The Yuletide Countess: Harriet's Traditional Regency Romance

by Alicia Quigley

  “Exactly,” said Harriet eagerly. “It is my feelings for the children that make me care for this place so much.”

  Isobel gave her an enigmatic glance, but did not have to respond, as Lord Francis and Lord Glencairn entered the room.

  “We could not do without your company,” said Lord Glencairn. “Lord Francis’ mind was clearly not on his port.” He stopped in front of Harriet and bowed slightly. “May I propose a rematch of our card game from some months ago? I feel that tonight Lady Francis’ and my luck must be in, and we shall best you and Lord Francis.”

  At the challenge, the last vestiges of Harriet’s shyness fled. “I find that very unlikely, my lord,” she said, tilting her chin at a martial angle.

  “Oh ho,” said the earl, extending his hand. Harriet placed her own in it and he raised her to her feet, leading her to the card table. “Lord Francis, did you hear that? Miss Walcott is certain that she can carry your poor skills with her own.”

  “An insult!” said Francis merrily. “I agree with Miss Walcott. Prepare yourself for a drubbing, Glencairn!”

  “No one has asked me what I think,” said Isobel plaintively. They all turned and looked at her. “I think that Harriet is very likely correct, and we shall be soundly beaten, my lord.”

  “I will have no such craven statements in my home,” protested Lord Glencairn. “Steel yourself, Lady Francis! I have declared war!”

  With much laughter the foursome sat down to a game of whist. It was apparent from the start of play that the couples were no more evenly matched than on the previous occasion. Harriet’s standard of play was well up to Glencairn’s and he simply could not compensate for Isobel’s lack of interest in learning the rules of bidding.

  As they finished the first rubber, Isobel said in a hopeful voice, “Perhaps we should allow Harriet to declare victory and retire from the field now, Lord Glencairn.”

  “Certainly not!” he replied. “I will not be deprived of the chance to prevail, and we certainly cannot be so poor-spirited as to prevent Miss Walcott from the opportunity to crow over her possible win.”

  When, after three rubbers, the score was totted up, Harriet and Francis, to no one’s surprise, had scored a victory.

  “To you, Miss Walcott,” said Francis, raising his brandy snifter to her. “I would not have managed such a feat without your assistance. Lord Glencairn appears to have been making a study of the game.”

  Harriet grinned back. “He will have to study a great deal more before he can best me,” she said.

  Glencairn smiled at her warmly. “Miss Walcott, I will not challenge you again. I know when I have been bettered. When we play next, I hope you will be my partner.”

  Harriet looked up at him and their eyes met for a moment. Startled, she looked down at the tabletop, and gathered her cards together. Stacking them neatly, she stood.

  “I think I must retire now,” she said. “I’ve promised Sophy I will paint with her tomorrow, and she, being young, will wish to begin early. I thank you for a lovely evening, Lord Glencairn.”

  “It was my pleasure to have you here in my home, Miss Walcott.” The earl bowed politely, and Harriet moved toward the door.

  “I will send Janet to your room, to make sure that you have everything you need,” said Lord Glencairn.

  “No that is not necessary, I—“ began Harriet, but his lordship waved her words away.

  “I insist, Miss Walcott,” he said. “I wish you to be as comfortable here as you would be in your own home.”

  Harriet, who had never felt the need for a maid and dressed herself each day, decided not to argue. “Thank you, my lord,” she said simply. “Isobel, I will see you in the morning.”

  “Pleasant dreams, dear,” said Isobel, and Harriet floated out of the room, not quite certain what had happened that evening, but aware that somehow, something had subtly changed.

  Chapter 23

  The following morning Harriet arose far later than she had intended, and was then plunged into a whirl of activity that astounded her. She painted again with Sophy, and then strolled in the Long Gallery with Catherine and Isobel, admiring the fine portraits of the Learmouth family. Just as the ladies were finishing a light luncheon, Lord Glencairn appeared, and sent Sophy into transports of delight by announcing that he had had the sleigh brought out and it awaited them at the door for a ride.

  At first reluctant to confront the winter chill, Harriet allowed herself to be coaxed into donning her heaviest cape, warmest bonnet, and a large fur muff and venturing outside. The sleigh was pulled up in front of the castle, its lacquered sides buffed to a high shine. Two draft horses were hitched to the sleigh, their manes threaded with red ribbons, and their golden coats brushed to a sunny glow. They stood stamping in the traces as they waited, as the bells on the tack jingled in time.

  “Oh, how pretty they look, Miss Walcott!” Sophy exclaimed. “How I wish I could paint this scene.”

  “It is indeed very appealing my love,” Harriet responded. “But I think you would catch your death of cold attempting to capture it.”

  She allowed Glencairn to hand her solicitously into the sleigh and tuck her up snugly in several fur rugs, to be joined by Isobel and Sophy, one on each side of her.

  Lord Glencairn mounted the box, and drove the sleigh himself, the coachman beside him, both bundled up in thick coats, large hats and capes. Harriet admired the skill with which he handled the horses, and found the entire ride utterly charming, as she watched huge, sparkling snowflakes float gently out of the grey sky, and drift over the branches of the pine trees as the sleigh threaded its way between them.

  When they returned to the castle, the earl continued his particular attention to Harriet’s comfort by giving her his arm as they walked up the steps. To Harriet’s mingled embarrassment and pleasure, he insisted on rubbing her hands with his own to warm them when she drew off her gloves and he realized they were chilled. Once he determined her fingers were warm, he pressed upon her another glass of heated mulled wine, and stood talking with her as she drank it.

  The evening brought a drive to the nearby estate of Sir Colin and Lady Leithley for dinner, followed by conversation and enlivened with music from the young ladies of the neighborhood. Harriet barely remembered the drive home in the starlit winter darkness, so late had the party continued, and tumbled exhausted into her bed.

  The sound of clinking china roused Harriet from her sleep the morning of Christmas Eve, to see Janet standing by her bed, holding a tea tray.

  “Oh, I’m ever so sorry to disturb you, Miss Walcott,” breathed the girl. “I thought you’d be awake by now.”

  Harriet glanced at the clock and saw to her horror that it was eleven-o-clock. “I most certainly should be!” she said. “Why did no one awaken me?”

  “Lady Sophia wanted to, but her father would have none of it. ‘Leave Miss Walcott alone’ said he. ‘She’s been dancing attendance on you since she arrived, and she’ll be needing some time for herself.’”

  Harriet had to laugh at Janet’s imitation of the earl. “How very kind of Lord Glencairn. But I have no time for tea in bed. I must get up.”

  “His lordship told me to make sure you take your time,” said Janet soothingly, depositing the tea tray in her lap. “’There’s no need for Miss Walcott to worry herself,’ he said. ‘She’s travelled many miles and done naught but entertain us since she arrived. It’s Christmas Eve, and she deserves to stay abed if she chooses.’”

  “Christmas Eve!” said Harriet. “I had forgotten!” She glanced down at the tea tray that kept her hemmed into the bed, and picked up the cup, taking a sip.

  “Did you, Miss?” asked Janet. “Well, you’ve been very busy of late. Me, I never forget Christmas!”

  “I had not thought I could!” said Harriet. “But it has been such a lovely few days I have quite lost track of time.”

  “Christmas at Glencairn is the best time of year,” said Janet firmly. “Today and tomorrow will be the loveliest of
all.”

  “I hope so,” said Harriet fervently. She stirred. “Now you have made me wish to get out of bed so I can enjoy it. I have obeyed orders and had my tea; please will you take it away?”

  Janet laughed and hefted the tray, depositing it on the dresser. “I’ll stay and help you dress, shall I?”

  Harriet climbed out of the bed and put on her wrapper. “I can manage, Janet. You need not stay.”

  “His lordship will never forgive me if I do not assist you, Miss Walcott,” said Janet firmly.

  Harriet shrugged. “Very well, if you insist.”

  Chapter 24

  In a far shorter period of time than if she had managed on her own, Harriet emerged from her room and descended the stairs to the main floor. She had chosen a long sleeved dress of finely woven green wool, with a black velvet bodice and jet beading trimming the cuffs and hem. She wore with it a black velvet cap that resembled a turban, which sported a green ribbon also embroidered in black, and she was pleased to think that she complemented the decorations of the castle perfectly. There was no one in the great hall, so she ventured into the drawing room, hoping to find Isobel there. As she paused in the doorway, she heard footsteps behind her, and turned to see Lord Glencairn approaching.

  “There you are, Miss Walcott,” he said. “How are you this afternoon?”

  “Is it afternoon?” asked Harriet. “I had no idea it was so late. I feel dreadfully spoiled, lying abed until all hours.”

  “You deserve to rest as long as you choose,” said the earl. “But I am glad to see you, for I hoped you might help me with a task.”

  “A task?” asked Harriet. “How may I assist you?”

  “On Christmas Eve the Earl of Glencairn takes food and sweetmeats to his tenants,” said his lordship. “I have a carriage outside loaded with provisions, and I hope you will assist me in my chore. Many of my tenants have children, and I thought you might enjoy meeting them, while I know that your charming manner and pleasant conversation will make everything go more smoothly.”

  “I would be honored to accompany you,” said Harriet. “It sounds like a charming custom. Let me fetch my cloak and we can be on our way.”

  “I hoped you would agree,” said Lord Glencairn. “So, I took the liberty of having Janet bring your cloak down, Miss Walcott, as well as your bonnet and muff. Indeed, I think we have everything we need.”

  Within minutes Harriet was wrapped so securely in her outdoor garments that barely the tip of her nose showed, and Lord Glencairn escorted her to the carriage, handing her into it, and then following her and seating himself across from her. He made sure she had a heated brick beneath her feet, and tucked a blanket gently around her, to ward off the chill, then rapped on the wall to tell the coachman to proceed.

  As the carriage pulled away, Francis and Isobel emerged into the hall from a side room, and stood looking after them through a window.

  “Do you suppose that Harriet believed him?” asked Francis.

  Isobel smiled and took his hand in hers. “I have no doubt at all that she did. Harriet is guileless, and believes the best of everyone. And it’s a harmless fabrication; perhaps there is no tradition at Glencairn of taking food to the tenants, but it is a pleasant enough thought, and they will no doubt be happy for it.”

  “If she does agree to marry him, it will become a tradition, for she will not be likely to forget it next year!” said Francis.

  “I do hope she will agree to marry him,” said Isobel. “And, if they only knew, so would Glencairn’s tenants!”

  In the carriage Harriet glanced around, taking in hamper after hamper seemingly stuffed to the brim with hams and sausage, wine and sweetmeats. “How generous you are, my lord,” she said.

  “Nonsense,” said Glencairn. “My wealth is built on the work my tenants do, and I pride myself on being fair to them. Such a small thing as this is the very least I can do to thank them for a year’s labor.”

  “Not everyone is wise enough to know that,” replied Harriet.

  “I hope that I am wise enough to see what is in front of my face!” exclaimed the earl. “I have been foolishly blind from time to time, but I mean to do better in the future.”

  “I wonder that Sophy and Douglas do not go with you,” said Harriet.

  “They are busy today, but soon Douglas should accompany me, I suppose,” said Lord Glencairn. “He will be the earl someday.”

  “Oh, not for many years,” said Harriet. “He will have plenty of time to learn how to manage the estate.”

  “Well, I hope that I have many years ahead of me,” said Glencairn. “I look forward to seeing Douglas and Sophy grown, with their own families, and their children coming here at Yuletide.”

  “It’s a lovely thought,” said Harriet. “Christmas at Glencairn—what a delightful time you have shown me, my lord.”

  “And the day is not nearly over, with Christmas Day yet to come!” said the earl. He looked out the window. “Ah, here is the first cottage.”

  The coachman swung up outside a trim cottage, and Lord Glencairn assisted Harriet out of the coach, and then selected a hamper. He pounded on the door with great good humor, and gave a hearty shout of ‘Merry Christmas’ when the door opened.

  “My lord?” said the famer who had opened the door, his face showing surprise.

  “I have come to wish you a happy Christmas, and best wishes for the new year,” said the earl cheerfully. He handed the hamper over to the astonished farmer, who hesitated only a moment.

  “Thank you, my lord! Please, come in, and allow me to introduce you to my family.” He glanced curiously at Harriet as they crossed the threshold.

  “This is my guest, Miss Walcott, who has kindly agreed to assist me,” said Glencairn. “Miss Walcott, my tenant, Jim McDonald.”

  “I’m very pleased to meet you,” said Harriet politely.

  Inside a surprised woman and three children turned from the fire to gaze at them, and then there was a flurry of introductions, as Jim turned the hamper over to his wife. She gave a cry of delight, and hastened to the hearth to unpack it. Harriet went with her, and took almost as much delight as the farmer’s wife in inspecting the ham, tin of tea, and cheese it contained. The children crowded around, and before many minutes had passed Harriet had struck up a conversation with them, and knew their names, ages, and favorite games. She might have stayed an hour, had not the earl laid a hand on her shoulder.

  “We have many more homes to visit, Miss Walcott,” he said. “Shall we leave the McDonalds to their festivities?

  “Oh, yes indeed,” answered Harriet. With a quiet smile she said good-bye to the farmer and his family, and they re-entered the carriage.

  “What a beautiful family,” she remarked as they pulled away from the cottage.

  “They do seem very happy,” said Glencairn.

  Harriet nodded. “It is so kind of you to think of them,” she said. “We are so fortunate to have all we can wish for, and if we can share that with others, it does much good.”

  Glencairn smiled. “I’m not sure I have all I wish for, Miss Walcott, but I am indeed a lucky man. And I am working on obtaining that which I truly want.”

  Harriet gave him a quizzical look, but soon forgot the question that hovered on her lips as they pulled up to another cottage. The next hours passed in a rush as they went from home to home. Harriet had soon endeared herself to the crofters and their wives, and had memorized the name of a score of children by the time they returned to the castle, happy but tired.

  Glencairn escorted her into the hall and divested her of her cloak. She took off her bonnet and glanced a moment in the mirror, straightening her slightly tumbled curls. She saw that her cheeks were becomingly flushed from the cold, and turned away with a little smile on her face. Lord Glencairn offered his arm.

  “What do you wish to do now, Miss Walcott?” he asked.

  “I am famished,” said Harriet. “I have been handing food to others for hours now and eating none myself! And
I fear that the cowslip wine the last farmer served to us has quite gone to my head!”

  “Then it is a good thing that I ordered a luncheon to be served upon our return,” said Lord Glencairn. He ushered her into the dining room, where a selection of cold meats and bread were laid out, with small cakes and ratafia as well. Two pairs of guilty eyes looked up at them, as it seemed that Douglas and Sophy had discovered the meal before their father’s return.

  “Fie, children,” said the earl, though there was no anger in his voice. “That meal was for Miss Walcott after all her assistance to me.”

  Sophy, distressed, opened her mouth to apologize, and Harriet swept over to hug her.

  “There is no harm done, my lord. There is enough food here to feed ten, and I will surely not go wanting.” She seated herself next to Sophy and speared a slice of meat with a fork, eagerly lifting it to her plate.

  Chapter 25

  Harriet pleaded weariness after her exertions, and retired to the Long Gallery after lunch to read for a bit, then went to her room for the luxury of a nap. Lord Glencairn had promised them dinner with several local families joining them, along with dancing in the drawing room afterwards and she wanted to enjoy the evening.

  Arising refreshed an hour later, she rang the bell and Janet soon appeared. They spent some time cheerfully discussing which gown Harriet should wear, and when she finally emerged from her room, dressed in a heavy sky blue silk, open over a petticoat of pale grey figured velvet, she was more than pleased with her appearance. She made her way to the drawing room, where Glencairn, Francis, and Isobel awaited her. To her delight she saw that Sophy, Douglas and Catherine were also present.

  “How wonderful to see the children here,” she said to Lord Glencairn when he greeted her.

  “It is Christmas, after all,” he said. “They are old enough to join in the festivities, and it would be a pity for Miss Dalburn not to be present, for I know she is a friend of yours, and she has few opportunities in her busy life to enjoy an evening party.”