A Christmas Match (Landon House #4) - Rose Pearson Page 0,70
out of the carriage window.
“Do not be concerned with Mr. Grainger. I am certain that you will find that he will make every effort to offer amends when we arrive at his family’s home.”
“Which, unless I am greatly mistaken, is in the distance,” observed Sarah as she peered out the window at the vast landscape of the Cotswolds.
In winter, the bucolic country setting of the Cotswolds was a serene reflection of the season in all its glory. Snow covered the tops of the gently rolling hillsides. Ice sparkled in the late afternoon light as it encased the dark branches of the trees which lined the roadway. Snow fell gently outside the carriage framing the view of the stately Tudor mansion in the valley below.
Hatherley Hall was the name of the house. The grand residence was commonly referred to as Hatherley by the local gentry, the villagers of Cheltham, and the nearby market town of Abbeford Hills. The hall, or house as it was referred to, was a tall structure built of brick with high pointed roofs and gables. The windows were narrow stained glass at the front entrance giving the house a gothic air. With its forest of chimneys reaching into the sky and the tree-lined avenue, leading to the house itself, the effect was impressive and imposing. Sarah imagined that the first Baron Carmody who commissioned the house must have demanded that it be an imposing residence. As much as she dreaded seeing Mr. Grainger again, she looked forward to a few days of holiday revels inside this historic mansion.
“I am pleased we have arrived before sundown. I hope we are not late for dinner. I am famished!” Jane exclaimed.
Sarah did not know if she would be able to eat a bite the entire time she was a guest at Hatherley. Her own humiliation was too much to bear but bear it she must for the sake of her cousins. As Jane reminded her, she and Katie had known the heir to the title and his younger brother all of their lives. The Graingers were a good sort to be aristocrats regardless of the events of the previous summer. Sarah decided she would endeavor to forgive Mr. Grainger even if he had led her to believe he harbored feelings for her.
“I hope we will be given the rooms in the west wing. How I adore the tower, it makes me feel like an archer of old as I prepare to defend the castle,” Jane exclaimed.
“What an imagination you have! If I were to find myself in the tower room, I would think of myself as a princess,” Sarah stated.
With a confident manner, Jane held her head high as she remarked, “Then you shall be a princess and I will be an archer. Together we shall do what must to be cheerful until Twelfth Night.”
“I hope we have a good few days here, but I do not know how joyous it will be for me. I will be the only woman in attendance who could be mistaken for a maid.”
“Sarah, you can wear any of my dresses if you choose. I promise that you shall have a wonderful time. Do not torment yourself about your present circumstances. Not when there is celebrating and merriment to be had. We can return to our gloomy lives, you and I, when we arrive home again in a few days.”
Reaching for her muff, Sarah slid her hands inside the cozy warmth of it, as she leaned back into the velvet seat of the carriage. She promised herself she would not be gloomy, no matter how much she wished to be. Jane was correct. It was the month of Christmas, she was a guest of the Baron Carmody. She would enjoy cards, music, a ball, and delicious food for a time before returning to her own modest life at the vicarage. She would be a fool not to endeavor to have a splendid time. With her mind on the upcoming schedule of diverting recreation, she tried to quell her nervousness. She was going to Hatherley, just as she had during the summer. She hoped that this time, she would come home with delightful memories.
Sarah will have to face Mr. Grainger soon. Hope it is not too painful! Perhaps she might meet someone else during her stay? Check it the rest of the story on the Kindle Store. Love and Christmas Wishes: Three Regency Romance Novellas
My Dear Reader
Thank you for reading and supporting my books! I hope this story brought you some escape from the real world into the always captivating Regency world. A good story, especially one with a happy ending, just brightens your day and makes you feel good! If you enjoyed the book, would you leave a review on Amazon? Reviews are always appreciated.
Below is a complete list of all my books! Why not click and see if one of them can keep you entertained for a few hours?
The Duke’s Daughters Series
The Duke’s Daughters: A Sweet Regency Romance Boxset
A Rogue for a Lady
My Restless Earl
Rescued by an Earl
In the Arms of an Earl
The Reluctant Marquess (Prequel)
A Smithfield Market Regency Romance
The Smithfield Market Romances: A Sweet Regency Romance Boxset
The Rogue’s Flower
Saved by the Scoundrel
Mending the Duke
The Baron’s Malady
The Returned Lords of Grosvenor Square
The Returned Lords of Grosvenor Square: A Regency Romance Boxset
The Waiting Bride
The Long Return
The Duke’s Saving Grace
A New Home for the Duke
The Spinsters Guild
A New Beginning
The Disgraced Bride
A Gentleman’s Revenge
A Foolish Wager
A Lord Undone
Convenient Arrangements
A Broken Betrothal
In Search of Love
Wed in Disgrace
Betrayal and Lies
A Past to Forget
Engaged to a Friend
Landon House
Mistaken for a Rake
A Selfish Heart
A Love Unbroken
A Christmas Match
Christmas Stories
Love and Christmas Wishes: Three Regency Romance Novellas
A Family for Christmas
Mistletoe Magic: A Regency Romance
Home for Christmas Series Page
Happy Reading!
All my love,
Rose
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