O Night Divine A Holiday Collection of Spirited Christmas Tales - Kathryn Le Veque Page 0,131

disappeared quickly after the other jobs.”

Darren clenched his jaw. “When the bridge is in pieces at the bottom of the Severn, then you’ll be paid. Did you set the timers correctly?”

“Of course,” Daffyd sneered. “All hell will break loose after the collapse. We need money now.”

Darren acknowledged he wasn’t likely to get rid of the irritating Welshman unless he offered something. He fished in his pocket and pulled out two guineas. “Here, a down payment, if you will.”

Daffyd grabbed the coins. “It’s a far cry from the hundred quid you promised.”

Darren gritted his teeth. “I’ll find you and you’ll get it. Now, bugger off.”

Breathing more easily when the scowling saboteur slunk away, he made his way to the dining room. A day at the races might be just what he needed to get his agitation under control.

Chapter Seven

Policeman’s Ball

December 27th

Samantha dutifully trooped into the village hall behind her parents. Unlike her sister, who bubbled with excitement, she’d been reluctant to attend. The Aust Constabulary was small, though folks from miles around always attended the Annual Policeman’s Ball. It was one of the important social events in the region, a sort of wind-up to the Yuletide celebrations before people geared up for New Year’s Eve.

The chief constable greeted them as usual. “Ah, Captain Hindley, Mrs. Hindley. It’s a pleasure to see you and your daughters. Happy Christmas and thank you for coming.”

“Wouldn’t miss it for the world,” Samantha’s father replied.

“I think you know your way to the refreshments,” their host said, already looking to the next people in line.

“Indeed. Shall we?” her father asked his wife, offering his arm.

Samantha and Grace trailed after them. “The chief constable doesn’t even remember our names,” Samantha complained to her sister.

Her discomfort increased as her gaze roved over the other young women in the already crowded hall. Without exception, they wore the latest in fashionable gowns, whereas Samantha and her sister had been obliged to wear their old-fashioned hooped crinolines, altered to fit as they grew. With the impending loss of business for the ferry, they hadn’t wanted to insist on hard-earned money being spent on new frocks, but the snickering glances were hard to ignore.

Their father located the table where they’d been assigned seats and left them to fetch punch from the refreshment table. A man was already seated at the same table, which was unusual; most of the men were standing around in groups, exchanging pleasantries. It was expected of them. Nor did their table-mate get to his feet when they arrived, which any true gentleman would have done.

“Sergeant Cullen, Ma’am,” he said to their mother without a hint of a smile.

Samantha had to admit he was a handsome devil—tall and broad-shouldered, with jet black hair, and his deep voice was almost musical. She’d bet he was a good singer. In uniform, he probably looked distinguished. A peculiar thrill stole up her spine and settled in a very private place.

Fanning herself, their mother blushed profusely. “Adela Hindley, Sergeant,” she replied. “I haven’t seen you here before. Are you new?”

Samantha rolled her eyes at her mother’s gauche inquiry, but the man didn’t seem offended.

“Yes. Transferred from Bristol.”

“I suppose you see more crime there. We’re very law-abiding here in Aust.”

Cullen pursed his lips in reply.

Samantha felt obliged to intervene since it seemed her mother had forgotten about introducing them. “Samantha Hindley, sir,” she said, “and my sister, Grace.”

“Samantha,” he replied in the seductive voice that echoed in her belly. He then nodded to her sister. “Grace.”

Heat rose in her face. He’d definitely said their names differently, but she could detect no hint of lechery in his mesmerizing blue eyes. She should be relieved not to be seated with a philanderer, but perhaps he didn’t find her attractive.

When her father returned to the table with their glasses of punch, Sgt. Cullen offered his hand and introduced himself again.

“Bill Hindley,” her father replied, accepting the handshake. “I see you’ve already met my wife and daughters.”

“Yes. You’re lucky to have so many beautiful females in your family.”

Had his gaze rested on Samantha for the briefest moment? She dragged her eyes away from his stunning good looks. She was an engaged woman, for heaven’s sake. What would Brock think of her behavior?

She snorted involuntarily, drawing her mother’s censorious eye. “Sorry,” she whispered, hoping Sgt. Cullen hadn’t heard the unladylike noise. He probably thought she was an immature child, so she fluttered her left hand over the pearls at her neck so he couldn’t fail to notice the sapphire engagement