Mistletoe and Mayhem - Cheryl Bolen Page 0,42

fit in.”

“I’m sure he will,” Hector promised. “Was his father from Scotland?”

“Yes, but we met at home.”

“Where was home again?”

“My father’s estate is to the south,” she told him.

“That’s right. I remember now. You have a sister who is newly out in society.”

“You met Helen?”

He nodded. “At a ball. Clement introduced us, though I don’t believe we danced.”

Ruby rubbed her hands together, noticing her palms had become damp. She was anxious still about whether her sisters would accept her back into their company again but excited to hear anything of them. If her father really had disowned her, she might never know them again. What Ruby had done in running away might have reflected badly on them for some time. She hadn’t considered that possibility until months later, when her letters to them had gone unanswered. “I haven’t seen Helen since my marriage.”

“She’s lovely, but,” Lord Stockwick smiled slowly, “not as lovely as you, I think.”

“You’re very kind.” Ruby’s face warmed in a blush. “I hope the weather will clear soon. I should have liked to take Pip off for an adventure to see more of my grandfather’s home.”

“That’s a fine idea.” Hector stood. “Shall we go exploring together now?”

“I don’t think we should go outside in this weather.”

“Not out, but up and around,” he said, twirling one finger about. “There’s plenty to see inside The Vynes. How about we start upstairs in the nursery? Find the boy something new to play with.”

Ruby was tempted, especially so when Stockwick gallantly held out his hand to help her rise. She slipped her hand in his and allowed him to bring her to her feet. There was a certain excitement in his gaze when their eyes met. Feelings she hadn’t experienced in a very long time stirred in her belly. Not since her husband had she experienced anticipation and perhaps a not-so-innocent desire to be close to anyone. Ruby was definitely drawn to Hector which was ridiculous given how slight their acquaintance.

“A quick jaunt upstairs and then back here to warm up again,” he promised with an eager smile, unaware of her inner thoughts.

Ruby’s pulse quickened. “We could remain here and have tea instead.”

“Only if you’ll allow me to slip brandy into mine,” he murmured, with a look she could only describe as seductive.

Ruby knew how other widows behaved with handsome men. For the first time, she understood their desire for a little attention too. In Scotland she would never have encouraged a flirtation. But she was in England now and bound to marry a man she might never have chosen for herself. She arched her brow. “How else do you drink it on a cold day?”

“Exactly.” Stockwick grinned…and something inside her shifted again. It occurred to her that she was enjoying his company very much. She hadn’t spoken to anyone so friendly since her husband had died, and she had certainly missed it. She hadn’t been allowed to be herself in a very long time. Ruby Clement had run off to marry a man because of love. Ruby Roper could do as she pleased, too.

Ruby rushed to Pip and dressed him in his warm coat, soft cap, and scarf. “Time for an adventure, little man.”

“Yay!” Pip cheered, jumping up and down.

Ruby rugged herself up, too, and they ventured out into the hall together. “If memory serves, the nursery is one floor up and to the east, isn’t it?”

“That’s right.”

Taking her son’s hand in hers, they climbed the steps together, with Lord Stockwick bringing up the rear. Inside was cold, and the vast room had obviously been deserted for some time, too. She brushed her fingers over the wood of a rail and came away with a thick layer of dust on her fingertips.

Everything she touched was the same, dirty and uncared for, but Pip hardly seemed to notice. To his delight, he found toys belonging to his absent cousins to play with, and even a rag doll of a solider. He brought each discovery to Ruby, and she meticulously cleaned each one before allowing him to play with it.

Although it was cold in the nursery without a fire lit, she allowed her son to explore the chamber as long as he liked. She soon drifted to the window to look out at the view. The storm was still upon them. “I fear this won’t end soon.”

“Likely not,” Stockwick agreed, coming to stand by her side. “We’ll just have to make the best of it, use the time to get to know