O Night Divine A Holiday Collection of Spirited Christmas Tales - Kathryn Le Veque Page 0,122

palm flat against her belly.

“Wait. There, did you feel that?”

He grinned. “I did! I felt the baby.”

Thomas remained with Ashlyn until early afternoon. She had told Reid to be home by two for Christmas dinner, allowing the servants plenty of time to prepare their own feast in the servants’ hall.

When he came into the room, he led Edward with him. She took one look at the boy and knew. Opening her arms, Edward flew into them and Ashlyn did her best to comfort him.

“Christmas will always remind me of Papa’s death,” Edward said once his tears subsided.

“We celebrate the birth of Our Lord on this day,” she said. “Why don’t you choose to celebrate the relationship you had with your father? I think it is best to remember him in life and all the good times you shared.”

The boy brightened. “I like that idea, Your Grace. Although I will mourn now, I will mark Papa’s life this time next year instead of his death.”

“We also have something to discuss with you, Edward,” Reid began.

“Should I leave?” Thomas asked.

“No. Stay,” Edward said. Looking to Ashlyn, he said, “I know I am on scholarship to Dunwood Academy. I understand if you wish to give it to someone else after this year, Your Grace. I will turn twelve next month. I don’t wish to go to an orphanage. I have heard they are terrible places. I am old enough to earn my own living.”

“I wish I could ask you to live with me, Edward,” Thomas said. “But you know my father doesn’t really want me. He’s certain not to want you.”

“Enough of such gloomy talk,” Reid declared. “Her Grace said this time next Christmas we will celebrate the birth of Christ and the loving, close relationship Edward had with his father. What we would also like to celebrate is that this day also brought you to us.”

“What?” Edward asked, confusion creasing his brow.

“We want you to be part of our family, Edward,” Ashlyn said. “You will keep your name because it is your link to your father but we want you to become His Grace’s ward. And we wish to give you our love. What do you say?”

Edward’s mouth trembled. “I would say that although I am sad to lose Papa that I am a very fortunate boy. I don’t know how to thank you.”

“You might be able to do the same someday when you are grown,” Reid said. “Help someone else in need.” He ruffled Edward’s hair and then did the same to Thomas. “Happy Christmas to you, boys.”

“Happy Christmas,” Ashlyn said, once again feeling her baby kick, as if he or she agreed to taking on Edward.

Epilogue

Gillingham—December 1830

Ashlyn looked at Bellows and asked, “Are you ready for this to be your last Christmas in service?”

The butler nodded. “I am, Your Grace. While I have enjoyed my years at Gillingham tremendously, I think living in a cottage by the sea and fishing every day will be an ideal way to spend my last years.”

She laughed. “Well, you know that we will keep you plenty busy during the Yuletide season.”

“I look forward to it, Your Grace.”

She went to the drawing room where her children had gathered. Her oldest child had arrived home from his first term at university only days ago. He sat playing a lively game of cards with his three siblings. She looked out over her girls, sixteen and fifteen, and saw how much they favored her, with the same golden blond tresses and amethyst eyes. Both boys resembled their father, with Reid’s dark hair and melted chocolate eyes. They also had his height, though at twelve, her younger son was almost as tall as his brother. She thought he would probably grow another few inches before he stopped.

Marcus saw her and motioned her to come over. He was the Marquess of Medford and would one day be the Duke of Gilford.

“Mama, my sisters have turned into card sharps while I have been away. I am certain they are cheating.”

Both girls raised innocent eyes. Eyes that held glints of mischief.

“You are the university man, Marcus,” she proclaimed. “If you can’t catch them at it, I have no advice for you.”

“Well, Charlie would never cheat,” Marcus said.

Charlene—who preferred her nickname of Charlie—was Gray and Charlotte’s daughter, born the same week that Marcus had been. The two had gotten along from the cradle and Ashlyn and Charlotte had predicted that a proposal would occur once Marcus finished his studies at university. The Cramptons