To Warm A Wintered Heart (Regency Romance)

by Deborah M. Hathaway

  “Yes,” Mrs. Worthington said with a nod. “I was merely stating again how pleased I am to have you join me.”

  “Of course,” Gabriel replied, averting his gaze to the stone fence in the distance. “I would not have wished for you to make such a journey alone. It is no trouble.”

  His mother’s disbelieving gaze remained upon him, however.

  “I know you are feeling rather uncertain about leaving Greyston Hall,” she said, concern filling her voice, “but you needn’t worry. I am convinced you will enjoy yourself at Brightwood.”

  “Of course,” Gabriel said, though his voice fell flat, for he could only think with dread how different his life was to be for the coming weeks, “if all you say is true of the Roseburys and their young daughters, I am certain I will enjoy my time there.”

  He glanced to Mrs. Worthington, and when she would not meet his eye, an odd sense of fear arose within him.

  Gabriel had initially refused his mother’s request to join her at her friend’s home in Warwickshire, even after she had relentlessly asked him to reconsider, and only when he had discovered the Roseburys had no daughters out in society did he agree to accompany her.

  “Is something the matter?” he asked Mrs. Worthington as she remained silent.

  “Oh, nothing at all, my dear,” she replied. “I only wish…”

  Gabriel gritted his teeth together as he prepared to hear the words he knew his mother would say, though he prayed she would not.

  “I wish,” Mrs. Worthington continued with a downcast gaze, “I had at least some small hope you might reconsider.”

  “Mother,” he said, barely restraining his frustration as she trailed off, “you have shared your desires with me already, though you know my opinion on the matter.”

  “Yes, of course,” Mrs. Worthington said hurriedly, “but I feel I must attempt, at least once more, to change your mind. After all, I only wish for you to be happy.”

  “I am happy,” he said with a smile he knew looked as forced as it felt.

  Mrs. Worthington stared at him with doubting eyes before he sighed, looking out of the carriage window.

  “Mother, please. You have attempted time and time again to place women conveniently on my path. Even my staying at Greyston did not deter you from bringing them into our home, forcing discomfort upon us all.”

  “But I truly believe if you only—”

  “I know you think being attached to another through marriage would bring me great happiness,” he interrupted, “but I know what is best for myself, and that is to never marry. My decision has been made. I will not bend.”

  When silence followed, Gabriel glanced to his mother, and regret filled him to see the look of disappointment in her eyes.

  “I am sorry,” he said, leaning forward to rest a hand upon her own, “for everything. I do not wish to make you unhappy, but my decision will not change. Please end this constant endeavor to have me marry.”

  “Very well, Gabriel,” Mrs. Worthington said softly, nodding her head, “from this point forth, I shall accept your wishes, and I will no longer intrude.”

  Gabriel sighed with relief as he leaned back to rest against the carriage seat.

  “But,” she added, “should you ever fall in love, do you promise me you will not allow your choices to prevent your happiness?”

  Gabriel thought for a moment before slowly nodding. “Of course,” he said in earnest.

  But as they continued on their way to the Roseburys, his mother happily smiling away, Gabriel had to push aside the guilt he felt for promising his mother such a thing and allowing hope to take seed within her heart, for he had decided to never marry, and he knew no one would ever convince him to reconsider.

  Chapter Two

  “They have arrived! The Worthingtons have arrived!”

  Charlotte looked over her shoulder to see Julia pressed up against the window in the parlor, and her own stomach flipped with nervous anticipation.

  “Come and see, all of you!” Julia continued.

  “Do come away from the window, Julia,” Mrs. Rosebury said, sitting across from Charlotte. “It is not civil to gape at one’s guests.”

  “Oh, such a fine carriage!” Julia exclaimed, ignoring her mother’s words. “Papa, come quickly! You must see their horses!”

  Mr. Rosebury glanced hesitantly to Mrs. Rosebury before joining his daughter by the window.

  “Oh, for goodness’ sake,” Mrs. Rosebury complained, though her tone remained light, “have we lost all decorum?”

  “They do own a fine set of horses, my dear,” Mr. Rosebury said with a smile before placing a hand on Julia’s shoulder. “Though, I am afraid your mother is right, Julia. Let us move away before we are discovered.”

  “Very well,” she said, sighing, and the two of them joined Charlotte and Mrs. Rosebury near the fireplace.

  “Now, we must do our very best to ensure the Worthingtons feel comfortable during their visit,” Mrs. Rosebury said as Julia sat down next to Charlotte. “As you know, Mrs. Worthington has been my very dear friend since we were children, and I would not wish for anything to occur to make her feel unwelcome.”

  “Of course, Mama,” Charlotte said. “We shall all be on our best behavior.”

  Mr. Rosebury moved to kiss the top of Charlotte’s head.

  “You see, my dear,” he said, looking to his wife, “you need not worry. With our daughter’s kindness, I am sure the Worthingtons shall never wish to leave.”

  Before another word could be spoken, a footman entered the room to announce the Worthingtons, and the Roseburys stood to welcome their guests.

  Mrs. Worthington entered first, and though the woman’s face had aged with new wrinkles around her eyes, Charlotte instantly recognized her warm smile.

  Her thoughts of Mrs. Worthington ceased altogether, however, when a tall gentleman with broad shoulders walked through the entryway, causing Charlotte’s heart to flutter. The man’s finely-tailored jacket fit his person without a flaw, and his dark hair, straight nose, and strong jaw caused Charlotte to consider the possibility that he was, quite undeniably, the most handsome gentleman she had ever seen.

  As he walked further into the room, she waited with nervous anticipation until, at last, the man’s vivid, light blue eyes fell upon her, but when she noted the surprised look upon his face, a look that quickly turned to one of distinct anger, Charlotte’s smile faltered.

  Gabriel’s blood boiled as he stared at the eldest Rosebury daughter, his teeth clenching together as he fought the desire to give in to temptation and flee from Brightwood at once.

  How could my own mother mislead me so? he thought, his chest rising and falling with anger.

  “My dear, Alice, how wonderful it is to see you again.”

  The voice of the woman he remembered as Mrs. Rosebury broke through his thoughts, and he looked to see her embrace his mother.

  “And you, Mary,” Mrs. Worthington said. “It has been too long.”

  “How was your journey, Mrs. Worthington?” the gentleman, whom Gabriel recognized as Mr. Rosebury, asked next.

  “It was quite pleasant, thank you,” she responded. “The way was as lovely as I remember.”

  Gabriel stood silently frowning as his gaze drifted once again to the Rosebury’s daughter standing across from him, the daughter who was no more a young girl than he was a boy.

  He perused her pretty face, soft curls framing her flawless skin, a beautiful smile causing dimples in both of her cheeks, and he felt his brow lowering further.

  She must be a cousin, he thought, glancing away when her hazel eyes fell upon him, or perhaps a family friend who is visiting for the evening.

  “You remember our daughters, Alice,” Mrs. Rosebury said, ending Gabriel’s hopeful thoughts.

  “Of course,” his mother responded. “However could I forget such beautiful faces?”

  Indeed, how could she? Gabriel thought bitterly.

  “Miss Julia,” Mrs. Worthington continued
, addressing the girl in the room with a face not unlike her sister’s, “you have certainly grown taller and even prettier since I saw you last. And Miss Rosebury,” she said, Gabriel glowering over at the both of them when they stood face-to-face, “my, how you look like your mother when she was your age, simply beautiful.”

  Gabriel frowned as Charlotte blushed, her red cheeks drawing further attention to her dimples, and only then did he manage to tear his gaze away, ignoring his heart flipping again at the sight of her.

  Charlotte smiled, despite her discomfort with the man scowling across from her, and said in a cheerful voice, “We are so pleased to have you at Brightwood at last, Mrs. Worthington.”

  Mrs. Worthington smiled before stepping aside and motioned to the sullen man behind her. “You must allow me to introduce to you my son, Mr. Gabriel Worthington.”

  Curtsies and bows commenced before all eyes fell upon Gabriel’s glower.

  “It is a pleasure,” he said after a moment, his deep voice echoing throughout the silent room.

  As he stood there, jaw twitching, Charlotte smiled over at him, hoping to alleviate his obvious discomfort.

  “I am certain ours is the pleasure, Mr. Worthington,” she said, “for your reputation as Mrs. Worthington’s son has preceded you.”

  An awkward silence hung in the air between them as he made no response.

  “Our mothers have been friends for so long,” she continued, “it seems only natural for us all to become friends, as well.”

  Gabriel merely nodded, and Charlotte’s smile weakened before Mrs. Rosebury stepped forward.

  “We do hope you will enjoy your stay, Mr. Worthington,” she said. “Please, do not hesitate to treat Brightwood as you would your own home.”

  “Thank you,” Gabriel said, his gaze averted.

  Another uncomfortable silence arose before Mr. Rosebury cleared his throat. “Right, shall we call for tea? You must be weary from your journey.”

  “Yes, tea sounds lovely, my dear,” Mrs. Rosebury agreed, and she and Mrs. Worthington took seats across from each other while Mr. Rosebury stood near his wife’s side, the three of them continuing in conversation.

  Charlotte followed Julia to an empty sofa before noticing Gabriel still standing near the doorway, shifting his feet.

  “Mr. Worthington,” she began, “you may come closer to the fire if you wish. The warmth should give you a great deal of comfort, as you must be chilled from traveling in such rainy conditions.”

  “I am quite warm already, thank you.”

  She paused. “Then perhaps a seat situated farther away would be better.”

  She motioned to a chair next to the window he stared out of and waited until he nodded.

  “Thank you,” he mumbled.

  “Of course,” Charlotte said, at last sitting down next to Julia.

  “He is not a man of many words, is he, sister?” Julia whispered next to her as Charlotte heard his footsteps move slowly across the floor.

  Charlotte shook her head, glancing over to see his back facing them as he stared out of the window.

  “No, he is not.”

  “It is fortunate his features are as fine as they are, for they certainly compensate for his behavior.”

  Charlotte’s eyes roved over Gabriel’s broad shoulders, and she could not help but smile.

  “Julia, I must agree.”

  The small party conversed together for the next half an hour, excepting Gabriel who remained staring out of the window, before Mrs. Rosebury stood to show her guests to their rooms.

  As they left, Charlotte smiled in Gabriel’s direction, but his gaze was upon the floor until he left the parlor, and Charlotte’s brow puckered.

  Have we done something to offend him? she thought. Or is he simply uncomfortable away from his home?

  Before she could settle upon an explanation, she dressed for dinner and headed to the parlor once again. However, she did not get far before turning a corner and happening upon the very gentleman of her thoughts.

  “Good evening, Mr. Worthington,” she called softly from behind him.

  Gabriel whirled around with a look of surprise on his face, but he remained silent as his gaze shifted to the carpet.

  “Are you well?” she asked him after a moment.

  “Indeed, I only…” he paused to clear his throat. “Forgive me. I was on my way to the parlor when I took a wrong turn. I fear I was too deep in my thoughts.”

  “Oh,” Charlotte said, her face lighting up with a friendly smile, “well this can easily be rectified. Come, we shall walk together.”

  She moved past him, but he did not follow.

  “Come along, Mr. Worthington,” she said with a teasing smile. “I do not bite.”

  For a moment, she thought he might turn and leave her alone, so fiercely he frowned, however, she was relieved when he took a hesitant step in her direction.

  “There you are,” she said as they finally moved as one, “Now we shall arrive before the meal has ended.”

  Still, he made no response.

  “I am glad you and your mother have come to Brightwood,” she said with a glance toward him, her neck craning back so she could see his face. “I do hope you will enjoy your stay.”

  “Thank you.”

  Charlotte waited a moment before continuing. “You must be very glad your journey from Yorkshire is complete. Was it arduous?”

  His jaw twitched. “It was more difficult for my mother.”

  Charlotte fiddled with a piece of hair draped over her shoulder as she attempted to produce yet another topic of conversation.

  “Do you like pork, Mr. Worthington?” she asked. “I believe it has been ordered for our meal tonight.”

  “I suppose.”

  Charlotte smiled. “I am very glad. Pork is not my favorite, but I do enjoy it on cold days such as today. My grandmother used to say, ‘There is nothing so warming as a bit of pig jostling around in the pit of one’s belly.’ And you know, I believe she was right.”

  She let out a laugh before Gabriel’s continued frown weakened her spirits.

  Does he ever smile? she wondered.

  “Do you enjoy—”

  “Miss Rosebury, I feel I must be forthright with you.”

  Charlotte’s question disappeared from her mind as Gabriel held out his hand, motioning for her to stop.

  Her smile disappeared to see his fierce gaze upon her as they stood still, facing one another.

  “Is everything all right, Mr. Worthington?” she asked hesitantly.

  “I am afraid not,” Gabriel began, his deep voice quick, “for I can only imagine what our mothers have planned for us, what you have planned for us, with my coming here. However, I must be honest and tell you straightaway, it cannot occur.”

  Charlotte blinked mutely. “I am sorry, sir,” she said, “but to what are you referring?”

  “Please, Miss Rosebury,” Gabriel said, closing his eyes with a sigh, “do not discredit yourself by pretending to be the innocent in this grand scheme.”

  “Scheme?” she asked with a frown. “What scheme?”

  Gabriel shook his head, his eyes hardening. “I do not delight in these little games,” he said shortly, “therefore, I shall be blunt. I am afraid to say, you have been wrongfully mistaken in thinking I would ever marry you.”

  Charlotte’s mouth dropped open, her eyes widening. “Excuse me?”

  “I assure you,” Gabriel went on as if he did not notice the shock emblazoned upon her face, “my decision to never marry has nothing to do with your appearance, but rather everything to do with a promise I made myself long ago, so, please, do not take offense at my words.”

  Charlotte’s mouth continued to hang open as a blush crept upon her face. “Mr. Worthington, I—”

  “And no matter what means you have thought up to draw me in, I promise you, they will not do. I am determined to keep my word. Thus you have my leave, Miss Rosebury, nay, my plea, to end your false kindness toward me and al
low me peace during the rest of my visit here.”

  Silence hung in the air between them as Charlotte attempted to quell the embarrassment she felt infusing red across her face, for never had a man spoken so ungenerously, so assumingly, toward her.

  “I beg your pardon, sir,” she began. “I do not know about Mrs. Worthington, but I assure you, neither me nor my mother has conspired to dupe you into marrying me. Indeed, I am appalled at having to defend myself against such an absurd notion.”

  Gabriel stared down at her, disbelief written blatantly upon his frowning face.

  “You mean to tell me you did not think to marry me the moment you laid your batting eyes upon me?” he questioned.

  Charlotte felt her face burn even brighter. Even so, she raised her chin and stared at Gabriel pointedly.

  “I can only imagine how highly a man must think of himself to assume, upon meeting a woman, she must very well swoon at first sight. I must say, I for one would never behave in such a way, particularly around a man who speaks to me as you have just done.”

  She noted Gabriel’s nostrils flaring in anger, and an odd sense of pleasure arose within her.

  “Furthermore,” she continued, “my kindness was merely an attempt to help you find comfort during your stay at Brightwood, not to encourage matrimony. I assure you, I have no desire whatsoever in that regard. However, as you have misconstrued my intentions, I shall, therefore, help you in recognizing my indifference toward you. You may find your own way to the parlor, Mr. Worthington.”

  She gave a low curtsy with a flourish of her hands before looking up at him with an insincere smile. “Good day.”

  With her head held high, Charlotte walked away, turning down the wrong hallway for good measure, hoping Gabriel might become turned around once more.

  She seethed with anger recalling his accusations and vanity, however, upon reaching the parlor and seeing her mother and Mrs. Worthington chatting like the old friends they were, Charlotte regretted her actions sooner than she thought.

  Perhaps Mr. Worthington becomes so upset with our exchange he leaves Brightwood, causing Mrs. Worthington to do the same? she thought, knowing her mother’s disappointment would be keen.