Thawing the Viscount's Heart: A Christmas Regency Romance (Belles of Christmas: Frost Fair Book 3)

by Mindy Burbidge Strunk

  She let out a squeal.

  Gabby placed her finger to her lips. “Remember to be quiet, kitten.”

  She turned back to move out from behind the bush when a half a dozen snowballs came hurling toward them.

  Sophia slid from his back and scampered to the other side of the bush, as Aaron bent, packing and throwing snowballs as quickly as he could. Their attackers fled before him, but not before they each threw another ball behind the bush.

  Gabby lifted her hands in front of her face to block the blows. She shifted her body sideways, but her foot caught on a low laying branch and she lurched forward.

  Aaron dropped the snow from his hands and reached for her before she hit the ground.

  She grabbed hold of him, her arms wrapping around his abdomen, her feet slipping on the icy layer beneath the new snow.

  Aaron tightened his hold on her, enjoying the feel of her in his arms.

  Sophia came back from behind the bush, wrapping her arms around Gabby’s legs. “Babby.”

  “Soph—” Gabby called as her legs kicked out behind her and she pushed further into Aaron.

  The change in his balance combined with the icy ground sent Aaron’s feet askew; though he struggled to stay upright, he eventually slipped, pulling Gabby and Sophia both down with him. They landed in a heap in the snow.

  “Ooomph.” Aaron landed hard on his back. He opened his eyes and saw Gabby’s face a breath away from his.

  Her lips parted and Aaron could not help the parting of his own, nor the sigh that escaped them.

  A sore backside seemed a small price to pay if this was the result of such a fall. Perhaps he had been amiss in avoiding the snow thus far. The side of his mouth quirked up.

  “Oh, I am sorry, my lord.” Gabby scrambled to get up, but her legs tangled with the little girl laying in the folds of her skirts.

  Sophia giggled and rolled about but moving off did not appear to be in her plans.

  “Sophia, kitten, please move off my skirts. I cannot stand until you do.” She turned embarrassed eyes on Aaron. “Are you hurt? I should have asked after you earlier.”

  Aaron nodded, only just restraining himself from reaching up and touching her face. “I have never been better in my life.”

  Her cheeks looked pinker than they had only moments before. “Soph, please. You must stand up.”

  Aaron tightened his arms around her, and he felt her breath hitch. She looked back to him.

  “Perhaps if we roll over, it will deposit her on the ground next to us.” It was the last thing he wanted to do, but he could feel the anxiety building inside her. It was this anxiety that kept him from lifting his head and placing a kiss on her berry-red lips.

  “That may be the only way to get her off,” Gabby whispered.

  Aaron shifted, rolling them both to the side. He heard a soft thud as Sophia landed on the snow. But he did not release Gabby immediately.

  She held his gaze as steadily as he held hers. Was she feeling the same draw that he was?

  Aaron leaned forward. Had he not given her enough time to disentangle herself from him if she desired it? Did this mean she wanted him to kiss her? He was a gentleman, and a gentleman always obliged a lady her wishes, did he not?

  He moved in slowly until he could feel the heat radiating off her cheeks.

  “Gabby, are you well? Did we hurt you when we ambushed you just now?”

  Gabby jumped to her feet at the sound of Winston’s voice. “No. I fell to the ground and Sophia got tangled in my skirts. I am well, as you can see.” She snatched Sophia up into her arms and nearly ran from behind the bush.

  Aaron rolled to his back, staring up at the gray sky, the sun nowhere in sight. He put his arm over his eyes, allowing the memory of her smell and warm body on his to ward off the cold. But it only lasted a moment. The wet made its way through his coats, down to his skin, gooseflesh raising the hairs on his arms and legs.

  He grunted. Now how was he to rid his mind of her? Even as he thought it, he knew he didn’t want to be rid of her. The only place he wanted her, besides his mind, was in his arms.

  Aaron thought on the way she’d scrambled up and away from him. He sighed. It was highly unlikely he’d ever be that close to her again.

  Chapter 15

  Gabby hurried away from the bush, only allowing Sophia to squirm out of her arms once she had put distance between herself and Aaron. She darted a quick glance over her shoulder. Aaron had not yet emerged from behind the bush.

  She bit her bottom lip. Had she hurt him when she’d fallen on top of him? Her cheeks warmed. His smile had seemed to indicate he had not felt any pain.

  Had he felt her heart hammering inside her chest? It seemed doubtful he could have missed it. It had thumped as though a drummer boy was pounding out the beat before charging into battle. Although, Gabby suspected hers had a faster cadence than even an experienced drummer could muster.

  She turned partially around, debating whether or not she should check on him. She wanted to—almost needed to—until she caught the gaze of Miss Carter.

  The lady raised a brow and…smirked? What had she to smirk at Gabby for?

  The earlier amusement of the snowball fight faded, and Gabby felt cold. “Come, Soph. It is time for you to rest. I promised Nurse Jones I would not keep you out of doors for too long.” Perhaps she could pass by the bush and check on Aaron on her way back to the house.

  She took the little girl’s hand and walked toward the side of the house, her gaze flicking frequently to the hideout she had shared with Aaron. Tilting her head, she tried to peer around the tree’s snow-covered branches.

  A snicker sounded behind her, and Gabby turned to see Miss Carter watching her.

  Gabby straightened up and forced herself to look straight ahead. It seemed the lady was intent on embarrassing Gabby. But only Gabby could allow Miss Carter to be successful in her quest. But how did one avoid showing embarrassment?

  Gabby swallowed. Perhaps it was merely a matter of perception. Perhaps Miss Carter meant nothing by her smile. Although, that did not ring true considering their history.

  Still, Gabby knew what had nearly happened behind that bush, and that caused her discomfiture. She slowed her steps. It seemed more likely the embarrassment was due to how much Gabby wished it had happened, more than anything else.

  “Had enough fun, have you?” The warm, gravelly tones washed over her, taking the chill from her body.

  Gabby smiled. When had she come to love the sound of his voice? At one time, the sound of his voice had set her hair on end. She dropped Sophia’s hand and ran her gloved hand up and down her arm. It appeared her hair still stood on end, though for a completely different reason, now.

  “It is time for Sophia to nap.”

  Gabby could feel Miss Carter’s gaze—likely a glare if Gabby had to guess—followed them. She knew why the governess disliked her. Indeed, Miss Carter’s displeasure had only seemed to increase since their discussion the other day.

  Gabby supposed she should try speaking to Miss Carter again. Surely there was a way for them to be friends. She shook her head. Why must every association take so much work? And why must Gabby be the one to make all the effort? It was exhausting.

  She glanced at the gentleman next to her. If she had learned anything since leaving London, it was that some people’s friendship was worth the extra effort.

  Sophia pulled Gabby to a stop. “No nap.”

  Gabby leaned forward and looked Sophia in the eyes. “Did I say nap?” She swatted the words away with her hand. “I must have misspoken. I meant a rest, kitten. I know you do not like naps.” She looked up at Aaron and winked.

  What? Why had she winked? What kind of lady did such a thing? And to a gentleman, no less?

  She dropped her gaze back to Sophia and kept it there as she straightened. They moved toward the house once again and Gabby looked forward, even as her eyes itched to glance over at Aaron.

  She tugged on Sophia’s hand. “I d
o not wish for you to catch a cold.” Gabby finally allowed herself a quick glance at Aaron from the corner of her eye. Was he mortified at her behavior?

  He looked straight ahead, his hands clasped behind his back, but she thought she detected a slight twitch at the corner of his mouth. He did not find her mortifying then, just ridiculous. Zut.

  Gabby’s gaze flicked back to him over and over, taking in a different feature each time. His perfectly angular jaw, his ears, which seemed perfectly proportioned for his head, the way his hair curled over his forehead. It was rare for her to have this much time to watch him without being caught.

  She had always thought he was handsome, albeit somewhat grudgingly. But suddenly it felt as though seeing him had become a need—almost as much as the air she breathed. When had such a shift occurred?

  “May I escort you back to the house? I should not like you to slip on the ice again.”

  Gabby smiled up at him. “It seems you already are.” She motioned to the corner of the house they had just reached. “Although I do not believe there is reason for concern. I am rather sure-footed when I do not have a kitten underfoot.” She patted Sophia lightly on the head.

  Aaron reached out, and in one fluid motion swung Sophia up, settling her in his arms. “I can’t risk having her trip you up again.”

  Sophia whimpered until Gabby reached out, gently squeezing the girl’s hand. “Do not be frightened, Soph. Lord Brinton will not harm you.”

  Sophia put her wet mittened hands on his cheeks and studied Aaron’s face. Apparently, she approved of what she saw because she settled against his chest as they rounded the corner.

  “Thank you. She is tired and was walking slower with every step.” Even as she said the words her stomach hardened. Had he not wrapped her in those arms only moments ago? Gabby longed to be there again, but Sophia had that pleasure now.

  “I am happy to be of service.” Aaron’s strides were at least twice as long as hers, and she had to skip to keep up.

  By the time they arrived at the front stairs, she felt as though she may need a nap. They mounted the stairs, and Aaron pushed the door open, stepping to the side to allow her to enter first.

  Gabby paused inside the door, only then realizing just how cold she was. The footman stepped from the cloakroom and waited patiently at her elbow. She unfastened her pelisse and handed it over with her bonnet and gloves. Her fingers ached with cold.

  She felt Aaron beside her before she looked up into his face. He nodded to the little girl in his arms. “It seems she has grown accustomed to me.”

  Gabby went up on tiptoes, peering over his arms.

  Sophia’s lashes rested against her cheeks, and her lips parted slightly. She took in a deep breath but relaxed again against Aaron’s chest.

  “Oh, dear. She will be unhappy she succumbed.” Gabby dropped onto her heels. “Let me take her up to the nursery.”

  He shook his head. “Let me. She is much too heavy for you to carry her so far.” He started for the stairs.

  She reached out her hand and stopped him. “But you have not yet removed your coat. Give her to me and I will settle her into bed.”

  He shook his head. “I insist on taking her.” A thought flitted through Gabby’s mind. Is this how Aaron would be with his own children? It wasn’t hard for her to picture it.

  “Now please, lead the way, Gabby.”

  Her heart gave a lurch. He had called her Gabby.

  She’d wanted to give him leave to use her father’s pet name for her but had worried he would think her too improper. She had seen what he’d thought of Rebekah when she had acted in such a manner.

  “Gabby. While I enjoy standing here watching you think, Sophia is only becoming heavier.”

  “Oh. I’m sorry.” She hurried past him and up the stairs.

  She twisted the knob and pushed the nursery door open. Nurse Jones sat in the rocking chair by the fire, mending in her lap. She looked up at the sound of the door and offered Gabby a smile. “I am surprised she lasted this long.”

  Gabby motioned to Aaron as he walked through the door. “She didn’t.”

  Nurse Jones chuckled. Placing her hands on the arms of the rocker, she let out a groan.

  Gabby held up her hand. “Please, do not get up. We can see she is settled.”

  Nurse Jones sighed but settled back into the rocker. “Thank you. These old bones just don’t move as quickly as they once did.”

  Aaron followed Gabby into the nursery. The curtains were partially drawn, casting the room in shadows.

  She pointed to a bed. “Just lay her there and I will remove her coat.”

  Aaron gently set her on the bed and took a step back. He stood with his hands at his side, watching over her shoulder as Gabby pulled Sophia’s arms out of the sleeves. She looked up at him. “You are wet through yourself. Thank you for your help, but I can see to her now.”

  His brow furrowed, and he looked down at his wet greatcoat. “I suppose you’re right. If you’re certain you no longer have need of my assistance…” He seemed hesitant to leave, and Gabby was equally reluctant to have him go.

  “I shall take my coat downstairs,” he said, even though he remained firmly rooted in place. He looked around them. “But then I believe I shall spend the rest of the afternoon in the library.” He placed an emphasis on the last words. But that was silly. Why would he do that?

  Gabby smiled up at him.

  His face held a soft smile as he watched her.

  Gabby felt her own face warm. While there was nothing indecent happening, the moment felt intimate. What would it be like to share a home and have children with this man? Her cheeks flamed. That thought was certainly indecent. She placed her hand to her cheek, grateful for the dimness that surrounded them.

  She turned her attention back to Sophia, smoothing her hair away from her face.

  “It has been a good day.”

  Gabby barely heard Aaron’s whispered voice. Had he sensed her thoughts? Perhaps the low light in the room had not hidden the blush in her cheeks as well as she thought.

  Gabby turned to acknowledge him, but all she saw was his back as he slipped through the door.

  The room felt colder and darker with him gone.

  Sophia sighed and Gabby pulled the bedsheet and counterpane up over the girl’s small body.

  Gabby’s eyes felt heavy. Maybe she should crawl in and rest with Sophia. A deep voice floated through her mind. I believe I shall spend the rest of the afternoon in the library. Yes, the library did seem a good place to spend the afternoon.

  She stoked the fire and slipped out of the room.

  Nurse Jones looked up. “I shall sit with her. Thank you for seeing to her.”

  “You’re welcome. You know I enjoy spending time with her.”

  Nurse Jones gingerly stood up and moved toward the nursery door. “She loves you. Now go enjoy your afternoon. I thought I heard Lord Brinton say he would be in the library.” The older woman smiled knowingly.

  Gabby bit the inside of her cheek, suddenly self-conscious. Had she made Nurse Jones believe she had feelings for Aaron? It was true; she had such feelings. But it was not something she wished for the whole house to know. “Yes, I recall him saying that as well. But I do not believe he was desiring company.” She turned to leave. “I will be in my chambers if you should need me.”

  Her shoulders sagged. She had been looking forward to seeing Aaron in the library. But she could not very well go there now. It would only confirm what surely everyone in the house was thinking—that Gabby had designs on Lord Brinton.

  She plodded down the stairs and headed toward her room, pausing at the door to the upper floor of the library. She stared at the door. Should she go in? It was not as if Nurse Jones would come looking for her and confirm her suspicions.

  But what if something happened, and she did come looking? Gabby sighed. That had only occurred a handful of times. It seemed unlikely that it should happen today. Her heart thudded in her chest. Aa
ron had probably not even arrived yet. She could just slip in, grab a few books, and return to her room to read, just as she had said she would do.

  She reached for the knob but pulled her hand back. What if he was inside? Had he mentioned the library so she would come and join him? Or was he giving her notice that he would occupy the library and did not wish for company? He knew she frequented the library, so it was feasible he was just informing her of his desire to be alone.

  Zut! She seemed incapable of making even the smallest decision. She shook her head firmly and pushed open the door. She would retrieve her books and leave. If Aaron was inside, she would just walk quietly so as not to disturb him.

  She stepped inside and turned to close the door behind her.

  “I’m glad you decided to join me. I confess, I was doubting if you would.”

  Her hand stilled on the knob; her heart thundered in her ears. He had wanted her to come? “I had thought to retrieve my books so as not to disturb you.” She turned around, resting her back against the door.

  She could just see the top of his soft-looking hair where he sat on the settee below by the fire. There was no way he could have seen her. How had he known it was her?

  “You are not disturbing me.”

  She heard him close a book and set it on a table. A quiet rustling drifted up and a moment later, he stepped onto the second floor. It reminded her of the first time she’d come to this room and he had discovered her. Although, she did not remember there being a whooshing in her ears or a weakness in her knees. She pressed herself tighter against the door.

  These feelings confused her and she did not know what to do with them. She could not say for certain she even knew what they meant. No one had ever told her what it felt like to be in love. Perhaps this was something different.

  He stopped several feet away from her. “It is cool up here. Are you sure you would not be more comfortable down by the fire?” He shifted from one foot to the other, studying her. A grunt sounded deep in his throat. “Perhaps it is I who am bothering you.” His brow creased, and he took a step back.

  “No.” Gabby’s voice came out much louder than she’d intended. “I see no reason we cannot both enjoy the room.” She pulled her bottom lip between her teeth and his gaze dropped to her mouth.