One Enchanted Winter

by Victoria Oliveri

  “And I thought your brother was the arrogant one, how wrong I was. How can you even think I would accept your offer now when you have made it so plainly obvious that you are doing it out of pity?”

  Lord Dederick stood then and confounded by the cane as it got caught up on the decorative table, he tossed it to the floor and gingerly strode toward her.

  “My offer was not one made of pity. How can I make that any clearer to you?” he asked, his voice terse.

  “Because we do not know one another, how can I make that any plainer to you?” she asked, her hands on her hips.

  The aggressive stance she turned upon him made him straighten his spine, but there was something about the fire in her that made her even more stunning and he could feel the heat of it burn through him, traveling up his legs like a slowly stoked ember.

  “We’ve spent hours in my chambers talking. Our time together has been intimate and personal. How do you not see this? Was I imagining the entire thing?” he asked. “You put your hands on my flesh. You have shown the utmost care when you are near me. How do you not feel something?”

  “I was nursing you back to health. Do you believe my father has relations with every patient he touches?”

  “You are not a doctor, and you knew very well what you were doing would be seen as untoward had the manor been occupied.”

  “Had the manor been occupied, I would not have had to help you. Would you have preferred I let you lie there in pain until my father could attend you?”

  “Of course not, but I cannot imagine what we’ve shared, the quiet moments, were merely your seeing to my wounds. That is very unfair.”

  She fell silent then and gasped when Carolina and Mrs. Gendy rushed in through the doorway.

  “Is everything all right?” Carolina asked, searching her sister's face.

  Before Arabella could answer, Lord Dederick grumbled something under his breath before limping to the door.

  “Please, leave us,” he barked, then slammed the door.

  “My lord! That is entirely inappropriate behavior no matter who is in residence,” Arabella said, going to the door to apologize to the ladies who were no doubt seething behind it, but Lord Dederick stood firm, his hand against the door.

  They were so close, he could feel the heat of her breath on his face as her ire stirred in her blood. He could see the pulse of her anger in her delicate neck and his lips longed to kiss her there to feel it on his tongue, and when his eyes came to hers, he noted the slow flush that filled her cheeks.

  “You cannot tell me you have felt no attraction,” he breathed. “The pull is too strong for you to deny.”

  And when he hungrily took her lips, so sweet and alluring, he was shocked at the feel of her hand as it slapped across his face. Before he could clear his spinning head, she had wrenched the door open and fled.

  Chapter Eight

  “Father!” Carolina rushed across the foyer to greet him as he closed the door and left the cold behind him. Brushing snow off his coat, he grinned widely as his daughter came into his arms and hugged him.

  “How are you?” he asked, giving her a squeeze. “Lazing about the great manor like a Queen no doubt.”

  “Father, how could you think I’d do such a thing,” she said with a chuckle as she took his bag and his coat and set them on a bench near the door.

  “Where’s your sister?” he asked, taking his bag in hand as he followed her into the hall.

  Carolina gave him a smirk and shook her head.

  “What?” he asked.

  “I believe our confinement has made us all ill-tempered. She and Lord Dederick were fighting earlier.”

  “Fighting? Your sister and Lord Dederick? Whatever for?”

  Carolina shrugged.

  “She has gone to her room and has not come out since. I have tried to speak to her, but she said she was too angry.”

  “Yes, I believe your confinement has been a bit too much to bear. And her having to act as a nursemaid all week has probably worn her out. I am sure that has something to do with her temper.”

  “Most likely. She has been by his side nearly every hour tending to him, so I can understand why she needs space, especially from him.”

  “I’ll go up and see if I can cheer her,” he offered, kissing Carolina on the forehead. “What room is she in?”

  “She is in the pink room at the end of the hall next to Lord Dederick’s room.”

  Dr Wheatley raised his brows at that.

  “No wonder she’s feeling overburdened. I am sure Lord Dederick has her at his beck and call. I shall go to him first to make sure he is well and then I will sit with your sister to make sure she hasn’t lost her wits over this entire situation.”

  Carolina gave him a smile and gestured up the staircase where he quickly took himself. Coming to Lord Dederick’s door, he knocked lightly then stepped inside when he heard him answer.

  “Dr Wheatley,” Lord Dederick said with surprise. “I did not know you were expected so soon.”

  Dr Wheatley set his bag on a table near the fire where Lord Dederick was seated, his bandaged foot on an ottoman. He took the seat next to him when Lord Dederick gestured to it.

  “Though it is still snowing, it has tapered off and the sun has been out, so things are melting slowly. I could come in my carriage with little issue as the main road seems to have been travelled upon enough to pack it down.”

  “That is good to hear. I am glad you could come.”

  “And what of you, how are you feeling?” the doctor asked. “How is the ankle?”

  “Much better thanks to your talented daughter,” he said with a smile. “I was in quite a lot of pain before she helped me.”

  “I am glad you are feeling better,” Dr Wheatley said. “Do you mind if I look at your injury?”

  Lord Dederick shook his head, and the doctor knelt at the ottoman and began unraveling his bandage. Once undone, he set it aside and his fingers made a delicate investigation of his ankle and the surrounding bones.

  “The good news is I do not believe you have a fracture. And there does not seem to be much swelling, which is another good sign.”

  “And the bad news?” Lord Dederick asked.

  Dr Wheatley took his foot in hand and with his hand holding his calf, began moving and turning his foot which made Lord Dederick wince and jump at the pain.

  “Your sprain was a bad one, and I wouldn’t be surprised if you damaged the muscle in the accident, but it is nothing that rest won’t cure. I do not believe you will need a surgeon.”

  “That is good news. Is there anything more I should do?”

  “Wrapping it is fine, something to keep the joint straight and firm. If it still pains you, I can use a splint to give it further support.”

  “No, this has been fine enough. And I’ve been able to walk on it with the aid of a cane.”

  “Good, good,” Dr Wheatley said, then took up the length of bandage and re-wrapped it, gingerly replacing Dederick’s foot on the ottoman as he stood and took his seat once more.

  They were quiet for a moment before Dr Wheatley eyed his young patient.

  “So, what is this I hear about you and my daughter arguing?” he asked with a smirk.

  Lord Dederick shook his head, the sheepish look on his face giving away his thoughts.

  “Dr Wheatley,” he started, taking a breath, “I’d like to offer for Miss Arabella’s hand.”

  Dr Wheatley’s eyes grew as wide as saucers and he sat back, stunned.

  “I beg your pardon?” he choked out.

  “I would like to marry Arabella,” Lord Dederick repeated.

  “I thought that was what you said,” Dr Wheatley said with a cough. “Are you sure? Is this something you both want?”

  Lord Dederick grimaced and shook his head ruefully.

  “Until this morning, I was sure it was, now I am not as sure. We discussed it earlier, which was why we were arguing.”

  “She denied you?” Dr Wheatley balked.


  “Not entirely, no. She believes I made my offer out of pity.”

  Dr Wheatley furrowed his brows and quirked his head.

  “I don’t understand,” he said. “Why would she think that?”

  “She received an offer of employment this morning. To be a governess in Cheltenham.”

  “Cheltenham? So far away?” he asked.

  “That is what I said, that she should reconsider due to the distance, but she said she needed to find work to help support your family. Now, I don’t want to pry into your financials, Dr Wheatley, but I do not understand her great need to work given your standing in this community.”

  The topic was not an altogether comfortable one, but the man had asked for his daughter’s hand. It was a sound offer from a man who would certainly set her up in a fine life. He could not withhold the information in fear of scaring him off and losing this chance for her.

  “We live comfortably, as I am sure she has mentioned, but as I am sure she has also mentioned I am of an age and cannot do this work forever. I prayed that both of my daughter’s would have wed long before now, but I cannot force them to do what they do not wish to do. I also dislike that either of them works, but they are strong-willed, and I am at their mercy most times,” he said with a laugh. “I can think of no better man for her to wed, though, if you will have her.”

  “I am more than willing, sir,” he said. “I just do not know how to convey that I have feelings for her, and this has nothing to do with my trying to save her from financial ruin.”

  Dr Wheatley shrugged and shook his head.

  “It may take some time to convince her,” he said, then gathered up his bag and stood. “Let me sit with her and see where her mind is on this and I shall let you know shortly.”

  Lord Dederick got to his feet shakily and gave him a short nod.

  “Thank you, Dr Wheatley. I genuinely appreciate any help in this matter.” he said then sat again at the doctor’s request. “I love your daughter, of that you can be certain.”

  “All will be well,” the doctor said with a smile, then left the room intent on talking some sense into his daughter.

  “You cannot mean to reject him,” Dr Wheatley said as he crossed his arms, glaring at his daughter.

  Arabella paced the room, her own arms crossed as she returned her father’s glare.

  “That is exactly what I intend to do,” she said, finally taking a seat.

  “Why on earth…? I do not understand,” he sputtered. “You will never receive such an offer from another man of his distinction.”

  “That was what he said,” she ground out.

  “And he is correct. How many other men of his station are you acquainted with that would offer for you? Are there others you have in mind that you have not told me about?”

  “Of course not, there is no one.”

  “Then why in God’s name are you refusing him?”

  “Because we do not know one another. He’s doing this merely to keep me from working.”

  “Do you truly believe any man would care enough to wed you away from you worries? Especially a man of his standing? That is a preposterous thought, Arabella.”

  “Then what else could it be?”

  “He tells me he loves you and I believe him,” her father said, then sat in the chair next to her. “How is that so hard for you to believe?”

  Arabella looked to her father for a long moment unable to answer him.

  “I once thought I would marry and have a family, but when mother died, many things changed for all of us and my perspective changed as well. I enjoy working with children, and it is not as if I am laboring or toiling over a hot stove or the like for Lord Dederick to be so opposed to the thought of my having to do so. Besides, someone of his standing wouldn’t even have to think about it. He’s never had to work a day in his life and never will have to. Admit it, that is not a luxury we as a family can afford.”

  “But don’t you see, in marrying you it wouldn’t have to be. You would be more than well off, more than comfortable. And with one less mouth to feed, I could surely live on my meager earnings into my old age. And hopefully one day your sister shall marry, and I won’t have to worry about either of you.”

  “That’s just it,” Arabella said, placing a hand to her father’s knee. “It’s not work for me. I don’t abhor having to do it.”

  Dr Wheatley shook his head as he listened to his daughter pensively. He understood what she was saying but knew what she must do for the sake of the family she strove to support.

  “Unless you detest the man, I do not see what choice you have,” he started, then silenced her with a wave of his hand as she began to protest. “To reject his offer would be an offense to his family, and a poor choice on your behalf. You would literally be turning down the opportunity of a lifetime.”

  “Are you telling me you are demanding me to marry him?” she asked angrily.

  “If you deny him, it will ruin us. The Earl could retract his patronage. Losing this salary alone would be detrimental to our family. Not to mention the fact that they would mark you as nonsensical and you would be hard pressed to ever find yourself another husband.”

  Arabella shook her head in disbelief.

  “I do not care if I ever find another husband, but…” she set her fingers upon her lips momentarily. “I did not think you could lose your position here.”

  “Of course, I could, and servicing this family makes up much of my wages.”

  Arabella stood to pace the room once more, tears coming to her eyes.

  “So, I have absolutely no choice in this matter,” she said matter-of-factly.

  “As I see it, no,” her father offered with some sympathy. “But do you find him so objectionable?”

  She shook her head.

  “No, he’s a kind man, and handsome.”

  “So why then?”

  After a long moments pause, she turned back to him.

  “The thought of this life scares me,” she said, gesturing to the room. “It scares me to the core.”

  Chapter Nine

  Arabella stood outside the library door, her fingers clenching and unclenching as she built up the nerve to address Lord Dederick. There was no rush, but she wanted to get it over and done with. Her father suggested she have a discussion with the man to make sure they were making the right decision. Knowing how unhappy all of this made her, her father was not averse to her perhaps trying to talk Lord Dederick out of his insane proposal as long as he was not insulted by her wanting to discuss the matter before they made the ultimate decision. And so, she stood outside the library door wavering. Was she even sure what she wanted?

  Lord Dederick was a wonderful man, there was no denying it. He was kind and thoughtful, and intelligent. And above all, he cared for her. That was plain to see. Though they had never been close, he often went out of his way, just like the afternoon she meant to leave the manor, intent on making sure she was in good health. No one else in his family spoke to her no matter how often she was at the manor, and her sister never mentioned it either. In fact, Carolina was afraid of the Countess, of her power and intimidating presence. Much of that was based on the woman’s station in the house and in society, but unlike her son, the Countess was an aggressive, outspoken woman. It was hard not to have some fear in her presence.

  Arabella contemplated that as well. How would his mother and father react to this decision? It was true, Lord Dederick had no claim to title in the family and as the youngest son, was not held in the same standard as his eldest brother to have to carry on the family name and heritage, but that did not mean his parents would be overjoyed to hear he’d wed himself to their physician’s daughter.

  These were things that weighed heavily on her mind as she stood hovering outside the library door. So, when Carolina called out her name from behind her, she nearly jumped out of her skin.

  “Arabella, what are you doing?”

  Without thought, Arabella took Carolina by the
hand and quickly led her away from the library, around the corner to the sitting room. Pushing her sister onto the settee next to her, she took a breath before she grasped her sister’s hand and gave it a squeeze.

  “Oh Carolina, I do not know what to do,” Arabella said, shaking her head.

  “What on earth is wrong?” Carolina asked, clasping her sister’s hand to her heart. “Are you all right?”

  Arabella shook her head more fervently as tears sprung from her eyes.

  “No, I am not. I am confused and…” she pulled her hand away and bowed her head. “I do not know whether to go left or right anymore.”

  “Tell me, what is the matter?” Carolina asked, looking up into her sister’s face, brushing the hair from her reddened cheek.

  “Lord Dederick has proposed,” she blurted out and Carolina sat back from her as if a dog had bitten her.

  “What?”

  “Yes, that was why we were arguing earlier,” Arabella offered.

  “Are you and he so intimate that he would offer for you?” Carolina asked with wide eyes.

  “No, nothing like that, though...” Arabella stuttered and looked back to her lap.

  “Though what?”

  “He kissed me.”

  “Arabella! How could you not tell me?” Carolina asked angrily.

  “It just happened, after the argument.”

  “Why on earth did he kiss you?” Carolina asked and Arabella smirked at her sister.

  “I’m assuming because he likes me.”

  “But did you know of his feelings?”

  “Not at all, which is why this whole turn of events has confounded me. And now father is all but demanding that I accept Lord Dederick.”

  “Aside from the status that marrying into this family would bring to us, why would he demand it?” Carolina asked.

  “He feels that if I were to reject Lord Dederick, the Earl may see it as an affront and retract his patronage of father’s position here.”

  Carolina blanched at that idea and pressed her fingers to her lips.

  “Oh dear, and I may lose my position as well. Oh Arabella, what an awful predicament this puts you in.”