“That should make our ball that much more interesting.”
“And that, my lovely maid, is an understatement.”
Tillie and Frank entered the room where everyone had gathered after dinner. It was quiet. Solemn. And quite empty except for George and Corrine and Felicity.”
“I take it everyone has retired,” Tillie said as she and Frank found seats on a sofa facing the others.
“Yes. It was like a graveyard with Lord Derwin here,” George said. “Even Uncle John wasn’t able to keep a conversation going”
“George won’t say what happened,” Felicity said. “Will you, Major Collyard?”
“Yes, please,” Corrine added. “It’s not fair that everyone knows and we don’t. Even Tillie knows, don’t you?”
A rush of guilt shot through her. She knew that Felicity especially would be interested in anything involving Lord Penview. Even if it might be difficult for her to handle.
She turned to Frank, then back to Corrine and Felicity. “Yes, I know. And I think it’s only fair that you know, too. Since you were in the meeting, Frank, would you tell Corrine and Felicity why Father met with Lord Broughton and Lord Derwin, and what happened?”
Frank agreed, then related the events. He explained the threatening letters and what they said.
Both Felicity and Corrine were shocked. “Did your father think our father or Lord Derwin sent the letters?” Corrine asked.
“He didn’t know. Which was why he invited you to come early. He hoped it wasn’t either of them, but needed to be certain.”
“Does he know now who sent the letters?” Felicity asked.
Tillie nodded and kept her eyes focused on Felicity. “It was Lord Penview.”
“No,” Felicity said on a strangled gasp. “No, no. Jamison wouldn’t do such a thing.”
She rose to her feet and swayed noticeably. Tillie rose to hold her steady.
“Why?” she asked. “Why would he do that?”
Tears filled her eyes and Tillie could feel her tremble as she held her.
“I don’t know, Felicity. I can only guess.”
Tillie helped Felicity back to her chair. “It’s about money, isn’t it.”
Tillie sat down beside Felicity and reached for her hand. “That would be my first assumption. If the bill in the House passes, it will require the mine owners to make improvements to their mines that could cost a great deal of money.”
“That’s why Mama told us that when we return to London we won’t be able to spend as much on gown and trinkets, isn’t it?” Corrine added.
“Perhaps,” Tillie answered.
“What will happen to Lord Penview?” Felicity asked.
The sadness in her eyes tore at Tillie’s heart. There was real concern on her face. “I don’t know. Lord Derwin sent a message for his grandson to join him for the ball. He’s sure Lord Penview can be here by then.”
“That’s just a few days away.”
Tillie nodded. Four days. They would know Lord Penview’s fate in four days. Tillie hoped that Felicity would be able to handle whatever happened.
The days leading up to the ball were filled with a million details as guests began to arrive early. No one wanted to chance that a snowstorm would prevent them from reaching Cherrywood Manor.
As the house filled, the excitement grew to a fevered pitch. The undercurrent of worry over Lord Penview’s plight was easily swept aside by the joy that filled the halls in anticipation of the New Year.
“Are you ready to play our role?” Frank asked, catching up with Tillie as she hurried to the kitchen for the hundredth time that day with new requests for the harried cook.
Tillie lifted her gaze until it met Frank’s. “I don’t feel as if I’ll have to work too hard to prove that I care for you, Major.”
“Don’t you,” he said, leaning down to steal a kiss.
“You see, I’m a very good actress.”
“Ah yes, I can see that. It makes it so much easier for your leading man to pretend he finds you half way interesting.”
“You beast!” She grinned at him and he took her arm and hooked it through his. “What are you up to?” he asked.
“I need to speak with Cook. The Earl and Countess of Wrightly arrived a few minutes ago and they weren’t supposed to come until tomorrow. I want to make sure Cook knows, then tell Mrs. Pratley, so she can have the staff add two more places to the table.”
“Has Lord Derwin heard from his grandson?”
Tillie shook her head. “I inquired this morning and he said Lord Penview probably wouldn’t arrive until tomorrow at the earliest.”
“That might be for the best. Having him here will be uncomfortable for your father, as well as for the rest of us.”
“I think you’re right,” she said as they made their way down the hall.
“Is there anything I can do to help?”
“Nothing, other than joining Father in his study. I’m sure he’d appreciate your help in keeping the conversation away from the mining bill. I’d hate to have to break up a quarrel.”
Frank laughed. “I think I can do that.”
Tillie made her way to the kitchen and then to the large receiving room where her mother was gathered with the female guests. As she walked across the foyer, a knock sounded at the front door. “I’ll get it,” she told Jamison who was busy taking the latest armload of coats to the butler’s closet.
Tillie put a welcoming smile on her face and opened the door. Her smile froze when she found herself looking into the exceedingly handsome face of the Earl of Penview.
“Welcome, Lord Penview. Please do come in out of the cold.”
Tillie stepped back to allow the earl to enter. After she closed the door, she took his coat from him and handed it to the hall boy.
“Miss Rowley. Thank you for your kind invitation. It’s a great pleasure to be here.”
“I’m glad you could find the time on such short notice. Please, allow me to escort you to the study. The men have gathered there.”
Tillie led the way across the foyer, but before they reached the study, Tillie saw Felicity walking toward them. Her eyes opened wide when she recognized the Earl of Penview.
“Lady Felicity,” Tillie said cheerily, stopping when they came upon each other. “May I present the Earl of Penview? Penview, may I present Lady Felicity, daughter of the Earl of Broughton.”
“Lady Felicity,” Penview said. The expression on Penview’s face softened, but the look he gave Felicity didn’t contain the warmth or eagerness Tillie had hoped it would.
“Lord Penview. I’m glad to see you here. Your grandfather said he’d encouraged you to come. We all hoped you would arrive before the ball.”
“Yes,” he said as he looked awkwardly about. “And so I have.”
Tillie’s heart ached for her friend. The young man seemed strangely rude in Felicity’s presence. She wanted to shake Penview until he noticed the pretty girl. She wanted to lower him from the self-absorbed perch upon which he seemed to have placed himself.
The color left Felicity’s cheeks and Tillie rushed to remove Penview from insulting Felicity more than he already had. “If you’ll follow me,” she said to Penview, then led him to the study where the men had gathered.
When she’d turned the obnoxious fellow over to his grandfather, she rushed back to where they’d left Felicity.
But the poor girl had fled.
Chapter Ten
The door opened to the study where the men had gathered and Frank turned his attention to the people entering the room. Of course, his attention would always find Tillie when she was near. But there was a young man with her, and Frank focused on that gentleman.
He knew before introductions were made that this was the Marquess of Derwin’s grandson, the Earl of Penview. He was the right age and perfectly outfitted in the most debonair togs.
Frank watched as Tillie left the room and Penview was introduced by his grandfather.
Everything he�
��d heard about the man was correct. He had to be about twenty-six or -seven. Frank imagined most females in London Society would think him quite handsome in a rugged sort of way. But it was the look in his eyes that Frank concentrated upon.
Penview seemed to be wary of why his grandfather had requested his presence. Perhaps he rightly assumed that his role as the writer of the letters had been discovered and that he might be called upon to defend himself, or to at least explain his actions. It was obvious that he considered himself in hostile territory and that he would be forced to face the man he’d threatened.
“Penview,” Lord Derwin said to his grandson. “I don’t know if you’re acquainted with everyone, so allow me to do the honors.”
Frank was impressed with Lord Derwin’s calm authority as he walked around the room, introducing his grandson to those he might not be familiar with, and giving Penview the opportunity to greet those he already knew.
When he came to Tillie’s father, Lord Derwin stopped. It was obvious he didn’t want this to be a fleeting introduction.
“Jamison, allow me to present the Earl of Dunstan. Your grandmother and I have been here for the week and have been treated most hospitably.” Derwin smiled. “Lord and Lady Dunstan are the most gracious of hosts. Dunstan, allow me to present my grandson, the Earl of Penview.”
Tilllie’s father rose. “Lord Penview,” he greeted with a short nod. “Welcome to my home. I’m pleased you could attend.”
“Thank you for allowing grandfather to send for me.”
“George,” Viscount Dunstan called to his son. When George stepped close, his father introduced the two young men. “I don’t know if you are acquainted with Lord Penview.”
“Yes, Father. We’ve met. So glad you could join us, Penview.”
“Thank you, Rowley.”
“Frank,” he called, and Frank stepped over to where they were gathered. “Allow me to present Lord Derwin’s grandson, the Earl of Penview. Penview, Major Frank Collyard.”
“Major,” Penview said. There was interest in his expression. “I’ve heard of you. You gained quite a reputation during the war.”
“Thank you, Penview. But that was ages ago.”
“Perhaps, but the work you did for the government is still remembered.”
“Oh,” Derwin said. “I see Lord Beckett. I want to introduce Jamison to him.”
“By all means,” Lord Dunstan said. “I’m sure there will be time for us to get together before the ball. We have much to discuss.”
“Of course,” Derwin said as he escorted his grandson across the room.
“What do you think?” George whispered behind his snifter of brandy.
Frank watched as Lord Derwin introduced his grandson to Tillie’s uncle. “I think Lord Penview knows exactly why he’s here and is trying his best to find a way to avoid having to explain himself.”
“I wouldn’t want to be in his shoes for anything,” George said, then they stepped apart before anyone overheard their conversation.
Tillie was pleased by how well dinner went that night. The only adjustment she made was to move Lady Felicity to the opposite end of the table from Lord Penview. Her efforts to play matchmaker would have been disastrous if she’d kept Felicity near Penview.
When dinner was over, the men excused themselves to meet in her father’s study, and the women sat around the table to enjoy a cup of tea. Tillie excused herself and escaped to the summerhouse where Frank was already waiting for her.
“Oh,” she sighed when she saw him, then rushed into his waiting arms.
“Is something wrong?” Frank tipped her chin up to look into her eyes.
“No, everything is fine. I’m just glad that this night is almost over. I have so much to tell you.”
Frank led her to the gabled window that afforded their favorite view. “Concerning Penview, I imagine.”
“Yes. I was the fortunate one to greet him at the door when he arrived.”
“Was he rude to you?”
Tillie smiled at his chivalrous outrage. “No, no. Not at all.”
Frank relaxed. “Then what is it?”
“As I was taking him to join his grandfather, we happened to run into Felicity.”
“And?”
“She has feelings for him.”
“How do you know this?”
“She told Corrine and me when we went to the village. She’s quite smitten. But she said he doesn’t even know she’s alive. I didn’t think that could be possible. Felicity is a beautiful young lady. But when we met him, he looked right through her as if she wasn’t there. She was heartbroken.”
“He’s a fool, then.”
“Yes, he is. But I’d arranged for the two of them to sit together at dinner and had to rush to change the seating so they would be far away from each other.”
“Perhaps Lady Felicity will thank you for helping her avoid Penview when this week is over.”
Tillie considered Frank’s words. “Has Father mentioned anything about meeting with Penview?”
“I believe he plans to meet with Lord Derwin and his grandson tomorrow afternoon. He asked that I join him, along with Lord Beckett.”
“What do you think will happen?”
“I don’t know.”
Frank wrapped his arms around her and held her closer. “I prefer not to think about Penview. Instead, I’d like to think about you.”
Tillie lifted her head and smiled. Frank’s gaze locked with hers, then he lowered his head and attended to the mission uppermost in his mind. Yuletide melodies wafted from the house and set their bodies moving. They kissed, turned, swayed, and kissed again.
Tillie met his kisses with an eagerness that surprised her. She could think of nothing but the here and now, this moment, locked in his embrace. She prayed that Frank was sincere about his feelings for her. But if he’d simply needed her to help him step out of the darkness that had consumed him every Christmas, then so be it. Somehow she would find a way through her own darkness, should that day come.
Frank deepened his kiss, then ended it slowly, and lifted his head. “We need to talk,” he said after he placed a gentle kiss on her forehead.
“We have been, silly,” she answered.
“No, I mean we need to have a serious conversation.”
“About what?”
“About our future. You know I love you, don’t you?”
Tillie tried to stop the tears from filling her eyes. “I know you’ve said as much.”
“And you didn’t believe me?”
“I…” Tillie swiped at a tear that spilled from her eye and rolled down her cheek. “I…”
“I would never say something so serious if I didn’t mean it. I love you, Tillie. I think I fell in love with you shortly after I met you. I was more sure of my feelings when I saw how full of life you are. I hadn’t been alive for so long that I scarcely recognized what really living looked like. What it felt like. But seeing your love for life brought me back from that pitiful place and for the first time in years I look forward to tomorrow.” He laughed and rushed on. “And every tomorrow, my darling. As long as you’re in it.”
“Oh, Frank.” Tillie cupped her gloved hands on either side of Frank’s cheeks.
“I love you, Tillie. And I’m asking you to marry me.”
“Oh, Frank!” Tillie wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him.
“I’ve already spoken to your father. He said the decision was yours to make.”
“Oh Frank! I . . . Well I, that is I . . . I imagine I’ll have to consider your offer,” she said as his kiss robbed her words. But half into the kiss he broke away, startled, having belatedly heard what she was saying.
The look on his face was priceless. It was part surprise, and the greater part disappointment. Keeping him waiting was simply too cruel.
“Very well. I’ve considered your offer and . . . I accept.”
In that moment the tender exchanges they’d known earlier were forgotten, replaced
by a more compelling ardor that spoke of harmony.
And rapture.
And bliss.
“God bless my dear uncle for bringing you here,” she whispered. “If not for him, we would never have met. He’s responsible for this magic. For us.”
“I couldn’t agree more.”
Tillie’s heart swelled in her breast, and when Frank lowered his head to kiss her, she answered with all the love she felt for him. A love that grew stronger with every look. Every touch. Every breath.
Chapter Eleven
Frank waited in the study with Lord Dunstan and Lord Beckett until Lord Derwin arrived with his grandson.
Frank wasn’t sure why Tillie’s father had asked him and not his son to stay, other than perhaps he was afraid George might become too emotional if things didn’t go well. Or, maybe it was that the second letter had contained threats against Tillie, and Lord Dunstan wanted Frank to be assured that Penview wouldn’t act on those threats.
“Thank you for meeting with me,” Lord Dunstan said when they arrived.
A footman served drinks, then left the room, closing the door behind him.
“Would you like to explain why we’re here, Lord Derwin?” Tillie’s father asked. “Or would you like me to take care of the explanation?”
“I can say what has to be said, Dunstan.”
Frank looked at the stern expression on Lord Derwin’s face and recognized a strength that wasn’t there the other day. The resolve Frank saw indicated that Derwin intended to rectify this issue, to show his grandson that it was useless to cast blame anyplace other than where it belonged. On his grandson’s shoulders.
“Do you have the letters, Dunstan?”
Tillie’s father handed Derwin the wrinkled papers. Frank could see Dunstan had tried to press them out as much as he could, but they were still creased from when Derwin had wadded them in his hand when he’d first read them.
Derwin held the papers out to his grandson. Jamison blanched, and visibly held himself from stepping away from the letters he so clearly recognized.
The Nutcracker Reimagined: A Collection of Christmas Tales Page 55