“That is just as well, since I might plant a facer on the man for not doing better by my sisters. I fear the only present they shall have is the story I wrote for them.”
“They will cherish it.”
“But how I wish I could give them something more. Though these days I often find myself wishing life could be different in so many ways.”
She looked at him with her soft brown eyes. “It is Christmas Eve, after all. I believe everyone can dream a little tonight.”
“Do you dream, Ava? How I wish you would dream of me.”
He approached her slowly. He’d wanted to kiss her ever since she’d lent him her gown. No, it was before that. When he’d come upon her speaking to the portraits at Clayton’s. Actually, as odd as it sounded, he thought he’d wanted to kiss her before he’d even met her. Because somehow, some part of him knew there was an Ava in the world. And, oh, how fortunate he was that he’d finally found her.
She watched him approach and he wasn’t sure if she would turn and run. But she didn’t. She remained as she was, and for all the world it looked like she wanted to kiss him as much as he wanted to kiss her. Though that was impossible. Surely no one had ever wanted a kiss this much.
He bent toward her and slowly brought his lips to hers. He knew there could be nothing more between them. But perhaps it was enough to just have this moment. Mayhap this memory would last a lifetime.
Who was he trying to fool? He wanted more than a kiss. Then a miracle happened as she put her arms around his neck. He pulled her against him, deepening the kiss.
Unfortunately, it ended all too soon, courtesy of someone entering the room. He pulled back from her and the look of disappointment on her face was almost worth breaking the kiss. Almost. He could see when she realized they were not alone. A very embarrassed Stemple was standing in the doorway holding a candle.
“Did you need something Stemple?” asked Colin, whose voice sounded a good deal deeper than normal.
“I was just checking to ensure the fire was banked,” said Stemple, who was looking at everything except Colin and Ava.
“The fire is contained,” said Colin. “At least the one in the grate is,” he added for only Ava to hear.
“Excellent,” said Stemple. “Then perhaps I should go on about my duties.”
“You can do whatever you’d like, Stemple,” said Colin. “As long as it is elsewhere.”
“Very good, my lord. Good night.”
Stemple quickly left, closing the door behind him.
Colin turned back to Ava. “Where were we?”
“Unfortunately, I was leaving. Happy Christmas, Colin.”
He wanted to hold her to him and never let her go. Instead, he said, “Happy Christmas, Ava.”
It was only after she left that he added, “my love.”
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
It was still dark when Ava’s door opened and Letty ran in. “Miss Conway! It’s Christmas!”
Ava opened bleary eyes to look at the girl who was jumping up and down near the bed. She was obviously quite excited, though given the temperature in the room, perhaps it was also her way of keeping warm.
“Rose told me to stay up here while Colin lights the fires.” She leaned forward to whisper. “He also said a bad word when he stubbed his toe after I woke him up, but he thinks I didn’t hear. And Stemple and Maude are getting things ready in the kitchen!”
“So I am the last one to arise. Aren’t I the lazy bones?” said Ava, as she reached for her dressing gown and shawl. “Are you warm enough, sweetheart?” Then she took a good look at the girl. “Your feet are bare! We must take care of that immediately.”
Ava took Letty back to her room and found woolen socks for her, while the girl chatted merrily about Christmas. Ava hoped she wouldn’t be too disappointed by the lack of presents.
When they reached the sitting room, Ava caught her breath in surprise. There were candles everywhere and a fire burning. Maude and Stemple had brought in a pot of chocolate, as well as coffee and scones. Everyone was in their dressing gowns, and there were presents on the table. But Letty didn’t seem to notice them. She simply went around the room, hugging everyone – including a surprised Stemple and Maude.
“Will that be everything, my lord?” Stemple asked Colin.
“No. I would like the two of you to join us.”
“Us, milord?” asked Maude.
“Yes. For one thing, I have gifts for both of you.”
To Ava’s astonishment, he pulled out a small package for each.
“But milord, you don’t have any…” Maude stopped herself. “I mean, you shouldn’t waste your money on us.”
“Actually,” said Colin sheepishly, “I did not purchase either of your gifts, but I hope you like them.”
Maude opened her package to find a flagon similar to the one they’d shared on the road. Except this one was made of fine leather with a sterling silver cap. “My lord, you cannot give this to me.”
“Of course I can. I bought it during my university days. If you ever find yourself stranded on the road with weary travelers again – and I do so hope you won’t – you will have another flagon for your use.”
Stemple opened his package to find a silver pen. “My lord, I cannot accept this. It must be a family heirloom.” The earl’s crest was on the cap.
“And as the earl, I can do with it as I wish. I have long thought that avid readers are but writers waiting for the opportunity. You have your pen. You will find empty journals in the library. Explore your inner author. Please take it, Victor. I insist.”
Stemple was deeply touched by the earl’s gift, and Ava felt tears in her eyes. Colin was truly a thoughtful man.
Rose cleared her throat as if she, too, had been on the verge of crying. “Our brother James sent a package for Letty and myself, along with this note for Colin.”
Colin took the sealed letter reverently and placed it in his pocket. He’d mentioned he’d heard from his brother in America only infrequently. Ava wondered what news James had sent him.
Letty very carefully opened the large package, which was for both her and Rose. “It’s beautiful!” she cried as she lifted up two bolts of fabric.
“He sent a card,” said Rose. She read the enclosed note: “To my dear sisters. I thought you might like to make gowns with this material from America. I only wish I could see you in them. Perhaps one day soon. With love, your brother James.” Rose ran her fingers over the parchment as Letty spread out the fabric. One bolt was a green muslin, no doubt meant to complement Letty’s hair. The other was a bolt of white silk, suitable for a come-out ball.
“How beautiful,” said Ava.
Rose carefully examined the fabric. “Oh, Letty, I can make you a beautiful gown with this.”
Rose gave her sister two lengths of dark green ribbon, one for her hair and the other to trim a gown. Letty gave Rose a picture she’d drawn, though the subject matter wasn’t quite apparent. The two girls gave Colin a knitted scarf and a handkerchief with his initials embroidered on it.
Ava could see just how touched he was. Colin was, for once, at a loss for words and his eyes were filled with tears. He had to clear his throat twice, but was still unable to speak.
So Ava stepped in. “Lady Rosemary, I believe I have caught you fibbing.”
“How so?” asked Rose.
“You said you were not skilled at needlework, yet anyone can see that only a dab hand could have produced that handkerchief.”
“Letty helped me,” said Rose, while the girl beamed happily. “And I did take my time with it. I also believe tasks are easier to do when there is a purpose to them, rather than just an exercise to pass the time. Colin, do you truly like it?”
“They are the best gifts I have ever received,” he said, as he hugged his sisters.
Ava felt like an intruder at the intimate family gathering, yet she was glad she was there to see this side of Colin. But she wanted to give them their privacy, so she began to steal
away.
“Miss Conway,” said Rose. “You cannot think of leaving. Letty and I have not forgotten you.” She handed Ava a small package.
With trembling fingers, Ava opened it to reveal another handkerchief.
“I am afraid we were only able to embroider the ‘A’ in time,” said Rose. “And it is a bit lopsided. But we will have time to fix it, if you do not mind giving it back to us for repairs.”
Ava shook her head, not sure she had the words to convey what the gift meant to her. “No. It is perfect as it is.”
“Just like its recipient,” said Colin softly. “Now, I believe I owe Rose and Letty a story, though it will pale with what I was just given. Are you sure you want me to tell it?”
“Yes!” said Letty, sipping her chocolate. “Please, Colin. I want to hear the story.”
“Very well. But you may change your mind at any time and put us out of our misery.”
“I’m sure we’ll enjoy the misery,” said Rose, as she curled up in a chair by the fire. “Read us your story, Colin.”
To Ava’s surprise, Colin gathered several sheets of paper with writing on front and back. He must have spent quite some time on it.
“Once upon a time,” he began.
“I like it already,” said Letty.
“Thank you, sweeting. And it gets even better. Hopefully. Once upon a time…”
For the next quarter of an hour, Colin read the story to his sisters, though Ava, Stemple and Maude were also kept spellbound. It was the tale of a princess named Leticia and her journeys in a fairy land, complete with a wicked witch named Patton. Letty was enraptured and while Colin might not think so, he’d certainly given his sisters the very best of presents.
Finally, the story grew to a close as the happily ever after was ensured. Letty and Rose both hugged their brother. Ava caught Colin’s eye over his sister’s shoulder. It warmed her through and through.
“Look how late it is,” said Rose. “We must all dress if we are to make it to church on time.”
Half an hour later, all of them were walking to the village. It was a brisk day and Ava was glad she’d worn so many layers. Colin once again wore his warm boots.
“Are you eyeing my boots, Miss Conway?” asked Colin as he walked beside her.
“I am just pleased to see you have more practical footwear, now that we are in the country.”
“Yes, one must be practical in the country and fashionable in town, though often I am neither. I am sorry I was unable to give you your present at the house, Ava,” he said softly. “But here it is now.” He gave her an envelope bound by his seal.
Ava’s mouth was suddenly dry. “You’ve given me a present, my lord?”
“Not much of one. Just a poem. I thought you’d prefer to read it while you are alone.”
A poem. For her. One he thought she would prefer to read while alone.
“I do not know what to say, my lord.” The paper seemed to glow in her fingers. Letty glanced back to say something and Ava put the envelope in her pocket. How was she ever to pay attention in church when she had a poem in her pocket? “Thank you, my lord.”
“It’s Colin, Ava. And you should not thank me until you’ve read it. I’m not much of a poet.”
“I’m beginning to think you simply cannot recognize good writing. Your story was wonderful this morning. Your sisters loved it, as did we all.”
“My sisters are young, polite and easy to please.”
“And I am not so young, not always polite and quite discerning. You have a real talent for writing. Have you ever thought of pursuing it as a career? While I realize men of your class do not have professions, it would be one way to earn money for your family without…” She hesitated, not knowing how to complete the sentence tactfully.
“Without having to sell myself in matrimony? I wish it were that easy. It would have to be an extremely good story because the family is very much in debt. And who would think of paying me for it? I do not believe Rose and Letty have much blunt, though I could probably shake it out of them if need be.”
“There are publishers who would likely be interested in a book by an earl.”
“Even if that were true, a book takes time to write. And time is one thing I do not have.”
“What about writing for one of the broadsheets?”
“Like a common reporter?” Colin wrinkled his nose so much Ava had to laugh.
“More like an editorialist. You could write essays on the world according to the Earl of Ridgeway.”
“And who would read this tripe?”
“Many people. I would.”
“I suggest reading the poem first. You might discover I have less talent than you think.”
Ava touched the envelope in her pocket once again, barely able to keep from reading it there and then.
*
They weren’t late for church, but they were among the last to arrive. Colin escorted all of them up the aisle, including Stemple and Maude. At first, people stared at Stemple’s scars. But then the villagers turned their attention to Colin.
He should have expected it. It had been several months since he’d been home. He returned greetings, trying not to notice the calculating looks in the mamas’ eyes. He hadn’t thought he would still be sought after as a husband now that he and his family had retrenched to the dower house. But apparently even an impoverished earl had some appeal.
They finally reached the pew reserved for the family of the Earl of Ridgeway, only to find it occupied by strangers. And they seemed just as surprised to see him as he was to find them there.
“I do not believe we have met,” said Colin, bowing.
“Edmund Babcock,” said a balding man of middle age. He spoke with a distinct American accent. “And you are?”
“The Earl of Ridgeway. But I see the vicar is waiting for us to be situated before he begins the service.”
Mr. Babcock looked slightly uncomfortable. “We thought since we were leasing the house, the pew came with it. We’re certainly paying enough.”
“Yes, well, I’ll see about boxing up the pew and having it delivered later today,” Colin said smoothly. He looked back to see that the ever efficient Stemple had found space for all of them in a pew toward the back of the church. “Until later, Mr. Babcock. Happy Christmas to you and your family.” He nodded to what appeared to be Babcock’s wife, son and two daughters. He could not be sure, but he thought the younger daughter winked at him.
Americans.
Colin escorted his family back down the aisle and into the pew, located as far from the small fireplace at the front of the church as possible. He took off his scarf and wrapped it around a protesting Letty. And thought again of how he was failing his family.
He remembered the vicar as a pompous, long-winded man who liked to hear himself talk. And nothing from his sermon contradicted that. He did take the time to acknowledge Colin’s presence, so that the few parishioners who hadn’t already stared at him could now get the chance. Those who already had took a second look.
Colin had nothing against a Christmas service – other than he was incredibly tired from spending much of the night finishing his story and rewriting Ava’s poem. He waited anxiously for her reaction. He hadn’t been too flirtatious, but it was impossible to think of the woman in any other way than romantical. He had bared a considerable amount of his soul and if she didn’t like it, well, the thought was more disturbing than it should be.
He also thought about the letter from James. He hadn’t wanted to open it in front of the girls in case it was bad news, so he’d read it quickly as he dressed for church. The letter had been short, as if written in a hurry. James had apologized for not sending him a present, but he knew Colin would rather have him spend the money on the girls – which was true. He said there was a legal matter which had come up about a small parcel of land he’d purchased and that he might need the family solicitor to look into it. He promised that another letter would be coming soon.
J
ames was a proud man and rarely asked for help with anything, so Colin knew this land matter must be significant. He hoped things were going well for his brother. But more than anything, he wished James would come home.
Colin looked over to see that Ava had removed the envelope from her pocket and was running her fingers over it. Would she open it in church? He could see one finger rubbing against the seal, a little bit more each time. Finally it opened and she began to unfold it.
Letty must have heard the rustling, for she turned to Miss Conway and looked up at her. Letty wasn’t admonishing her, exactly, but it was obvious that his sister thought everyone’s full attention should be on the pulpit, regardless of how the man was droning on.
Miss Conway sheepishly put the envelope back in her pocket, then met Colin’s eye. She blushed, then turned her attention to the vicar, as if her very salvation depended on it.
When the service finally came to an end – even Letty looked ready to leave – Colin escorted his family outside to greet the villagers who were likely curious about his return. But he didn’t get the chance to speak with many of them since he was almost immediately hailed by Mrs. Babcock, who was escorted by her husband. There were, fortunately, no winking offspring in sight.
Mrs. Babcock curtsied to him. “Lord Ridgeway, it is indeed an honor to meet you. Mr. Babcock and I have been most anxious to make your acquaintance, have we not, dear?”
Mr. Babcock looked not all that anxious. “Of course, Mrs. Babcock. We have all been agog at the very notion.” He shook Colin’s hand rigorously, as if it were a dead limb in need of separation from a tree.
Colin turned to his sisters. “Lady Rosemary, Lady Leticia, may I present Mr. and Mrs. Babcock?” The girls curtsied dutifully.
Mrs. Babcock turned to Rose. “Lady Rosemary, it is such a pleasure to meet you. I’m sure you and my girls will have much in common. And Richard, of course, might interest you very much, indeed. And I see you have brought the youngest of you to church, as well.”
Colin could feel Rose stiffen beside him for, judging by Mrs. Babcock’s tone of voice, there was no doubt that she had heard rumors of Letty’s parentage. The girl herself simply smiled, delighted to be included with the grown-ups and no doubt anxious to meet new friends.
Always Come Home (Emerson 1) Page 14