The Dark of Knight

by Johns, Elizabeth

  The brothers carried on ribbing each other good-naturedly. Even Rowley let down his guard enough to laugh with them. Felix treasured the moment, because he knew the times they would all be together again would be few.

  Little George came through the open door and toddled straight to his father’s lap, in no doubt of his welcome. The ducal heir had grown considerably since Felix had seen him at Heath’s wedding, where all he had done was sleep.

  Felix was a little in awe of seeing Rowley thus, but it was nevertheless good to see his too-often stoic brother seem young once again.

  “You have arrived just in time for the festivities,” Edmund said cheerfully.

  “What do you have planned?” Felix asked.

  “The usual gathering of holly and mistletoe; lots of good cooking; church, of course… not in order of importance, mind you. Perhaps skating, if the weather cooperates.”

  “I wonder if Catalina has ever skated?” Felix thought out loud.

  “We need another hard freeze tonight,” Rowley proffered, as little George decided to chew one end his father’s neckcloth.

  Felix could not stop the laugh that bubbled up from deep within at the sight. A little bark came from within his waistcoat, and he pulled Midnight out.

  “By the way, this is Midnight.”

  “Ni, ni,” George tried to repeat the name. Apparently he also thought he was very clever and gurgled as he made his way towards the dog.

  “Just wait, Felix.”

  The thought did not frighten him as much as he thought it would. One day, perhaps. Children had never really been an option before—nor had he considered the likelihood. George wriggled down from his father’s lap to investigate the puppy.

  “What have we here?” Rowley asked, moving closer to observe.

  “The runt of a litter that Catalina nursed when the mother would have abandoned him. He cannot quite walk yet.”

  Eugenia entered without knocking, not intimidated at all by the masculine domain her brothers had found in the study.

  “Are you going to stay in here all day?” she asked. “Tinsley is here and we have greenery to gather!” Tinsley was their neighbor and nearest friend. He had been kind enough to escort Eugenia to events in London while the brothers were gone.

  The brothers exchanged glances of fondness and exasperation, then with good-humored reluctance, stood up to prepare themselves for the outdoors and greet Tinsley.

  “I had not realized how close to Christmas it was. One loses track of days on the ship,” Felix said while gathering his coat and hat.

  “And when newly wed,” Heath retorted.

  Once properly clad for the cold, the family gathered in the entrance hall. Felix took Catalina’s arm as they marched outdoors towards the best holly and mistletoe in the home wood.

  “Are you regretting your choice of husband yet?” he asked as a rush of brisk wind hit their faces, bringing the scent of fresh pine and cedar to his nose.

  “Not yet,” she quipped. “I must confess I am fascinated.”

  “How so? Eugenia’s lack of color sense is daunting, I grant you. But not, I would have thought, fascinating.”

  She laughed. “Having grown up without siblings, the different relationships are intriguing.”

  “I daresay I can see that. Not having known anything else, it is hard to imagine any other way. What did you think of Eugenia? You handled her wonderfully, I must say.”

  “She is a breath of fresh air—quite an original. I can see why you thought we would suit.”

  “I am happy to hear that.”

  “Why are we going outside in the cold?” she asked.

  “Do you have traditions in Spain for Christmas?”

  “Oh, yes. We have special foods we make. We go to mass, of course, and exchange gifts.”

  “Gathering greenery and decorating the house is one of our traditions. I think you will enjoy our Christmas.”

  “It will certainly be lively,” she said, watching the brothers begin to climb trees.

  “Excuse me, my dear,” Felix said, letting go of her arm. “Tradition!” he explained as he went to join his brothers. Not for years had he climbed trees with them to fetch mistletoe.

  “Race you to the top!” he shouted as he tried to catch up with them. He had always been the fastest climber and knew that was why they had hurried off before him. He was soon panting and sweating—and his gloves and boots were doubtless scuffed beyond repair—by the time he reached the top, but the look of annoyance on his three brothers’ faces was worth it when he looked down at them with satisfaction.

  “I still beat you old codgers, even though you stole a head start!” he gloated.

  “Just wait, marriage will make you soft as well,” Heath shouted back good-naturedly. It was only natural for there to be some competitiveness amongst four boys, and even Eugenia, Felix mused. In the past, she would have donned trousers and joined them in the climb. He wondered why she had not done it this time.

  Could the London Season have changed her so much? He did not think he liked the thought of that.

  It must look to Catalina as though there were four large monkeys in the trees. He chuckled as they tossed down balls of greenery to the ladies. A cart had been brought in readiness, and they soon had it filled for a servant to return to the house later.

  Felix quickly slithered back down the tree and rejoined Catalina. He flashed a huge grin at her.

  “This is a strange tradition,” she said doubtfully, examining the mistletoe. “You decorate the house with this?”

  “I always thought it silly until now,” he said, taking a bunch of the plant and holding it above their heads. “Let me demonstrate its usefulness.”

  He brought his lips to hers before she could expound upon the oddness of such a thing. He heard a few cheers, but when he looked up, his brothers and their wives had joined them in kissing under their own bunches of mistletoe. Catalina’s cheeks flushed delightfully as she looked around. Felix noticed Tinsley staring at Eugenia strangely before giving her a quick kiss. Felix shook his head. He must be imagining things. Tomfool, he chastised himself, turning back to his delectable wife.

  “If you find yourself under the mistletoe with someone, you must give them a kiss. Then you pluck one of the white berries.”

  “I would have thought this too scandalous for the reserved British!” she exclaimed.

  “Occasionally, we lose our reserve,” he teased.

  “Now for the holly!” Eugenia declared. She began to lead them deeper into the wood.

  “I am afraid to know what tradition you have with the holly,” she said as she put her arm in Felix’s.

  “Oh, that is only for decoration. No one wants to touch it again for it pricks your fingers.”

  She shook her head. “Very well. Let us pick this holly. Must you climb trees for it?”

  “No. It is a tree, but grows close to the ground.”

  “That is a relief.”

  With ten of them gathering, it did not take long to fill a second cart with holly and other greens. By the time they tramped back to the house, their cheeks were all bright red. The warmth inside the house was blissful, and the smell of spicy baking and wassail made every minute of being outside worth it.

  Reluctantly, they shed their hats, coats, and gloves, and then Felix rushed Catalina towards the fire. They stood holding their hands out to the flames and before long, Felix felt the familiar prickling awareness of returning sensation to his limbs as they thawed.

  “What do you think now?” Felix asked Catalina.

  “I think you will ask me this several times every day,” she mused. “Do not worry. I like your family and I like your England. I am not so fond of the cold and damp, but I will grow accustomed.”

  Banks entered with a tray of warm gingerbread and Edmund instantly rubbed his hands together with glee.

  He handed one to Catalina. “Have you ever tried gingerbread?” Edmund asked. “It is delicious.”

 
“Then I must have some, of course. I approve of this wassail,” she remarked, completely slaughtering the pronunciation of the word.

  Felix watched her take a bite and the expressions that crossed her face were delightful.

  “This is very strange, but I think I like it.”

  Edmund laughed. “Do not worry. We have plenty more goodies if you do not like that one. Do you have any special foods you would like us to have which are your traditions?”

  “That is a wonderful idea, Edmund,” Emma said. “I am sure Cook would be happy to oblige.”

  “We do have a special cake that is not too difficult,” Catalina said, looking pleased. “It is in the shape of a crown with a cream filling and candied fruit on top. It is to represent the wise men. We celebrate that with the Epiphany in Spain.”

  “I love hearing about how other cultures celebrate Christ’s birth,” Edmund said.

  “That reminds me. I have something. Please excuse me, I will be back in a moment,” Catalina said, gathering her skirts to leave.

  “Shall I assist you?” Felix asked, rising to his feet.

  “No, I believe I can find my way, thank you.” She hurried off and Felix turned to watch his entire family staring at him. It was the first time he had been alone with them.

  “Yes?” he asked warily.

  “I think she is an absolute delight,” Cecilia said. Felix knew her the least, but if she had brought Heath back to them, he was inclined to adore her.

  “I am hardly one to speak on the matter of surprise marriage,” Heath added dryly.

  Isabella entered the room just then, holding George. Felix had not even noticed her leave. She had been George’s nurse when she was hiding from her father, and was still clearly attached to the boy.

  Immediately, he began to point to Felix and repeat syllables. “Ni, ni.”

  “I think he wishes to see Midnight,” she said, as she brought his nephew to him and placed him on the sofa where Catalina had been sitting.

  “You wish to see the puppy?” Felix asked as he pulled him from his waistcoat. He held him out and George tried to pat him with all of the awkwardness of a toddler. However, the happiness that came to his face when Midnight kissed his cheek was infectious.

  “Be careful or you will have a hard time leaving with him,” Rowley said over Felix’s shoulder, looking fondly upon his son playing with the dog.

  Midnight had learned to rock back and forth on all fours and even take a step or two.

  “I will let him argue with Catalina about that,” Felix chuckled.

  He decided to put the boy and the dog down on the carpet where they could play more freely. Emma produced a ball and George and Midnight somehow managed to roll it about together. The little puppy seemed encouraged to move more towards the object.

  Catalina entered the room holding one of the large boxes she had insisted on bringing to England.

  A footman held open the door and looked up at them apologetically, as though he had tried to assist her. Felix walked over and took the box from her, not bothering to comment upon her stubbornness.

  Catalina noticed Midnight and George playing together on the floor and she held her hands to her chest.

  “I fear you might have competition for Midnight, my love,” he teased. “Where would you like this box?”

  Catalina looked around. “A table out of reach of puppies and Georges would be best.”

  Quickly the table was cleared where the remnants of their biscuits had been.

  “This is for you,” she said to the duke and duchess. “I apologize the presentation is not better,” she added with a shy smile.

  Rowley held out his hand for Emma to do the honors. She opened the box carefully and began to pull out intricately carved, beautiful pieces of a nativity, painted and decorated with amazing detail. It even had the stable and houses surrounding it.

  “How thoughtful! I have never seen anything like this,” Emma said.

  “When I realized we would be here for Christmas, this is what I thought to bring you. Beautiful nativity scenes are something the Spanish do very well. We call it a portal de Belén.”

  “We will find a perfect place for it. Thank you very much.”

  “You are most welcome. Now you can think of us for the Christmases when we cannot be here. Perhaps some time in the future you may all visit our home.”

  “That would be wonderful,” Emma said as she finished placing all the pieces on the table.

  Tomorrow was Christmas Eve, but they had only just arrived this day and it had been full and exhausting.

  “I think we shall retire, if you will forgive us. It has been rather a full day,” Felix said, over the din of all eight of them speaking, it seemed. “It is time for Midnight to be let out and fed, at any rate.”

  Isabella had been cuddling the pup, and she placed him down on all fours. He rocked and took two awkward steps forward. She clapped her hands.

  “I do think he will be walking soon!”

  He gathered Midnight and held out his arm for Catalina as they said goodnight. Slipping her shawl about her shoulders, she joined him and they went for a turn about the garden while their dog took care of business. Catalina leaned against him as they stood admiring the clear, crisp, starry night.

  Suddenly feeling amorous, he put both arms around her and drew her to him for a kiss.

  “Why, Felix, I thought you were tired.” She gave him a saucy look, which never failed to wake him up.

  He would make her pay for that impertinence. His lips descended, crushing hers with need, and she wound her arms around his neck and kissed him back with the sweet, fierce passion of her fiery Spanish nature. Felix did not care that they were within sight of the house; in actual fact, he could not think at all until a bark interrupted them and Catalina pulled her lips from his.

  Somehow, Midnight had reached their feet, and gave a bark at them, his little tail wagging merrily. Felix bent down to scoop the dog up.

  “We are going to have to discuss your timing, Midnight.”

  Catalina laughed. “But how clever he is! He must have walked to us.”

  Felix sighed dramatically. “I suppose he is.”

  “It is too bad that we did not see it for ourselves in the darkness, though.”

  “I do not think that is the reason we missed it,” he remarked with a wry, heated look at her. It was wasted on her. She was looking up at the sky.

  “You know, I used to be afraid of the dark. Now I think it is my favorite time of day.”

  “We have several more hours of darkness,” he said with a knowing grin, and with no more ado, he pulled her back to the house.

  About the Author

  Like many writers, Elizabeth Johns was first an avid reader, though she was a reluctant convert. It was Jane Austen’s clever wit and unique turn of phrase that hooked Johns when she was “forced” to read Pride and Prejudice for a school assignment. She began writing when she ran out of her favorite author’s books and decided to try her hand at crafting a Regency romance novel. Her journey into publishing began with the release of Surrender the Past, book one of the Loring-Abbott Series. Johns makes no pretensions to Austen’s wit but hopes readers will perhaps laugh and find some enjoyment in her writing.

  Johns attributes much of her inspiration to her mother, a former English teacher. During their last summer together, Johns would sit on the porch swing and read her stories to her mother, who encouraged her to continue writing. Busy with multiple careers, including a professional job in the medical field, author and mother of two children, Johns squeezes in time for reading whenever possible.

 

 

 
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