The room sparkled in the glowing light cast by the large chandelier hanging over the table. Shining porcelain plates topped by soup bowls painted with a golden trim were framed by well-polished silverware in front of three empty chairs. Crystal wineglasses gleamed beguilingly at each place. The entire table was covered in a shimmering white damask tablecloth. The greenery and red holly berries contrasted with the white to create a colorful, festive brilliance.
“It’s beautiful, Augusta. Everything I imagined a dining room should look like before a Christmas Eve dinner.”
“My lady, are you ready for us to bring in the soup?” Jane stood anxiously in the doorway.
“Have you seen Lord Malden? Has he come downstairs?”
“I’m right here. I wanted to procure some champagne to go with our dinner tonight.” Gerard appeared holding a shiny bottle in one hand. “It’s rather dusty in the cellar. I couldn’t bring something so dirty to this beautiful table without cleaning it first.”
Isabella studied Gerard’s attire covertly. He was dressed in formfitting nankeen trousers with a light-blue satin waistcoat that appeared to be shot with a silver thread, topped by a dark-blue coat that hugged his muscular frame in a captivating manner. His cravat was tied quite skillfully to rest at a spot just underneath his firm, chiseled chin. On his feet were gleaming Hessian boots.
“A-Augusta and Jane have both worked magic and made this room quite perfect for our Christmas Eve dinner celebration.” Isabella struggled to keep her voice steady as Gerard’s arrival seemed to have drastically affected her pulse rate. She reasoned with herself that she was simply nervous about the upcoming meal.
“Shall we sit down?” Gerard stood back to allow the ladies to proceed him to the table. Jane collected the soup bowls from each place setting and hurried away to the kitchen.
After Gerard helped the ladies into their chairs, he brandished the champagne as he released the stopper with a loud bang. “Ah, that is the true sound of a celebration.”
Augusta giggled as she held out her glass to be filled. “It’s been a long time since I had champagne.”
“Not since Julia’s wedding,” Isabella reminded her.
“Ah yes,” Augusta answered in a dreamy tone of voice. “What a lovely party that was.”
“I wonder how Julia is doing.” Isabella frowned and looked at Gerard. “I suppose there’s no chance we will hear anything?”
“If a rider was able to get through in this storm, he would head to our homes first believing we received the notes telling us of the change in plans.”
“You’re probably correct.”
At that moment, Jane, Jones and George entered the room, each carrying a bowl of steaming soup. The dishes were carefully placed in front of them.
“My lady, we will bring in the trays of meat and vegetables followed soon after by the pie. I want to let you know that Mrs. Quentin is feeling much better and wishes to resume the cooking tomorrow. Also, the men and I will clean the dishes after the meal tonight. You are to relax and enjoy yourself this evening,” Jane finished in a tone of voice that would brook no argument.
“Hear, hear!” Gerard stood and raised his glass. “To our impromptu cook, Lady Isabella, who has far surpassed herself in truly exceptional circumstances and earned our sincere thanks.”
“You’re all very welcome.” Isabella felt her face growing warm as all the servants moved inside the room and began to cheer. Augusta and Gerard joined in the applause.
“We’ll return shortly, my lady.” Jane left the room followed by the other men.
The three of them were left to enjoy their dinner. The topics of conversation were general and lighthearted, pertaining mostly to their own unique experiences since arriving at the estate. Gerard kept the champagne flowing freely. Isabella vaguely registered the fact that her glass seemed to never fall below the half-full mark. She had to admit to herself that she had done well with the meal. Augusta and Gerard were quite obviously taking pleasure in the food. Each of their plates had been filled and emptied more than once.
“That was delicious, Isabella. I’m ready for a slice of that pie.” Augusta took a gulp of her champagne and wiped her mouth with her serviette.
“Excellent, my dear.” Gerard grinned at her. “I confess I’m almost sorry to hear Mrs. Quentin is taking over.”
“Thank you both for your compliments. I’m happy I was able to produce tasty meals with so little past experience.”
At that moment, the dining room door opened to reveal Jones bearing the mince pie and Jane following behind with a stack of empty plates and a knife.
“At last!” Augusta sighed and smiled with clear pleasure.
“Will you do the honors?” Isabella asked Gerard as Jones placed the pie on the table and Jane proffered the cutting utensil.
Gerard expertly cut the sweet and placed equal amounts on each plate before handing out the slices. Augusta wasted no time biting into her piece.
“Divine, my dear!” she exclaimed as she paused for breath and rolled her eyes. “Even better than my own mother used to make.”
“My, that’s praise indeed,” said Gerard with a chuckle. He took a bite. “Mmm…delicious, Isabella.”
The three of them lingered over the pie while finishing the last drops of champagne.
“Shall we move to the drawing room, ladies?” Gerard inquired as he put the empty bottle inside the wine bucket. “You haven’t seen the Yule Log we collected today.”
Augusta struggled to rise from her chair. “With pleasure, Gerard. It appears I’ve eaten too much again. I need to sit by the fire for a spell.”
Isabella hurried across the room to offer her assistance. “Here, let me help you.”
Augusta took her hand with a grateful smile. “Thank you, my dear. Now, Gerard, you hold my other arm and I will arrive in the drawing room in style being escorted by such a perfect, handsome couple.”
“Miss Hatch!” Isabella felt her cheeks turning red as she heard her companion’s comment.
“You’ve reverted back to your childhood once more.” Gerard grinned at her. “It’s Augusta now, remember?”
“Oh, oh yes.” Isabella led the way into the room, looking everywhere but at Gerard.
“See what I have found!”
Augusta suddenly stopped moving forward and tugged on Isabella’s arm. “He has a sprig of mistletoe,” she whispered as she moved to stand close to Gerard.
Isabella raised her head and found herself staring into the depths of Gerard’s glimmering blue eyes. At that moment, she felt as if she were peering into his soul. Her heart suddenly constricted and felt heavy inside her chest. Unexpectedly, the answer came to her. She loved Gerard. Not in a brotherly fashion based on all their experiences as children but as a woman who now recognized the value of those episodes as an important part of growing up. Memories she would always cherish.
As Gerard slowly turned away from her to bend over and place a kiss on Augusta’s cheek, Isabella unexpectedly felt the stirrings of worry and concern. Her first kiss with Gerard must not happen in such a silly, gamelike circumstance. Their embrace must be memorable, extraordinary and unforgettable.
Isabella’s eyes widened as Gerard moved toward her. How could she get away without forever putting herself in his disfavor?
She opened her mouth to speak but abruptly stopped and placed one hand over her mouth. Her throat suddenly felt wooly and sore. She was going to cough any moment. Oh no! She had caught Mrs. Quentin’s illness.
“I…I’m suddenly very, very tired. I…I must retire for the evening.” Ironically, Isabella felt grateful for the convenient excuse. She managed to force out the words and hurried out the door.
Chapter Seven
Gerard sat with his head back against the chair as he stared at the glowing embers on the Yule Log. Then he raised his arm that held a half-empty glass and took another hefty sip of brandy. He didn’t understand what had happened this evening. Everything had gone so well. The food
was delicious, the champagne a lovely, bubbly accompaniment to the meal, the conversation at dinner had been affable and lighthearted. But when he had pulled the sprig of mistletoe out of his pocket something had gone terribly wrong. He had been so encouraged just moments before by something promising that he had seen in Isabella’s eyes and expression. But then she had abruptly changed and seemed apprehensive, almost afraid of him.
“My lord, please, I don’t know what to do!”
Gerard swiftly came to his feet as he heard the urgency in Jane’s voice, dropping his glass to the carpet unheeded. “What is wrong?”
“It’s Lady Isabella, my lord. She is ill and she won’t let me in her room to assist her. I think she has caught Mrs. Quentin’s illness. She is coughing something fierce.”
Gerard felt his heart race almost painfully in his chest when the thought of losing Isabella before telling her how he felt about her crossed his mind. Just as quickly, he pushed the worry away. He knew how to brew the ginger tea. He had watched her prepare it for Mrs. Quentin. Isabella was strong. He would make certain she would recover. There was no other option.
“Is your mistress’s bag containing the herbs still in the kitchen?”
“Yes, my lord.”
“Good, I’m going to prepare the special tea. I will bring it to her without delay. You may wait in your room. I’ll call you if I need you.”
“Yes, my lord.”
As Jane hurried away, Gerard strode to the deserted kitchen and quickly located Isabella’s bag of herbs and the piece of ginger inside. He filled a kettle with water, stoked the fire and placed the pot on the burner. Forcing himself to remain calm, he sliced several pieces of the ginger as he had seen Isabella do the day before. When the water was hot, he dropped the pieces of root inside and allowed it to steep for several minutes. Then he poured the liquid into a teapot and stirred in some of the dried lemon rind. He placed it on a tray with a cup and saucer and moved quickly out to the hallway. There, he made one final stop. He opened the cupboard where Jasper kept the keys to all the rooms in the house and selected the one that belonged to Isabella’s bedchamber.
Without wasting any more time, Gerard climbed the stairs, taking them two at a time, being careful not to spill any of the precious liquid. He stopped outside her door, balanced the tray in one hand and knocked. No answer, but he could discern the sound of muffled coughing.
He slipped the key into the lock. “Isabella, it’s me. I’m coming in.”
Gerard entered the room and immediately saw Isabella lying on her bed in her night rail with her beautiful long black hair tousled against her pillow.
“Ger-Gerard, what…” She stopped to cough and hastily pulled the covers up over her chest.
“Shhhh…don’t talk, my dear. I’ve brought you some ginger tea. Now drink up. I’ll have you better in no time.”
Isabella gave him what could only be described as a grateful little smile. It provided him with the encouragement he needed. He helped her to drink three cups of the brew before she collapsed back against her pillows. “Thank…thank you so much.”
“Call it something I owe you for pushing you into that lake.”
She smiled at him again with obvious effort then closed her eyes and slept.
* * * * *
Two days later, Isabella was much improved, thanks to the diligence of Gerard. He had faithfully brought ginger tea to her every few hours until the worst had proved to be over.
“You look almost like yourself again, my lady.” Jane deftly swept up Isabella’s long hair into a comb.
Isabella smiled at her image in the mirror. Today she was wearing a satin gown of deep purple with a pearl necklace and tiny matching earrings. “Yes. I seem to have lost a little weight though. I’m very sorry to have missed the Christmas celebrations yesterday.”
“Mrs. Quentin fixed a good meal, my lady, but I believe yours were better.”
“Thank you for saying that Jane. I certainly need more practice before I could ever claim to be a real cook.”
“In a pinch you know all you need to know, my lady. All finished.”
Isabella stood and walked over to a small pile of packages on her bed. “Here, Jane, I want you to have this small Christmas gift; a little late but I hope you’ll enjoy it.”
“Thank you so much, my lady.”
A knock sounded upon the door and it suddenly opened. Augusta stood on the threshold. She studied Isabella intently before speaking. “You look very well, my dear.”
“Thank you, Augusta. I feel much improved.” She reached for another package. “I’m sorry I missed the Christmas party yesterday. Here is something for you.”
“Why, thank you, my dear. I have a gift for you in my room as well. I’ll bring it down to the dining room. You can open it there.” She turned to leave and then hesitated. “You might not have heard. A messenger arrived from London early this morning. Julia was safely delivered a baby boy on Christmas Eve.”
“Oh, that is wonderful news! I’m so happy to hear she and the baby are well.”
“My lady, if that is all?”
Isabella turned to her maid. “Yes, thank you, Jane.”
“Will you accompany me to the dining room to break our fast, Isabella?”
She hesitated and looked at the pile of gifts still left on her bed. “I need to take care of something first. I’ll be down shortly, Augusta. Go ahead and start without me.”
“I will, my dear. I find I’m extraordinarily hungry this morning.” Augusta left the room, shutting the door behind her.
Isabella sat on her bed and picked up one of the gaily wrapped packages. It was for Gerard. She hoped he would like what she had picked out for him.
A knock sounded on the door once more. “Yes?”
“It’s Jones, my lady. Lord Malden is askin’ if you could meet him in the drawin’ room.”
“Yes, of course. Tell him I’ll be there momentarily.”
Isabella stood, clutching Gerard’s present in one hand. After quickly checking her appearance in the mirror, she opened the door and slowly walked down the hallway. She and Gerard would be together in the room where something magical had seemed to happen. That was of course before she had gone and ruined the moment by shying away from him and subsequently becoming ill. Her heart began to race and echo loudly in her ears as she made her way down the stairs to the drawing room door. After a moment’s hesitation, she opened the door and entered the room.
“Isabella.”
As the thrilling sound of Gerard’s treasured voice reached her, Isabella briefly shut her eyes as an intense wave of some nameless emotion seemed to wash over her body. Was she still weak from her illness or was this deep-seated feeling of agitation that almost took her breath away that elusive thing called love?
“Isabella. It’s so good to see you up and about once again. How are you feeling?”
She didn’t say anything right away. How was she to answer such a question at this moment? She studied his dear, handsome face and looked directly into his deep-blue eyes. What she saw there gave her the courage she needed to speak.
“I…I feel breathless, Gerard. And it’s not because I’m ill,” she added hastily as he moved toward her with a look of concern on his face. “It’s because my pulse is racing and I can hear the sound of my pounding heart echoing in my ears. This is not the first time I have felt this way. I had a similar experience just before I became sick on Christmas Eve. I wish to explain, if it’s possible to do so, what happened that night.”
“I wish you would, my dear.” Gerard stood next to her and took one of her hands. “I didn’t understand what was going on. You seemed almost afraid of me.”
Isabella gripped his hand tightly. “No, no! I could never be scared of you. I knew you were going to hold the mistletoe over my head and kiss me after Augusta had her turn. I was simply hesitant, even reluctant to treat something that special as nothing more than part of a game or simple festivity associated with the holiday.”
“I…I realized that night that the grievances I had against you when we were children were a part of growing up. The experiences we had together when we were young are something I would never change or wish away. Those days together play a big part in who we are today. In my case, I always wanted to show you I was intelligent. You taught me to strive to be better, to be smarter. I owe it to you that I’m not content to simply paint and do needlework to pass my time. And I hope that your attention to detail and your dedication to your lands and estate are somehow connected to your need to be the responsible one in our group. Julia and I were very silly little girls. Even though we didn’t realize it at the time, we both looked to you for guidance.”
“What about my teasing? I thought that bothered you?”
“When I was younger, yes. But now I look back on those days with different eyes. I understand now that not only were you trying to get my attention, you were also attempting to make situations lighthearted and happy when they could have easily ended in disaster.”
“Are you thinking of the time you climbed up the tree after the kitten and told me you didn’t need my help?”
Isabella grinned up at him. “Yes, that was one of my more stupid mistakes. Julia and I were discussing that just the other day.”
“So what are you trying to say to me, Isabella?”
“I…I…” She was suddenly hesitant to say more. She looked down and realized she still held Gerard’s present in her other hand. “Here is your Christmas gift. I hope you like it.”
“Avoiding the issue, my dear?” Gerard chuckled as he took the package from her hand and slowly unwrapped it. He didn’t comment for several seconds. “Beautiful! It looks very like the area around my home.”
“I’m glad you like it. I found the landscape in a small shop in London. When you mentioned Malden at Julia’s house, I could tell your estate gave you immense pleasure.”
“I will hang it in my study and treasure it always, my dear.” Gerard turned away from her and reached for an item on a nearby table. “I too have something for you.”
Snug in a Snowstorm Page 5
