The Hawkthorn Ghost Plays Cupid

by Patty Deans

  "You will enjoy a season. I shall promise to show you all of London, demand two dances at every ball and join your admirers at every function."

  "Did James put you up to this?"

  "He merely said he desired to take you to London. I wanted you to know that I would help make you a success."

  "I don't want a season."

  "Keep repeating promises like that, and I might offer for you."

  Keven smiled and Julia could understand the many hearts he broke with his devil- may-care attitude. "I doubt you could bear to be tied down by marriage."

  "You are a breath of fresh air even under a snowy sky."

  "It is growing dark. Look behind you." She waited until he turned around. "You no longer can see the green of the pines. You can only perceive their outline and that of the black leafless trees etched against the snow."

  Keven nodded. "Or more important, the horses are getting impatient with the sun setting. I will light the lanterns on the sleighs. You fetch Robert and we will head back to the manor."

  She ran to Robert and yelled, "It's late, time to go!"

  "I'm having fun," he protested.

  "You are wet and need to eat. Miss Harper is waiting for you."

  "I don't want to go back," he whined loudly.

  James walked over and lifted Robert on to his back. "Time to go back. Our hostess has spoken."

  Julia stood in awe. James actually made Robert respect and obey her wishes. Though it may have been James' wish also, yet it pleased her. He filled each day with surprises.

  The guests ran over to the sleds to help lead the horses back to the manor. James took the lead, grabbing Julia's hand. "Come on, Robert is tired and needs his bed. And you have had quite enough attention from Keven for today."

  Did James find Keven too good for her? Though Julia resented James' high and mighty manner, she held her tongue in appreciation that Robert no longer fussed.

  With others taking the sleds to the barn and hanging evergreen boughs postponed until tomorrow, Julia and Robert slipped off to the nursery where Miss Harper waited with a hot bath after ringing to have supper on the way for the boy.

  When Julia leaned down to kiss Robert, he held her tight and whispered, "This is a real Christmas, isn't it?"

  "Yes. All the merriment and tradition that we read about. This year will leave us magic memories to dream about."

  "The Old Earl said you brought out the Christmas spirit in James. I love James. He is really a good dragon, Julia. When are you going to marry him?"

  "Soon." She tried to sound convincing to the young boy.

  She left the room smiling. Robert loved every moment of every day since James arrived. His lessons have had to be curtailed, but after Christmas they would work hard and catch up. Then she remembered James planned to replace her with a male tutor. Well two can play that game. She would keep a close check on the tutor. Robert must have the right instruction. James had promised she could be the judge of the tutor, and rightfully so. It hadn't taken Eton to teach her Greek but she would have loved to have been allowed to attend the school.

  Julia crept into her own room, sank into her chair by the fireplace, closed her eyes, and listened to the wind clattering her windowpanes. The sudden sound of a log falling in the fireplace made her raise her head and open her eyes.

  "Very good performance. Turned the dragon mad with all the attention shown you." She recognized the Old Earl's voice and looked around for his misty form and found him leaning against the fireplace.

  "Keven is a good actor."

  The Old Earl raised an eyebrow and chuckled. "Don't you think you turned his head a bit?"

  "He'd not serve my purpose," she snapped.

  "You must marry James for Robert's sake as well as James'," the Old Earl whispered in his persuasive voice. He floated up a foot or more and let his feet dangle above the floor. "You promised."

  Julia laughed at his whimsical antics. "I will keep my promise to Robert."

  "Keven will help you collect the crystal balls and bells from a trunk in the attic."

  "Decorations in the attic. How wonderful! How will I know which trunk?"

  "Christmas is carved on the top. Used my knife well as a boy."

  She chuckled. "Wonderful," she said to the disappearing mist. With a shake of her head she wondered if it were all her imagination or a dream. But of course she could check out those decorations.

  Louise came in and rushed her to dress for dinner. Though they continued to have formal dinners, it seemed ridiculous. Their guests chattered across the table trying to top each other's stories of the past Christmases at Hawkthorn; nothing like the first formal dinner. Soon after the last course was served, the men decided to have their port with the ladies in the drawing room.

  Though they sang carols for a few hours most were eager to go to bed. Tomorrow they would decorate. Julia had never been more excited in her life. This was a storybook Christmas.

  As soon as the last guest left the room, James grabbed Julia's hand and walked her to the library.

  The clock unhurriedly chimed midnight.

  James waved her to sit down while he poured two sherries. He handed her a glass and held his up to her. "Robert had fun today. He told me it reminded him of the magical dreams of Christmas he had after reading about the holiday in his books."

  "You were very patient and understanding. I have never seen Robert laugh so heartily."

  "He told me he had lived in his books until he discovered they were really fantasy."

  "What made him say that?"

  "He admitted that I am not really a dragon and do not belch fire. It stands to reason if he found that untrue everything else had to follow."

  "Oh, my! Such a thought for a little boy."

  "We settled it between us...that dragons are magical dreams, but Christmases can be real. He liked this idea."

  "Oh, James, I never realized how little fun Robert has had. I suppose, because I never had a Christmas like this. I thought snowflakes that fell from the sky were only that, but it isn't only snow, it's a heavenly spirit that awakens us. It is like being placed in a glass ball of happiness, shaken awake to watch the snow slowly fall to the ground in a magical woods filled with the aroma of pine, bright red berries and laughter."

  "What were Christmases like when you were a child?"

  "Mama and Father read stories about the Christ child and sometimes about German or Italian traditions. Father was an only child. His one male cousin who inherited the title always ran wild and reckless. Mama had a few relatives, like aunt that married your father. None as prosperous as my grandfather though. Needless to say we three spent Christmas together without relatives or friends. Father generally allowed most of the servants to return to their homes for the holiday. That was so many years ago, I'm surprised I remember."

  "Papa didn't celebrate any more than that, I suppose."

  "The servants did see that Robert and I had a Yule log and your tenants gave us presents. We went to church and everyone laughed and wished each other a merry Christmas. It seemed exciting to me for I never knew that much before."

  "You and Robert are easy to please. I promise to see that all Christmases will be like this for you and Robert."

  "Thank you, James."

  "Robert will be with us all day tomorrow."

  "I wonder who will be most pleased, Miss Harper or Robert?"

  James laughed. "He must have given her a bad time waiting for the sleds to arrive."

  "What took you so long to get started?"

  "Polishing the runners on the sleighs, and I had to get old Jeffery from Winnie's stable to help with a mare. She delivered a fine foal this morning."

  Julia's eyebrows lifted. "Glory's baby came early?"

  "I didn't know you kept track of the horses in the stables."

  "I often exercise the mares." Julia admitted.

  "Of course, I should have guessed."

  "Why didn't Frank tell me?"

  "I'm earl
now," James reminded her.

  "I did not mean..."

  "I'm teasing you, Julia." James chuckled. "Frank and the stable boys have been sworn to keep the arrival secret. I want Robert to meet the colt on Christmas day. Frank thinks it would be good for Robert to raise and train his own foal."

  Tears welled in her eyes. "I remember the first foal I raised all by myself. Old Judd, who felt I must be taught to ride properly, also taught me to raise a foal. Those were some of the happiest days of my life. Robert will love your gift."

  "Tomorrow we decorate the house. You had better get to sleep early." James squeezed her arm and led her out of the library. "Goodnight, Julia."

  Before Julia could turn around James had disappeared as quickly and easily as the Old Earl had in his veil of mist.

  CHAPTER 16

  The next morning, before Julia entered the small dining room, Ellis pulled her aside. "I believe the Old Earl kept decorations in the attic. Would you like for me to look for them?"

  "That won't be necessary. Keven promised to go to the attic with me. I understand the Old Earl kept them in a trunk. You can send up a couple of strong backs to lug them down."

  "I'll send a man along in a few minutes. If I remember right the Old Earl brought them down by himself. James' mother liked decorating."

  "I'm sure I'll find it pleasant. Thank you, Ellis." Julia grew anxious to get to the attic. Now she was certain there would be a trunk.

  As soon as they finished breakfast, Keven accompanied her up the steep steps to the attic.

  "A clever man planned this house. I'm intrigued by the width of the stairwell. You could carry a bed up to the attic. The stairs at Wattor are so narrow, one of my ancestors had a hole cut in the ceiling and everything of any size is pulled up by ropes."

  "Look! Everything is labeled. Look at these trunks. Female clothing 1750. They have dated clothing. We are looking for a trunk with Christmas carved on top."

  They walked among gilded chairs, spindly-legged tables, and finally found the trunk.

  Keven elevated it. "Not too heavy. It looks as though a young lad carved it."

  "The Old Earl carved it when a boy." When Keven raised his brows, she added, "That is what I heard."

  "For a second, I thought you would claim you heard it from Old Earl. If Ellis told you, it's true."

  Julia merely smiled. Does Keven read minds?

  A servant brought the trunk downstairs. Julia unlocked and lifted the lid. As she unwrapped each clear crystal ball and each tinkling bell, everyone exclaimed over the beautiful delicate ornaments.

  Ellis whispered that they were the Old Earl's favorite Christmas decorations. And Julia caught Keven's knowing smile.

  Julia preferred to believe the Old Earl truly a ghost, even if, in reality, he was a clever old servant who knew how to use smoke, mirrors and magic. She planned to personally tie the ornaments to the boughs of evergreen that lined the banisters and the mantels in the dining room, drawing room, library and the servants' eating room.

  James carried the ornaments and Robert carried the velvet ribbon and they left the others to follow Aunt Shredda. When the guests gathered around the gaming table, they began to weave the evergreen boughs into basket shapes that would be filled with apples and tasseled with mistletoe under Aunt Shredda's supervision.

  When Ginny finished a basket, Winnie insisted on her choosing a favorite spot for him to nail the beautiful labor of love. Gabby and Keven helped Margaret and Jane fill their baskets with apples and hang them. Glen helped Becca tie on the mistletoe.

  When they returned to the table to continue making baskets and wreaths, Aunt Shredda asked, "What is keeping James and Julia?"

  Keven laughed. "Lady Loretta, you realize they are strong-willed and filled with childhood memories. In other words every crystal ball and every bell is discussed to determine its proper position on the mantel in regard to their vague recollections of the past. I even heard Robert tell how they were arranged in his picture books, and the wishes of Robert tugs on Julia and James' hearts."

  "Oh, dear, I do hope they are not too particular about the baskets."

  "I would not worry, Lady Loretta, for it gives us all pleasure to watch their mating dance."

  Ginny's mouth gaped open. "I did not know of their attraction."

  "Sometimes I wonder if they know," Keven said in a remotely disappointed voice.

  Aunt Shredda smiled. "Tsk, tsk, who will help put up the wreaths and these other baskets?"

  Every man picked up one or the other and selected a woman to accompany him. Aunt Shredda sat back and listened to the chatter and teasing among the guests, but when her ear caught the voices of James, Julia and Robert, she sighed with pleasure.

  "James, it is too near the edge and might be bumped. I would hate a glass ball to break." Julia insisted.

  "They aren't that valuable."

  "They belonged to the Old Earl," Julia insisted.

  "James, can't you hang it too high for anyone to touch and still be able to catch the candlelight? I like the colors that shine on the wall." Robert pleaded with his guardian.

  "You're right, Robert. We can all be pleased. See, Julia, it just takes a bit of time to find the right place."

  Julia chuckled. "And Robert's good advice."

  "You had better watch your tongue. Do you want a spoiled boy on our hands to raise until maybe he is thirty?"

  Robert giggled. "The bells belonged to the Old Earl. Where did he hang them, James?"

  "Out of my reach."

  "Let us try to hang them where they can be seen by everyone. A reminder of the last Christmas Ball," Julia said with a sigh of satisfaction.

  James smiled. "How about stringing them in places the breezes will reach and we will hear them chime."

  "Great!" Robert shouted.

  "Better get Ellis and a few footmen to help." James said.

  Robert jumped up and down. "I'll go get Ellis."

  "Julia you had better string two or three bells on a velvet ribbon before they arrive."

  "Get down from that ladder and help." Julia teased.

  James chuckled as he leaped to the floor. "You are a demanding lady."

  Less than an hour later after all the decorations were done, Gabby tapped Robert on the shoulder, "How about you and Julia going for a walk with me?"

  Robert giggled, "It sounds like fun. Let's go get our coats."

  "Julia! Robert! You can't go now," James shouted. "You forgot we are serving supper early tonight. Gabby can find someone else."

  Robert looked startled but grabbed Julia's hand. "We can go tomorrow."

  Julia smiled at the little boy and followed him upstairs. He really loved James and seemed in tune with him. Although why James thought they needed to rest seemed outrageous, but nothing could make her sad today. Hawkthorn looked beautiful.

  ***

  Supper was served early to allow Robert a chance to join in the festivities. The aroma of pine filled the dining room. The room mellowed and glowed in the candlelight. After the last course was served, Ellis brought in the hot cider and chocolate. The men relinquished their port. Everyone sat around the table raising their cups in good cheer.

  They sang carols and told ghost stories which Julia realized seemed much too mild to Robert, a boy who played with a ghost.

  After an hour, Julia took Robert up to the nursery, read him a story while he readied himself for her to tuck in. Suddenly she realized James stood quietly in the room. He walked over and kissed his brother's cheek, "Goodnight, Robert."

  "Will I get to attend the ball?" Robert asked.

  "Only for a while, and only from the stairs behind the potted palm tree."

  "Thank you, James. Good night."

  Julia leaned over and kissed the boy. "Good night, Robert,"

  "Good night, Julia. Did you hear James' promise."

  "Yes, I did, my dear."

  "You make sure he keeps his promise," Robert pleaded.

  "He will keep his promise."<
br />
  The boy's eyes closed and sleep claimed him.

  James took her hand and led her down the stairs. "Aunt Shredda has planned that we dance a few waltzes. May I claim the first one?"

  ***

  The servants had hastily lit all the candles on the large candelabra in the drawing room. The crystal balls, nestled in the evergreen boughs, shot rainbows around the room and the bells tinkled with the slightest movement of air.

  The festive room filled with the scent of apples and pine. One basket of mistletoe hung at the French door that led to the garden room. They removed the rug from the center and arranged a small area for the pianist and violinist hired for the evening.

  Following dinner, James insisted they all have a glass of champagne in the drawing room. He led Aunt Shredda and Julia to the room with the guests following. When he opened the double doors the musicians began playing carols, and the butler, Ellis stood ready to serve each one a glass of champagne. And the peal of crystal echoed through the room when James touched his glass to Julia's and wished everyone a merry Christmas.

  Breathless, Julia whispered, "James, did you plan this delightful surprise?"

  He nodded.

  "It's wonderful." She pointed to the windows. "Look, the snow is falling again. What a perfect Christmas!"

  The music changed from carols to a waltz and James led Julia to the middle of the floor.

  She waltzed, entranced by James' excitement over the Christmas gifts he'd bought for Robert. The American tin soldiers and some American Indians. And the difficulties he had getting them custom made. James seemed as anxious to give them to Robert as she imagined the boy would be to receive them.

  Gabby then took her hand and they waltzed. "Want to tell me what has made you so serious?"

  "I'm in the best of spirits."

  "Do not take James' scolding this afternoon to heart. He loves you and Robert and will always have your best interest at heart."

  "I'm sure you are right."

  "My, my. I've looked forward to another day of being your flirt and watching James turn green with envy. I only wanted to walk with you and Robert again, and James burst out against us all. And Keven certainly irritated him with his attention. When are you going to tell James he is the one?"