Mistletoe and Mayhem - Cheryl Bolen Page 0,347

be the start.” He berated himself for allowing his longing to show. At least he had the freedom to choose what he wanted to do for the most part. Could Lucy say as much?

“Raybourne,” a male voice called.

Hugh turned to see Barnes and a few of the other men across the street. Barnes waved for him to join them. Though disappointed at having his time with Lucy interrupted, perhaps that was for the best.

“I’ve monopolized far too much of your afternoon,” he said as he looked back at her. “I should allow you to get on with your shopping.”

“Yes, I suppose I should. I need to find something for Emma. I don’t think she’d be pleased with merely an embroidered handkerchief.”

“Thank you for the conversation. It’s always a pleasure to be with you, Lucy.” He wanted to say more but now wasn’t the time or place so he bowed and took his leave. However, he no longer had any doubt as to how he felt about her. Surely in these last few days of the house party, he’d find a way to share his feelings with Lucy. He’d make certain of it. Where their relationship went from there remained to be seen, but he had high hopes.

Chapter Nine

“This is a disaster.”

Lucy watched as Emma paced her bedchamber, her movements jerky. “I’m not certain I would declare it one.”

Christmas Eve had arrived, the night of the ball, when not only the guests but many of the local gentry would come to celebrate and dance.

Lucy smoothed the white silk gown Emma had lent her as she sat before the dressing table while Collette, Emma’s lady’s maid, fixed her hair once again. The gown’s hem had been lengthened and it fit well. The edge was embroidered with dark green swirls, bringing to mind evergreens in the snow. Lucy adored it. The neckline was quite daring, revealing the swell of her breasts, but it was modest compared to Emma’s.

Her cousin looked lovely in white satin with crystals and pearls sewn into the bodice and trimmed in red velvet.

“Mother and Father insist I advise them which man I favor.” Emma paused, hands on hips. “How can I possibly decide so soon?”

Lucy thought she could’ve if she were in the same position. Hugh had firmly caught her affections, regardless of the short time they’d been together. She only hoped he hadn’t also caught Emma’s.

Worry filled her at the thought. Then again, did it truly matter when she didn’t intend to act on her feelings? Would she be able to hide her emotions if Emma chose Hugh? Would he choose her in return?

The last question caused her to shift in her chair as her chest tightened. The movement drew a stern look from Collette.

How could he not wish to marry Emma when his dream was to breed horses? Uncle Andrew loved horses and the shared interest would surely make her uncle look favorably on Hugh despite his lack of a fortune. Her uncle only wished his daughter to be happy.

Lucy wanted that as well. She had no business having this attraction to Hugh. She had no money to help him with his dream. Besides, she had Aunt Edith to care for. She couldn’t leave her alone, not after all she’d done for Lucy by taking her in and giving her a home.

“Why don’t we review the gentlemen’s traits to help clarify your choice?” Lucy pushed aside her unsettling emotions. This wasn’t about her. The reason she’d been invited had been to aid Emma with her decision. Yet a tiny voice in her mind suggested refusing to examine her feelings was the easy way out—the safe way. Why didn’t she tell Emma of her affection for Hugh? She might understand. But not tonight with the ball almost upon them.

Her cousin stopped pacing, heaved a sigh, and flounced into a nearby chair. “Very well.” She looked at Lucy expectantly.

“First, we have Mr. Barnes,” Lucy began, certain her cousin wouldn’t choose him. But she knew Emma well enough to hold back her opinion, lest Emma take the opposite side just to be contrary. “He’s handsome and kind. His manners are impeccable. And his affection for his sister is to be admired.” Although, Lucy thought they would benefit from some time apart.

“He is handsome. Perhaps not as tall as I’d prefer.” Emma tapped a finger against her chin as she pondered the topic.

What did his height have to do with anything? But Lucy reined in her impatience and said nothing.

“Prudence is