Merry Misrule - St. Clair, Ellie Page 0,4

only in possession of it because the woman who had commissioned it decided she no longer wanted it. Joanna had spent hours on it, and while she was out a considerable amount of time, when Caroline had invited her to the house party over Christmas, Joanna had decided to allow herself this small luxury and had asked for permission to borrow it.

The owner of her small shop had allowed it, for a deduction of her pay, but Joanna had thought it would be worth it, for at least she would look something like the other women this Christmas.

She had been wrong.

She would spend Christmas in London, alone once again.

Joanna was startled when a knock sounded on the door, and she crossed over to it, expecting Caroline.

She found someone else entirely.

“Lord Elijah,” she said, not so much in greeting but in surprise. “What are you doing here?”

“I live here.”

She closed her eyes for a moment, not prepared for his teasing — even if, this time, it was meant in humor.

“What are you doing in my bedchamber?”

She opened her eyes as she spoke, but instantly regretted doing so. For then his chocolate eyes were boring into hers, warming her from deep inside.

She hated that he could so affect her with just one look.

“I am here to apologize,” he said, slightly bowing toward her, and her eyes widened.

“For…?”

“For many things,” he said, sweeping an arm out in front of him, and she couldn’t help but notice how fine he looked in his red jacket, grey waistcoat, and buff breeches, displaying with much definition just how much he had grown into a man over his years away. “For attempting to kiss you when you had no desire for my touch. For everything I did to you years ago, which Caroline describes as horrible, horrible acts. And for forgetting you.”

He lifted a hand as though he was going to brush it against her face, but when she flinched slightly, he let it fall back to his side.

“Forgive me — again. I’m afraid I am not used to many women rejecting my interest and it has been some time since I have been within society.”

Joanna lifted an eyebrow. It was quite the admission, and yet, a few words could not erase all that he had done in the past. Anyone could apologize. But his very actions tonight had proven that he hadn’t much changed since she had known him years ago.

“I was one of those women once, who fell for your charms,” she said, pulling herself up to her full height, which was still a good head shorter than he. “But that proved to be a mistake and I have since learned my lesson when it comes to you.”

“So Caroline shared with me,” he said, dipping his head. “I was an immature lad who thought I was making some great joke.”

“At my expense.”

“Yes, at your expense,” he admitted with a nod. “I have come to offer you my regrets and to invite you back to the party. I did not mean to scare you away.”

“I can look after myself just fine,” she said smartly. “Your actions do not affect me.” A lie, but a necessary one.

He seemed relieved. “Glad to hear it. I— what are you doing?”

“Freshening up.” Another lie.

“No.” He pushed past her and stepped farther into the room. “Your bag is out. As are your clothes. Are you going somewhere?”

“No.”

Yes.

“And would you please get out of my room?” she continued. “This isn’t at all seemly.”

He waved a hand. “No one particularly cares. They’re all downstairs making merry.”

He turned around suddenly, his commanding presence so close to the bed overwhelming her. She wished he would just leave.

“Please go,” she said, as though her intentions had not been clear before, but he leaned forward and scrutinized her more closely.

“You are leaving.”

“I…” releasing a frustrated sigh, she gave up arguing, “yes. I am leaving. I have decided to return to London in the morning.”

“I should hope not on my account.”

Yes, on his account. And if she hadn’t wanted to leave before, as she’d been packing, she had glimpsed through her window Cecily Cummings, or whatever her name was now, alighting from a carriage and entering the manor. Now Briercrest held both of the people she most never wanted to see again.

While she said nothing, he must have gathered her thoughts from the expression on her face.

“Please,” he said, and Joanna’s eyes widened when she realized that he was practically begging her. “Please don’t go. Caroline would have