Winter Wishes: A Regency Christmas Anthology

by Cheryl Bolen

  William—who had taken great pride in telling him the day before that he would be three in a month’s time—was already gliding over the smooth surface of the pond with a casual confidence that indicated this wasn’t his first time skating.

  George—the younger of James’s two sons—wasn’t as successful. Emily was skating backward while holding both of his hands in hers. He watched as she released one hand, only to grasp it again when the boy lost his balance atop the slim blades that were attached to his boots.

  William glided to a stop beside Emily and George and placed his hands on his hips. “Hurry up and learn how to skate so we can have a proper race. It’s no fun racing Aunt Emily. She never lets me win.”

  Emily laughed. “When you’re all grown and have surpassed me in height, I’m sure you’ll have your revenge. I need to win now while I still can.”

  She glanced up and caught sight of where Jonah was watching them from off to one side. Her eyes lit and her genuine smile made him revise his misgivings about braving the cold.

  “Well, this is a rare treat. Have you come to join us, Sir Jonah?”

  William and George turned to look at him. William’s eyes lit up at the prospect of having another playmate while George pressed closer to Emily’s side.

  “You seem to have things well in hand. Besides, I don’t have any skates.”

  He couldn’t tell who was more crestfallen by his statement… William or Emily.

  “I’m not very good,” a little voice called out from amid Emily’s skirts.

  “Oh, George, you’ll learn. William wasn’t very good the first time I took him skating last year, but now look at him!”

  George didn’t look as though he believed her, and it was obvious from the aghast expression on William’s face that he didn’t either.

  Jonah crouched down near the edge of the lake and met the youngest Hathaway’s eyes. “Do you want to know a secret?” He glanced at William and could see he’d caught the older boy’s attention as well.

  George nodded.

  “I never learned how to skate. Your grandmother told me I could borrow a pair of blades to attach to my boots if I was coming out here to join you, but I didn’t want to embarrass myself by falling.”

  George loosened his grip on Emily’s skirts and stood straighter. “I fell a few times.”

  Jonah nodded and kept his tone serious. “Everyone falls when they first learn how to skate.”

  “Aunt Emily can teach you,” William said. “Nurse says she has the patience of a saint.”

  George nodded. “She said William was awful when she taught him, but I don’t believe her.”

  “I’m a natural,” William said, his chest puffed out with pride. “But I know George will be too.”

  “Yes, they are,” Jonah said with a smile as he rose to stand. “Then it seems I’ll be the only one who doesn’t know how to skate.”

  “You don’t actually need blades to slide around on the ice,” Emily said.

  His gaze caught hers, and he could see the mischievous twinkle she wasn’t even trying to hide.

  “That’s how I started,” George added. “I’m good with my boots.”

  Jonah narrowed his eyes at her. It wasn’t bad enough that he was going to freeze to death out here—and why wasn’t everyone as bundled up as he was?—but now she had to humiliate him.

  “I’m sure it will make George feel better if he’s not the only person learning to skate.” Her innocent expression vanished, her voice taking on a decidedly evil lilt. “I’m sure you wouldn’t want to disappoint the boys.”

  Well, this was really his fault. He should have stayed indoors. He didn’t know why the thought of Kirby being out here with Emily had bothered him so much, but he should have ignored his urge to race out and make sure they weren’t alone together.

  “Besides,” Emily added, “you’re so well padded, I’m sure it won’t hurt if you do fall.”

  Jonah couldn’t hold back his bark of laughter at her witty observation. Living in India for the past ten years had left him with zero tolerance for the cold. Emily and her nephews were wearing coats and mittens but no scarves or hats. He’d once been impervious to England’s cooler weather, but that had been a lifetime ago. He wasn’t sure he’d ever get used to it again.

  “I’ll do my best,” he said, stepping onto the ice with exaggerated care and smiling widely at the two boys when he didn’t immediately fall. He wasn’t sure how long he’d be able to hold on to his dignity, but in that moment he didn’t really care.

  He watched as Emily resumed her careful guidance of George. This time when she released one hand, he wobbled only once before straightening and continuing to skate next to her. He wasn’t sure whether George or his brother was more excited by the feat.

  “See, I told you that you could do it!” William said.

  Feeling foolish standing rooted to the spot while everyone else was having fun, Jonah pushed off, ignoring the warning bells in his mind that told him this endeavor wouldn’t end well. It might have been a decade since he’d last had to navigate ice, but surely his body would remember how it was done.

  He’d underestimated how difficult it would be to stop and found himself windmilling his arms to keep his balance as he made for the edge of the pond. He counted it a win when he stumbled onto firm ground again before his feet slid out from under him.

  Emily’s laughter trailed after him. He turned to glare at her but couldn’t hold his expression of mock indignation when he saw how beautiful she looked. Her cheeks were flushed from the outdoor activity and the cold, her blue eyes dancing with amusement. And he realized that he wanted to kiss her.

  He looked away from her lest he betray his inconvenient discovery and watched as William came to a stop beside his aunt.

  “I’m hungry,” he said.

  “Me too,” George added.

  The boys’ nurse stepped forward at that, but she was careful to avoid the slick surface of the lake. “I’ll help you with the skates and we can head back.”

  Emily helped George skate to the woman’s side and started to kneel to unstrap the blades from his boots, but the woman shooed her away.

  “I’ll help George. Can you ensure William doesn’t cut himself with his blades again?”

  Jonah winced imagining that.

  Emily nodded and lowered herself onto a log next to her older nephew.

  “I can do this myself,” William said, a hint of stubbornness in his voice.

  Emily began to work on the straps that tied her skates to her boots, but Jonah didn’t miss the way she watched her nephew out of the corner of her eye. “Of course you can. But it’s Miss Abigail’s job to worry about you, so you can understand why she’d ask me to watch you.”

  “I suppose.” William’s tongue poked out of the corner of his mouth as he worked at undoing his straps, and soon enough he’d removed both blades. “See?”

  “You’re such a big boy,” Emily said, snatching the blades away from him and passing them to the nurse.

  “Thank you, Miss Hathaway,” the woman said as she took both pairs of skates.

  Emily made no move to join the group when they turned to head toward the house.

  The older woman’s brows drew together and she glanced between Emily and Jonah. “Are you joining us?”

  “You go on ahead, Miss Abigail. Jonah and I will follow shortly.” The woman looked like she was about to protest, so Emily added, “It will give Jonah and me time to catch up. We grew up together back in Newmarket, but Jonah has been away from England for a few years. He’s almost another brother to me.”

  The woman looked as though she wanted to argue, but instead gave a curt nod and started after the boys who were already racing toward the manor house.

  Jonah waited for her to disappear around the bend in the path before speaking. “I’m like a brother?”

  Emily shrugged. “That depends on how overbearing you are. I’d like to think we’re friends, but I know Miss Abiga
il wouldn’t want to leave me unchaperoned. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if she sent my maid out as soon as she reaches the house.”

  Emily lowered herself onto the log again, and Jonah took a seat next to her, careful to leave a respectable distance between them.

  “You can’t blame her. The house is filled with strangers, and as you told William, it is her job to worry.”

  Emily rolled her eyes. “You’d think I was still a child the way she fusses. The way they all do.”

  “They care about you. That isn’t a bad thing.”

  “No, I know it isn’t. Please excuse me, I’m just feeling a little disappointed.”

  Her statement surprised him. Emily had always been outgoing and loved meeting people. “If memory serves, there was never a stranger you didn’t want to turn into a friend. Don’t tell me you’ve developed James’s hatred for social events.”

  Her sigh had him imagining that that was exactly what had happened, but then she confused him by saying, “I love balls.”

  “Are you afraid this one isn’t large enough? I can assure you that while you’ve been out here, a steady stream of guests have been arriving. I’m surprised the manor has enough bedrooms for everyone.”

  Emily shook her head. “No, it’s just that what I thought was to be a lovely event—one I never imagined James would ever agree to host—has turned into another attempt to find me a husband. And after three unsuccessful seasons, I’d like to enjoy one ball without everyone in my family watching me to see if I’ll find a suitor.”

  Jonah couldn’t hold back his laughter.

  “You find my dismay amusing, Sir Jonah?” Emily folded her arms across her chest and glared at him. He could tell she wasn’t genuinely angry, however.

  “I imagine there is no end of men lining up to court you.”

  She sighed and relaxed her arms so they were resting on her lap again. “You’re correct, of course. Who wouldn’t want to court a passably attractive young woman with a sizable dowry?”

  He could only shake his head in bewilderment. “I imagine your dowry might be an inducement for some, but trust me when I say it isn’t the only thing they want.”

  Wanting to put an end to this conversation, Emily reached down for her skates, which were resting behind the log, and stood. “We should head back before my maid arrives to chaperone us.”

  He fell into step beside her, and they walked in companionable silence for a full minute before Emily spoke again. “How did you know to find us here?”

  He didn’t want to ruin the morning by mentioning the real reason he’d come out, so instead said, “Your mother mentioned it. I’ll admit I was worried you might be overdoing it in the cold. Speaking of which, I feel as though I should be offering you my coat, but I’m afraid I’d freeze on the spot if I removed it.”

  “Poor Jonah. Has India ruined you for England? Are you planning to return once this party is over?”

  Jonah shook his head. “My days living abroad are over. I’m here to stay now.”

  His heart lightened at the look of relief on her face.

  “I’m glad. I’d hate to have to say goodbye again to a friend. At least now you can visit and we’ll see each other often.”

  Jonah didn’t reply, but he knew that wouldn’t be happening if she met someone at the ball later tonight. When she married, she’d be spending her days with her future husband’s family and wouldn’t have time for him.

  He pushed aside his disappointment at the thought.

  Chapter 6

  Emily’s dancing slippers were beginning to pinch her feet. Unless she was mistaken, she’d danced with every man at the ball once, but she was far from tired. She’d have to find a proper way to thank Sarah and Grace for keeping true to their word. While there were several eligible men present—many of whom would never be seen in London during the season—there wasn’t that same air of desperation surrounding this event. All in all, she was enjoying herself more than she’d thought she would.

  That didn’t mean she hadn’t noticed the looks of interest from some of the men. But when she didn’t encourage their attention, they moved on readily enough.

  Unfortunately, the same wasn’t true of Lord Kirby, who seemed oblivious to the fact she was avoiding him. Bolstered by the knowledge that James was clearly in favor of a match between them, he’d been relentless in his pursuit.

  The man was becoming a problem. His confidence that he’d win her hand despite the fact she’d been careful not to encourage him was beginning to annoy her as the evening wore on. She’d taken to moving from group to group when she spotted him approaching her, unable to spend more than a few minutes in one place.

  She’d just taken refuge with Sarah when James joined them.

  “Have you been avoiding Lord Kirby?” His voice was low, but Emily glanced at those around them to ensure they hadn’t overheard. “I thought we’d agreed you would get to know him. He’s smart, titled, and well-off. And from the way several of the other women are looking at him, quite handsome. You don’t want to miss your chance with him.”

  Emily didn’t want to have this conversation on the edge of the ballroom floor where anyone could overhear them. She cast another look around them before replying. “If you’re so enamored, maybe you should pursue a relationship with him.”

  James’s mouth dropped open in shock, and Sarah’s amused laughter broke the tense silence that followed her statement. Sarah sobered soon enough, whispering, “Speak of the devil…”

  Emily turned to find Lord Kirby fast approaching. Her gaze went back to her brother, who was grinning at her in satisfaction. She found that she much preferred James when he was glowering at any man who dared approach her.

  Lord Kirby greeted them with what she imagined, for him, was great enthusiasm since the man rarely showed even a hint of emotion.

  She glared at James when he took his leave, dragging Sarah onto the dance floor with him.

  “Is something the matter?” Lord Kirby asked.

  “Oh no,” Emily said, managing a polite smile. “My brother was just teasing me. You know how siblings can be.”

  “I’m afraid I am an only child.”

  That explained so much. If ever there was a man in need of a sibling to shake up his unflappable reserve, it was the one standing before her now. Although Jonah was also an only child, he wasn’t quite so unemotional.

  Lord Kirby’s arms were clasped behind his back, and he looked down at her from his greater height, his pale blue eyes sending a shiver through her. When he cleared his throat, she knew what was coming. He was going to ask for leave to court her. She frantically searched for an excuse to put him off, but nothing came to mind. She stood there, frozen, as he began to speak.

  “I’m so glad to have caught up with you. There was something I wanted to discuss—”

  “Emily, there you are. I wondered where you’d been hiding.”

  Lord Kirby frowned at Jonah’s familiar use of her given name, but Emily couldn’t find it within herself to care. In fact, at that moment she wanted nothing more than to embrace him.

  Chapter 7

  Jonah could sense Emily’s relief and so pressed on. “After our dance together, you promised me a turn about the room. I’ve come to collect.”

  He ignored the way Kirby glared at him, instead offering Emily his arm. She clutched it with a little more enthusiasm than was seemly and took her leave of the man who’d been hovering over her moments before.

  “Thank you,” she said when they were out of Lord Kirby’s hearing. “I think he was about to ask for leave to court me.” The way her brows drew together told him she wouldn’t have welcomed the man’s interest.

  “You didn’t seem to be enjoying yourself, so I decided to intervene.”

  “Oh no,” she said. “Do you think he noticed? I don’t wish to hurt his feelings.”

  He wasn’t surprised the young woman he’d once known as a sensitive, carefree child was more concerned about someone else’s
feelings than her own. “I’m sure he’s fine. If he realized you didn’t care for his company, he wouldn’t have been hovering over you.”

  The words left a sour taste in his mouth, but he tried to ignore his displeasure at the thought of Kirby—or any man—courting Emily. He’d known her since she was a child, so it was natural he’d feel protective of her. He didn’t wish to see her unhappy.

  “Of course,” she said with a soft sigh.

  She didn’t say anything else, and neither did he when he realized she was leading them out of the room. It was a pity it was too cold for the doors to the garden to be open. Instead, they’d have to wander along the hallway where others had also sought escape from the crowded confines of the ballroom.

  He knew his next question was overstepping the bounds of propriety, but he couldn’t hold back his curiosity. “Is there already someone for whom you have a tendre? I can’t imagine a young woman as beautiful as you doesn’t already have an understanding with an equally handsome young man.”

  She cast a sideways glance at him, an odd expression on her face. “You think I’m beautiful?”

  One corner of his mouth tilted up. “As do most of the men here. I’m hardly alone in that thought.”

  Emily winced at the reminder of her would-be suitor. “To answer your question, no, there isn’t anyone.”

  He ignored the surge of pleasure her admission brought since he was certain it wouldn’t be true for long.

  “Do you wish to return to the ballroom?” He didn’t want their brief time together to come to an end, but she had told him she loved balls earlier that morning. He could have taken her into one of the other first-floor rooms that were open to guests but found himself reluctant to release her to the company of yet another man who was eager to capture her attention. He’d seen clearly enough that Kirby wasn’t the only man interested in getting to know Emily better. The thought shouldn’t have bothered him as much as it did.

  Being with Emily was comforting. He knew he’d have to begin his own search for a bride soon. That was, after all, one of the reasons he’d decided not to return to his life abroad. But first he needed to readjust to society here. Yes, he’d been surrounded by Englishmen and women while in India, but things were decidedly different there. Freer. He’d almost forgotten all the constraints that were placed upon one here in his home country.