O Night Divine A Holiday Collection of Spirited Christmas Tales - Kathryn Le Veque Page 0,176

October, left this pompous fop in charge of Miss Hor—er, Tia.” He nodded his head at the young girl in acknowledgment of her request.

They both nodded.

“He arrived, decided to keep one of the dowries by marrying Miss Comden, and save the second by putting Miss Tia in the York Asylum.” He rubbed his jaw. “He must be an idiot.”

“Oh no, not hideous at all. He’s quite handsome,” argued Tia.

“No.” Miss Comden shook her head at Tia and raised her hands. With her right middle finger, she tapped the middle finger of her left hand. Then she made a half circle with her right thumb and forefinger and laid it against the extended forefinger of her left.

“I-D—Idiot!” cried Tia. “Oh, yes, he’s certainly that.”

Gus’s brow scrunched, and in a moment, he’d put the pieces together. “Good God, she’s deaf.”

Tia smiled indulgently. Miss Comden held her breath, blinking rapidly.

“Please, don’t cry.” He stood and hovered over the older sister. “I’m sure it will all work out.”

“I know it will. It must.” She dotted the corner of her eyes with her napkin and gave him a watery smile. “I think all the excitement and worry has caught up with me. Once we are over the border, I’ll figure out a better plan. We had so little time to decide what to do.”

“Will he come after you?” Gus wouldn’t mind a chance to throttle the man if he showed up at Bliss Manor. He would send a note off to his brother the morning and see what Nate could find out about Lord Turnsley. “I only know his reputation as a wastrel. His father is well-respected and also a baron, I believe. He’s cut his son off several times, refusing to pay his debts, but his mother dotes on him.”

Miss Comden took a deep breath, as if relieved their secret was out. “Truly, I don’t think he cares what we do as long as it doesn’t dip into his coffers.”

Gus snorted. His male ego wanted to thrash this scoundrel and shield these two females from any more mishap. Now he understood MacIntyre’s fierce protectiveness. “I am sorry you had to go through such an ordeal. I want you to know you are safe here.”

Miss Tia beamed at him. Miss Comden gave him another teary smile. His stupid grin returned.

“I’m glad to hear it.” Mrs. Willoughby stood at the door with a tray of tarts.

“I suppose you heard?” There wasn’t much that escaped his housekeeper.

“Enough to know they’ll be staying for a bit.”

Jasper and Pup peeked from behind her gray skirt. “We’ll sleep in the hall and guard them,” the youth said.

“I told you not to wander with the master home.” She looked at Gus. “I apologize. He’s used to free rein with the house empty for so long. He’ll do better.”

Miss Tia let out a squeal of delight. She hurried across the room and fell to her knees, the scruffy, straw-colored dog jumping on her lap. Her giggles mixed with Jasper’s laughter as the mutt licked the girl’s face.

Gus watched the two youngsters play with Pup. “It seems they’ve become fast friends.”

Mrs. Willoughby left the tarts and collected her charges, informing them that Sally would be upstairs whenever the ladies were ready to retire. He noted the droopy eyes of his guests. Miss Tia yawned loudly, and her sister announced she was done to a thumb, so he escorted them upstairs. Tia led the way, though not with the same energy she’d had at their arrival, and Miss Comden accepted his arm as they followed.

Her hair smelled of vanilla and lavender. He closed his eyes for a moment and inhaled the distinctly feminine scent. As they reached the landing, he bade them goodnight. After Tia closed her door, he caught Miss Comden by the elbow. “Please, try not to worry. Consider me your champion in this matter.” He’d pay off the villain himself if need be.

“I’m afraid your heroics have given you much more than you expected,” she half-whispered. Her eyes glistened, turning the sandy orbs to gold and back again as the tapers in the wall sconces flickered. “I am so very sorry for the inconvenience we—”

“No! Never apologize for something you have no control over.” Gus took her hand. He wanted to pull her close and tell her he’d protect her with his last breath. But how could that be? They’d met only hours ago and barely knew one another. “It sounds ludicrous, but I believe fate led me to you. If