O Night Divine A Holiday Collection of Spirited Christmas Tales - Kathryn Le Veque Page 0,220

watched over his shoulder for a moment.

Dear…

“How do you spell Lucy, sir?”

“Miss Lynley would be the proper address. L-y-n-l-e-y.”

Alex left him to his task and sat next to Edmund as Milton brought in a tea tray and set it before them on a side-table.

“I take it there is some history between you and Lady Lynley?” Edmund enquired. “Isabella implied as much.”

“Yes. I was very foolish and made promises that my father would not allow me to keep. I fear I hurt her very badly, but perhaps I make too much of what was between us—of myself.”

“Perhaps you are merely expressing your own feelings.”

Alex gave Edmund a wry look. “I think I am being treated to more vicarial wisdom. Are you certain you do not wish to return to a parish?”

Edmund smiled. “For now, I am content, but I will not apologize for making helpful observations.”

“I will not deny I still feel affection for Anna, but I do not know if I can offer her what she deserves.”

“Because you loved your wife and child?”

“My marriage was not a love-match, but I tried to be a good husband. In answer to your question… because I am no longer a peaceful, happy man.”

“It does not mean you are doomed to bitterness. You cannot let it consume you, Alex.”

“I will do my duty, but how can I find pleasure in it?” he asked, hoping Edmund would have an answer.

“Perhaps, with the right person at your side, everything would be easier.”

“Perhaps,” Alex said, afraid to imagine it, to hope. “Do you think she could forgive me? I jump ahead of myself. She might not even feel as I do.” He shook his head.

“Are you asking for my opinion?” Crinkles formed around Edmund’s eyes in amusement.

“I assumed you would give it anyway, in the name of honest observation,” Alex retorted.

“The lady is not indifferent.”

Johnny ran over with his letter before Alex could contemplate what Edmund’s words meant.

He handed the paper to Edmund.

Dear Miss Lynley,

My name is Johnny Knight, and I am visiting my uncle at Hartmere.

“That is correct, is it not?” The little boy asked, trying hard to speak properly.

“Yes, it is.” Alex smiled and squeezed the boy’s shoulder.

I would be pleased if you would come to visit me so we may ride horses together. Oh, and would you and your mama stay for dinner?

Johnny

“I think you did very well, son,” Edmund said.

“May we deliver it in person, sir?” Johnny asked Edmund.

“I do not mind if the duke does not. It is beginning to snow, however.”

Johnny ran over to the window with all of the excitement Joshua had displayed whenever it had snowed in Canada. It snowed for the greater part of six months every year there, but it was rarer in England.

“I have never seen snow before!” Johnny said in wonder. “Please say we may go out,” he pleaded to Alex.

How could he resist? He, too, had always loved snow as a child. In fact, during that Twelfth Night Ball, he and Anna had danced in the snow under the stars.

“I will order the carriage,” Alex said, walking to the door to inform Milton. “Run along and get your coat and proper boots.”

“Yes, sir!” Johnny replied, running off down the hall before the words had barely left his mouth.

Edmund watched with amusement. “We have made a great deal of progress, but some things will take time.”

Soon Alex and Johnny were on their way back to Splatmore Cottage, the snow falling heavier each minute. The horses tracked through the fresh snow, and Johnny held his mouth wide-open to catch fresh snowflakes.

As he drew the matched greys to a halt before the cottage, Johnny quickly jumped down and ran to the door. Anna opened it and looked surprised to see him there. Alex joined them at the door after tying up the horses.

“Good afternoon, my lady. I have brought an invitation for Miss Lynley and yourself,” Johnny said properly, taking care to enunciate every word.

Anna looked at Alex with a suspicious glance, then held the door open. “Please come in out of the snow, and you may give her the invitation yourself.”

The cottage was warm, with a roaring fire in the hearth, Alex was pleased to see. He and Anna stood just inside the door as he watched Johnny introduce himself to Lucy and hand her the note.

“Mama!” Lucy read the note slowly, as though she was still learning. “May we go?”

“Go where, my dear?”

“Johnny would like a friend to ride and admire horses with, and Isabella