O Night Divine A Holiday Collection of Spirited Christmas Tales - Kathryn Le Veque Page 0,177

I had not glanced down the other path, if the moon had not appeared at such an opportune time, you might still be waiting along the road.”

“And MacIntyre might have caught his death.” She tried to smile, but her lips trembled as her eyes remained downcast.

“Yes.” He tipped up her chin with his free hand, cursing himself for the spontaneous familiarity. “And I would have never met the most intriguing, beautiful woman and her entertaining sister.”

He bent and placed a lingering kiss on her hand, not trusting himself to look into those amber depths a moment longer. “Goodnight, Miss Comden.”

“Goodnight, Dr. Wharren,” she breathed, then turned on her heel and disappeared behind the chamber door.

Gus stood in the hall for a long moment. He was convinced destiny had thrown them together tonight. But why? As he climbed the stairs to his own quarters, his grandmother’s words echoed in his head. Open your mind and let your heart speak. He rubbed his neck, then grunted as a wisp of cool air tickled him. He had to find out where that draft was coming from.

Chapter Five

December 23, 1813

Etta slept soundly. In fact, she had a better night’s sleep than she’d had in months. Without their usual staff to wake them, the sisters had slept late. She replayed scenes from the night before as Sally helped her dress.

Consider me your champion in this matter. He’d kissed her hand. Her heart had almost pounded through her chest.

Tia appeared at the open door. “I’m hungry. Let’s go!”

She thanked Sally, sent her on her way, then took her sister’s face between both hands. “Mind your manners.”

“Fine.” Tia grinned. “He likes you.”

“He’s a nice man. I’m sure he likes everyone.” Her face grew hot.

“His eyes were on you every time he thought you weren’t looking. And that silly smile on his face in the carriage and when you walked into the room.” She kissed Etta on the cheek. “I don’t need to hear his words. His heart speaks for him.”

She rolled her eyes. They just met the man. Yet, Etta had been drawn to him from their first shared glance. He’d seemed almost… familiar.

“We will check on MacIntyre this morning. I feel terrible he caught a chill helping us.”

Tia squinted at her sister, watching her lips. “What is the housekeeper’s name?

Etta spelled it out.

“Oh! Willoughby. And the boy?”

She spelled out Jasper and then Pup. Tia nodded. “I like them. We should stay till after Christmas Day. You cannot think to travel at the start of Christmastide.”

“Tia, not everyone looks forward to this celebration as you do, especially in Scotland.” She frowned at her sister’s stubborn face. “Don’t you dare invite yourself.”

“Oh, I don’t think I’ll have to,” she said smugly.

They found the breakfast room by following the scent of sausage and strong coffee. Silver dishes covered a side table with enough food to feed a small village. Tia squealed when she discovered the chocolate, poured the hot liquid into a cup, and dipped her finger in it.

“Tia!”

“I know, I know.” She picked up a spoon. “Mind my manners.”

Dr. Wharren entered, refreshed and handsome in a dark gray pinstriped waistcoat that stretched across his broad shoulders and matching gray breeches with a modest cravat. His midnight hair was combed back and framed his square jaw. She had the oddest urge to trace the cleft in his chin.

“Good morning. I hope you both rested well?” He spoke to both sisters but made sure his face was visible to Tia.

The sweet gesture made Etta smile, which made Dr. Wharren smile, which made Tia giggle. As they took their places at the table, the physician cleared his throat.

“I took the liberty to have your carriage repaired and brought here. Unless travelers passed through overnight, your presence along the road will be our secret.” He sipped his black coffee. “Johns and the small staff in residence have been instructed to keep quiet about our guests. Mrs. Willoughby had planned on hiring more staff with my arrival, but she’ll wait.”

Etta’s hand went to her throat. “Has MacIntyre’s condition worsened overnight? Is he unable to travel?”

“Your butler is greatly improved. He’s requested an audience with you later today.” He set down the fragile china cup. “I hope you don’t mind, but I’ve posted a letter to my brother, so we know exactly what we’re dealing with.”

“In other words, how desperate is the man?” Etta was relieved the Scot was recovering, but worried she would pull this generous, considerate man into their troubles.

“Yes. I think