A Berkshire Christmas

by S. White

  The drawing room was warm when they entered. Simon and David went straight for the roaring fire in the fireplace.

  Kate and Emily joined Beatrice, Simon's mother on the sofa. Emily had to help Kate sit. She rubbed her belly once she was comfortably ensconced.

  “Are you all right, my dear,” her mother-in-law asked.

  “I'm fine. This baby has been very active this morning.”

  “Perhaps, you should rest upstairs until dinner.”

  “No, I'm fine. I'd rather be with family.” Kate gasped when the baby gave her a hard kick.

  Simon's Aunt Evelyn arrived at their last Christmas and never left. She sat in a chair nearby observing her niece-by-marriage.

  Bishop James Tellison, arrived the day before. He sipped a brandy. “Well, we are a lively group. Where is Caroline and her crew?”

  Beatrice answered her brother with a smile. “Caroline and Neil should be here later today. The baby hasn't been well for a week, but her letter said their youngest was on the mend. It was nothing serious. Just a cough.”

  “How many children does Caroline have now?” It was David who posed that question.

  “My dear elder sister has four. Two boys and two girls.” Simon smiled at his friend. “I told you when you accepted my invitation that the brats would be here.”

  “Yes, yes, I know.”

  The sound of a carriage announced the arrival of the last of the family. The door soon burst opened and three young children ran into the drawing-room. The last one was a toddler. He fell down on his bum for every two steps he took. The children were followed by their mother who carried an infant. Neil was the last through the door.

  ❄Chapter Eight ❄

  Simon turned when the door opened. He smiled when five-year-old Thomas and four-year-old Emma rushed towards him followed by two year old Robbie. He lifted Thomas into his arms first and then Emma. Robbie stood below him begging to be picked up as well.

  He turned to David. “Be a friend and pick up the lad.”

  David eyed the boy like he was some alien creature. “I don't think ...”

  “Go on. It will be good practice when you have your own.”

  David reluctantly picked up Robbie by his shoulders. He held him away from his body as he feared the boy would mess his jacket.

  “Hold him closer. Robbie likes to be cuddled.” Simon grinned at his friends discomfort.

  Emily watched David with her nephew. She finally took pity on the man as she rose from the sofa. She approached David as he tried to cuddle the little boy who looked about ready to cry.

  “Here. Let me.” Emily took Robbie from David's arms.

  She rocked the boy in her arms. “There, there, little one. You safe from the big, bad man.”

  “I say,” David protested.

  He watched Emily cuddle the boy. David saw his friend's sister in a different light. He had always seen Emily as Simon's pesky little sister. A lump caught in his throat. He could see her with a child of her own. She would be a wonderful mother.

  When had Emily become a woman? A beautiful woman.

  The butler opened the drawing-room doors and announced, “Sir Lawrence Nutworthy and Miss Diana Nutworthy.”

  A man of about thirty stood in the doorway. He was a handsome man and knew it. His dark brown hair was impeccably styled with not a hair out of place. He clothing was in the first stare of fashion. Lawrence was a Baron but handled himself as if he was a duke.

  A woman stood next to Lawrence. There was no doubt she was his sister. Her hair was the exact shade of her brother's and the same blue eyes. They could have been twins, but she was nine years his junior. Her hair was expertly coiffed and her dress was created by a world class dressmaker.

  Simon's shock at seeing Lawrence and Diana lasted only a minute. He placed the children on the floor and went to greet his near neighbor.

  “Lawrence, my friend, it has been a while since I have seen you or your lovely sister.” Simon shook the man's hand and bowed to his sister as she curtsied prettily.

  Simon shot a glance at his wife who stared back him innocently. At one time when his father was alive, there was talk of a match between him and Diana.

  “Yes, well, I was surprised to receive her ladyship's invitation to spend a few days with your family. We don't celebrate Christmas much since our parents died.”

  “I quite understand. Of course, you both are welcome. Come let me introduce you to people you don't already know.”

  Simon began the introductions. Lawrence's eyes brightened when they alighted on Emily. “My goodness, Lady Emily, the last time I saw you, you were a gangling girl of sixteen. Now you are such a beautiful woman.” Lawrence took her hand in his and kissed it . She blushed prettily.

  David's lips tightened. He didn't know why he found Lawrence's attention to Emily offensive and her reaction. He had known Nutworthy almost as long as he had know Simon and he always found the man to take on airs beyond his station.

  He had never met the man's sister. When she was introduced, she smiled and batted her eyelashes at him in an attempt at flirting. She bowed over her hand much as her brother had done over Emily. Despite the woman's prettiness, he wasn't, in the least, attracted to her.

  Would Simon mind if I court his sister?

  ❄Chapter Nine ❄

  David was saved from doing anything stupid when the butler announced luncheon. Since Diana was the closes female, he was forced to offer her an escort into the dining room.

  A nursemaid came to retrieve the children before the adults filed into the dining room. He noticed out of the corner of his eye that Lawrence Nutworthy, the rotter, escorted Emily and she seemed pleased.

  Before David did anything stupid, like plant a the Baron a facer, he would ask Simon if he minded if courted his sister. He wanted to be fair and allow her to have a Season. It would kill him if she found another man.

  When have I become so attached? In less than a day? An hour?

  David was forced to sit next to Diane and listen to her inane conversation. She was a beautiful woman, but he wanted more than just beauty in a wife. He wanted intelligence and more—

  He kept one eye on Emily and Lawrence. Apparently, she found the man's conversation more stimulating that he found Diana's. He cringed inside every time he heard Emily laugh at something Nutworthy said.

  What could be so funny?

  The meal seemed to last forever. David assume the food was excellent as always, but he tasted none of it.

  After the ladies left, the men enjoyed a glass of port and a cigar. David declined the cigar but drank two glasses of port. He didn't participate much in the conversation. The topic was not his favorite—politics. Nutworthy's choice.

  David was just as political as the next man and he attended every session of Parliament or nearly. All the issues were debated thoroughly in those halls.

  Simon's uncle was most vocal on the subject of the poor. David understood his point. Churchmen were usually concerned with the plight of the poor. The Corn Laws was another sore subject.

  Simon remained pretty much silent. Adding a comment here and there. Finally, after almost forty-five minutes of debate between John and Neil with Lawrence adding his view now and then, they left the dining room to join the ladies in the drawing room.

  When the men entered the drawing room, Diana sat at the pianoforte. The Dowager Countess urged David to turn the pages for her. He had no choice but to comply. It was the longest hour of his life. Diana played the instrument beautiful. She chose a few Christmas songs to play. Simon and his brother, John, stood at the pianoforte and sang along. Their voices blended splendidly.

  David had planned to beat Lawrence to the sofa where Emily sat so that he might talk to her but when the Countess asked him to help Diana, he had to abandon his seat to Lawrence.

  Now and then he glanced their way. They seemed to be in deep conversation. She would smiles at the man making David grind his teeth. He was the most frustrated man in history or it
seemed to him.

  As the hour grew late, a few people began to droop. It wasn't long before everyone was off to bed, including himself or at least he tried to. Simon asked him to join him in his study.

  ❄

  Simon's study was warm and cozy. A fire roared in the fireplace and the drapes were drawn closed to keep out drafts. They heard the wind whip around outside. Simon sauntered over to the sideboard and poured two glasses of brandy.

  “Sounds like we will have more snow by morning.” Simon handed David one of the glasses before he took his seat behind the desk.

  David sat in the ladder-back chair directly cross from Simon. “Sure sounds that way.”

  “Are you enjoying your stay with us, David?”

  “Yes except ...”

  David could always tell the truth to his friend. He didn't like to spin Banbury Tales. “I don't want to partner Lady Diana again. She is the most insipid woman on this earth. I have never been so bored.”

  Simon sipped his brandy savoring the burn. “I'm sorry. It was Kate's idea to invite Lawrence and his sister. She didn’t consult me or even Emily.”

  “Speaking of Lawrence. Have you noticed the attention he is paying to Emily?”

  “Yes, I suppose he is most attentive to her. His father and mine always hoped for a match between them. That just might happen.”

  David ground his teeth in frustration. “The boy's an idiot.”

  Simon grinned. “Yes, well, we all can't be perfect.”

  David downed his brandy and rose. “I'm off to bed.”

  Simon was smiling long after the door closed behind David.

  Perhaps there's hope for David and Emily yet.

  ❄Chapter Ten❄

  The next morning Emily found Kathleen in her sitting room on the sofa rubbing her stomach. She was concerned about her sister-in-law's health. The baby wasn't due for another two weeks yet Kate looked pale and maybe in some distress.

  Emily hurried to Kate. “Are you all right?”

  Kathleen looked up with a smile on her beautiful face. “Nothing to be concerned about. Simon's son is kicking rather hard this morning. I think he is anxious to meet his father.”

  Emily grinned. “And his mother.”

  “Her too.” Kathleen paused a moment. “Are you enjoying yourself? Lawrence Nutworthy is paying a marked interest in you.”

  “He is an idiot. I have never had such a boring conversation. I thought last evening would ever end. How do I make David see me as a woman and not just Simon's little sister?”

  “That, my dear Emily, is a good question. I think he already does, but I don't know if he realizes it or not.”

  “I hoped he would sit next to me on the sofa last night, but Diana batted her eyelashes and gave him a come hither look. He couldn't get to the pianoforte fast enough so that he might turn her music pages.”

  “Now, Emily, you must have seen something different.” Kathleen hesitated a moment. “I saw a man forced to be polite to a woman he finds boring. He would have rather been sitting beside you.”

  “Now Kate, I don't think ...”

  “Emily, you are seeing what your insecurities tell you to see. All the time he was turning Diana's sheet music, he was glancing at you and frowning when you smiled at Lawrence.”

  Emily gasped. “That is what you saw? If only it was true.”

  “I know he is not indifferent to you, Emily. We will just have to arrange some alone time for the two of you.”

  “How do we do that with a houseful of people and only three days until Christmas?”

  “I will think of something. I can be quite devious when I want to be. I got you brother to propose for real, didn't I?”

  “I suppose.”

  ❄

  Simon sat at his desk trying to catch up on some paper work. He had gotten behind on his estate books while spending those few days in London. He knew he hovered over his wife, but who could blame him. Simon was anxious for the birth of his first child, but he thought there was another reason his wife sent him to London.

  He knew his sister had always had a soft spot for David. Was his wife now trying to play matchmaker?

  It was about time someone did!

  Simon glanced over at the sofa where David snored softly. He didn't think his heart was broken by the defection of Elizabeth Stanton, but could his dear, sweet sister win his heart. I hope so.

  Simon looked up when the door burst open and his brother, John strolled in.

  “Don't you ever knock, John,” Simon complained.

  “You ask me every time, brother, and what do I say?” John paused as if to catch his breath. “There is someone to see you.”

  “Who?”

  John Grinned. “Your runner has returned.”

  Simon opened his mouth to reply and closed it. He had almost given up on ever seeing Tom Blanchard again. It had been months since he had heard from him.

  “What so you mean? My Runner has returned?”

  John grinned again. “Just what I said, Simon.”

  ❄Chapter Eleven ❄

  John's entrance had awakened David. He rose to a sitting position so he would have a view of the famous runner. Simon rose from his desk. “Send the man in, John.”

  A moment later, Tom Blanchard strolled into Simon's study. The men shook hands.

  “Have a seat, Tom. I never expected you to venture out in this weather.” Simon turned to John. “Pour the man a brandy, brother.”

  John walked to the sideboard where the liquor and glasses were kept. He poured amber liquid into several glasses and passed them around.

  “It is good of you to see me, my lord. I know the Holidays are upon us, but I just arrived from Italy yesterday.” Tom took a deep breath. He worked for the earl a long time and had been paid a fortune. Now his work was done.

  “Not at all, Tom. I didn't know you had returned from the continent.” Simon sipped his drink after he had sat back down. “Have a seat. I am surprised to see you. It is bloody cold out there.”

  “It is at that, my lord. I wanted to bring you my news in person.” Tom was tempted to down his drink but sipped it instead.

  Simon smiled. “I hope the news is good.”

  “Very good, my lord. I followed Robert Jeffers from Florence to Naples. I caught up with him in Rome. Unfortunately, all of Lord Richards money is gone. The man attempted to pull the same scam in Italy and was somewhat successful. The Italians, however, are a little more cautious with their money and less trusting.”

  “So what happened?”

  “Jeffers was arrested for fraud. I persuaded the authorities that England had a greater claim to the man so they released him into my custody. He sits in Newgate at this very moment awaiting trial.”

  Tom took another sip of his drink. “My lord, I believe Jeffers will be either transported or hanged. I am betting on a hanging if the prosecutor can persuade the judges that Lord Richards' death was a direct result of Jeffers' crime.”

  “Is that possible?”

  “I am not a barrister, but I think the case is strong enough. Lord Richards was a Peer ...”

  “Thank you, Tom. I can't tell you how grateful I am and I know my wife will be as well.”

  “I heard that you married Kathleen Richards. I am sorry I was not able to locate her for you but pleased that you found her, nonetheless.”

  “It doesn't matter. You have done me a great service. I have a reward for you.”

  “My lord, you have paid my expenses and a generous salary. There is no need for more.”

  “My wife would disagree. I think my Kate would like to meet you and to hear the news from your lips.” Simon turned to John. “See if Kate is up to joining us.”

  Without a word, John slipped out the door.

  Simon removed a key from his waistcoat pocket before he rose from his chair. He walked towards the sideboard but instead of pouring another drink, he lifted the painting from the wall.

  He used the key to open the hidden safe. Simon r
emoved an envelope before locking the safe again. He replaced the painting before walking back to his desk.

  David eyed his friend from the sofa. He couldn't keep silent any longer. “What are you doing, Simon?”

  He glanced at David but didn't answer before removing a single piece of paper from the envelope. “I had this bank draft prepared for you in the event of your success.” He handed the paper to Thomas.

  The Runner's eyes grew wide and tried to hand the bank draft back to Simon. “My lord. I can't take this. Fifty thousand pounds is a fortune and way too much.”

  Simon shook his head. “Not nearly enough, Tom. I know you said you didn't want to be a tenant farmer like your father. What about being a gentleman farmer?”

  Simon pushed the envelope across his desk towards Tom. “Inside the envelope is the deed to one of my unentailed properties. I have signed it over to you.”

  Tom shook his head before Simon had finished speaking.

  You are kind but way too generous, my lord.”

  “Not nearly generous enough, Tom. The property is only five miles from here. There is a small manor house which needs some work. There hasn't been a tenant on the property for twenty years or more.” Simon paused for a moment. “My father won the estate gambling. You would be doing me a tremendous favor by taking the property off my hands.”