our guests now.”

  “Tain’t right,” insisted another. “We can’t eat before you.”

  “Oh! Well, all right, then,” she conceded, taking a spot between two of her students. “We’ll be happy to dine with you.”

  Out of the corner of her eye, she saw that Phillip had taken a spot at the other end of the long table. Good. She could enjoy her dinner without having to look into those soulful blue eyes.

  Chapter Nine

  Edward Partridge adjusted his sleeve as he descended the staircase to the front foyer. Seeing a flash of yellow, he called out to Amelia’s maid, “Jeanne, is my sister nearly ready?”

  The figure in the yellow dress paused, and then spun around to dip into a curtsey. “My lord, Lady Amelia has decided not to attend the ball. Perhaps you would like to speak with her?”

  “Blasted women. One can never rely on them. I told her I needed her to make an appearance with me at the Kringles’ Christmas Ball. Bartlett will probably be disappointed, too. It seems he’s taken quite an interest in her. I suppose he’s one of the few men who could put up with her chatter and preposterous ideas, since he can’t hear anything she says.”

  Jeanne’s head popped up, and she stared, momentarily forgetting protocol. “Can’t hear, my lord?”

  “Hunting accident at Eton. His gun misfired, and he ended up losing most of his hearing. I understand he’s a top-notch lip reader, but if he can’t see your face, he doesn’t know what you’re saying. Nice fellow. I wouldn’t have minded him as a brother-in-law. But knowing my sister, he’s probably better off.” The earl, having settled the matter in his mind, called for his valet and left for the ball alone.

  ~~~~

  Amelia stared at the nearly empty page on her writing desk. The love story she’d been working on no longer held any appeal. Even the thought of romance left a bitter taste in her mouth. Still, she had told Doctor Jones the next story would be completed soon, so she’d better get it done. Edward would be annoyed with her for not attending the ball, but she simply couldn’t risk the temptation to speak and dance with Phillip. One glance in his enticing blue eyes and she would lose her resolve. There was no point dreaming of a future with someone who couldn’t accept her calling as an author.

  She closed her eyes and tried to visualize the next scene in her mind. The handsome hero entered the ballroom, searching for the heroine, and all the guests took notice. Finding the lovely debutante, he made his way to her and bowed. Love shone in his cerulean gaze…

  Her eyes opened abruptly. Heaven help me! Why on earth did I give the main character blue eyes? She crumbled the paper and stomped to the fireplace, tossing it in. Perhaps she’d better start over with a new character. One with brown eyes, or maybe green…

  Jeanne burst into the room, interrupting her thoughts. “My lady! Please forgive me for intruding, but I must share something his lordship told me…” Quickly, she relayed her conversation with the earl.

  Amelia gasped, suddenly understanding the reason Phillip hadn’t responded to her confession the day before. He’d been facing away from her when she’d told him. He hadn’t ignored her. How could she have misjudged him so badly?

  It all made sense now. The times when he’d seemed distracted and she’d had to repeat what she said. The way he watched her carefully whenever she talked. The way Robert and Desiree always touched his shoulder lightly and waited until they had Phillip’s attention before speaking. She’d thought he didn’t approve of her writing career, but he simply hadn’t heard her.

  She had to get to the ball, quickly.

  “Jeanne, have Marks summon a carriage, and then come back here to help me get dressed.”

  “Yes, my lady. Right away.”

  Amelia was half dressed by the time the servant returned. If she’d had her way, she wouldn’t have done anything to her hair. But Jeanne reminded her the carriage would take a few minutes to arrive, so she’d impatiently submitted to her maid’s primping and arranging.

  The moment the butler announced the carriage was ready, she flung her cape over her shoulder and nearly flew down the stairs to the marble tiled foyer. A hastily summoned Giles barely had time to stuff his hat on his head as he hurried to accompany her.

  ~~~~

  Phillip took another pastry from a passing waiter’s tray. He paced, partly to keep his mind off his nervousness and partly to keep from being stopped by every matron with a marriageable daughter. A part of him was flattered. But there was only one with whom he wished to share his title.

  Where the devil is she? Color
ful gowns swirled all around him, and beautiful women descended the staircase, but he didn’t notice any of them. He searched the faces of the guests as they arrived, but the one he needed to see wasn’t among them. Was there some problem at Sudbury House?

  Last night at the children’s Christmas party, she’d been a wonderful hostess. After the dinner, she’d gathered the children around her and read the Christmas Story from the Book of Matthew. And then she’d reminded them of their manners before handing out their gifts. The children, as well as their parents, had appreciated the books.

  He noted several heads turning toward the staircase. A new arrival must have been announced. He turned, and his spirits lifted. Amelia’s brother, Edward Partridge appeared at the top of the stairs. Amelia should be right behind him. His heart beat faster as he waited.

  But the earl descended the stairs alone. Phillip’s heart stopped for a moment.

  Where was Amelia? Had she decided to come later, by herself? It would go against convention, but his Amelia wasn’t one to follow the rules. Perhaps he’d better speak to Edward.

  He made his way to the earl, who, now that he was no longer betrothed to the Dragon Lady, was a commodity among the unmarried ladies of the ton. Edward was surrounded by the mamas of available women, and Phillip had to wait his turn. Some of the mamas cast a welcome toward the duke, and he did his best to greet them properly. He finally reached the earl.

  “Sudbury.”

  Edward turned around and executed a small bow. “Good evening, Your Grace. Merry Christmas.”