The Marquess's Christmas Runaway

by Josie Bonham

  She shooed him into his own room and he heard her bell ring. What was he thinking of getting married at Christmas? He ought to be helping his new bride to settle in to her responsibilities not entertaining his family. With Jepson’s help he was ready in twenty minutes. He ran down the stairs and found Wakeley waiting for him in the library.

  The earl jumped up when he saw him. “I’m sorry, Hargreaves. I was put out by Rollo’s behaviour the other night but he has gone too far this time.”

  “He has and at this moment I’m wishing him to the devil. I don’t know what’s to be done with him. Excuse me a moment.”

  He put his head around the library door and called to a passing footman. “Stay by this door. When Viscount Summerton arrives knock hard before he reaches it.”

  “Yes, my lord.”

  Max went back into the library and shut the door behind him. “Take a seat, Wakeley. I suggest we sample some of this fine port I’ve been saving for Christmas. I very much doubt that we’ll see Rollo until at least a quarter of an hour after half past four.”

  He filled two glasses and gave one to Wakeley before taking the seat next to him.

  “Do you have anything planned for my illustrious nephew? He was bandying his title around in an attempt to gain entrance to my bedchamber. Of course, Jepson was having none of it.”

  “It will have to be something demanding to bring him up short.”

  “That’s what I said but Georgie suggested he might have been no more than heedless and facing up to his actions by trying to find me as soon as possible.”

  “Too kind by half. She’s a sweet girl, Hargreaves. I’m not sure how you found her but you’ve done very well there.” His eyes twinkled. “Saved yourself a deal of aggravation from the womenfolk into the bargain.”

  Max burst out laughing. “That was a serious consideration in my decision.”

  Wakeley raised his eyebrows at him and waited.

  “I felt obliged to offer her my hand because I might have compromised her if you must know.” He grinned. “She wasn’t at all sure she should accept and I used that argument about saving me from my sisters on her.”

  “From what I’ve seen of her, I think you’ve had a good bargain.”

  Max jumped up and took a turn around the room. He pointed at their glasses. “Would you like another?”

  “Yes please.”

  Max refilled them and handed one to Wakeley before sitting down. “Georgie is quite lovely and has a generous spirit. After Lavinia I never thought I would find a lady capable of loving me for myself. Now I think I have and I can’t believe my luck.”

  Wakeley beamed at him. “I’m so pleased, my boy.”

  Max nodded. “Thank you. I wonder if she is on to something with Rollo.”

  “I would like to think so but he has become quite wild of late. I never thanked you properly for rescuing Cecilia. The truth is I was haring off to Cambridge to sort out the debts he had run up, amongst other things, at the time. If I had been at home I would have been able to protect her.”

  “I don’t think you can blame him for that. I remember my own father doing something similar for me.”

  “Perhaps, but it’s his lack of consideration for other people that bothers me. I should never have let him go up to university a year early. He wasn’t ready for that much freedom. He must make amends to his Aunt Eliza and Aunt Georgie, if I may call her that?”

  “I’m sure she won’t mind. Have you had him helping with your estate?”

  “Good Lord no. There’s plenty of time for that when he’s older.”

  Max thought for a moment. “I wonder if that’s the problem. My own father included me in estate matters when I was younger than he is. I enjoyed it and felt flattered by his attention. At last I was part of the adult world.”

  “It’s worth a try. My agent is going on a tour of my northern estates at Easter. I could send him along. I’ll wrap it up as a suitable punishment if you think that is sufficient?”

  “Do that but tell him if he does well you will give him something he wants. We don’t want to give him a distaste for estate duties.”

  Wakeley sat back in his chair and tossed back the last of his port. “That’s easy. I’ll let him buy a new hunter. Thank you, Hargreaves. That might work.”

  “Talking about hunters, my stud has a promising batch for next year. I’ll give Rollo first pick if he mends his ways.” That should please Georgie.

  There was a sharp rap at the door. Max gathered himself. They needed to get the tone of this interview with Rollo exactly right if it was going to work. He didn’t want Georgie thinking he was too autocratic.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Georgie watched Max’s retreating back. He was every girl’s dream and the perfect lover, so kind and generous. Would he always be so? She was in love with him already. How would she bear it if he lost interest in her?

  Martha patted the last curl into place and led her to the looking glass. “You look lovely, my lady.”

  Georgie laughed. “Largely thanks to your ministrations. I hope you will accept the position of my maid permanently.”

  Martha clasped her hands together. Her eyes shone. “That’s the best Christmas present anyone could give me. Ma will be so pleased. It’s one less mouth to feed.”

  She did a little jig around the room. “Thank you so much. It serves old Ma Powell right. She said I would never amount to anything, the nasty....”

  “Martha that’s enough, you shouldn’t talk like that about the upper servants to me.”

  Martha stuck out her chin. “I’m sorry but she’s no friend of yours, my lady.”

  She didn’t sound sorry and seemed poised to say more but Georgie resisted the temptation to let her. For now, she must find a way to work with Mrs Powell.

  “Thank you, Martha. I’m going down to consult with Mrs Powell about the evening celebrations. You may take the rest of the evening off.”

  “You haven’t changed your mind about me, have you?” Martha twisted a hand in her apron.

  “Of course not. You’re very young but it’s time you learned to be careful what you say, that’s all.” Georgie smiled at her. “Where else would I find a maid as good with hair as you? Off you go now.”

  “Thank you, my lady.” Martha bobbed a curtsey and ran out.

  Georgie sighed. It was time to get it over with. Then she could relax. She strode down the stairs and found Barton in the hallway.

  “Do you know where Mrs Powell is, Barton?”

  “I believe she is in the dining room supervising the maids, my lady.”

  “Thank you.”

  Georgie strolled into the dining room and hoped she looked more confident than she felt. Mrs Powell, lips pursed, was standing over a maid who was polishing a sideboard.

  “Is that the best you can do?” She spoke sharply. “I can see smudges all over it. Put some effort into it, girl.”

  Georgie frowned. There was nothing wrong with the girl’s work. No wonder Martha hated Mrs Powell. She definitely had to go as soon as it could be arranged without comment.

  “Ah, Mrs Powell. Do you have everything you need for this evening?”

  Mrs Powell jumped and swung around to face her. “I didn’t see you there, my lady. We’ll soon have everything ready.” She glanced up at Georgie from the corner of her eyes. “Lady Overton agreed the menu with Cook earlier.”

  Georgie’s eyes narrowed. “Thank you, Mrs Powell. It seems everything is under control.”

  “I’ll get on then.” Mrs Powell bobbed the sketchiest of curtseys and walked out.

  Georgie thanked the maid for her hard work and made her way to the drawing room. Eliza was sitting close to the fire with her leg propped up on a footstool. She smiled up at her and Georgie sat beside her.

  “Thank you for dealing with the menu.”

  “I was so bored I had Barton fetch Cook in here for something to do. You don’t mind, do you? You seem bothered about something.”

  “Ma
rtha was being disparaging about Mrs Powell and I told her off. She said something about her not being a friend of mine and I’m wishing now I had let her tell me what she meant.”

  “Mrs Powell is really bothering you, isn’t she?”

  “I’ve agreed with Max we will have to replace her at some point but I don’t think we can do that straight away and avoid comment. She walked off so rudely it was almost asking to be discharged from her employment. I wonder if she is hoping to be paid off.”

  Eliza stared into the fire for a moment. “Are you afraid she is going to cause mischief, Georgie?”

  “I suppose I am. My worry is that if she overplays her hand and tries to extract money from Max before he has offered any I can’t see him agreeing.”

  Eliza burst out laughing. “I’m sorry, Georgie. I can’t believe how quickly you are coming to understand Max’s temperament. Don’t let her spoil Christmas for you.”

  “I won’t. As long as I stay civil and pretend not to notice any rudeness she can’t force anything. My uncle used to say the only way to survive cathedral politics was to keep watch on your enemies. I think that advice applies to country houses too.”

  “I’m sure you’re right. At least until your sudden marriage ceases to be news.”

  “True. For tonight I intend to enjoy myself. We were very quiet last Christmas without my uncle.” A tear slipped down her cheek. She turned away from Eliza and sat down next to her.

  Eliza took her hand. “Oh, you lost your uncle last year then? You have had a difficult time. I hope it’s a comfort to you to have a new family now?”

  “It is, believe me. You’ve been so kind.” She forced a smile. “I’m afraid I haven’t had a chance to buy any presents for you all but Max bought some in Canterbury from both of us.”

  “That sounds intriguing.”

  Georgie laughed. It’s been so hectic I have no idea what he’s found. I hope they’re all suitable.”

  “He’s good at finding things for children. It will be interesting to see what he’s come up with for the rest of us.”

  A vision of the beautiful silk things Max had given her sent a wave of heat through Georgie. No one had ever given her anything half so fine. They put even the wedding gift of pearls into the shade. She snuggled into the sofa.

  “The furniture is all so comfortable here.”

  Eliza laughed. “My mother insisted on it. Close your eyes for a few moments and relax. It will be chaotic once everyone is here.”

  Georgie did as she was bid. The heat of the fire and the smell of beeswax mixed with hints of spicy pine were so relaxing. She came to with a start when she heard Peter’s voice.

  “Mama, you will let me stay until Uncle Max comes won’t you.”

  “I will but I shouldn’t. Look you’ve woken Aunt Georgie up.”

  Georgie sat up and stretched her back. She smiled at Peter. “It’s a good thing you did wake me, Peter. I wouldn’t want to miss all the fun.”

  Peter rested a hand on her knee. “Aunt Georgie, do you know what Uncle Max has got for me?”

  “No, she doesn’t, but I do.”

  Georgie jumped at the sound of Max’s voice. His deep melodious tones had their usual effect on her senses. Hot shivers ran through her and she couldn’t meet his eyes. For all she was enjoying being part of a family, what she wouldn’t give for a few days completely alone with him, without even servants. She glanced up and the look Max shot at her suggested he was feeling the same. She studied the floor and hoped anyone noticing her pink cheeks would put it down to her proximity to the fire.

  Peter jumped up and down in excitement. “Where is it, Uncle Max?”

  “I’ll have some footmen bring it in when everyone is here.”

  Sally and her family all entered together, shortly after Max.

  “I’m glad everyone is here so promptly.” Max pointed at Peter running around. “I was afraid I would have to buy a new carpet.”

  Nat laughed and scooped up his son. “Whose presents shall we have first Max?”

  Georgie saw Max signal to a hovering Barton.

  “Perhaps we should start with the ladies.” Max exchanged glances with Nat.

  Nat smiled down at Peter who stopped wriggling in his arms. “That would be the polite thing now wouldn’t it, Peter?”

  Peter hung his head. “Yes sir.”

  The door opened and two footmen staggered in carrying a large parcel wrapped in brown paper. Max pointed to a spot well away from the fire.

  “I’m afraid they wouldn’t want this present, Nat. Come on young man let’s see you open it.”

  Peter squealed with delight and ran to the parcel as soon as his father deposited him on the floor. He tore off the paper to reveal a wooden castle with groups of toy soldiers inside the keep. Peter took a step back and gazed at it open mouthed.

  “Thank you, Uncle Max, it’s wonderful.”

  “I’m glad you approve, Peter. Perhaps you ought to count how many soldiers you’ve got.”

  Peter grinned at him and plopped down on his knees next to the castle.

  Georgie was pleased to have everyone’s attention attracted away from her but when Max took her hand and led her to a pile of parcels the footmen had left on a side table she felt heat flood her cheeks again. No wonder he had given her the silk items in private with everyone gathered around so closely. Max picked up three identical looking parcels and handed the first one to her, followed by one to each of his sisters.

  Georgie peeled back the tissue paper covering to reveal a beautifully painted fan. Eliza and Sally had similar ones. She opened out the fan and smothered a gasp. The painting was intricately done but there was no mistaking the couple at the heart of the picture. They were miniature versions of Max and her wrapped in each other’s arms. There was so much detail that their embrace was only obvious if you looked closely. Had Max noticed? Her breath hitched for a moment.

  She couldn’t meet his eyes. “Thank you, Max. It’s lovely.”

  He put an arm around her and bent towards her ear. “I thought it was rather appropriate.”

  Her legs trembled as if he had kissed her in public. He must have felt it as he tightened his hold on her briefly before pressing a kiss to her forehead and letting her go. Eliza and Sally added their thanks.

  “I’m glad you like them.” He walked across to the diminishing pile and selected a long slim parcel.

  “This is for Cecilia in honour of her come out this season.”

  Cecilia tore off the tissue paper and turned her back on her brothers, who were grinning at her. She opened a red velvet covered box and gasped.

  “Uncle Max! They’re beautiful.” She held out a shimmering string of pearls towards her mother.

  “Those are absolutely perfect, Cecilia. That’s a generous present Max.”

  Max laughed. “They were sold to me as suitable for a young lady at her first ball by the jewellers Eliza recommended. I’m sure I was their best customer this Christmas.”

  Georgie noticed his cheeks take on a tinge of red as he said it.

  Sally fastened the pearls around her daughter’s neck. Cecilia ran to the nearest looking glass to study her reflection.

  She turned to Max, eyes shining. “Thank you so much.”

  Max bowed. “My pleasure.” He moved towards the boys.

  “I was completely stumped by what to get you three and your father.” He pulled an envelope out of his pocket and handed it to Timothy.

  Timothy opened it and swivelled around to face Rollo. “Oh! It’s an invitation for us to join Uncle Max at his hunting box at Easter, including Papa.”

  Rollo stood rooted to the spot. “I’m afraid I shall be otherwise engaged my lord.” He bowed towards Max, his face wooden.

  Max flicked a glance at Wakeley who nodded. “I realise that. I have agreed with your father that, if he is happy with your progress on estate matters, I’ll invite you to my Irish stud farm in the summer.”

  Rollo’s face relaxed. “Now that
I would enjoy.”

  Harmony restored the family carried on opening presents. Georgie found herself the recipient of various trifles including a beautiful shawl from the Overtons that she was sure had originally been intended as a present from Nat to Eliza. She should have been thrilled. She smiled and thanked people in all the right places but all the time her thoughts were on Max’s words. If he was going on hunting trips and visits to Ireland how much time was he intending to spend with her? Was she to be a convenience, available when required but discarded when he had better things to do?

  A leaden weight settled in her stomach. She was a fool to dream of a love match. Max was considerate to his staff and tenants. He would be casually kind to her when she was with him. She remembered some of the smouldering looks he had given her. Didn’t they mean something? Perhaps that was part of his seduction technique? She knew he had been a confirmed rake for years, although there had never been any talk of him seducing innocents. More fool her for hoping for more. She noticed Eliza watching her and forced a smile to her lips. It was a relief when Barton announced Mr and Mrs Armstrong and Mr and Mrs Wright.

  After general greetings had been made and seats found for them, Georgie moved across to join the Armstrongs. Strange to think that if she had managed to reach them, the night she arrived, she would probably be attending this dinner as a guest.

  Mr Armstrong stood and bowed. “Thank you for inviting us, Lady Hargreaves.”

  “Please be seated.” Georgie sat next to Mrs Armstrong and smiled. “Our families are such old friends I hope you will still call me Georgie.” She laughed. “It will be a long time before I become used to being called Lady Hargreaves.”

  Mrs Armstrong took one of her hands in both of hers. “Hmm. Something’s troubling you, Georgie. What is it?”

  She had known these people for years and couldn’t deceive them. She decided to stick to the most general worry she could think of. “To be honest with you, my relationship with Lord Hargreaves didn’t start exactly as Lady Overton told you.”

  Mrs Armstrong’s eyes danced. “Don’t tell us. If we don’t know we can’t lie. The important thing is he rescued you. It’s obvious he already dotes on you and why shouldn’t he?”