A Berkshire Christmas

by S. White

  Silence reigned until Kate began to giggle. Simon stared at the giggling Kate before he laughed. He soon sobered and lifted her hand with his ring on her finger. He kissed it gently.

  “Kathleen, I meant it when I gave you this ring. I love you, my darling, and I have for the last two years.”

  “Simon ...”

  “I know it makes me sound insane or an idiot or a fool. Probably all three. It is true, my darling.”

  He pulled her slipper from his coat pocket and handed it to her. Kate's eyes grew wide as she recognized the slipper. “My slipper. Where on earth did you find it?”

  “You dropped it on the steps at the Braxton Ball two years ago. I have carried it with me ever since.”

  “I don't understand.” Kate's voice was but a whisper.

  “I fell in love with you in those brief moments. I hired a Bow Street Runner to find you. Kate, my darling, you were one step ahead of him. After two years, I had to admit defeat. That is when I asked Clarissa to marry me. Biggest mistake of my life.”

  Simon breathed deeply. “Kathleen Richards, will you marry me?”

  Kate stared at Simon as if she couldn't believe what he just asked her. “Simon, I have one question before I give you my answer.”

  “Go ahead and ask it. I have nothing to hide.”

  “Clarissa told me she is with child. Yours.” Kate could hardly get those words out.

  “If that woman is enceinte, it is not mine. I have never … I mean, we have never ...” Heat rose in Simon's cheeks. “I hope you will believe me.”

  “I do believe you, Simon. Clarissa was always a little wanton when we were at Mrs. Ross School and a liar.” Kate took a deep breath. “I will marry you, Simon.”

  His whole face lit up. “You will? Oh, my darling, I was bracing myself for a rejection, but I would have never given up until you were my wife.”

  Kate giggled. “Did you really hire a Bow Street Runner?”

  “I did for I was determined to find you, my darling. He is still on my payroll. Since he couldn't fine you, I sent him after the man who stole your father's money.”

  It had been so long since she thought about the man who tooked her father from her and ruined her life. “Do you think he will find him?”

  “Tom Blanchard is a bulldog. He will find him and bring him back to England.”

  Simon leaned over and kissed her lightly on her lips. The gentle kissed increased in passion until they had to end the kiss.

  He pulled her into his arms. “My family is going to be so happy. You know they all love you.” Simon pulled out his pocket watch and looked at the time. “Will you marry me today? My Uncle James had already prepared a Special License and can perform the ceremony.”

  “Today? You want for us to marry today? It is Christmas Eve.” Kate was somewhat shocked but secretly pleased that she wouldn't have to wait to have this man as her husband.

  “What better day to be married? I love you, Kate. I can't wait to make you my wife.”

  “Well, then we should get some sleep if tomorrow is our wedding day.”

  Simon and Kate snuggled under the horse blanket and quickly fell asleep.

  ❄

  Simon was the first to awaken when the light seeped through the cracks of the old stable. He gently removed himself from Kate's embrace. Simon stared at the woman who would be his bride in only a few hours. He could hardly wait to inform his family. Christmas Eve was the perfect day to be married. They would spend their first Christmas together as a family.

  Simon leaned over and kissed Kate's lips. She swatted at him like a pesky fly but didn't awaken.

  “Kate, you slug-a-bug, time to rise. It is our wedding day, remember.”

  Kate moaned and stretched her arms. She finally opened her eyes and stared at Simon.

  “Wedding Day? I thought I was dreaming.”

  Simon grinned. “Was it a good dream, my darling?”

  Kate smiled. “Completely delicious.”

  ❄Chapter Twenty-five ❄

  Simon helped Kate down from the loft and then proceeded to pick the hay from her hair and clothing. She didn't the same for him. Kate giggled every time she found a stray piece of hay. She felt giddy and light as a snowflake.

  Simon pulled out his pocket watched to check the time. “Oh, dear. It is later than I thought. I was hoping we could sneak in without notice. No chance of that I'm afraid. The family rises early on Christmas Eve. They are probably at breakfast.”

  “We have done nothing wrong, Simon. You saved my life.”

  Simon gave Kate a quick hug before opening one of the stable doors and looked out. The sun was shining down on a fresh dusting of snow. Their whole world sparkled.

  He handed her his gloves and placed his large coat around her shoulders. “You know, sweetheart, it is bad luck for a groom to see his bride on their wedding day.”

  Simon ushered Kate out the door into the bright sunshine. Kate shivered despite being wrapped in the heavy overcoat.

  “I don't believe in that sort of superstition. Besides, I think we have special dispensation because it is Christmas Eve.”

  Their breath came out in fluffy white puffs of air as they spoke. “I am sure you are right. I just hope my mother thinks so.”

  Kate laughed and lost her balance. She would have ended up on the cold snow if Simon hadn't had a hold of her.

  ❄

  It took them forty minutes to make the trek back to the house slipping and sliding all the way, but fortunately neither fell. They were smiling and laughing by the time they reached the front steps.

  Simon put a finger to his mouth before he tried to open the door. The door was unlocked. The butler's habit was to unlock all the door after he had risen each morning. Apparently, Christmas even was no exception.

  Simon opened the door and peeked in. No one was in the foyer so he allowed Kate to enter first. Once they were in the warm foyer, they quickly moved to the staircase.

  They didn't encounter a single person on their journey to their rooms.

  At Kate's door, Simon pulled her into his arms and gave her a lingering kiss.

  “I think I should go down first. Take your time dressing and I will see you in the dining room.”

  “Please, don't announce our plans until I am with you,” Kate said, with a smile.

  Simon grabbed her hand and kissed her betrothal ring. “I won't. Now, in you go before I decide to forgo breakfast and start our honeymoon early.”

  He opened her door. She giggled as she walked into her room and shut the door firmly behind her.

  Simon lingered in the hallway a moment before he went to his own. He didn't bother calling Rogers, his valet, and just dressed himself.

  After putting on his smalls he grappled with his dark red britches that showed off his muscled thighs to perfection and a dark copper vest after he ruined two cravats.

  He sat down on the bed and pulled on his black, knee-high Hessian boots. Simon ran a comb through his wavy, ash brown hair. Next came his tight-fitting gray, split-tail jacket. It took several minutes to struggle into the jacket. Rogers made it look so easy. After he was finished, he had a greater appreciation of all his valet did for him.

  Simon was finally ready to meet his family. “Oh, dear, I forgot about Clarissa. What do I do about her? I can't invite her to the wedding or can I.”

  Before he could make a move, there was a knock at the door. When he opened it, his brother was standing in the doorway with a wide grin on his face.

  “Where have you been all night, brother?”

  Simon could feel his face heating up. He was sure he cheeks were as red as the roses which bloomed in the garden during the summer.

  “None of your business, John.

  “Mother sent me to find you and Kathleen.”

  “I overslept and was just on my way to break my fast.” All of what he told his brother was true. He just didn't tell him where he slept.

  “What was all that racket in the hall last night,�
� John inquired with another wide grin.

  Simon was sure his brother knew exactly what happened in the hall the night before but answered anyway. “None of your concern.”

  John laughed. “I hope my love life will soon be as entertaining as yours.”

  “Shut your trap, brother.” Simon closed the door before John noticed the bed was still messed and smelled of Clarissa's perfume.

  John was the first to enter the dining room followed by Simon.

  All conversation at the table stopped an all eyes turned to Simon.

  ❄Chapter Twenty-six ❄

  Simon looked around the table. His mother sat at the far end. On her right was Uncle James while on her left a chair was reserved for John. The rest of the family were seated on both sides of the table. A chair was reserved for him at the end of the table and another for Kathleen on his right.

  His eyes narrowed when he spotted Clarissa directly to his left.

  She smiled at him. “Darling, I have just told your family the wonderful news.”

  “What news is that, Clarissa?”

  “Last night we anticipated our wedding vows spending the night together in your bed.”

  “You told my family that lie. Have you no sense of decorum? ” Simon shook with fury but tried to control it. “You never quit, do you, Clarissa? When will you accept the fact that you and I will never wed?”

  “Whatever do you mean, darling?”

  “You know very well what I mean. Wasn't last night humiliating enough? It wouldn't surprise me to learn that it was you who locked the French doors in the drawing-room.”

  There was a collective gasp around the table but neither Simon nor Clarissa paid any attention. This was their battle. Theirs alone.

  “I don't know what you're talking about?” Clarissa batted her eyelashes in an effort to appear innocent.

  “Kathleen could have died last night because someone locked the French doors.”

  “Darling, I'm sorry. I had no idea anyone was outside.”

  “So you admit that you locked the doors?”

  Clarissa seemed somewhat flustered. “Well, I …”

  “I spent the night in the stables … with Kathleen. My betrothal ring is on her finger, not yours and it is staying there.” Simon turned to his Uncle James. “Kathleen and I wish to be married today.”

  Another collective gasp around the table.

  “What about ...” His mother began.

  “We have special dispensation,” Simon said, with a grin.

  His grin faded when he turned back to Clarissa. “Pack your bags, Clarissa. You are returning to London today.”

  “And If I don't?”

  “Remember last night. What if I did the same thing again only this time out the front door into the snow?”

  Clarissa gasped. “You wouldn't dare.”

  “Try me. Or you can stay and watch me marry Kathleen.”

  Clarissa rose from her chair and rushed from the room almost knocking Kathleen down in her haste.

  Kathleen moved to stand beside Simon with a question in her eyes. He smiled down at her as he wrapped a protective arm around her waist. “I’m sorry I had to tell them. Clarissa.”

  Kate nodded her understanding.

  Higgins, the butler, entered the dining room as if anticipating a need for his services.

  Simon turned towards the butler. “Higgins, just the man I want to see.”

  The old man bowed. “How may I be of service, my lord?”

  “Miss Barrington is returning to London today. Have her carriage and driver ready.”

  Higgins bowed. “Right away, my lord.”

  “Oh, and Higgins, you and the staff are inviting to my wedding at six this evening.”

  “Thank you, my lord. Cook is already working on a wedding cake.”

  Higgins bowed again hiding his smile. He wouldn't go so far as to grin but a smile he could manage.

  “Kathleen and I wish to be married this evening. I hope everyone approves,” Simon said to his family.

  Every person at the table smiled. “Of course we approve. It is a little short notice, but we will make do.” His mother rose from her chair and walked around the table to give the happy couple a hug.

  “Both of you sit and eat your breakfast. Christmas Eve is a wonderful day for a wedding.” Emily also hugged her brother and her new sister-to-be. “I am so happy for you, Simon.”

  A footman prepared plates for them as Simon and Kathleen sat side by side.

  Caroline poked her husband in the ribs with her elbow. “Why couldn't we have married on Christmas Eve.”

  Neil gazed at his wife by his side. He picked her hand and brought it to his lips for a light kiss on the palm of her hand. “Because, dearest, we became engaged during the Summer Season and I couldn't wait to make you mine.”

  “Oh, Neil, what a lovely thing to say.”

  Kathleen glanced at Simon trying to hide her giggles.

  They were just about finished with their breakfast when they heard a carriage roll away from the front door crunching the fresh snow from the night before as it moved down the long drive.

  Simon and Kathleen smiled at each other and then burst out laughing.

  His mother's eyes narrowed. “If two are done, we ladies need to take Kathleen to get ready for your wedding.”

  “But we have hours,” Simon protested.

  “We need to choose her wedding dress and everything that goes with it. I will have a bath prepared for her. And then there is her hair.”

  Simon raised his hands. “All right. I surrender.”

  “Beside,” Emily piped in. “It is bad luck to see your bride on your wedding day.”

  Simon smiled and shrugged.

  ❄Chapter Twenty-seven ❄

  Simon watched his Kathleen disappear out the door with his mother and his sisters. He turned back to the male members of his family.

  “Shall we adjourn to my study for cheroots and port, gentlemen?”

  The men rose and followed Simon to his study where he passed around cheroots and poured glasses of port.

  John took a sip of his port. “I didn't think you would pull it off, brother. The odds were not in your favor.”

  Simon chuckled. “Don't you know by now, I always beat the odds.”

  “Speaking of odds. I hear Evelyn is coming back to England,” James said.

  Simon lit his Cheroot and puffed it a moment. “So mother informs me. Aunt Evelyn want her to returned with her to Italy or wherever she lives now. I don't think it is a good idea.”

  John grinned. “I don't think it would be safe and besides, she would want to be here when your first child is born, Simon.”

  “I agree,” Neil said. “My children adore her. They would miss her so. She needs to be in their lives.”

  James cleared his throat. “I think, my sister will do whatever she wants despite any objection you might have.”

  The men fell silent as they finished their cheroots and drinks.

  Simon rose. “I best start preparing for my wedding.”

  The other three men chuckled as Simon walked out the door.

  ❄

  At six in the evening, the drawing-room was ablaze with candlelight. Holly and evergreen decorated the room. A kissing bough hung from the doorway. Chairs were arranged so the family and the servants could be seated during the service.

  Bishop James stood in front of the French doors. Simon, dressed in his best clothing paced in front of him while John waited beside his brother.

  “You should calm down, Simon. She will be here in a few minutes.”

  Simon stopped pacing. “What if she changed her mind.”

  “Don't worry. She hasn't.”

  Most of his family sat in front except for his mother, sisters, and brother-in-law. They were not present. Caroline held the baby in her arms. The older boy sat in a chair beside his mother.

  The servants began to trickle in finding seats in the back. Even the servants were dressed in
their finest.

  Emily rushed in. Without saying anything before she sat down at the pianoforte and began to play the wedding march.

  Kate appeared in the doorway on Neil's arm. She was dressed in a lacy confection in white. She had a bouquet of white flowers in her hand and in her hair.

  As she slowly walked towards Simon, he wondered briefly where someone had procured flowers in the dead of winter. He then remembered the hothouse.

  Neil released her into his care. Bishop James began the age-old wedding ceremony. Simon didn't hear a word of it. All he could feel and think was that soon he would be kissing her beautiful lips. Simon must have responded correctly for the ceremony continued. He didn’t even hear her response.

  His Uncle James finally said, “You may now kiss your bride, Simon.”

  Those words he heard loud and clear. Simon turned Kathleen and pulled her into his arms. His lips slowly slanted over her for their first official kiss as man and wife. It was more than a chaste kiss but less than the passion he wanted. When he released her, Simon smiled down at his wife.

  I did it! Kathleen is mine! I never thought this day would ever come.

  “Well, wife, you are mine,” Simon whispered.

  Kate giggled nervously. “And you are mine, Simon Audley.”

  “That I am, my lady.”

  The servants left the drawing-room first so that they would be ready to serve the Wedding Breakfast in the dining room.

  The Wedding Breakfast was a lively affair. Even the children were allowed to stay up past their bedtime.

  Simon sat at the head of the table but refused to have Kate sit at the other end which was the Countess's seat. She sat next to him.

  “You can sit at the other end when we are old and gray, my love and maybe not even then.” Simon kissed his wife's cheek.

  Kate giggled. “I love sitting next to you.”

  “Then that chair is officially the Countess's chair. I will inform the servants at the earliest opportunity.”

  Simon leaned over and nibbled on her ear before he whispered, “I can't wait for this bloody breakfast to be over so I can take you upstairs and ...”

  “But Simon,” Kathleen interrupted. “We are to go back to the drawing-room for the opening of gifts. It is Christmas Eve after all.”