A Christmas Surprise

by Lindsay Downs

  “Thank you, m’ lady. Did you see the look the footman gave me when I came out? I’ve never seen such an expression on a man before. It made me feel truly strange.”

  “How so?” Aleece inquired with a raised brow.

  “I know this will sound odd, but I truly don’t think he saw me as me, your lady’s maid, but as a gentlewoman. But I’m sure you get that a lot when men glance at you.”

  Aleece couldn’t help but laugh at the observation. Once calmed she said, “Then get used to the looks and stares from the men, not to mention the glares of jealousy from the ladies at the house party. Without a doubt you will be the most fetching guest.”

  “Oh no, m’ lady, it will be you who will turn heads.” She dipped her eyes down. “At least with one particular gentleman, if I’m not mistaken.”

  “Yes.” Then Aleece said, “Last night after dinner, at which you were wonderful, Mother and I discussed how I should introduce you. Calling you my lady’s maid won’t work, so we — Mama actually — suggested to have you presented as my companion. This way you won’t feel out of place.”

  “As you wish,” Debbi responded, as she worried her bottom lip with her teeth.

  Aleece took a deep breath, knowing the next bit of information wouldn’t sit well with the nervous girl.

  “And, Debbi, I’m sure you won’t be comfortable, but instead of referring to me, in public at least, as m’ lady, I would prefer either Lady Aleece or just Aleece. This way we can maintain the ruse.”

  Over the next several hours, with a stop at a tavern for their noon meal, Aleece filled Debbi in on the types of events most likely to be held over the course of the party.

  Having received from Susan the list of attendees, Aleece talked about the guests. This way Debbi would know which men in particular to watch out for and whom, besides Mr. Thomas, she could trust.

  She barely finished and tucked the sheet of paper in her reticule when their carriage turned onto the long sweeping drive leading to the Whitchurch mansion.

  Aleece noticed the panic-stricken look in Debbi’s eyes. Leaning over, she patted the girl on the hand. “You’ll do fine. Don’t forget we practically grew up together.”

  “You’re right on that point, Aleece,” Debbi said nervously.

  Minutes later the carriage came to a halt in front of the steps of the Earl of Whitchurch’s manor.

  “One last thing, John Coachman and the outriders have been threatened with discharge if they leak that you are my lady’s maid and not my companion.” Aleece barely got the words out when the coach door opened, revealing not the footman who would normal attend this duty.

  “Why, Mr. Thomas, what a pleasant surprise. Have you taken a posting here?” Aleece teased, surprised to see he was already at the party.

  “The only position I’m taking here is to make sure you have an enjoyable time, dear lady,” he said, assisting her from the carriage.

  Once she was comfortably set on the cobbled forecourt, he turned back to aid Debbi out.

  “And who might this delightful creature be? I’m afraid we haven’t been introduced,” he wistfully said, bowing over her hand.

  “You know who this is.” Aleece leaned over and whispered as she noticed footmen from the manor came to collect the trunks. She then straightened and said, “This is Miss Debbi Overstreet, my traveling companion and chaperone for the week.”

  Again Mr. Thomas bowed over her hand. “Miss Overstreet, it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance.”

  From behind them a squeal caused everyone to turn toward the noise, only to see Susan running down the steps to them.

  “Oh, Aleece, I’m so happy you’re here. Now the party can really begin.” She paused and looked to Debbi, whom she already knew. “And this must be the darling Miss Overstreet you wrote me about.”

  Susan stepped over to the frightened girl and embraced her as one would a sister.

  “You’re everything Aleece said you were, and I know we’re going to become bosom bows in no time.”

  “Thank you, Lady Susan,” Debbi nervously whispered. This was the first time she had addressed a family member of title by their Christian name as Aleece had told her.

  “Now, we must get you two settled so you can have a chance to freshen,” Susan said.

  Together, linked arm in arm, the three women glided to the stone steps only to halt when a deep growl stopped them.

  Aleece glanced over her shoulder at the sad puppy dog face Mr. Thomas exhibited.

  “Well, you can come also,” Aleece spoke, then wondered exactly how far he’d follow her.

  She smiled as with skilled ease he took her arm and settled her hand on his sleeve.

  “Yes, much better. Don’t you agree, my Aleece?”

  Chapter Six

  As they strolled across the entryway to the main staircase Aleece stopped to greet several friends. At each occasion, she introduced Debbi and was pleased when after the first gentleman was presented to the poor girl she relaxed.

  With Susan in the lead and Mr. Thomas bringing up the rear, they ascended the treads to the first floor, where some of the guest rooms were located. As they glided past room after room, Aleece suddenly knew which of the suites was theirs. The same she and her mother used when they came to visit.

  At the entrance to the room, they would occupy during the house party Aleece halted, turned, and gave him a raised brow look.

  “And exactly where do you think you’re going?” she inquired.

  “Well—”

  “Now that you’ve done your duty to see us to our rooms, why don’t you join the other gentlemen, wherever they are, and we will join you soon,” she said in a tone that brooked no argument.

  “Until later,” Mr. Thomas said as he bowed to the ladies.

  Once free, not that she wanted to be, she glanced over at Debbi. “Your room is through there. I’m sure you’ll find it quite comfortable,” Aleece said, pointing to one of two heavy paneled oak doors.

  A knock brought her attention to the suite’s entrance.

  “Ah wonderful, our trunks have arrived. Please take the brown one into the annex and the black one stays here,” Aleece told the footmen and watched Debbi slip into her room behind the footman.

  “Well, I must be off to see to the other guests,” Susan announced before giving Aleece a kiss on the cheek.

  No sooner were the two ladies alone than Aleece stepped over to the adjoining door.

  “Debbi, might I suggest the pale yellow gown with roses at the hem and neckline for this afternoon? I am going to go with the light blue with daisies. Oh, don’t forget your bonnet. Even if we don’t go out into the sun, it’s always good to have something to hold onto. Helps with the shilly-shallies.”

  Thirty minutes later, both refreshed and in their respective afternoon dresses, they descended the stairs to be met by Mr. Thomas.

  “Ladies,” he said, assisting them from the last step. “The party has adjourned to the garden, and I was given the task to escort you out.”

  “Ready, Debbi?” Aleece asked.

  “As I’ll ever be.”

  As they stepped out on the terrace, Aleece noticed several of the men, whom she knew by name if not by reputation, focus their attention on her but quickly shift to Debbi. She did notice Jeff was missing from the group. The countess appeared to be holding court with several of the matrons who’d accompanied their giggling charges.

  “Debbi, something tells me I might end up being your chaperone this week,” she whispered.

  Before she was able to reply, one of the gentlemen separated himself from the group around the bowls equipage and approached.

  “Mr. Thomas, you wound me deeply. I thought you had eyes only for the charming and delightful Lady Aleece, but now I see you have captured another beauty. Please introduce me to this vision of a goddess.”

  “Lord Gerrard, I see you’re still the same silver-tongued devil as always,” Aleece replied, giving him the appropriate curtsey due the son of a baron
.

  “Miss Debbi Overstreet, I present the rakehell, Lord Sidbury, eldest son to the Baron of Sidbury,” Mr. Thomas said.

  Aleece held her breath wondering what her maid would do, with luck not swoon. When she saw Debbi curtsey and allow him to raise her, Aleece gave them both a smile.

  “Miss Overstreet, please allow me to escort you to the bowls pitch,” he asked, not releasing her hand.

  “Do go, Mr. Thomas and I will follow along at a more leisurely pace,” Aleece said and to her relief Debbi accepted the invitation.

  She waited until Debbi and her partner were walking away before turning her attention to Mr. Thomas. With a beaming smile she asked, “Would you care to inspect the garden? I understand there is an absolutely marvelous maze at the far end.”

  He interlocked his fingers with hers, sending a warm feeling throughout her. The tenderness was so comforting and soothing she thought she might swoon from happiness. With a calming breath, Aleece let him lead her down to the massive expanse of lawn.

  After the first few steps of companionable silence, she cocked her head toward him, happy to see his attention was on her.

  “Don’t you think one of us should see where we’re going so we don’t trip over something?” she said, settling her free hand on his arm.

  “Why? Are you afraid we will get lost?”

  “No, I would prefer to walk around the rose bush instead of into it like we are about to do,” she teased, making him look forward.

  “Um, yes. I see what you mean,” he said, bringing them to a halt inches from a large bush of deep red roses, the scent of which was intoxicating.

  Turning to avoid the prickly plant, they wove their way along the garden path. Occasionally, Aleece would glance back, finally causing Mr. Thomas to say, “I hope I’m not boring you. You keep looking back toward the other guests.”

  “Kind sir, nothing you can say or do would I ever find a bore. I wanted to see when we were out of sight of the others, and it appears we are.”

  No sooner were the words from her lips than she turned on him, cupped his nape with her hand, and brought his lips down to hers. With the tip of her tongue, she teased his mouth open. Feeling him relax against her, Aleece swept in, tasting a mixture of tea and assorted sweet treats that he must have consumed while awaiting her arrival downstairs.

  What didn’t surprise her was the missing bitterness of brandy or other drink, as he didn’t make a habit of partaking of them often. That was another of the endearing qualities she admired about him.

  Together they deepened the kiss, and Aleece felt her legs going weak. To help keep herself upright, she wrapped her other arm around his neck. The effort didn’t work as well as she’d hoped. When his muscled chest pressed against her, she could feel the heat from his body and felt as if she was about to catch fire. Not that she would minded one bit.

  The sound of several voices coming in their direction brought as sudden, mutual, end to the kiss as quickly as it had begun. Not sure who the individuals were, Aleece quickly looked for a hiding spot, lest they be caught.

  Spying the entrance to the maze, she whispered, “This way. We can hide in there. I pray though, whoever that is, they don’t plan on investigating the same.”

  Lifting up the hem of her dress with one hand, she let him guide her to safety.

  Ducking into the maze, he turned right and after two steps left, into a blind corner. In silence they stood and waited to see where their intruders would go.

  Even though the distance had been short, Aleece knew she had to calm her breathing. With all her might she tried to relax but to no avail. In fear of being discovered she buried her head in his chest, which was a mistake, she knew right off.

  As her nose came closer to his Bath superfine coat, she breathed in the fragrance of sandalwood soap mixed with his own personal scent. For the second time in as many minutes, she felt her knees weaken and she started to slump, only to be saved at the last moment by his strong arms tightening around her.

  “Just relax,” he whispered into her hair.

  Then the sound of the voices came again.

  “I could have sworn my charge had come this way.”

  “Shall we investigate the maze together to see if mayhap they have entered?” a strong, familiar, voice replied.

  “Lord Sidbury, it would be unseemly for us to enter without a proper chaperone. I must have been mistaken when I noticed two people stroll this way. Let’s return to the others before we become fodder for gossip ourselves. I’m quite certain she and Mr. Thomas will, if they haven’t already, return momentarily.”

  “As you wish.”

  Chapter Seven

  Mr. Thomas and Aleece listened in stunned silence to the discussion they were hearing from Debbi and Lord Sidbury as their voices faded away.

  “It would appear he has finally met his match,” Mr. Thomas whispered before releasing his hold on Aleece.

  “Yes, so it would seem. It doesn’t surprise me, since we were practically raised together. Now, we need to return to the other guests before people start talking,” Aleece said, stepping back.

  “Since it would seem we were seen departing together, I’d suggest we reappear the same way.”

  “Or you could go back with me and we tell everyone you were out walking down by the stream and ran into me,” Jeff said.

  Aleece spun about almost tripping over her hem at the suddenness of his entrance. Fortunately, she was stopped from falling by the strong arms of Mr. Thomas. “Where… where did you come from?”

  “Around the corner. Susan mentioned how besotted you two are, and we knew at the first chance you would sneak off and head for the maze. It would seem she was correct in her assumption.”

  “It would appear that finding time alone this week will be more difficult than we’d planned, my darling Aleece. But as much as I’d hate to admit it, he’s correct in that we must return with him as our escort.”

  “So be it,” she said, shaking the wrinkles from her walking gown.

  Together, with Aleece in the lead, they returned to a crowd curious as to where they’d gone.

  Since neither of the men readily explained, Aleece stepped up. “Mr. Thomas and I were walking in the garden when dear Jeff came along. Seems he wanted to investigate the stream for fishing tomorrow, and he graciously invited us to join him.”

  When Aleece heard several of the young ladies screech, she suspected it had to do with everyone participating in fishing.

  Aleece glanced over to Jeff. “I’m sure, good sir, that the actual dipping of the line into the water will be voluntary, especially for the ladies.”

  “Yes, quite so. If we have enough couples wishing to participate, we could even have teams,” Jeff announced to an enthusiastic crowd.

  “If I may,” Mr. Thomas said. “Since several of the young ladies are squeamish regarding this endeavor, we could partner up boy-girl. This way everyone can participate but not necessarily have to touch anything they don’t like.”

  This suggestion was met with great applause, especially from the squeamish ones.

  Aleece noticed Debbi trying to catch her attention with her fan. “Yes, Debbi, a question?” she said, waving her companion out from the group.

  “I was thinking since we’re going to have teams, then let us make it a fun competition.”

  “You mean smallest, biggest, most caught within the prescribed time. Something like that?” Mr. Thomas interjected.

  “That is a wonderful suggestion. We’ll do it. Now, everyone, pick your partner by dinner this evening,” Susan proclaimed.

  Aleece sent a devilish grin to Debbi, who understood immediately the unspoken meaning behind the look. Aleece knew, which no one else here did, that Debbi was a very accomplished fisherwoman. Every contest entered she won with Aleece coming in a tight second. They even made their own special flies, and of course, Aleece never went to a house party without her fishing equipment. She’d have to remember to ask if Debbi had brought hers as w
ell.

  Without turning to see who was beside her, for she could feel the heat of his masculinity, she said, “But of course, Mr. Thomas, I would love to be your partner.”

  “I was so praying you’d say yes,” he replied.

  Aleece accepted Mr. Thomas’s arm for the stroll up to the patio where tea was being served. “Have you noticed how taken by Debbi’s charms Lord Sidbury is?”

  “Yes, I know but don’t forget—” she started to whisper.

  “The way she carries herself and engages others in conversation tells everyone that she truly is a gentlewoman,” he finished saying, glancing in the direction of the person in question.

  “You’re right, and she gets that from me. At a quieter moment I will tell you what I mean by that. Now, let us have our tea,” she said, being led to the food-covered trestle table.

  She could feel her eyes widen as she gazed upon all forms of sweet and savory treats. There were too many to choose from, and Aleece didn’t know what to take. She felt Thomas’s hand on her arm.

  “Perhaps you could find us seats while I bring a collection of delectable goodies to tempt you.”

  “Um, yes. Mayhap I shall invite Debbi and her gentleman friend to join us,” she could barely get out, not taking her eyes from the table.

  “Yes.” He waited for a few seconds, but when she didn’t step away to complete her mission, he leaned forward, whispering in her ear, “Now, my love. I believe you are holding the line.”

  Aleece turned her head toward him, coming within a hair’s breadth of meeting his lips with hers. Quickly, hoping no one noticed how close she’d come to kissing him, she took a step back.

  Titters from two of the youngest girls caught her attention. She silenced them with a squint-eyed glare.

  She glanced around for Debbi, noting Lord Sidbury was already collecting a sample of morsels for them. She spied her companion, relaxed and a with genuine smile on her face, at one of the many glass-topped, wrought iron tables set along the patio. Aleece admitted to herself that in the short time they had been at the party, Debbi had already made a favorable impression not only on the hostess, but several of the matchmaking mammas as well.