His heart ceased for a moment. What must Rosalind think of him? He knew in his gut she believed Broadridge and must think Noah the biggest heel on earth. He should have taken time to assure her that he wished to court her and that he discovered feelings for her he hadn’t known existed. He should have told her that he wanted to go on kissing her and much more, but instead they had taken off after children.
“Do you think she is hurt?”
Penelope snorted. “As well as feeling betrayed, I am sure.”
Noah set the glass on the table and moved toward the door.
“Where are you going?”
“To explain to Rosalind.”
“Oh no.” Penelope was shaking her head. “The last place you need to be is alone in a bedchamber with her.”
“Nobody will know.”
“Unless someone is coming down the hall when you exit.” She took a step toward him. “And what if someone else saw the two of you today? That will only make matters worse. It will be the second house party in which Rosalind is ruined except this time it will be a certainty.” Penelope placed a hand on his chest. “Do you really wish to do that to her?”
Of course he didn’t, but he needed to make her understand.
“Is there a chance you can convince her to come back downstairs?”
“So you can explain while Lady Jillian sinks her claws into your arm?”
“Bring her here.” Noah gestured to his surroundings.
“So someone can find you alone with her in here.” She snorted again. “Yes, that would be much better for her reputation,” Penelope said dryly.
“Then what the hell am I supposed to do?” Noah yelled.
Penelope offered him a sweet smile, and her eyes sparkled with mischief. “Just leave it to me.”
* * *
Rosalind lay curled in the bed her tears long spent. Why did Felding have to go and kiss her? Why couldn’t he have just treated her like another sister especially when he intended to marry Lady Jillian? Had a part of him believed the rumors of her and Thorn? Was he testing her to see if perhaps she was open for seduction?
She rolled on her back and stared up at the pink canopy. Felding wouldn’t treat her so callously, would he?
The door creaked open, and Rosalind quickly wiped her damp cheeks with her sleeve.
Penelope poked her head around the door and then entered. “How are you feeling?”
“Better,” Rosalind lied. But was it really a lie? Penelope was asking after her ankle, and it wasn’t paining her any further.
“I think it is best that you remain off of it until at least tomorrow.”
Rosalind nodded. It was her intention to remain in bed until it was time to leave.
Penelope moved to the end of the bed and gestured to her foot. “May I?”
Rosalind nodded.
Penelope lifted the skirt and rolled down the socking so that she could view Rosalind’s injury and frowned.
“What is it?” Certainly it wasn’t so bad not that Rosalind had bothered to look. There wasn’t time after they returned from outside, and frankly, she was too miserable after leaving the gathering.
Penelope gently touched the side of her leg. It was tender but not overly painful. Rosalind sat up and looked at her ankle. It was only slightly swollen.
“You must definitely stay in bed.”
At least there was evidence for her reason to remain in her chamber. Rosalind had never been so happy for swellings in her life. She would have endured a broken bone if it meant she could avoid watching Felding court Lady Jillian.
“Supper should be delivered shortly,” Penelope announced brightly.
Rosalind glanced out the window. It had grown very dark. Had she completely lost track of time while she was embraced in self-pity? “Thank you,” she said a moment later.
“Would you like me to help you out of that gown and into a nightdress?” Penelope asked as she moved toward the dresser.
“Yes, please.” As she was not going anywhere this evening, she might as well be comfortable.
Penelope was quick with undoing the buttons on her gown and loosening the corset. Rosalind sighed when it was gone and stretched feeling free for the first time in hours. They quickly removed the chemise and pulled the nightdress over her head before Penelope helped her slip into a wrap for modesty. Rosalind had just gotten back beneath the covers when there was a scratch at the door. Penelope opened it to a servant carrying a tray which was set on the table to the window. Penelope dismissed the young woman and placed a napkin on Rosalind’s lap before bringing her a plate and utensils.
Rosalind stared down at the roasted duckling, beans, and potatoes. It smelled rich and delicious, but her stomach tightened at the very thought of taking one bite. She was not hungry. Her appetite had fled when she learned Felding was going to marry Lady Jillian.
Penelope settled at the table with a plate before her.
“Why aren’t you joining the others?”
“It is only fair that I remain with you since you remained with me.”
“That was different,” Rosalind argued. “You were ill. I am not.”
Penelope placed her spoon on the plate. “If you must know, I don’t wish to dine with them this evening.”
Rosalind hitched a brow. “Has someone angered you?” Though she shouldn’t gossip, Rosalind would love for something to take her mind from Felding.
“My brother!”
So much for talking of someone else. “What has he done?” Rosalind asked though not certain she wanted the answer, especially if it was related to Lady Jillian.
“His encouragement of Lady Jillian when we first arrived.”
It was as she feared. “I know you don’t like her, but if Lord Felding is smitten.”
Penelope snorted. “He is not smitten.”
Rosalind looked down and moved the food about on her plate not willing to take a bite for fear her stomach would rebel.
“It is Lady Jillian and her brother who have it in their fool head that Noah plans on offering for her.”
Rosalind’s head jerked up and her pulse quickened. “He doesn’t?”
“No.” Penelope cut off a piece of duck and ate it chewing and going about her meal as if she hadn’t answered the most important question.
“Are you certain?” Rosalind asked slowly, hoping the excitement of this news didn’t reveal itself in her tone.
Her friend swallowed before answering. “Very certain. I questioned Noah about it earlier after I heard rumors.”
Rosalind’s stomach began to relax. Perhaps she might be able to eat something tonight.
“Noah had intended on courting her before he arrived,” Penelope reminded her. “But then he came to know her and realized they would never suit.”
Rosalind bit her bottom lip to keep from smiling, but inside happiness replaced all of the early pain.
Penelope placed her wine glass back on the table. “I can’t wait until we are away from that brother and sister and I know Noah would be in agreement.”
Rosalind simply nodded. She, too, would be glad to see them gone. Of course that didn’t mean Lord Felding would wish to court her instead. Perhaps after this afternoon, he would determine they didn’t suit either.
Besides, what business did she have of even hoping for such a match? Felding was a marquess and she was . . . not a lady.”
Rosalind blinked back tears and tore off a piece of bread. Felding may not be marrying Lady Jillian, but that didn’t mean he would wish to marry her. This spring he would probably find the perfect lady and be married before June was complete.
“What is wrong, Rosalind?” Penelope asked quietly.
She sniffed. “My ankle . . . that is all.”
Penelope pushed back the chair and stood. “I will ask a maid to give you something for the pain.”
She was about to object. Her ankle was barely uncomfortable, but most medicine that helped with pain also helped a person sleep. She would dearly love
to give herself up to oblivion at the moment. Anything to stop the ache in her heart. Then, tomorrow she could begin a new day and hopefully be stronger and able to shield herself to anguish.
Twenty
Noah glanced up from the breakfast table when he sensed movement at the door. He had been waiting all morning for Rosalind to appear. Would her ankle keep her from joining them today? What was he to do if she didn’t make an appearance?
He reached for his cup and took a drink of coffee. Since when did he worry about how his day would progress if a woman was not present? It was ridiculous. He was only concerned with her injury and would ask Penelope how she fared if Rosalind did not come down.
Lady Jillian stepped into the room and glanced around. She nodded to the guests as she made her way to the buffet and filled a plate. Noah prepared himself for her to take the empty seat on either side of him.
Last night had been near unbearable. Where he sat she sat beside him. Where he stood she stood next to him. She was even on his team for charades, but she didn’t exactly participate. Not once did she try to guess the answer, and she refused to pantomime at her turn. Noah could have sworn he heard her exclaim that it was a ridiculous game. Even if he didn’t enjoy parlor games, when at a house party he participated and got into the spirit of the entertainment. Lady Jillian had held herself away from the others with a select few young misses, and Noah couldn’t imagine a lifetime of living with such condescension of others.
Lady Jillian came around the table and stopped beside him. Before Noah could stand, a footman was pulling a chair out to assist her.
“Good morning, Lord Felding,” she greeted him. “I trust you slept well.”
“Yes, thank you,” he answered politely. In truth, he had not. Much of his rest was fitful with thoughts of Rosalind remembering the feel of her on his lap, her lips against his, and how she didn’t shy away but became more engaged as their kisses deepened. It left him achy with need until he had to get out of bed and drink more of the brandy he had won from Meadows. After he managed to fall asleep, his dreams were filled with Rosalind. When he woke this morning, his body still ached, and a headache pounded at the base of the skull. He turned to Lady Jillian and wondered if perhaps he should have answered truthfully. Would she have been shocked and appalled and moved away from him?
He stifled the chuckle at what he imagined her reaction would be. “Did you sleep well?”
“Yes, I did.” She took a sip of her tea. “I can’t imagine how some of the ladies are resting having to share a room with another. It simply shouldn’t be done.”
Noah arched an eyebrow. “You are not required to share?”
Her chin notched up. “Of course not. Lady Meadows understood that after we arrived.”
Each of the gentlemen had a chamber to themselves unless they were with their wife. Lord Meadows insisted that if anyone were to share because of the added guests. it would be the women since his wife had insisted on inviting them. As far as Noah knew, Lady Jillian was the only female exempt from having to share a chamber. “I am sure the others don’t mind. My sister doesn’t.”
Lady Jillian glanced around the room and then leaned in. “It isn’t fair that she should have to share with Miss Valentine.”
“Why is that?” Noah asked quietly.
“Your sister is a lady, and Miss Valentine is her servant.”
Noah stiffened. “Miss Valentine is a friend of the family,” he corrected her.
Lady Jillian patted his arm as if he were a child. “Yes, but she is still a servant in Lady Sandlin’s home. Miss Valentine should remember her place and have been put with the servants.”
Noah gently removed Lady Jillian’s hand from his sleeve. “Miss Valentine is exactly where she should be.”
She gave him a sympathetic smile. “You are too kind, Lord Felding. I hope you don’t regret your friendships in the end.”
What the blazes did she mean by that statement?
Demetrius entered the room, and Noah watched as he filled his plate and then joined them taking the seat on the other side of Noah. “Good morning, Lady Jillian, Felding,” he greeted.
Lady Jillian sniffed and stiffened only giving Demetrius the briefest nod before she turned her attention to the plate of food before her.
“What are the plans for this afternoon,” Demetrius asked tearing into the eggs on his plate.
“More parlor games,” Noah responded. “And possibly ice skating. Meadows is going to check the lake to see if it is solid enough.”
Demetrius nodded and swallowed. “I haven’t been ice skating in ages.”
Noah turned to Lady Jillian. “Do you enjoy skating?”
“No,” she answered coldly.
Could he hope that the lake was frozen enough, and she would decide to remain behind? Would Rosalind’s ankle be healed enough to skate? It would be a shame if she couldn’t enjoy the activity.
“Have you spoken with your sister this morning?” Noah asked Demetrius. “How is her ankle?”
“She and Lady Penelope had a tray delivered to the room. Rosalind is going to rest it for a little longer before she comes downstairs.”
At least she didn’t plan on remaining in the chamber all day. Had she, Noah’s day would have surely been ruined.
* * *
“Are you sure you should be up and around and that your ankle is not paining you?” Penelope pressed with concern.
“I won’t be running in the snow, but I can walk,” Rosalind assured her.
Rosalind had wanted to leave their chamber earlier, but it was Penelope who insisted she remain and had a breakfast tray delivered to them. Penelope then went about arranging baths for both of them, choosing what dress they would each wear that day, and set about arranging Rosalind’s hair. It was an enjoyable morning spent reminiscing about their childhood and giggling like school girls. Now they were ready to join the others.
Rosalind glanced in the mirror one last time struck by the difference in her. The light blue gown hugged to her as if it had been fashioned for her and not Lady Sandlin. Penelope had found a way to arrange Rosalind’s hair so the curls not only cascaded down her back, but held as well. As long as she stepped gingerly, her ankle should not pain her too much.
“Shall we?” Penelope asked by the open door.
“Yes, we shall.” Rosalind met her grin and preceded her out of the room.
A servant directed them to the music room where the guests had gathered. Were there going to be more performances?
As they entered, Rosalind noticed that everyone was seated in one of the chairs arranged in an uneven circle throughout with the exception of Lady Meadows who stood in the center of the room with Lady Lavins. Lord Meadows placed two chairs in the circle with the others when he noted their entrance.
“I am so glad you could join us.” Lady Meadows beamed and came forward.
“Is Lady Lavins going to perform?” Penelope asked.
“No,” Lady Meadows answered. “We are going to play Move-All. Lady Lavins is going to call out to the players.”
Rosalind took a step back. Though she was moving about well enough, she didn’t think her ankle could withstand this game of jumping from a seat and trying to find another before all were claimed. “I don’t think I should participate.”
Lady Meadows bit her lip for a moment. “Is your ankle still giving you pain?”
“It is a bit tender, and I can walk well enough, but I am afraid the game would task it. “
“Perhaps we should play something else,” Lady Meadows offered with sympathy.
“No,” Rosalind quickly answered. “I don’t mind watching. I truly don’t.”
“If you are certain.”
“Of course,” Rosalind assured her. She glanced about the room. “I will sit at the piano.”
“Lovely,” Lady Meadows beamed and then turned to the other guests as Lord Meadows removed one of the chairs he had placed in the circle earlier. Lady Meadows moved to stand between two occ
upied chairs, and Rosalind found a place on the bench behind the piano. “When Lady Lavins calls out ‘move all’, you must all leave your seat and find another. Whoever is left standing is out of the game until we have only two players left.”
Everyone nodded in understanding and focused on Lady Lavins. Rosalind studied the group. Lady Jillian was sitting next to Felding and Rosalind wondered how soon the lady would forfeit by choosing to sit on Felding’s lap instead of a chair, as was usually the case when a lady was smitten with a gentleman.
“Move all,” Lady Lavins called out, and Rosalind watched the guests scramble from one chair to the next.”
Sir Lavins was the first to be eliminated but simply shrugged.
Lady Jillian eyed Felding who she managed to find a seat next to once again. He glanced at Lady Jillian through narrowed eyes.
“Move all.”
The guests scrambled again, and this time it was Mr. Parker who lost his seat. Once again Lady Jillian ended up sitting next to Felding. How soon would she attempt to settle on his lap?
The game continued a few more times until each of the married gentlemen lost. From Rosalind’s view, none of them had made much effort in obtaining a new seat and was not disappointed when they lost. Lined up along the wall close to her watching the game was Lord Meadows, Sir Lavins, Mr. Marius Parker, and Mr. Dillon Chambers. Rosalind wondered who would be next.
“Move all.”
The guests stood, and Lord Meadows removed a seat as he had done since he lost his seat.
Felding settled into a chair beside two misses who had accompanied a brother. Lady Jillian flopped into a chair, folded her arms across her chest, and glared at the miss between her and Felding.
“Move all.”
Felding stood and Lady Jillian jumped from her seat moving after Felding. Everyone sat quickly and he was about to settle into a chair when Lady Jillian rushed forward in what most would assume was an attempt to get the last seat. Before she could land on Felding’s lap, however, he slid from the chair, allowing Lady Jillian to claim it.
His Christmas Match (A Gentleman's Guide to Once Upon a Time) Page 16
