Mistletoe and Mayhem - Cheryl Bolen Page 0,198

with enjoyment, but nothing beyond a few weeks or months. Now he had met a woman who viewed love in the same fashion—the way he had until he had encountered her.

"I do not think it is my reputation that is the problem," he confessed. "The woman I—uh, Lorelei—she seems to believe love cannot endure for very long. I am unable to persuade her otherwise, though I have done my best to do so."

"Oh, that saddens me," his mother said. "Why does she feel that way?"

"Her own experience with love, as well as marriage. She is a widow, and determined to remain unattached."

"I cannot believe she is able to resist you," his mother said.

His father chuckled. "I doubt she does. Yet it seems she is able to sidestep what Desmond now wants—a long-lasting love."

"Any suggestions for me?" Desmond tried to keep the question light, even though he was eager to hear what they could offer, hoping it would help to change Lorelei's mind.

"I have one or two," his mother said. "But I believe your father has more that will prove beneficial, based on his experience." She stood and walked to where Desmond sat, kissing his forehead. "Do not despair just yet."

She left, and Desmond watched his father gazing at the love of his life as though he could not believe his good fortune. It had always bemused him, their unabashed love for each other, yet now he felt bereft. Would such a love be forever out of his reach?

"Your mother is correct," his father answered. "Do not despair just yet."

"I have a few stages to go before I completely descend into despair," Desmond laughed. "Though I would not mind avoiding it entirely. I much prefer the happier phases."

"Tell me how you came to meet this woman. It will perhaps give us a clue as to how to proceed."

"A chance meeting with Martin started it. I asked if he was still involved with matchmaking, and asked him to assist me."

"That sounds like a promising beginning."

"It was, and then it took a bit of a twist." He explained how Lorelei was not actually the woman he had meant to meet, yet he could not imagine anyone suiting him more perfectly. "I think I lost my heart that very evening."

"I can sympathize. Though it does not tell me what we should do next."

Desmond grinned at his co-conspirator. "Martin will be dismayed that I am relying on a different matchmaker."

"He will not need to know. Besides, I am merely his assistant, working behind the scenes to ensure his matchmaking reputation continues intact." He paused. "Perhaps it might help if we determine how you were able to change your mind."

"That is quite brilliant," Desmond said. "Yet I am not certain I can articulate it. I was slightly predisposed to the notion when I first spoke with Martin. Then I met Lorelei."

"Martin could try to speak with her, I suppose." His father grinned. "Though I wonder if we might have more success if she comes here for a visit."

Desmond pondered that as well. "I like that idea." Everyone was so inspired by his parents' enduring love affair. Surely it would inspire Lorelei, possibly even convincing her it was possible for her, with him.

It was worth a try. He had spent his entire life believing the same as Lorelei when it came to love, yet once she had caught his eye, he had quickly seen how wrong he had been. It gave him hope that she was amenable to change as well.

His mother came back into the room, followed by a servant carrying a tea tray. "I thought you might need some refreshment while plotting."

Desmond grinned. "I believe we have finished our plotting and have moved now into the execution phase."

"I am delighted to hear it! We shall meet this paragon soon then?"

"Yes, quite soon. I propose we invite her sister, as well as her niece and nephew."

"Oh, that would be wonderful," his mother said. "It has been too long since there have been young children here, especially at the holiday season."

"They are a delight," Desmond answered. "It has been a joy to spend time with them recently."

His mother raised her eyebrows, giving his father a knowing look. "Then yes, they must be included in the festivities."

His father grinned. "At least let us have the party before you send notices to the papers, my love."

She clucked her tongue. "Silly man. I plan to invite the vicar instead."

They all laughed, and discussed the plans for the upcoming party, everyone's