Gift of Love

by Cynthia Moore

  “It appears to be a very good representation of the area.”

  “Indeed it is,” inserted Mr. Douglas, “we’ve had much interest in that particular painting. Lord Burton himself was examining it quite intently not too long ago this very morning.”

  “Of course!” exclaimed Rebecca as she thought over the clerk’s words, “I must purchase this painting as a Christmas gift for him. The piece would have special meaning as well.”

  Both items were carefully wrapped and the payment was made. Rebecca and Miss Frost exited the shop a short time later, the former lady being extremely satisfied with her purchases.

  ****

  The following evening found Rebecca examining her wardrobe apprehensively. Lily stood at her mistress’ side patiently waiting for her to make a decision.

  Rebecca sighed and pulled out a short-sleeved evening dress. A light green satin slip lay underneath a British net frock. The sleeves on the garment were decorated with knots of green ribbon. The low-cut neckline was complemented by another piece of green ribbon placed directly underneath the bust. The skirt had a deep flounce ornamented with green holly leaves and red berries. “I suppose this dress aptly lends itself to a Christmas celebration,” she commented resignedly.

  “A wonderful choice, my lady. The light green color of the gown makes your auburn hair shine like gold.”

  “I must admit that your words create a glorious image.” Rebecca suddenly felt much more enthusiastic about her selection, as she allowed her maid to draw the gown over her head. “Please remind me to bring the carved tree that Lord Burton made for me when we were children, to the dinner party.”

  A short time later with the tiny carving tucked securely in her reticule, Rebecca emerged from her bedchamber and descended the staircase to join Miss Frost, and her mother and father who were already gathered in the entryway.

  “You look quite beautiful, my dear, as well as festive,” complimented Lady Winton, who wore a silk evening dress in rich gold with a matching turban upon her head.

  “No one would mistake the occasion,” teased her father, who looked very handsome in his black, double-breasted cutaway frock coat, tan breeches, stockings, and black pumps. He carried a heavy wool cloak and a beaver hat in his hand.

  “That shade of green is perfect on you, Lady Rebecca,” added Miss Frost as she secured the top buttons on her black, woolen pelisse.

  The two other women collected their fur-lined pelisses from Cord and then all four exited together.

  The occupants of the coach spent their time discussing plans for Christmas. Just as Rebecca was assuring her mother of the fulfillment of her errands in town, John Coachman could be heard ordering the horses to stop. A moment later a footman outfitted in Haverston Hall livery was opening the door, bowing, and assisting them to alight.

  Haverston Hall’s butler, Jennings, met them at the top of the marble stairs. After bowing formally to Lord Winton and his party, he led them inside to a warm and festively decorated entry. Instructing a waiting footman to gather their gloves, hats and coats, he indicated that they should follow him to the formal drawing room. Jennings opened the door with a flourish.

  “The Earl and Countess of Winton, Lady Rebecca Hastings and Miss Frost,” he announced with another bow in the direction of the chamber.

  Their party was greeted enthusiastically by the room’s occupants. The Duchess of Haverston came forward and quickly embraced Lady Winton. The duchess was a few inches shorter and somewhat broader than the countess, but her hair was still the deep brown color of her youth and her complexion was quite smooth showing few wrinkles. She was dressed in a short-sleeved, red satin evening gown which was trimmed with a flounce of Chinchilla fur.

  Lord Paul Russell assisted the duke out of his chair. Outwardly Lord Haverston appeared in good health although slightly frail. He wore clothing quite similar to Lord Winton, cutaway frock coat in dark blue, tan breeches and stockings and black pumps. They both greeted Lord and Lady Winton and Miss Frost. Then the duke reached for and held Rebecca’s hand for a moment while gazing into her eyes with a blank expression in his own without speaking. Presently, he turned away, clasped his wife’s shoulder, and engaged Lord and Lady Winton and Miss Frost in conversation. Rebecca stared at the duke with an expression that was both somber and confused. It was as if one moment the duke knew her and the next he hardly recognized her.

  Paul quickly stepped forward while the others were distracted and reached for her hand to place a kiss upon it. “I am so glad to be home for the holidays and to have a chance to see you again, Rebecca.”

  She clasped Paul’s hand and then covertly studied him from beneath her lashes. He stood straight and tall before her; very handsome in his dark blue double-breasted wool frock coat and tan pantaloons. He certainly appeared to have matured, but Rebecca still sensed an air of youthfulness and adventure about him which had made him such an enjoyable companion during their childish escapades.

  “Lord Burton and I were discussing only yesterday how the three of us spent time searching for treasure. I told him I thought the explorations had begun when you had discovered stories of King James the first traveling through this area.”

  Paul laughed appreciatively as her heard her comment. “That’s correct. We certainly had fun attempting to find the riches.”

  “Your brother could not remember if we’d ever discovered anything that was valuable.”

  “I believe I found a shard of old pottery and you uncovered a relatively new coin,” Paul answered with a grin.

  “That is exactly what I had remembered,” laughed Rebecca before releasing his hand and glancing around the room. “But tell me, Paul, where is your brother? Is he not joining us?”

  “The boy has no manners. He has chosen to be late,” answered the duke. He withdrew from the other group to join Rebecca and Paul when he heard her query.

  The duchess came bustling up behind her husband. “Frederick, remember Adrian was suddenly called away to deal with an emergency in the one of the outer fields. He returned several minutes ago. I am sure his valet Higgins is doing his utmost to quickly bring our older son to rights before he joins us for dinner.”

  “Yes, Father, please know that Adrian will be here as soon as he has removed the dirt of the fields from his person and is fit for company once again.” Paul reached out to grasp his father’s forearm before he flitted away. “Would you like me to get everyone’s drinks, or would you prefer to perform the honors?”

  The duke initially looked perplexed at his son’s question but gradually his expression cleared. “I believe it would be best for you to perform the task, Paul. I would very likely confuse their requests.”

  Paul quickly determined that the ladies wished for sherry while the gentlemen requested brandy. When everyone had their drinks in their hands, he assisted his father in proposing a toast.

  “Tell us all what you wish at this moment, Father,” coached Paul.

  “I wish all of you a very happy Christmas and a wonderful new year!”

  Glasses were raised into the air and toasts were drunk. A loud knock sounded upon the door and Jennings entered the room once again. “Dinner is served, Your Grace.”

  The duchess turned to her son. “Paul, please take both Lady Rebecca and Miss Frost into dinner since Adrian has not yet arrived.”

  “Of course, Mother,” Paul readily agreed and held an arm outward on each side for the ladies to grasp. “It is my understanding that Cook has outdone herself this evening. I hope you are both ready to enjoy a delicious meal.”

  Rebecca chuckled and lightly held Paul’s arm. “I cannot consume as much food as you undoubtedly will, but I intend to do justice to Cook’s culinary efforts.”

  “I do hope Cook has made her delicious Pigeon Compote. I confess that I am partial to that dish,” admitted Miss Frost as she handed her empty glass to the maid, put her gloved hand upon Paul’s other arm, and walked out of the drawing room dragging her shawls behind her.

&nb
sp; As the group entered the large foyer which was off the entrance hall, a disturbance could be heard coming from the upper floors. “Excellent, Higgins, you have worked your magic on my cravat once again!”

  “Thank you, Lord Burton. I wish you an enjoyable celebration.”

  “I hope it will be most memorable, Higgins. No need to wait up for me tonight. Good evening.”

  “Good night, my lord.”

  A door was slammed and footsteps could be heard hurrying across the landing.

  Adrian abruptly appeared at the head of the staircase immaculately attired in a dark green coat with a crisp white linen shirt, and a masterly tied cravat in a mathematical style, secured with a gleaming diamond pin at the front. His long, muscular legs were encased in black knee breeches. His feet were covered in soft, black leather pumps.

  Adrian grinned down at his attentive audience. “Ah, I see I am just in time to lead Lady Rebecca in to dinner. I apologize to all of you for my tardiness.”

  Rebecca stood stock-still upon the carpeted floor her gaze focused and unwavering as she stared at Lord Burton. She would never be able to say exactly what had caused her to realize so clearly and so instantly that she was in love with Adrian. There was so much that she wanted to reflect upon and examine in this moment but her thoughts were nothing more than a disordered muddle. She forced herself to look down and study the tips of her slippers which were protruding from the edge of her gown. Then she took a few deep breaths in an effort to relax her racing heartbeat.

  “I will take over from here, Paul.” Rebecca heard Adrian’s voice and then suddenly became conscious of his touch as he placed her gloved hand upon his arm. “You are very quiet, Rebecca. Has something occurred? Are you unwell?” he asked with genuine concern.

  The sound of his deep voice so close to her ear sent shivers up and down Rebecca’s spine. She was quite hesitant to speak out at that moment. Adrian read her silence as confirmation of his fears. “Paul, Miss Frost.” Adrian turned to the pair immediately behind them as the others had gone on ahead into the dining room. “Rebecca is feeling unwell. I will accompany her to the terrace for some fresh air. Please inform Lord and Lady Winton. We hope to join you shortly.”

  “Are you certain you wish to go outdoors?” asked Miss Frost fretfully “If you are sick, strolling outside will do you more harm than good.”

  “Actually, Miss Frost, I believe that is just what I need. I am afraid I drank my glass of sherry a little too fast. It has gone to my head. I am sure fresh air will put me back to rights,” Rebecca assured her companion somewhat breathlessly.

  “I hope you feel much improved shortly, Lady Rebecca. I will inform the others,” Paul reassured her.

  “I will collect your wrap from Jennings. Wait for me here.” Adrian moved swiftly to the entrance hall and quickly returned carrying her pelisse. He turned to gesture to a maid who was collecting used glasses. “Millie, please accompany us to the terrace for a few moments.”

  “Come, this way.” Adrian placed her pelisse across her shoulders and then guided her to the back of the main hall to the library. Inside the library were large, glass doors that led out to the terrace. He quickly unlatched the doors and led Rebecca outside. Millie followed them and stood back against the wall next to the house.

  The cool winter air immediately revived Rebecca. She glanced up at Adrian who stood with an expression of concern, directly in front of her.

  As she stared at the handsome gentleman before her, Rebecca felt her heart begin to pound once more and her palms begin to sweat. This man was her childhood friend and companion. It had been so easy to spend time with him when he was nothing more than that. Now, with her newfound knowledge of her love for Adrian, everything had changed. How was she to speak to him as if nothing had altered? How was she to look directly at him and keep that I care for you expression out of her eyes?

  “Are you feeling any better?” Adrian reached for her hands.

  Rebecca twisted away from him, suddenly worried about her reaction to his touch. In doing so, the abrupt movement caused her reticule to slip from her fingers. The bag landed with a clatter upon the floor. The clasp opened and the tiny tree carving fell out.

  “Oh my goodness!” Rebecca gasped and quickly reached for the carving. The item had become even more precious to her now that she had recognized the true depth of her feelings for Adrian. She stood up and examined the little tree for damage. It appeared unharmed.

  “I am sorry that I startled you, Becky,” said Adrian, studying her with a look of confusion. “Have I said or done something wrong?”

  Rebecca turned back to him, anxious to relieve his obvious concern and bewilderment. “No, no Adrian. You’ve done nothing wrong. I’m sorry. I cannot say any more. I feel much better now. Will you please escort me to the dining room?”

  “Not without first examining this carving.” Adrian reached out and plucked the tree from her hand. He studied it intently. “Quite astonishing! I thought this was lost years ago. Where did you find it?”

  “It was stuck under some torn lining inside a small chest I had made as a child,” she softly replied. “Mrs. Cord had used the box to store Christmas angels in. I brought the tree tonight to ask if you remembered making it.”

  “And you notice that I had not forgotten.” He placed the carving in Rebecca’s outstretched palm. She swiftly secured it inside her reticule.

  Adrian cupped her chin. He raised her head so that she was constrained to look directly into his eyes. In doing so, she forgot to shield the true and ardent emotion reflecting in them. His eyes widened in surprise as he suddenly comprehended her unspoken message. “I want you to know that I can recall anything and everything that has to do with you, Rebecca. Do you begin to understand me, my dear?”

  Rebecca felt a deep glow of happiness as she heard Adrian’s words. But just as quickly, she cautioned herself against jumping to conclusions. Only minutes before, she had acknowledged her love for him. Perhaps that sentiment was causing her to look for something more too swiftly from him. “I believe I do.”

  “Rebecca, are you ill?” Lord Winton stood at the open doors beside the maid.

  She turned to face her parent. “No, Father, the fresh air has revived me. Adrian and I were just coming inside to join you,” she assured him.

  “Yes, everything is going to be wonderful,” Adrian answered with a grin as he saw Rebecca glance up at him in some confusion as she heard his elated remark. “Let us retire to the dining room without delay.”

  Chapter Four

  Rebecca sat on the overstuffed, mahogany-framed sofa in the summerhouse the next morning and thought about her astonishing discovery the evening before. Had the spirit of James and the admonishments the specter had raised against her been the cause of the sudden realization of her true love for Adrian? Or had she felt this way about him for a long time, confident in her belief that the deep emotion she experienced for him was something similar to the closeness one felt with a brother or a sister never realizing that it was something much more intense?

  What was it the spirit had desired her to bring about? Expose the shadow that covers your deeper emotions. Allow your heart to beat freely once more.

  Had the promise she’d made to the specter in the churchyard to shake the mantle of grief which still enveloped her spirit been removed so swiftly? There was definitely a new energy about her. A feeling of profound happiness made her almost lightheaded. She wanted to smile constantly or even laugh out loud.

  Rebecca clasped the painting she had purchased the day before. She looked down and studied the image intently as it rested upon her lap and thought about the carefree summer days spent in the pictured meadow with Adrian and Paul by her side.

  Was it too much to hope that Adrian cared deeply for her as well? Suddenly she recalled the puzzling remark he had made to her on the first day of his return to Amersham. She had accused him of always treating her like a sister and he had answered, “Conclusions are sometimes reached withou
t the use of common sense.”

  What had Adrian been attempting to tell her? Could he be implying that what she had thought was a form of sisterly affection which he had given her from the time she was a young girl had actually been a fervent and sincere regard? And what of his comments last night before they had gone in to dinner? His words made her feel that everything connected with her life was important to him.

  Rebecca sighed and stood up carefully holding the painting in one gloved hand. She wrapped her paisley shawl more closely around her with the other. This time the quiet and seclusion of the summerhouse was of no help to her. Thoughts were racing back and forth in her brain with no clear answer to her dilemma coming forward. She must confront Adrian and confess her newly realized feelings to him. Nothing more could be resolved until this was accomplished.

  She walked out of the summerhouse and then turned around to latch the door. The sound of footsteps crunching loose gravel on the garden pathway came to her ears. Rebecca swiftly faced forward and her heart skipped a beat. Adrian was striding through the garden coming directly toward her.

  In an attempt to slow her racing pulse, Rebecca covertly studied him. His brown wool, many-caped coat was slung across his wide shoulders; his tall hat was pulled low over his eyes. The stark white of his elegant cravat stood out against the edge of his dark green waistcoat that was just visible from the collar of his coat. His hands were covered in dark brown leather riding gloves. Shiny, black Hessian boots were on his feet. He gazed intently upon the ground. His expression was thoughtful and remote.

  Rebecca quickly discovered that observing the man she loved as he moved toward her was no remedy for a frantic pulse. In fact, the exercise was proving to have quite the opposite effect. By the time Adrian was a few paces away, Rebecca’s heart was pounding in her ears and she was becoming short of breath. She made an attempt to speak his name.

  Rebecca managed just a whisper but it was enough to capture Adrian’s attention. He halted and met her avid gaze with a keen regard of his own.