Mismatched Under the Mistletoe - Jess Michaels Page 0,18

She clapped her hands together trying to gather herself. “So I issue a challenge. Tonight after supper, when we reconvene in the parlor, I hope we will see many more presentations by you, my cherished guests. And the applause will be all the higher if you can incorporate colly birds of any kind in your recitation.”

The crowd seemed excited by the idea, and groups of them moved off together toward the house, chattering about what they could present to outshine Cav’s wonderful performance. She let out her breath in a shaky sigh. She needed to speak to him, of course. To thank him for how he had come to her rescue. To compliment him, as the others had, on his performance.

But he wasn’t waiting for her. He was striding after the group, not looking back. His shoulders seemed tense, though. She knew that tension well after all these years. He was displeased, perhaps. With her?

She moved to follow, but one of the chaperones fell into pace beside her. Mrs. York, the American, mother to Bridget York. The woman had a wide smile as she said, “That truly was a lovely representation of the day’s theme,” she said. “This has been a creative and wonderful party. My daughter and I are so pleased to have been included.”

Emily forced herself to be gracious and smiled at the woman. “And I am pleased to have you. I’ve spoken to Bridget a handful of times since her arrival, and you have much to be proud of.”

Mrs. York’s blush was Emily’s reward, and normally she might have reveled in it or even pressed her companion to find out more about Bridget so she could better match her. But today she was still so distracted. Cav had entered the house now. Where would he go? With the crowd or off on his own?

“Mr. Cavendish is a wonderful orator,” Mrs. York continued. “You and he are friends, I know.”

Emily’s lips suddenly felt dry and she shifted as they entered the house together. “Y-Yes. Mr. Cavendish was a great friend to my late husband and has remained just as faithful to me in the years since Andrew’s death. He is the kindest and best of men.”

“I have heard told he might be thinking of taking a bride when the Season begins in the spring. Would you know anything about that?”

Emily could scarcely hear anything with the blood rushing in her ears. She stared at Mrs. York, her hands trembling at her sides. Over the years, many a mama had sought out Cav for her quarry. A few had come to her and to Andrew, as Mrs. York was now, to obtain insider information about Cav.

But now the idea that he would seek a marriage felt more…raw…to Emily. Was it true? He was of an age, of course. She knew his grandfather believed it was past time for him to make his move and go forward into his destiny. But would Cav finally bow to the pressures at home?

“I-I do not know,” she stammered, for she realized Mrs. York was still waiting for an answer. They had reached the parlor now, where some of the guests were gathered talking. It seemed some had retired to their chambers for an afternoon rest.

Cav was not amongst this group.

“Oh.” Mrs. York looked slightly disappointed. “Well, I suppose all is fair, isn’t it? Are you coming in with the others?”

Emily should have said yes, of course. A polite hostess would not allow her guests to linger on their own without her support. But right now she didn’t give a damn about her duties. She could only think of Cav and this strange drive to get to him. To…see him after that display in the garden.

“I have a obligation to attend to, I’m afraid,” she said. “But please, partake of refreshments and enjoy yourself. I will see you later in the day.”

Mrs. York said something in return, but Emily hardly heard it. She hurried away, up the hall. Cav hadn’t gone to bed, she didn’t think. It wasn’t his nature to rest his head after tea. No…she had a hunch he would go where he very often did when he visited Crossfox.

She was almost running now, racing through the winding halls until she found the room she was seeking. The light came from under the closed door, and she caught her breath before she opened it and entered the library.

He was there. Of course he was. He stood in the middle of the room