“But what did she want?” Anna asked.
“She wanted to tell me that someday Phillip would meet the woman he was intended to marry here during the Christmas season and that she depended upon me to bring Phillip to Ashworth around this time of year every year if possible. I always worried if I couldn’t lure him to Ashworth at Christmas, but it appears that this year was the correct year, because he’s met you, Anna.”
Smiling, Phillip stood and reached for Anna’s hands, then pulled her to her feet and looked deeply into her eyes. “We can’t disappoint the lady in red, my dear. Not after all that she’s gone through to bring us together.”
Anna’s gaze met his and her lips lifted into a smile that spoke volumes about her feelings but before she could speak, Miss Benton rose and stepped forward.
“As both of you must be aware, love and marriage do not always lead to happiness. Anna, keep in mind that Phillip prefers to live in London much of the year and when you marry him, you’ll have to associate with your father’s family to some extent.
“And you, Phillip, will need to make your peace with your neighbors so that Anna will not feel estranged from the people she grew up with. Can you both make the effort?”
Phillip answered first. “I’ll do anything within my power to make things right with the neighbors, including inviting them to hunt on my property and make themselves at home in Ashworth should they need a temporary place to stay.”
He glanced at Anna, who ducked her head in an apparent effort to hide a grin. But she looked up quickly and her expression turned solemn. “I don’t believe I’ve mentioned this, but the lady in red told me that Christmas is a time for forgiving. I didn’t know what she meant then, but now I do. Perhaps I’ve been too judgmental where my father’s family is concerned. I’ll make a special effort to accept them and hope that they can do the same.”
Miss Benton’s expression did not soften. “This is all very well in theory but how are these reconciliations to be brought about?”
Rachel, who had been watching the proceedings with a smile, now stood and marched over to stand beside Anna’s aunt.
“That’s an excellent question, Miss Cora, and I believe I have the answer. It won’t be easy and it will require cooperation from everyone here, but it can be done. Here’s what I have in mind.”
The evening of December 20, 1815, was blessed with exceptionally mild weather. In addition, a full moon helped provide light for the various carriages that made their way down the drive to the front portico of Ashworth. Every window of the old stone mansion shone with golden light, and many of those windows boasted a wreath of greenery topped with a large bow of red ribbon.
Greenery was also in evidence on most flat surfaces inside the mansion, with ivy entwined among holly and balls of mistletoe hanging in strategic locations. The tangy odor of the evergreens vied for supremacy with the spicy smell emanating from the wassail bowl and the enticing fragrances of the various Christmas cakes being prepared by Ashworth’s cook.
The melodious sounds of an orchestra floated downward from the third-floor ballroom, urging guests to hurry inside, where they were greeted by the Earl of Ashington and his sister, Lady Nettelford. Also in the receiving line were Miss Cora Benton and her great-niece, Miss Anna Marshall. Tonight’s ball was a celebration of both the Christmas season and the engagement of Lord Ashington and Miss Marshall.
The aristocratic guests, relatives of Miss Marshall, had made last-minute arrangements to travel from London or from their country estates to attend this function. They cheerfully mingled with the local folk, who had for the first time in many years received a formal invitation to a function at Ashworth.
The ballroom had been decorated for the occasion, with red silk swags dipping from the ceiling. Large evergreen wreaths embellished with golden lace were nestled at the top of the silk scallops and three chandeliers burned brightly with freshly polished crystals reflecting dozens of white candles.
Anna couldn’t help feeling a bit nervous knowing that she and Phillip were to lead off the dancing with a waltz, a dance she’d mastered only this past week when Rachel had engaged a dancing teacher to come from London. But the minute she felt the warmth of Phillip’s hand upon her waist and the comfort of his other hand grasping hers, she relaxed and let herself be carried away by the music and by the knowledge that she was where she wanted to be for the rest of her life—and perhaps beyond.
Just at that second, a flash of movement at one of the windows caught her attention. She turned her head to gaze at the window and saw quite clearly a beautiful face surrounded by blonde hair topped with a red bonnet. A smile of pure joy lit that face just before it faded from view.
Anna opened her mouth to tell Phillip what she had seen but then she closed it again. She didn’t doubt that he would believe her. At the same time, the window was on the third flood and filled with a wreath topped by a red bow. Some people might think she’d seen only a reflection of a passing dancer.
Anna knew better but she preferred to think that the moment had been intended to remain between her and the lady in red, who obviously had wanted to view for herself the success of her endeavors.
Anna looked up at Phillip, who regarded her with a question in his eyes. “You had a strange expression on your face for just a moment, my love. Is everything all right?”
Anna flashed him a reassuring smile. “Oh yes. Everything is absolutely perfect. Just as it was meant to be.”
“I couldn’t agree more,” Phillip said. “The party has been wonderful. Happy Christmas, my dearest Anna.”
She took a deep breath and glanced toward the window once more. This time she saw only a round wreath topped by a red bow and she smiled to herself. Apparently, the lady in red had finished her work here. “Happy Christmas, my darling Phillip.”
But she couldn’t resist glancing once more toward the window and sending her thoughts in that direction. Merry Christmas, my dear Marie. And thank you from the bottom of my heart.
A Note from the Author
Thank you for making time to read A Christmas Spirit of Forgiveness, my Regency-set paranormal romance. I hope you enjoyed it.
A Christmas Spirit of Forgiveness was first published as part of an anthology titled Cotillion Christmas Spirits. This re-issue contains minor changes.
I enjoy emails from readers ([email protected]). And like all authors, I appreciate honest reviews. If you would like to know when new releases are coming out, please sign up for my newsletter by clicking Here.
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Also by Carolynn Carey
Regency-Era Historical Novels
Compromising Situations
The Secret Christmas Ciphers
My Elusive Countess
A Simple Lady
The Mysterious Merriana
The Untamable Antonia
A Christmas Spirit of Forgiveness
The Barbourville Series
Celebrations of Joy
A Summer Sentence
Falling for Dallas
Dealing with Denver
Dreaming of Dayton
The Forgotten Christmas Tree
At Home in Barbourville
The Bow Wow and Meow Campaign
Barbourville Christmas Reunion
Chasing Dreams in Barbourville
The McCray County Series
McCray County Retreat
McCray County Images
The Cedar Hollow Series
My Cupcake, My Love
The Christmas Cake
Contemporary Titles
Christmas with Tiffany
Prognosis for Happiness
Lily for a Day
Holly Grove Homecoming
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About the Author
Carolynn Carey is an award-winning author of both Rege
ncy-set historical novels and contemporary novels, including the popular Barbourville series.
Several of her books have won or finaled in national contests such as the HOLT Medallion, the National Readers’ Choice Award, the Maggie, and the International Digital Awards.
She lives in Tennessee where she spends her days writing, reading, knitting, and watching for text messages about the amazing exploits of her only grandchild.
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