A Berkshire Christmas

by S. White

  Tom downed the rest of his brandy. “I don't know what to say.”

  “Don't say yes or no right now. When the weather clears, we can ride over and take a look at the place. What do you say to that, Tom?”

  “I'd plan to return to London after I made my report to you.”

  “The weather is too dreadful for traveling. I will have my butler arrange a room for you. I hope you will spend Christmas with us, Tom.”

  Before Tom could answer the door opened. John ushered Kate into the study. All the men rose from their seats.

  “You wished to see me, Simon.” Kathleen smiled at her husband as she rubbed her extended belly.

  “Yes, my darling, I want to introduce you to Thomas Blanchard. He is the Bow Street Runner I hired to find you and then to track down Jeffers.”

  Tom bowed. “A pleasure, my lady.”

  “Nice to finally meet you, Mr. Blanchard. Do you have some news for us.”

  “I do, my lady, but I think it best if you sit down before I impart it.”

  Kate giggled. “That bad, Mr. Blanchard?”

  “No, my lady. It just seems like you should be sitting down in your condition.”

  Kate giggle again. “You might be right.”

  John helped Kate to sit in a chair in front of Simon's desk.

  “I am sitting so tell me your news. I assumed you have already told my husband.”

  “I have, my lady.” Tom glanced at Simon before he addressed the Countess. “I found Jeffers in Florence, Italy. I followed him to Naples and then Rome. I am afraid all of Lord Richards money is gone, my lady.”

  “I assumed as much.”

  “The Italian police arrested Jeffers for a similar crime.”

  Kathleen frowned. “So he is in an Italian prison. I had hoped ...”

  “No, my lady. I persuaded the Italian authorities that England had a greater claim. So they released the man into my custody. He sits in Newgate at this moment awaiting trial.”

  Kate rose to her feet. John offered her his handkerchief to wipe the tears she could no longer hold back. She grabbed Thomas' hand and squeezed.

  “Thank you, Mr. Blanchard, for your due diligence. I appreciate everything you have done and I insist that you spend the Holidays with us.”

  Kate took the arm John offered her and left the room. He had to support her for her legs didn't seem to work as well as before.

  Tom turned back to Simon “Is she all right, my lord?”

  Simon grinned. “A little overcome with emotion. Nothing to worry about, but her Ladyship has spoken. You are spending the holidays in Berkshire.”

  ❄Chapter Twelve ❄

  Emily needed time alone to think about what Kate said so she grabbed her coat, gloves and hat. No matter the season, the garden had always been a place where she could think. A place where she found peace.

  She quietly left the house through the drawing room's french doors. She wandered around among the dormant plants. By Spring, everything will be in full bloom. She had to smile at the thought.

  Her boots crunched on the snow-covered path. She stopped when she heard another set of footsteps. Emily turned and sighed when she realized it was Lawrence Nutworthy behind her and not the man she hoped would follow her.

  Emily was the first to speak. “It is rather cold for you to be outside, Lawrence.”

  Lawrence gave her a ghost of a smile. “The same could be said of you, my dear Emily. I would face a blizzard if it meant I would be with you.”

  “I am used to the cold. The frosty air is so refreshing, but a blizzard would be a bit much, Lawrence.”

  “I-It is,” Lawrence said, with a nervous stutter.

  He got down on one knee grabbing Emily's hand. “Dearest Emily, this may seem sudden, but for me, it isn't. I have thought about it ever since my sister and I arrived.”

  “Which was yesterday.”

  “Yes, nevertheless, I feel you and I would suit well. Will you do me the greatest honor in becoming my wife.”

  She had known what was coming yet Emily was at a lost for words. There was no way she would be this man's wife. She would be bored silly within minutes. How do I let him down easy?

  “Lawrence, I appreciate the offer, but I must decline.”

  Lawrence rose to his feet. “Perhaps I offered too soon. I will not give up, dearest Emily.”

  He turned on his heels and marched back towards the house.

  Emily sighed. She had to sit after that performance, so she made it to the nearest snow-covered bench. Wiping most of the snow off before she sat down. It was still cold, but she didn't mind it too much.

  If only it had been David who made the offer! Right now I would be the happiest woman in the world!

  ❄

  David stood at the drawing room's french doors staring at the barren garden and snow-covered landscape. He noticed movement in the garden. It took him a moment for him to realize it was Emily wandering around the garden path.

  What is she doing out in such weather? She could come down with the ague.

  When he started to open the doors, he noticed that Emily was not alone. His lips tightened when he saw Lawrence Nutworthy join her.

  David watched them speak for a moment before Lawrence got down on one knee.

  My God, he's proposing! Please, Emily, turn him down. Give me a chance.

  He saw Lawrence rise to his feet and march towards the drawing room doors with a smile on his face.

  David found a seat in a chair by the fire. He didn't want Lawrence to know he had witnessed his proposal. Judging by the man's smile, he was successful.

  He watched Lawrence walk past him without seeing him or at least he didn't speak. He was at a loss as to what to do. David couldn't sit there all day. There must be something he could do. Emily was still outside in the cold. The polite thing for him to do was to check on her.

  So he rose from his chair and after retrieving his heavy coat, glove and hat, he went back to the drawing room's french doors. He could barely see Emily sitting on a garden bench.

  David opened the door stepping out into the garden. The path which led to where Emily sat seemed to have iced over.

  Emily looked up when she heard the crunch of ice or snow on the path. She expected Lawrence to make another appeal for her hand but was surprised to see David. Pleasantly so.

  He took a deep. “I guess congratulations are in order.”

  ❄Chapter Thirteen ❄

  Tom was led up the stair to a guest room he would occupy for the next few days at the very least. His bag was retrieved from his hired coach. He thought about riding his horse from London, but when he looked at the dark skies overhead he feared he would be caught in a blizzard.

  Tom was right. He was lucky the storm hit him only a few miles from his destination but it seemed like it took him forever to plow through the last few miles.

  I am glad I made it here in one piece.

  Tom inspected the room. It was pleasant with neutral colored wall. The bed was large and looked comfortable. An armoire sat against one wall and a fire blazed in the fireplace. A comfortable looking chair sat by the fireplace.

  He decided to sit down and rest before he attempted to hang his clothes. It was a good thing Italy has such excellent tailors. He didn't want to feel out of place among the aristocrats.

  I am forever grateful to Lady Sarah Stone for her help. Without her support and friendship I wouldn't be here.

  Tom didn't know where he really belonged anymore. He was neither fish nor foul. He didn't want to take advantage of the earl. He felt like that would what he was doing if he accepted the generous offer of an estate and the fifty thousand pounds.

  Tenant farming was all well and good for his father and his brothers, but that life was not for him anymore. Not after he had seen a little bit of the world.

  What am I to do about his lordship's offer. A gentleman farmer? Should I take it or decline. Then what? Back to Bow Street? I have been away too long.

  Tom w
as still pondering the question of his future when there was a knock on his door.

  He had locked the door out of habit so he rose to answer.

  Simon's valet, Rogers, stood at his door. “Yes.”

  “I have come to help hang your clothes away and help you dress for dinner, sir.”

  “Is it that time all ready? Come in.”

  Tom went back to his chair staying out of the valet's way. He could hear the man open the armoire and his bag. He hadn't brought too much with him.

  “I must say, sir. Your wardrobe is not what I expected.”

  Tom turned to the valet. “I left most everything in London. I wasn't expecting to stay long.”

  “You miss-took my meaning, sir. I have never seem such fine work. No London tailor could make such fine clothing.”

  Tom smiled. “You're right, Rogers. I had Italian tailors.”

  “His lordship should take a trip to Italy this next Spring. It will be a pleasure to dress you, sir.”

  “Thank you, Rogers.”

  “Shall we begin.”

  Tom rose from the chair. “No time like the present.”

  He noticed the valet had laid out his one and only set of evening wear.

  ❄

  Tom was the last to arrive in the drawing room. The butler opened the door and announced, “Mr. Thomas Blanchard.”

  Simon came to greet him with a smile on his face. “Welcome, Tom. Let me introduce you to my family and guests.”

  Simon led him around the room introducing him to everyone. Tom noticed Simon left off the Bow Street Officer from the introduction. That was fine with him since he wasn't sure he wanted to do that sort of work any more. It was fun and satisfying for a while but now he didn't know what he wanted.

  Lawrence and Diana stood in front of the sofa when Simon and Tom reached them. “Lawrence, I want you to meet a good friend, Tom Blanchard.” Simon hesitated a moment. “Tom, Lawrence Nutworthy and his sister, Diana, are my near neighbors.”

  Lawrence and Tom bowed to each other before turning to Diana. She curtsied prettily before offering her hand. This was all new to Tom, but he has seen how gentlemen behaved in company. He lifted her hand to his lips and bestowed a light kiss on her knuckles. Diane gave him a flirty smile.

  Simon introduced Tom to his mother and sister. Beatrice grabbed hold of Tom's hand. “I am so glad you are here, Tom. We need big, strong men to going hunting for mistletoe, ivy and such to decorate the manor. It is sorely lacking in a festive atmosphere.”

  Tom bowed over the dowager's hand. “It would be my pleasure to assist, my lady.”

  Beatrice turned to stare at her two sons. “Tomorrow, Simon.”

  “Of course, Mama. John and I will be happy to go out and hunt for greenery if it is not snowing.”

  “Take Tommy with you. He will love spending time with his Uncle Simon,” Caroline piped in.

  Simon almost groaned. “Of course, Caroline. I will love having him with me.”

  “I am sure it will be a fine day tomorrow.”

  Simon's lips twitched. “If you say so, Mama.”

  “I am never wrong.”

  Simon was saved from answering when the butler announced dinner.

  Once again, Lawrence beat David to Emily, so he was stuck escorting Simon's Aunt Evelyn into dinner.

  To Diana's delight, Tom escorted her into dinner and kept up a lively conversation.

  ❄Chapter Fourteen❄

  The Dowager was correct. The day dawned bright and clear. The sun was out making the new fallen snow sparkle. Simon waited in the entry hall for those that had elected to join him. John had declined at the last minute, but Emily said she would take her brother's place.

  Little Tommy was the first to arrive. He carried a basket almost as big as he was. He had on a heavy coat, scarf and his knit cap was pulled down over his ears.

  “I'm ready, Uncle Simon.”

  “I can see. Do you have you mitten?”

  Tommy held up his free hand. “See, Uncle Simon.” The boy was practically jumping up and down.

  “Yes, I see. Now, we have to wait for the others to arrive.”

  David was the next to arrive followed by Emily. The Nutworthy's, Lawrence and Diana, arrived on Emily's heels. Tom Blanchard took the stairs at a slower pace so was the last in the foyer.

  Simon “Emily and David. You will hunt for mistletoe.”

  “But ...” David protested.

  Simon anticipated his friend's objection. “Young Tommy can be your chaperon.”

  When David glanced at Emily, she seemed pleased so another protest died on his lips.

  Emily handed David a basket before placing a delicate hand on his arm.

  “Let's go. I know where to find the best mistletoe.” Emily glanced down at young Tommy. “Do you have the basket?”

  Tommy held up his giant basket. “Yes, see?”

  “Oh, yes, I see. We can get lot mistletoe to make kissing bough.”

  Tommy scrunched his nose. “Kissing. Yuck.”

  Emily and David laughed.

  David was sure Lawrence was about to protest and tag along, so he ushered Emily and Tommy out the door.

  Simon turned to the others. “The rest of us with hunt for holly and other greenery. We need pine boughs and the holly has to have the red berries.”

  He handed each one a basket before leading the group out the door.

  Simon made sure David and Emily had enough time to disappear before leading the others in the opposite direction.

  ❄

  Emily, David and young Tommy tramped through the wood. She seemed to know where she was going, but David was thoroughly lost. He just followed Emily with a contented smile on his face, David was finally along with Emily. It gave him time to think.

  Oh, God, I am in love with Simon's sister. When did that happen?

  Emily stopped under one of the largest trees David had ever seen and looked up.

  “Ah ha.”

  “What?” David almost forgot why they were in the woods.

  Emily turned to smile at him. “Look up.”

  He and Tommy glanced up. “I don't see anything but leaves.”

  Tommy laughed. “I see the mistletoe, Aunt Emily. I see it! I see it!”

  Emily laughed at her nephew. “You have good eyesight, Tommy. Much better than the old folks.”

  David huffed. “Who are you calling old?”

  “Well, you about to have a birthday, are you not?” Emily pointed to a patch of dark green. “Right there, David. See that dark green.”

  David squinted and finally saw what she indicated. “Way up there? How are we supposed to reach it?”

  Tommy jumped up and down. “I can do it, Uncle David!”

  David smiled at the little boy. “No way am I letting you climb that tree.”

  Emily studied the tree. “There are some mistletoe on a few lower branches. I think he can reach them if he stands on your shoulders.”

  David glanced up the tree to the branch Emily mentioned. It looked like an awfully long way to him. “I don't know.”

  Tommy bounced. “Please, Uncle David, let me try?”

  David like the honorary title Tommy had bestowed. He felt himself giving in. “All right. We will try it.”

  David hefted the boy to his shoulders holding onto the boy's legs. He slowly moved closer to the tree.

  Tommy reached up and pulled handfuls of bright green foliage with little white berries attached. He dropped his harvest into Emily's waiting basket. Tommy soon had taken everything within reach.

  David lowered the boy to the ground. Emily frowned at the contents of her basket.

  “What's the matter, Emily?”

  “We don't have enough for the Christmas boughs.” Emily looked up to the bounty of mistletoe which was out of reach. “David lift me up to the first limb. I can climb the rest of the way.”

  David shook his head before she had spoken two words. “No. Absolutely not. It is too dangerous. What if you fall?�
�

  Emily smiled sweetly. “Please, David. I won't fall. I promise.”

  He couldn’t deny Emily anything when she pleated so prettily. “Against my better judgment, I agree.”

  David lifted Emily by her waist. He couldn't help noticing how slender and delicate his friend's sister was.

  She is perfect. What an I thinking? Emily is Simon's sister, for God's sake! He will never agree to my courtship.

  Emily used her arms to pull herself up to the lowest limb. She glanced down at David and smiled. She winked at Tommy. “Be sure to gather all that I drop.”

  “Right, Aunt Emily. I have the basket right here.” Tommy held up the basket.

  Emily looked up and started to climb branch after sturdy branch. She finally was able to reach the mistletoe. She pulled at it and almost lost her balance.

  “Careful, Emily.”

  She nodded without looking down.

  Tommy gathered everything she dropped which was a lot.

  Emily called down to her nephew. “How's the basket, Tommy?”

  Tommy grinned. “Full and then some, Auntie.”

  “Good. I will come down now.” Emily started to carefully make her way down the tree until she reached the last limb.

  David raised his arms, but she was still too high for him to reach her.

  “I think we have a problem, Emily.” David’s voice held a note of concern.

  “Nonsense. I will just …” Her voice trailed off.

  “Yes. You were saying.” David grinned up at Emily.

  “Shut up, David!”

  ❄Chapter Fifteen ❄

  Lawrence, Tom Blanchard, and Simon tramped through the snow-covered forest with Diana following as best as she could. Lawrence tripped over a hidden tree branch. He would have fallen except Tom keen reflects caught him before he hit the snow.