by Kate Pearce
Holly couldn’t believe he was serious.
“Unless, of course, you’ve had your heart set on a wedding at Saint George’s.”
“I’ve never dreamed of a wedding, in truth, and would be quite happy with a blacksmith.”
“Then let’s inform His Grace, and then my parents, and then we can begin looking to the future.”
Holly bit her lip as Anthony settled her on the ground once more and grasped her hand.
“What of the mistletoe?” If it didn’t come to life around Ethan, then should they truly marry?
“I don’t care if it remains dead for the rest of our lives.”
“The Gypsy?”
“Can go rot,” he said as he pulled her toward the castle.
As much as Holly wished to be Anthony’s bride, she feared it was not to be. She couldn’t let her heart truly go until she was certain or she might not survive if she was not meant for him.
Anthony stopped when she didn’t follow, turned toward her and placed a finger beneath her chin. “I can assure you that the mistletoe will bloom when we are near Westbury.”
“Oh, Anthony, I hope you are correct. With all my heart, I hope you are.”
With a smile, he tugged on her hand and the two hurried toward the castle to find Ethan. What greeted them, however, changed everything.
“Lady Ivy has fallen down the stairs. His Grace is with her now,” Oliver informed them.
Holly looked up at Anthony.
“Go. We can wait.”
“Thank you.”
Holly squeezed his hand before she pulled away, praying that Ivy hadn’t been too terribly injured.
“You have the finest brandy in all of England, Lynwood.” Anthony toasted his brother-in-law before he took another drink of the rich, smooth liqueur. It may be the best, smuggled most likely, but it did little to calm his nerves at the moment.
“Why the pacing?” St. Giles asked from his seat. The three of them were waiting for Charlotte and Lady St. Giles to come downstairs so that they could travel to Keyvnor for the Yule Ball.
He wasn’t ready to tell either of them of his plans to marry Holly Prescott, and wouldn’t until he obtained Westbury’s permission. “On edge, I suppose.”
“Does the castle scare you so much?” St. Giles asked with a laugh.
The castle. Oh, yes, the hauntings. “No, except some of the rooms were as cold as mountain snow. I do hope Michael had plenty of blankets on his bed.” Then he chuckled. “Or found a lady to help keep him warm.” Which would certainly be his brother’s preference.
Lynwood and St. Giles shared a look.
“What?”
“They didn’t have a spot for him at Keyvnor.”
Surely they jested. “The place is huge, they couldn’t find one chamber?”
“That is why he slept in a vardo last night,” Lynwood offered.
His jaw dropped, Anthony could feel it, but couldn’t control his reaction. “I thought he was joking.”
“No. From what I gather, Michael has slept in a different place each night since he arrived.”
Anthony didn’t know why, but he was angry that Michael hadn’t told him. What would he be reduced to next, the stables? “I wonder what else my brother has seen fit to hide from me.”
Again, his brother-in-law and St. Giles shared a look.
“What?” Anthony yelled.
“You tell him. You’re his relation now,” St. Giles said to Lynwood.
“Michael is buying a copper mine.”
“An investment?” Good for Michael. “Well, he has enough gambling winnings, especially since he’s been hounding the wedding guests to pay up, but I’m glad he’s doing something responsible with his funds for a change.”
“It isn’t just an investment. He plans on…running the mine,” St. Giles explained.
Running the mine? “As in managing it? Michael is going into trade?” Trade and Michael were words he never thought he’d use in the same sentence.
“And that is the very reason why he hasn’t mentioned it to you,” St. Giles smirked. “He knew you’d disapprove.”
“Disapprove? Hardly. Shocked? Most certainly.” His brother really thought he’d disapprove? Did Michael think so little of him?
Did his brother even talk to him anymore?
Anthony sank down in a chair. He’d been an arse to Michael, but Michael wasn’t exactly pleasant toward Anthony either.
Michael had looked like hell today when he had finally arrived for the wedding, but Anthony’s mind had been too filled with crossing Banfield off the list so that he could approach Westbury.
Had Michael really slept in the Gypsy wagon last night? Anthony assumed by his comment yesterday that it was more in the way of seeking sympathy than actual reality. Of course, that didn’t explain why he looked unrested. Entire families slept in vardos so they couldn’t be that uncomfortable.
Guilt ate at his conscience. Had Michael truly been reduced to sleeping with the Gypsies, all because Anthony wouldn’t share his chamber? Yes, the bed was too small for the two of them, but that didn’t mean something couldn’t have been worked out.
When had everything changed? They used to be friends. He loved Michael, but sometimes it was as if they were from two different worlds, and it didn’t sit well with him one bit. Anthony drained the brandy from his glass and stood. “I’ll see you at the castle. There is something I must do.” If all went well, before the night was out, Anthony planned on not only being betrothed to Holly, but he would have his brother back as well.
Anthony encountered Michael in the corridor just outside of the billiards room. “It’s true, you really did sleep in a Gypsy wagon?”
“Why do you care where I slept?”
“I hadn’t realized all the chambers were taken here at the castle.”
Michael blew out an irritated breath. “Well, the situation has been rectified, and I’m headed to my new chambers now. So if you don’t mind, I’d like to get settled.”
“A moment, please.”
His brother narrowed his eyes on Anthony. “What is it you don’t approve of this time, Lord Redgrave?”
Anthony winced. He had been horrible to his brother. They were no longer children and he shouldn’t treat Michael as such. “There’s nothing I approve of or don’t approve of. I simply wish to apologize and inquire about a few rumors.”
Michael’s jaw hardened. “Are you going to pester me if I say no?”
Anthony smiled. “I wouldn’t call it pestering. I’ll simply follow you around until you grant me an audience.”
“Follow me then,” Michael grumbled as he headed toward a flight of stairs. Anthony followed him up the steps and through various corridors until he entered a vacant bedchamber.
“Why did you sleep in a wagon if you had a room?”
“It wasn’t available until now. Someone who cares for me more than you gave up her lodgings to share with her cousin so that I wouldn’t have to sleep in the elements any longer.”
“Elements?” Michael was also so damned theatrical at times, and it was all Anthony could do not to march from the chambers, but he was here to make amends.
“Yes, the wagon Lynwood offered me had holes in the roof. Perhaps you didn’t realize it, Anthony, but it rained all night.”
That had to have been awful. Guilt ate at Anthony again. “I am sorry.”
“So you say.” His brother folded his arms across his chest “What is it that you really want, Anthony?”
“I honestly did not know there was no place for you at Keyvnor. Had I realized, we could have managed in the chamber at Hollybrook Park.”
Michael eyed him disbelievingly.
“Honestly, had I known, I would not have left you in the cold, or the elements, as you say. You are my brother.”
“I’m surprised it matters to you one way or the other.”
“That failing is on me.” How had the distance developed between them? At one time they were close, but as they g
rew, and with the four years difference in their age, they’d drifted apart. Yet, just a few months ago, when their sister was in danger, the two of them had worked together because she was family. The two of them were family. “Is it true?”
“Is what true?” Michael demanded defensively.
“That you’re going into trade? That you’re buying a copper mine?”
Michael blew out a surprised breath. “I guess you’d learn sooner or later.” Then he held out his hands. “Go on. Tell me what an embarrassment I’ll be to the family.”
Anthony studied him. Did Michael really think so poorly of him? “Actually, I find it admirable.”
Michael narrowed his eyes on Anthony once more as if he didn’t believe him, and Anthony couldn’t really blame him. “You and I are different.”
At that, Michael snorted.
“All because of a matter of birth. In truth, I’ve always been a bit jealous of you.”
“Me?” Michael asked incredulously. “You’re the bloody heir.”
“Exactly. My life is set. From before I can remember, I’ve been preparing for the day our father dies. The responsibility has been drummed into me over and over. I’ve not had the freedom you’ve enjoyed.”
“You have all the control.”
“Some,” Anthony admitted. “But, you can do and be what you please, with very little consequence. I have been angry over what I saw as foolish behavior, and your love and talent for gambling, but in truth, I do envy you because I’ve never had a choice to do or be what I want.”
Michael shook his head slightly. “And if I had your life, I wouldn’t be scrambling around trying to make sense of mine.”
“I think you’re on the right path, and I’m proud that you’ve decided to make your own way and risk something more than a few pounds on a game of cards or a horse race. The Navy needs copper and you’re wise enough to grasp at and take advantage of an opportunity that not only will serve England, but could in the end make you a wealthy man.”
“You really have no objection to me going into trade?”
“None at all,” Anthony assured him. “That is why you have been collecting your winnings, isn’t it?”
“I needed the first payment.”
“Why didn’t you come to me?”
“Honestly, I assumed you’d reject me, and I need to do this on my own.”
Anthony nodded. So it was a matter of pride. “Do you have all you need?”
Michael shook his head. “But I will just as soon as Markham pays up. If he doesn’t make good, I’m still waiting on more fellows to settle up. Dallimore for one.”
Anthony chuckled and shook his head.
“Did I say something amusing?”
“Dallimore is the one who told me you were collecting your debts, after he tried to blackmail me for five pounds.”
Michael’s eyes widened. “Blackmail you for what? You’ve never stepped out of line in your life.”
Anthony quickly explained about being alone with Holly.
Michael’s brow lifted. “And here I thought you were supposed to be the respectable one.”
“I am,” Anthony ground out. “Besides, I plan on marrying her and if Dallimore would have spoken to Westbury, it would have only hastened what I want anyway.” He pulled a purse from the inside of his pocket.
“What’s that?”
“Dallimore’s five.” He handed the notes over. “You’ll not get it from him for a very long time, if ever, nor can he afford to part with even a quid at the moment.”
Michael nodded, but did not take the money.
“Take it.”
“I don’t want help from you.”
“It’s Dallimore’s five, and I want to help. I believe in what you’re doing.”
Michael stared at the money. “Will you hold this over me?”
Anthony waited for his brother to look him in the eye. “Never.”
At first, Anthony thought his brother would take the offering, but then Michael shook his head quite firmly. “I’d much rather have your respect than your blunt.”
“You can have both.”
Michael smiled as he shook his head once more. “If I run into any snags with the Admiralty, will you lend me your influence?”
“Gladly.”
“Thank you.”
“If you need anything, don’t hesitate to ask,” Anthony assured him. “I don’t want you to fail in this venture any more than you want to fail yourself.”
Michael simply nodded, but Anthony knew that his brother would never ask him for anything, which only made the respect he had for Michael even greater.
“I assume you’ve not mentioned this to our parents?”
“Putting it off as long as possible.”
“When you do, I’d be happy to be there if you’d like.”
“You want to catch Mother before she faints?”
Anthony laughed at the truth of that. “She just might, but I’m happy to show them that you’ve got my full support.”
Again, Michael said nothing, but words weren’t needed.
“Well, I must go. Hopefully, Westbury will be free to speak with me.” Anthony started for the threshold.
“He may be in a bit of a temper,” Michael said.
That was hardly helpful. “A temper?”
“Someone, it seems, pushed his sister down a flight of stairs earlier today.”
“A ghost?” They were at Keyvnor and Anthony couldn’t imagine a living, breathing wedding guest doing such a thing.
“No idea who, but Westbury is as anxious as you might expect.”
Well, that was good information to have. “Thank you for the warning.” Anthony stopped at the door. “I’ll see you at the ball.”
But his brother shook his head. “I’ll be somewhere else this evening.”
It wasn’t like Michael to miss out on an opportunity to dance and flirt, but really, how well did he know his brother, and how much had he erroneously assumed over the years? “Well, have a good night, then.”
“You too, Anthony.”
Chapter 14
Holly glanced in the mirror one last time, drew a deep breath then blew it out. Tonight she would learn the truth. Anthony might not care whether the mistletoe responded or not, but she did. In her heart of hearts she was certain, but one could not argue with magic. If the mistletoe remained dead then their future would fail and she’d be just as miserable as Ivy’s older sisters. Holly would rather be alone than come to hate Anthony.
Poor Ivy. Who would push her down the stairs? It nearly broke Holly’s heart when she stopped in to check on her friend and viewed the painful injuries. She’d offered to sit with her during the ball so that Ivy wouldn’t be alone, but she wouldn’t allow it.
Hopefully Ethan had calmed some, because Holly need him in better humor when he spoke with Anthony.
Her stomach flipped knowing that she’d see Anthony shortly, then tightened with fear of what would happen. It wasn’t Ethan who worried her, but the dead plant.
After one last deep breath, Holly exited her chamber and made her way to the ballroom. Oliver greeted her upon her entrance and she was grateful to have her friend by her side.
“You’re shaking.”
“Am I?” she nervously chuckled.
“Yes. Is it Ivy?”
“No, she will recover, though I still wish I knew who wished to do her harm.”
“At least you aren’t blaming a ghost,” he snorted.
Holly shot him a look. He’d never believe in their existence no matter what she said.
“Come, come, no scolding me tonight. Let’s enjoy ourselves,” Oliver insisted.
Holly glanced around, but she couldn’t find Anthony in the crowd. Had he not arrived yet? His family was here, except for his brother, but she’d rarely seen the two in each other’s company.
Ethan wasn’t present yet either. Her heart began to pound a fierce tattoo. Were they meeting now? What of the mistletoe? Oh, she wished she
knew where they were and if they were together.
“What is the matter with you?” Oliver asked.
She glanced around and then pulled him away from the others so as not to be overheard. “I believe Redgrave is going to ask Ethan for my hand.”
At first Oliver only stared at her and then he slowly smiled. “Is this what you want?”
“Yes,” she nearly cried. “More than anything.”
“As I can’t imagine my cousin rejecting the viscount’s suit, allow me to be the first to congratulate you.”
Oh, if only it were that simple, but if she mentioned the mistletoe to Oliver, he might very well call her a fool.
“Redgrave has arrived.” He nodded to the entryway where Anthony stood, glancing over the crowd. Heat settled in her belly when his eyes met hers and then he smiled before making his way toward her.
“Now, to find my cousin and all will be set,” Oliver murmured.
“Oh, where is he?” She studied the guests again. “He didn’t change his mind and remain with Ivy, did he?”
“Look to the entrance again, Holly.”
There he was, but Anthony noticed him first.
Her stomach tightened as Anthony approached Ethan. The two shook hands and then he glanced at her, the side of his mouth tilted in a smile and love in his eyes. Holly hadn’t even realized she was crossing to them until she was by their side.
“I told you it was meant to be.” With that he opened his hand and the once-dead plant had blossomed to green, healthy leaves, and plump, ripe berries. Her heart lodged in her throat as she looked up at Anthony, unable to keep from smiling. Everything she wanted would be hers.
“Why the blazes are you carrying mistletoe, Redgrave.”
“For this, Your Grace.” Then he held it above Holly and leaned in to kiss her. She nearly melted on the spot and grasped his arm to keep upright. Everyone around her faded into the background until it was only Anthony that she was with.
“Excuse me.” Ethan cleared his throat and Anthony slowly pulled away from Holly.
“Yes, Your Grace?” Anthony asked while still staring into Holly’s eyes.