O Night Divine A Holiday Collection of Spirited Christmas Tales - Kathryn Le Veque Page 0,67

keeps visiting my dreams to remind of the way Christmas used to be. I was worthy of her love then. But of late, I’ve turned my back on the needy in the parish and fobbed off those seeking my advice. I no longer visit my tenant farmers, my steward deals with them.” He firmed his shoulders. “I intend to make changes, beginning tomorrow. Perhaps you’ll accompany me on a visit to Ben Shilling’s farm. You remember him? He’s a splendid fellow and an excellent tenant. When the weather improves, we can enjoy a spot of fishing, try out those new lures.” He bent down to pat Leo. “I’ve prepared you over the years to take the reins when the time comes, but I can still teach you a thing or two about running this estate.”

Hugh grinned. “I would like that, Grandfather.” Warmth spread through him, which came not from the fire. He was home again.

The butler entered the room. “A note has come for you, Lord Hawkinge.”

“Now who can that be? Fetch my spectacles, will you, Hugh? They are on the desk by the window.”

Hugh handed them to him. “Were you sitting by the window this morning, Grandfather?”

“Eh, yes I was, why?”

“I just wondered if you saw me.”

“Disappear over the wall? I did.” He chuckled. “Just the thing I would have done in my youth.”

“I’ve fallen rather heavily for Alice,” Hugh admitted. “I know it’s ridiculous when we only just met…”

“Nonsense. I fell in love with your grandmother on sight.” He frowned. “But you must allow Alice her London Season, my boy. She is very young. Her mother will rightly insist on it. Dountry is a marquess. They’ll be aiming high.”

“And I have little to offer.”

“Not until I’m below ground, but how long can that be? No one lives forever. Your prospects are hardly shabby. I never altered my will, just wanted to put the fear of God in you.”

“Really, Grandfather?”

“I’d never do such a terrible thing.” He frowned. “I’m surprised you believed me.”

Hugh let that pass. “The suitors will be lining up for Alice.”

“You must take your chances. If you two are meant for each other, then it will happen. I want you to promise me you’ll give Alice a month in London before you see her. If she loves you…” He glanced down at the note in his hand. “Ah, this is from Belfries. They have reiterated their invitation to Christmas dinner. It now includes you. I’ll send William in with a letter of acceptance. You’ll come?”

“Indeed, I will,” Hugh said promptly.

On Christmas night, Lord Belfies’ drawing room was bedecked with holly and greenery. Hugh drank mulled wine with his grandfather and the viscount beside the crackling fire as they discussed everything from politics to estate matters.

Alice came through the door, so breathtaking in a pale blue lacy gown, his poor heart squeezed.

After dinner, when the clock struck midnight, he and Alice stepped outside to admire the garden covered in a blanket of white. A month! Her eyes sought his, a speaking glance. Hugh smiled and suffered a reckless surge of hope. They were meant for each other. Was it foolish to think she felt the same? He would have to wait to find out, for he must abide by his grandfather’s wishes. Best not to risk angering him again. Grandfather was right, much as Hugh hated to admit it. Alice should be free to enjoy London, the balls, and the dances, despite his fear that he would lose his chance with her. His chest tightened, wanting with all his heart to declare himself.

Epilogue

London, April 1819

Alice, wearing her new ballgown of white muslin with a pattern of gold oak leaves around the hem, left the dance floor on Lord Hay’s arm after the quadrille. Seated beside Marian, her mother smiled approvingly as Alice curtsied to the gentleman.

She had done everything her mother asked of her. Her presentation had gone well. She had danced at Almacks, and now at her third ball, she found herself a little tired and disenchanted. Many gentlemen paid their respects to her, and much was made of her looks, but she was unhappy.

The wonderful Christmas dinner spent with Hugh and his grandfather remained in her thoughts. Marian and Gerald had soon settled their differences, and he got his way, for the kiss was never mentioned again. However, in response to Marian’s letter, her mother promptly came and took Alice home a few days after Christmas. Alice did not see Hugh again. But she had