“I shall and the pleasure was all mine, Your Grace.” She curtsied to him while he bowed his head.
“Perhaps the broussard later on this evening?”
She nodded at him, “Gladly, Your Grace.”
With that, she departed the dance floor and returned to her table.
* * *
“Ekhard! For someone who proclaims with such conviction that he does not enjoy dancing you certainly seem very easy on your feet tonight!”
Jonathan had joined Eric at their table and his friend did not waste a moment to tease him. He had not seen much of either Eric or Thomas for most of the night for they had been engaged either in dance or in conversation with assorted ladies.
“Your Sister is a rather skillful dancer, which must make all the difference.”
He paused and scratched his chin as it occurred to him that he had yet to tell his friend the identity of his mystery lady.
“Gordon, you will not believe it, but the young lady I assisted at the last ball? She is none other than your Sister!”
Eric’s eyes grew large. “Isolde? The young woman is Isolde? But you said she was utterly humiliated at the ball and in rather a terrible state. Isolde told me nothing of the sort. She was merely perturbed at the way Lady Conner and Lady Buxby spoke of her.”
Jonathan swallowed hard. Eric did not know the truth. He regretted ever bringing it up. He attempted to think of a way to back track his words but found one.
“It was her, Gordon. I am only sorry I mentioned it for …”
He shook his head.
“Do not apologize.” His lips were pressed together in anger and a deep crease appeared between his eyes. “They kept it from me, knowing fully well I would not take kindly to such an assault upon my Sister. I only wish I knew who the perpetrators were.”
“You may ask her, for now she would certainly tell you, but it has been two weeks. Addressing the matter after such a long lapse in time may not be wise. In any case, she informed me that she has heeded my advice and stood up to one of her tormentors just earlier this evening.”
Eric’s eyes opened wide in surprise. “She has? That is most unlike her.”
Jonathan shrugged, “Perhaps your Sister is stronger than you believe. All she lacks is confidence, but that can be learned. She has a strength inside her that she does not even know herself.”
“You speak as though you know her.”
Jonathan looked away and tried to hide the smile that wanted to show on his lips.
“I do not claim to, no. I simply learned on my travels that people will come to learn their own strength if you give them the support they need.”
Eric nodded. “Indeed. I would love nothing more than to see her grow and blossom. To see her smile and enjoy herself tonight has been a joy. I would like to see her be able to do it more often.”
Jonathan frowned. “She told me she has not danced much, but I did not believe her as she is such a skilled dancer.”
Eric winced and looked across the ballroom to where his sister was sitting. “She speaks true. Isolde often spends her nights sitting at the table in the back, far from the activities. She is most comfortable there. As you know, she is of a quiet nature and many a lord is not keen on a young lady who is too quiet and timid. Thus, she does not often get to join in the dancing.”
Jonathan shrugged. “It is I who must thank her. I have not danced this well in a very long time, as the poor stepped-on feet of my previous dance partners would attest. Now, Gordon, tell me: You seem to rather enjoy your time with Miss Brown.”
He crossed one leg over the other in a casual manner. Eric blushed and made a great show of not looking at the table Miss Brown was seated at.
“She is a lovely young woman. Truly, she is one of Isolde’s only close friends. She is also much better company than my Cousin Henrietta.”
“You seem to be rather appreciative of her virtues, if I may say so.”
Eric shook his head. “Your eyes must be playing tricks on you, Ekhard. I simply enjoy her company for she is a pleasant young woman and she dances well.” He swallowed and finally glanced at the woman in question.
“In any case, even if I harbored such thoughts about her, it would be futile as Lady Conner has her heart set on making a match for her daughter that is much grander than a Viscount’s son.” A twinkle sprang into his eyes. “Such as a dashing, wealthy, and worldly Duke.”
“By Jove no! I would not wish a Mother-In-Law like Lady Conner on anyone! Thus, you do not seem put off by the notion.”
“You jest, old chum. I know as well as you nothing would ever come of it. I simply appease my interest in her by indulging in a dance once in a while. Besides, she is due to enter into a courtship with Lord Canterbury soon, I hear.”
“Canterbury? Of all people. I spent some time with him in Scotland after assisting my Mother in her relocation there. He’s high in the instep, I must say. Miss Brown deserves much better.”
“Are you talking of my Sister? And that dreadful man Canterbury?” Mister Thomas Brown had appeared at their table, swiftly taking a seat.
“Gordon here just informed me that your Sister is to court Canterbury and I shared my knowledge of the man,” Jonathan explained.
“I know all about him, he’s the pink of the ton and a terrible rake,” Thomas said, with a roll of the eye. “I have already advised my Father against allowing the courtship. Sadly, as you both know well, he is rather henpecked by my Mother and my Sister has been rather choosy when it comes to the men she wishes to court. She may not have a choice in the matter.”
“What a shame,” Jonathan shook his head. “It is rather a pity we often do not have a choice in who we wed.”
Thomas shrugged. “It is for that reason I have gone ahead to London to consult with a matchmaker. I shall choose my own happiness. Mama is of course most upset.”
Jonathan could imagine the Lady’s anger. She did not enjoy giving up control of any situation for any reason. In that, she was much like his own mother.
“How was your trip to London?” Eric asked, changing the subject. “Was your meeting with the matchmaker quite fruitful?”
“She had a couple of eligible choices, though as it is not Season, courting would be somewhat difficult as I would need to travel a great deal or be limited to ladies in the region.”
“So, wait for the season, old chum!” Jonathan exclaimed. “There is no rush.”
“And it is Christmastide, come this Saturday. Balls and gatherings will be held all over the county and many a family has relatives visiting, as you well know, given you have the pleasure of Lady Buxby’s company,” Eric agreed.
Thomas threw a handkerchief at his friend in mock anger. “A pleasure indeed. Alas, you are correct! There will be many a gathering. Zooks!” He twisted himself around to look at Jonathan. “You should join us for Saint Nicholas this Saturday. We are to gather at Roselawn.”
“Indeed! I near forgot you were not already invited. Yes, Ekhard. You must join us. My Father has already ordered the finest dinner and we shall exchange gifts among ourselves as in years past.”
Jonathan smiled at the memories. Ever since he could remember, Christmastide had been spent visiting one another and socializing. Although in a much more relaxed manner. While there were many balls, there were just as many house parties.
He recalled the last Christmas Eve he’d spent at Chesterton Court. His friends and their fathers had ridden out in the morning to select the most beautiful Yule logs for each of their fireplaces.
Later that night, their families as well as a few others from town, had gathered at Chesterton Court. He remembered it well for he’d already known it would be the last Christmas Eve he’d be spending at home. Passage on a ship to the Caribbean had already been booked.
He hadn’t experienced a true English Christmastide since then. It would be lovely to do so this year. Especially as it was to be held at the home of one Miss Isolde Gordon. He could not wait to tell her, once th
ey met on the dance floor again.
* * *
No more than half an hour had passed since he’d last shared the dance floor with Miss Gordon, when Jonathan saw her again. He’d just returned from filling his belly with Negus and a steaming bowl of white soup in the supper room when he spotted her. She was walking alongside her father and cousin, wearing a glum expression upon her fair face. When she saw him, she caught his eye and shrugged with utter dejection.
“Your Grace,” Lord Lincester said when the party reached Jonathan’s table. “I must bid you farewell for it is getting late and I must return my two young charges home. It has been a pleasure to see you again, and I hope you shan’t be a stranger now.”
Jonathan did all he could to hide the disappointment from his face. He’d looked forward to spending more time with Miss Gordon, and now not only could he not dance with her, she’d been entirely removed from his company. She appeared to feel equally crushed at the prospect of departing. When he addressed the Viscount, he did so with one eye on her, so she’d know he spoke as much to her benefit than her father’s.
“I promise you, I will not, Lord Lincester. It just so happens that Mister Gordon has invited me to spend Saint Nicholas Day at Roselawn. That is if you do not object, of course.”
Lord Lincester’s face lit up and his greying mustache rose as he broke into a wide smile.
“What marvelous news, Your Grace. Of course, we shall love to have you at Roselawn! It will be as in the olden days. Isn’t that true, Isolde?” he looked at his daughter whose eye sparkled with excitement at the news. At least Jonathan hoped it was excitement he saw.
“Yes, Father, I shall look forward to it, and to Your Grace’s company.” She curtsied, followed in short order by her cousin who’d stood beside her uncle. He’d noted her lack of attention, for she’d been busy making eye contact with someone across the room. The news of Jonathan’s attendance at the Saint Nicholas day festivities appeared to divert her attention toward him, however.
“What fun it will be, Your Grace!” Lady Henrietta said. “Perhaps there will be dancing! Uncle, what do you say? Shall we have a ball to make up for the dances we miss out on tonight?”
Lord Lincester nodded, “Of course there will be music. Not a ball, we reserve that for Twelfth Night. There shall be merriment and music and if you wish to dance, Henrietta, you shall.”
Jonathan noted that Henrietta at once fixed her amber eyes on him, as if expecting a request to save a dance for him right there and then. Jonathan, however, had other ideas.
“What a wonderful idea to have music. Miss Gordon,” he turned to Isolde, “perhaps we can dance the broussard after all, a few days late.”
“I would much enjoy that, Your Grace!” Isolde replied, her white teeth flashing as she smiled.
“Very well then. I bid you farewell, Miss Gordon, Miss Henrietta.” Lord Lincester bowed before him and then the party set to leave.
His gaze lingered on them, on Miss Gordon in particular as they went. She turned at the door and tipped her head in his direction. Jonathan sighed, the disappointment at missing out on his dance replaced with the anticipation of seeing her again.
He was about to turn and rejoin his friends in the card room when his attention fell on Miss Henrietta once more. She’d linked her arm with her cousins as they walked side by side, but her gaze was once again fixed on someone else in the room.
Jonathan turned around and looked in the same direction. He frowned when he recognized the person who’d drawn Henrietta’s attention. There, in the corner, was a young woman he recognized at once. She was one of the group of three who had tormented Miss Gordon, the night he’d met her.
I see, her cousin recognized the tormentor and was staring her down. How lovely to have such supportive family members around you. I wish I had a sister, or at least a cousin, who looked out for me as Miss Henrietta appears to for Miss Gordon.
He was about to head for the card room when, to his utter confusion, the unpleasant young tormentor of Miss Gordon made eye contact with him. Slowly she raised her wine glass in his direction, as though cheering him and nodded her head, a wide smile of appreciation on her lips.
Jonathan departed the room, utterly vexed by the odd exchange.
Chapter 11
On the morning of Saint Nicholas Day, Isolde woke at first light. A warm feeling of anticipation sat in her belly and spread throughout her body. Tonight, she’d see the Duke again, for her brother had invited him to spend the festivities with them.
This day is joyous indeed. I cannot wait to see the Duke. Perhaps I shall have opportunity to show him Princely.
She’d been looking forward to showing the Duke the beautiful brown stallion her father had purchased from none other than the Regent himself. He loved horses as much as she and he’d surely see the beauty in the old animal, the same as she did.
Once she broke free of her daydream, she noticed that the light in her room was different than usual, brighter and more intense. She sat up and understood why as soon as she looked out the window. The first snow had fallen!
Isolde jumped out of her bed and rushed to the window. Indeed, the gardens and grounds of Roselawn Manor were entirely covered in fresh white snow. A beautiful glistening blanket spread as far as her eyes could see.
She spotted several of their gardeners and grounds employees shoveling snow away from the driveways. No doubt in order to ensure their guests would have no trouble getting their carriages through the thick snow for tonight’s festivities.
She stood, arms wrapped around herself against the cold, and smiled at the display outside. It was a winter wonderland. Instantly her thoughts drew back to the last memory she had of her mother. It had been a glorious day just like this one. She recalled meandering through the snow with her and Eric. When she closed her eyes, she could still feel her mother’s hand in hers. It was curious, whenever she closed her eyes and thought of her mother, the scent of roses tickled her nose, as it did now.
She tried to recall more of the day, but the memory was faded and hazy. Had they collected greenery for the festivities? Yes! That was it. She remembered her mother breaking off twigs of holly berries and laurel. Traditionally, the house was not to be decorated until Christmas Eve, when the Yule log would be picked out, thus it must have been Christmas Eve.
Isolde felt the familiar melancholy rise in her chest that she always felt when she thought of her mother. She shook her head to chase the feeling away.
No! I shall not be sad, for it is the first snow and Saint Nicholas Day at that. Tonight, I shall see the Duke again and spend the evening with my nearest and dearest. No dark thoughts will dampen the mood of the day. I won’t allow it. I shall go for a morning walk to keep the darkness at bay. Better yet–I will take a ride!
* * *
Isolde rode through the woods which Roselawn shared with Chesterton Court, the Duke of Ekhard’s estate. She had to admit, the thought of seeing him again made her almost giddy. Especially the prospect of dancing with him again. Who would have thought she’d enjoy herself so much on the dance floor? Faith, there were so many things she wanted to talk to him about, so many questions to ask him.
She inhaled the cold December air. The scent of pine was in the air. It was peaceful. The last two days had been more vexing that she would have liked, for Etta and Olivia were still cross with one another. Etta had been in a mood the entire ride back to Roselawn.
She’d already felt slighted by Olivia and then to have the Duke not extend a request for a dance when he had done so for Isolde, all but did Etta in. Of course it was the falling out with Olivia which really was at the center of Etta’s melancholy.
She only hoped that the spirit of the day would help restore Etta and heal the rift between her two closest friends.
Isolde had ridden through the woods for maybe half of an hour when up ahead she heard a noise. She wondered if it might be a stag, for the woods were full of them, when she realized it was no animal at all.
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“Your Grace!” she exclaimed when she recognized him. He was atop his horse, Jora.
“Miss Gordon, what a surprise to see you out so early.”
He smiled at her broadly, making her heart swell with joy. She hadn’t even realized how far she’d ridden into his territory.
“I did not mean to intrude upon your property, Your Grace.”
He shook his head, “Do not worry. It is I who is on your property. In fact, I was on my way to Roselawn this very minute to call on your brother.”
“I see,” She felt oddly disappointed, for she’d hoped to be able to spend some time with him.
A Mistletoe Match For The White Duchess (Historical Regency Romance) Page 9
