The Captain's Midwinter Bride (Holiday Novella)

by Liana De la Rosa

  Did that mean Phillip respected Annalise? He had always made her feel respected and valued, which was why, with the truth of his father’s duplicity revealed, she didn’t doubt her husband’s character.

  Still, now that she was older and had more time to reflect on her life, and her own wants and desires, she pondered if perhaps she could still experience a grand love story with her husband.

  Annalise studied her husband’s handsome face. Could love grow from mutual respect and admiration? She was not sure, but seeing Phillip’s concern for Beth and her future made Annalise’s chest feel tight.

  Licking her lips, she chose her words with care. “I believe someone can be smitten, even in love, and also respect the person. I’d even say it’s impossible to truly love someone without also respecting them.”

  Phillip crossed his arms over his chest, his regard potent and unwavering. She felt hot all over.

  Smoothing her hands down her skirts, she said, “I suppose you’ll get to see for yourself how Beth and Mr. Newell interact tomorrow night. And afterwards, I’d be very curious to hear your thoughts.”

  The corner of his mouth twitched. “Count on it.”

  Chapter Four

  Phillip was under the impression that dinner at the Newells’ would be an intimate affair. Just the immediate families gathering together to celebrate the upcoming nuptials.

  Yet, instead of the small party he had anticipated, the Newells had also invited several neighborhood families to attend. Their festively adorned townhouse was filled with the loud hum of holiday music, conversation, and laughter, which made it difficult to speak with any one person for any meaningful amount of time. Phillip was not pleased. His socializing skills required refinement, and engaging in mundane conversations in such an environment made him long for the quiet of a moonlit deck, with only the occasional whistles from the crow’s nest to distract from the rocking waves.

  But he did his best to be attentive and affable, for these neighbors had assisted his family during his many leaves at sea. He actually thought that perhaps he could forge friendships with several of the gentlemen in attendance. They seemed like honest, hard-working men who valued their families and community, just like him.

  What annoyed him was that he had hoped for another opportunity to take the measure of the young man who was to be Beth’s husband, and he had not been able to speak more than a handful of words with him. Phillip watched Mr. Newell laugh and converse with other guests, but the young man had never strayed more than a few steps from Beth’s side.

  If he were the suspicious type, he would almost believe Mr. Newell was avoiding him. And unfortunately for the young man, his career had molded him into exactly that.

  He now sat in an armchair near the roaring fireplace, the mantle bedecked with evergreens and blazing candelabras, as well as an elaborate display of Christmas cards. The other guests chatted, took turns on the pianoforte, and engaged in a game of whist. The gentleman who had been discussing the state of local politics with him had wandered off, and Phillip was left with his thoughts.

  Pinning his gaze on Beth, he watched as Mrs. Newell implored her to play the pianoforte. His daughter preened at the request, her ebony curls glinting under the candlelight and her dark eyes sparkling to have the room’s attention on her. With a smile at Mr. Newell, who arranged the sheets of music for her, Beth launched into a graceful rendition of “I Cannot Sing the Old Songs” by Claribel, her low soprano voice skipping along the notes and bringing them to life.

  Mr. Newell observed her with a slight tilt to his mouth, every bit of his attention trained on Beth and the movement of her fingers across the keys. He certainly looked like a man in love, but Phillip would not be so easily convinced.

  “You’re scowling, Captain Dalton.”

  Phillip glanced to his left to discover his wife now occupying the damask armchair next to his. She looked resplendent in a sapphire blue evening gown that set off the rose hue of her complexion and turned her brown eyes into deep pools of rich sienna. With her mahogany locks pulled into an artful coiffure that showcased her still flawless cheekbones and firm jawline, Annalise was enchanting. So beautiful she left him a bit breathless. And not beautiful because she appeared younger than her age, but beautiful for being exactly her age.

  That she still addressed him, had even accompanied him to a social event after their tense luncheon the previous day, made gratitude swell in his chest. He would endeavor to deserve her grace. And trust.

  Forcing his eyes from her, Phillip returned to watching Beth’s performance on the pianoforte. “I had no notion I was scowling. I certainly have no reason to scowl.”

  “Oh, I’m certain that’s not true,” she said, a smile in her voice.

  Phillip knew better than to contradict her. He gestured to their daughter at the pianoforte. “Beth is an accomplished musician. And I had forgotten what a lovely voice she has.”

  “She is. She has spent many long hours practicing to make it so.”

  “And you spent many long hours being tortured as she perfected her craft.”

  Her throaty chuckle caused the hairs along his arms to rise to attention. “In the beginning, yes. The practice sessions were definitely torture. Thankfully, my eardrums survived the abuse.”

  Phillip smiled, but it slipped when Mr. Newell changed the music sheet for Beth, lingering a tad too long over her shoulder.

  “You’re scowling again.”

  Annalise’s voice had a sing-song quality to it that made him chuckle begrudgingly. “Yes, well, the boy is hovering.”

  “The boy is to marry our daughter. He will be doing a lot more than that very soon.”

  “But not yet,” he growled.

  “Have you decided to dislike him?” Annalise was all curiosity and no censure.

  “I need to know him better before I can make that determination.” Phillip propped his leg on the opposite knee and bounced it up and down. “And that’s the crux. His first impression was wanting, and I’ve not had a chance to expound upon it or change it entirely.”

  “I suspect he’s avoiding you.”

  Phillip jerked his head about. “You do?”

  Annalise sighed. “He’s been glued to Beth’s side or to his mother’s. I don’t believe he wants to make himself available to you and your questions.”

  So he hadn’t exaggerated Mr. Newell’s odd behavior in his mind. It was gratifying that Annalise had seen the same thing, but it certainly doubled his irritation with the young man.

  “And why not? Do you suppose him afraid to speak with me?”

  “After your initial meeting, quite possibly. You are an intimidating man.”

  He scoffed. “I am not.”

  “You are too.” She laid a hand on his knee before quickly withdrawing it. His neck felt hot under his collar. “You have a certain bearing that can be intimidating to a young man, especially a young man who intends to marry your daughter.”

  “In that case, you would think he’d want to repair his first impression.”

  “I agree.”

  “The night is young. Perhaps he will redeem himself.”

  A slow smile spread over her lips. “But you don’t think so, do you?”

  “I don’t,” he said, running his hand over his mouth to contain his laugh.

  Phillip studied Beth as she prepared to launch into another merry melody. He sensed, rather than saw, Annalise turn toward him. The movement sent a wave of her familiar lilac scent over him, and he fought not to lean into it. Into her.

  “The family’s influence concerns me,” she stated.

  Darting his eyes about the room and finding no one within earshot, he whispered, “What do you mean?”

  With her pink lower lip caught between her teeth, she appeared much younger than her years. “Mrs. Newell has already made it clear that her son is dedicated to a life of politics. His late father had done the same, and based on select comments the woman has made, I believe she doubts Beth is up for the ta
sk of a political wife.”

  “Of course Beth can handle such a task. Why wouldn’t she?” He worked hard to keep the bite out of his tone.

  Her brows shot up, and Phillip knew she had heard it, nonetheless. He was not surprised.

  “I’ve done my best to see that Beth is raised with all the skills needed to be a proper hostess and wife.” Annalise dropped her gaze to her lap. “But as we are not a political family ourselves, I could not teach her what I do not know. And why would I possibly spare the expense of hiring a tutor for such an education unless I was convinced she had a life of politics in her future?”

  “You wouldn’t, naturally.” Phillip dragged a hand down his face. “We can find a tutor, if Beth is willing. There’s still time for her to tuck some knowledge under her belt.”

  “Mrs. Newell said she would tutor Beth herself.” A muscle ticked in Annalise’s jaw. “She declared she would be thrilled to fill in the gaps in her education.”

  “Ouch,” he grumbled under his breath, as his blood pumped like a roaring torrent through his veins. “Well, I’d rather we not rely on Mrs. Newell’s gracious offer. We are capable of educating our daughter, and if she needs lessons to make her more confident in her role as a political hostess, than I will gladly secure the services of a tutor.”

  Annalise turned to look at him, her luminous brown eyes large and unblinking. “Beth is very lucky to have a father like you.”

  Returning her attention to where Mr. Newell hung close over Beth’s shoulder, Annalise worked to control her emotions. When was the last time she’d seen such resolute loyalty? Probably before her father had fallen ill all those years ago.

  Phillip’s calm, firm resolve to see to Beth’s happiness brought unbidden tears to her eyes. She had been right to trust him.

  “Well, I feel lucky to call Beth my daughter. She is an intelligent, fierce, loyal girl, and I want her to marry someone deserving of her.”

  “And he may not be.” Annalise extracted a handkerchief from her reticule and discreetly patted under her eyes. “She’s always been so confident. So sure of herself. I sincerely hope she has faith in her own decision.”

  “Has she had any other proposals? Have any other men shown an interest in our girl?”

  “Several.” Annalise smiled fondly, her gaze glued to Beth as she sang and coaxed delightful sounds from the pianoforte. “She was quite popular amongst her class of debutantes.”

  “I seem to recall you being a popular debutante as well.”

  She chuckled. “I remember it quite differently. In fact, I believe I earned a reputation as being a bit odd.”

  “Odd?” He jerked his chin back. “Why?”

  “I had an unfortunate habit of discussing inappropriate things.”

  His blue eyes widened, but he appeared more intrigued than shocked. “Pray tell, what sort of things, Wife?”

  Annalise studied the linked hands in her lap. “Did you know I had always wanted to work with animals in some way? My father was dead set against such nonsense, as he called it. As his only child, he wanted me to make a grand match, to a cash-strapped peer perhaps, or the son of a wealthy businessman. So he tried to fill my days with deportment lessons and secured me a dance master and equestrian instructor. I did my best to acquiesce to his will, but…”

  “But…that did not last long.” It wasn’t a question.

  “The heart wants what the heart wants.” She lifted a shoulder in an attempt at blasé, even as her chest ached at the memories of her father’s exasperated, loving expression. “And my father’s heart wanted my happiness above all else, so he eventually capitulated. He managed to secure me a position with a veterinarian…mostly cleaning pens and cages, and assisting during births. I loved it, and I spoke of the animals I tended to whoever would listen. But I was forced to withdraw from it after he fell ill.”

  “I didn’t know.” His eyes glazed over. “I seem to remember you had a rabbit, didn’t you?”

  “I did!” Emotions burned the back of her eyes. “Mr. Tobin. I had him for ten years. He died not long after my father did. I would have a rabbit now, or a cat or dog, if they didn’t aggravate Oliver’s health.”

  “I would have liked having a dog.” Phillip took a sip of claret, and she longed to snatch it from his hand and gulp it herself. Their conversation had brought forth memories and emotions she had suppressed for so long. “You dealt with so much change in such a short period of time.”

  Annalise nodded, as if his words didn’t make her insides clench in their effort to contain her emotions. “It was hard. I didn’t feel…right again for a very long time.”

  “I’m sure not,” Phillip whispered.

  “That’s why, despite everything, I was grateful for your father. I felt as if I were underwater after my father’s death, and even the simplest questions or requests left me overwhelmed. But I trusted your father knew what needed to be done and did it, so I didn’t have to worry. And then…” She paused, rocks and debris suddenly filling her throat. “Well, we now know what happened.”

  “You married me, and my father disgraced me and our family,” Phillip said with a sigh and a note of melancholy in his voice.

  “And yet marrying you was the best decision I could have made at that moment.” Annalise hesitated and then straightened her spine. “I know your career made it difficult for us to have a normal marriage, but now that you’ve retired, I would very much like to be your friend. I…” She sucked in a breath. “I’ve been lonely.”

  Annalise wished to crumble into dust, desperate for a strong wind to sweep her away on the breeze. Why she thought to confess such a truth to Phillip, she did not know. She was supposed to be his wife of convenience. Surely he did not want to be her friend.

  Yet…maybe he had also battled loneliness whilst on the deck of his ship. He had been surrounded by some seventy other souls, if not more. But did any of those people really know him? Did they know Phillip Dalton the man and not Captain Dalton the honorable navy officer? Annalise suspected her husband understood a great deal about being lonely. But perhaps he had never considered that his wife, surrounded by their children and friends, would experience such a feeling too.

  His gaze softened. “I would like to be friends too.”

  Annalise beamed a smile at him, relief making her feel weightless, until a shadow came to stand next to them.

  “Captain Dalton. Mrs. Dalton. How wonderful you could join us this evening.”

  She instantly felt nauseated.

  A man of slender build with greying hair considered them with a slight smile on his thin lips. His attire was rich and exquisitely tailored, and in his hand he grasped a glass of brandy. Annalise longed for a glass, if only to inebriate herself against the spectacle the newcomer was bound to create.

  Phillip narrowed his eyes. A prolonged spell ticked by before he said, “Mr. Thompson. Err, Thompkins. Forgive me.”

  “Thank you for the kind greeting, Mr. Thompkins,” Annalise murmured, seeking to confirm her husband’s thoughts. “We are all very happy Captain Dalton is home to stay and just in time for the wedding.”

  The man had always made her uncomfortable, and she’d done her best to avoid him at social events where he was also a guest. Without thought, she reached out to grasp Phillip’s hand. He responded immediately, threading their fingers together as if they’d done such a thing for the whole of their marriage. Yet she struggled to maintain her poise as she felt his heartbeat through the palm of his hand.

  Thompkins tilted his head. “But I heard Captain Dalton hadn’t planned to stay in Bristol indefinitely.”

  Whatever was the man on about?

  She jerked her head to Phillip, her gaze searching. But his attention remained fixed on Mr. Thompkins, a pleasant expression on his face. “At some point I would like to sojourn to my estate in Wales. I have not decided when that will be, though.”

  Annalise suddenly found it hard to draw breath.

  Taking a step closer, Mr. Thompkins�
� mouth twisted into a smirk. An altogether worrisome smirk that made dread churn in her belly. “Lamley said he overheard one of your grooms say the travel carriage had been ordered ready to depart after the holidays.”

  The travel carriage? Annalise darted a glance again at her husband.

  “I hadn’t realized my actions were of such importance to the neighbors,” Phillip said, his tone inching on annoyance.

  “Perhaps that was not well done of me to share,” Thompkins said, ducking his head. “But seeing as how Mrs. Dalton is a favorite amongst the social circuit here in Bristol, her friends would be disappointed if she were to leave.”

  Her friends, or Mr. Thompkins? Annalise knew the answer. But she refused to look at the man. She did not want to give him the satisfaction of knowing how much his revelation had upset her. Instead, she studied her husband. The real man responsible for her hurt.

  Clearing his throat, Phillip said, “My wife has been the most patient and resilient of women to raise our children and keep our house during my many absences. I wouldn’t dream of pulling her away from her friends and the place where she’s forged a life. If she wants to join me, I would love her company, but she is welcome to remain in Bristol if she chooses.”

  “So the choice is hers, then?”

  Locking gazes with Annalise, he nodded. “She will always have a choice.”

  So it was true. Phillip planned to leave her behind in Bristol. Again. He wanted to live his own life in Wales.

  She had only visited the small estate once several years ago when he had been on leave, and she had fallen in love with the countryside. With the rolling green hills and the jagged seaside cliffs. The air had smelled of salt and wildflowers, and the sky was the bluest blue she had ever seen. Annalise had been convinced she’d stumbled upon the land of the Tylwyth Teg, the Welsh fairy folk whose tales Oliver and Beth liked to read about as children. Ever since that holiday, Annalise had been pining to visit the cozy manor that lay on the estate again, and now Phillip had plans to retire there. Without her.