“Yes, as a matter of fact,” Lucien said with his brows furrowed, glaring back at Juliette. “Did you honestly think I was going to leave Yvette unattended and unmarried in London and with no one but your mother looking after her?”
Juliette laughed lightly and shook her head. “I was only teasing you. Oh, I can still ruffle your feathers so easily, Lucien. I wouldn’t have expected any less of you. I’m very glad you had Jeffrey watching out for Yvette, although I can’t imagine it has been easy on him.”
Lucien grinned at her wryly. “I’m so relieved to have met with your approval, Mrs. Fleming.”
“That’s enough needling, you two,” Colette said, swatting her husband playfully. “Lucien, tell us what you know about Yvette. I made her promise to write to me, but this is only the second letter I’ve had from her since I arrived and I had no idea she’d set her sights on someone. I can’t believe you’ve kept this from me, Lucien.”
He gave a helpless shrug. “I was going to let you know eventually.”
“Oh, tell us already,” Juliette prompted him with mounting impatience.
“Well, I’ve been informed that Yvette might be very close to getting a proposal from none other than the future Duke of Lansdowne.” Lucien looked around for the reaction to his impressive news.
“Of course she is,” Juliette said, rolling her eyes. “I’m not the least bit surprised. Our Yvette wouldn’t settle for anything less than a duke.”
“Yvette would make a perfect duchess,” Harrison pointed out.
“Do we know him?” Colette asked, trying to put a face with the name. “I can’t recall who he is.”
“I believe he’s been away traveling and has only just returned to London. I’m sure I’ve met him once or twice. From what I recall he’s not a bad sort and is apparently quite taken with Yvette,” Lucien said. “He’s much older than she is. Jeffrey mentioned that too.”
Unable to shake a sudden uneasiness, Colette frowned at the thought of her sweet little sister with some old duke. “Oh, I don’t know. I think I liked the idea of Yvette and Jeffrey together better.”
The three of them turned to stare at her again.
“What?” Colette asked. “Harrison’s right. I think they’d be perfect together and then we could keep Jeffrey in the family.”
“Jeffrey is already a part of our family,” Lucien pointed out.
“See? Colette agrees with me,” Harrison chided his wife.
“Well, Lucien and I think it’s a terrible idea. Don’t we, Lucien?” Juliette looked to her brother-in-law for support.
“It’s rare that you and I are in agreement on anything, Juliette”—Lucien flashed her a conspiratorial grin—“but I happen to agree wholeheartedly with you on this point.”
“Why would it be so terrible?” Harrison asked, his gray eyes questioning.
“I don’t even want to go into it,” Lucien said, dismissing the subject and rising to his feet. “I do think, however, that if we plan on leaving tomorrow morning, we should start getting ready as soon as possible.”
“He’s right,” Harrison agreed as he stood also. “We have a lot to do if we’re going to set sail in a day or two. Let’s go, girls.”
As they walked from the room, Juliette pulled Colette aside. “You don’t truly believe that Yvette and Jeffrey together is a good idea, do you?”
“Yes, I do actually. But there’s no reason for you to be worried. According to Lucien and Jeffrey, Yvette’s practically engaged to the Duke of Lansdowne.”
“Thank goodness for that!” Juliette exclaimed in relief.
Still Colette couldn’t help but think about her sister and Jeffrey together. She smiled at the thought.
18
And Winter Came
December 1878
Lansdowne Manor
Yvette Hamilton squealed with delight as she flew across the frozen lake, the cold wind stinging her cheeks. Not very steady on her new pair of ice skates, she clasped Lord Calvert’s gloved hand in hers as he guided her along. She wished fervently that it was Lord Shelley holding her hand, but William had declined to skate and stood in the stone gazebo, watching the fun on the lake at Lansdowne Manor from afar.
“Oh, please don’t go so fast!” Yvette cried out.
“If we don’t go fast, we’ll both fall down,” Lord Calvert said with a jovial laugh.
A winter or two had passed since Yvette had skated last and she was none too confident on the ice, but she was desperately trying to make a good impression on Lord Shelley. She even wore her new red coat trimmed with white fur and matching white fur hat that she thought was so stylish. He was certainly watching her and she did not wish to fall on her bottom in front of him.
It was the first time Yvette had left Devon House since her mother had fallen ill. She had been loath to leave her mother for the past two weeks, but the invitation from William Weatherly to join him and some friends at a skating party at Lansdowne Manor had been impossible to resist. It had been freezing cold for days and a recent light dusting of snow covered the ground, making conditions perfect for skating. So with Fanny and Lisette by her mother’s side for the day, Yvette had been free to ride off with her friend Lady Katherine Spencer to Lansdowne Manor, determined to make up for lost time with William.
When she’d arrived, he had seemed quite happy to see her again. He had clasped her hand in his and said how pretty she appeared and how much he had been looking forward to seeing her again. William had encouraged her to skate with the others even though he had declined, so she had ventured to the ice without him.
“Shall we take a break?” Lord Calvert asked.
“Yes, please,” Yvette answered, eager to return to William’s side. There was so much romantic possibility in a day like today. She didn’t wish to squander a minute of it. Perhaps he would propose this afternoon?
She allowed Lord Calvert to guide her back toward the shore. Laughing, Yvette stumbled as she reached the bank, but James Calvert steadied her with his arm. Grinning in triumph, she had succeeded in staying on her feet and had not fallen once. However her smile disappeared completely when she looked up and saw none other than Jane Fairmont sitting in the gazebo with Lord Shelley.
He had invited her as well! Crushed with disappointment, Yvette was so stunned, she couldn’t move for a moment. She had hoped she and William would find an opportunity to be alone together and he might kiss her again. Seeing Jane Fairmont there had not crossed her mind.
“Are you all right, Miss Hamilton?” Lord Calvert asked in concern.
“Yes, thank you.” But Yvette still did not move.
She had been certain that she had gained in favor with William, so why on earth would he include Jane Fairmont on this outing? Had that visit with her mother been so dreadful that she lost preference with him? Did he not understand that her mother had been stricken with illness that day? Had he not forgiven the episode? Did he hold it against her?
True, Yvette had not been very social as of late, as busy as she was caring for her mother. She assumed William understood her duty lay with her mother, but perhaps he was put out by her lack of attention to him?
She sighed and let Lord Calvert, who was a terribly kind and charming gentleman, escort her to the small stone bench, where she removed her skates.
“Do you mind if I go back out on the ice?” he asked her.
“Not at all.” Yvette smiled. “Thank you for helping me. I’m sorry I slowed you down.”
“It was my pleasure, as always.” He tipped his cap to her and returned to the lake.
She watched Lord Calvert skate expertly across the ice and saw that her friend Katherine was skating with her fiancé. With a heavy heart, Yvette then trudged through the snow toward the gazebo, not quite ready to face William and her rival.
Most of the guests were on the ice and some had gathered along the banks of the lake to watch. But in the large gazebo, which had been equipped with a fire to keep them warm and a table with hot tea and refres
hments, there were only two people. William had been sitting on one of the cushioned benches with Jane Fairmont. He stood when he saw her walking toward them.
“Yvette, please come join us! You skate quite well! I am impressed with your skill. Did you enjoy yourself?” he asked.
“Oh, yes, William, it was wonderful.” Yvette smiled at him and then turned to the woman who still sat on the bench. “Good afternoon, Miss Fairmont.”
Jane was dressed just as fashionably as Yvette in a brown coat with black fur trim. Her brunette hair was hidden under her fur hat. She smiled at Yvette, her green eyes glittering. “Good afternoon, Miss Hamilton. It’s such a surprise to see you here.”
Jane was surprised to see her? Yvette fumed silently and flashed a glance of annoyance in William’s direction.
“Don’t you wish to skate, Miss Fairmont?” Yvette asked, for want of something better to say. Feeling terribly awkward, she wished she knew where she stood with William and what Jane’s presence here today meant.
“Oh, no,” Jane said with a gentle shake of her head and a pretty pout. “I am afraid I never learned how to skate. Besides, I couldn’t leave William sitting here all alone with no one for company.” She smiled coyly up at Lord Shelley.
So William and Jane were on a first name basis as well, were they? A terrible knot formed in Yvette’s stomach at the thought. How had she been such a fool as to think she had gained in his favor? He had misled her! She did not know what to think of William now. Although a twinge of anger was beginning to bloom in her chest.
How dared William hint that he was going to propose to her and then invite Jane Fairmont to Lansdowne Manor again!
“You ought to learn how to skate someday, Miss Fairmont. It’s great fun out on the ice,” Yvette said to her with a bright, forced smile.
Jane turned up her nose in derision. “I don’t think it’s for me. Skating is only for athletic girls.”
Bristling at her comment, Yvette opened her mouth to reply, but William spoke before she had a chance.
“Yvette,” William began, “you must be cold. Have some hot tea and there are blankets too. Come sit by the fire and warm yourself.” He quickly guided her to a seat beside Jane. After wrapping a thick blanket around her shoulders, he brought her a piping cup of tea.
Yvette’s anger simmered. She and William hadn’t seen each other in weeks and she’d thought for certain that he would be thrilled to see her and endeavor to spend a moment or two alone with her this afternoon. Jane Fairmont’s presence had put a damper on those hopes.
Now she was part of this tense little trio in the gazebo, huddling under her blanket and listening to the shouts of delight and carefree laughter from the others down on the lake. With a little shiver, she sipped her tea. It seemed much colder out now than it had been when she was skating.
In vain, she wished Lord Calvert, or her friend Kate, or anyone for that matter, would return from the lake and break up the awkward silence between the three of them.
More than anything, she wished Jeffrey Eddington were there at Lansdowne Manor with her. His breezy charm and engaging manner would lighten the mood and he would surely say something witty or amusing to make them all smile. She knew he would have said something remarkably clever to put Jane Fairmont in her place.
Darling Jeffrey.
They had spent a great deal of time together during the past few weeks. Since her mother had taken ill, Jeffrey had come to Devon House every single day, helping in any way he could. Sometimes he would read to or talk with Genevieve, trying to make her laugh and usually succeeding.
He’d lifted Genevieve’s spirits and engaged her in conversation daily, and indeed her speech and movements had improved considerably. Jeffrey had patiently walked Genevieve along the hallways for exercise, while she leaned on him for support. The doctor had been most impressed with her recovery, stating that Yvette, Lisette, Jeffrey, and Fanny had done remarkable work in getting Genevieve to speak and move by talking to her and encouraging her to exercise her right arm and leg. Her mother could already stand on her own, although she truly had to rely on her gilt cane now. It was no longer merely ornamental. Her speech had steadily improved and for the most part, she could be understood when she spoke.
Yvette felt comforted just by Jeffrey’s presence. She had come to rely on him and looked forward to his visits each day and their private dinners together each night.
The fact that her mother was recovering so well was the only reason she had agreed to come to Lansdowne Manor today. And now that she was here, Yvette found herself longing to be back at home with Jeffrey.
The thought startled her.
Longing to be at home with Jeffrey?
What a surprising thing to want. But she supposed it was true. After spending so much time together she missed his company. His handsome smile. His comforting presence.
Something had changed between them since the night she had slept in his arms. They talked more, confided in each other more. And there was something else. Something she couldn’t quite define. A shift, a change, a spark. There was an excitement within her whenever Jeffrey was near. She found herself anticipating his visits and when he did arrive at Devon House, she enjoyed their time alone together more than anything else. Especially since they had taken to having supper together each night.
She didn’t think it was her imagination that things had changed between them. He was behaving differently toward her. He no longer treated her as a little girl, but more as an equal. She noted he found excuses to be near her, to touch her arm or her hand, and she didn’t mind in the least. She half expected Jeffrey to kiss her. She was both dreading and wishing for that moment to happen. For kissing Jeffrey was an intriguing prospect and she found herself thinking about it more often than was decent.
What would it be like to have a man such as Jeffrey kiss her? He had kissed so many women he must be quite skilled at it. Her heart started racing at the thought of his lips on hers.
Heavens! She should not be thinking about kissing Jeffrey Eddington! Her attention and thoughts should be completely on Lord Shelley.
William. Who sat here with his two prospective brides! Surely he should have made up his mind by now! Yvette almost wanted to slap him.
“Is it too cold?” he asked both ladies. “Should I escort you back to the house where you can get properly warmed?”
“Whatever you think best, William,” Jane Fairmont said with a dainty toss of her head. “If you are staying out here, I shall be happy to remain here with you.”
Yvette knew the girl had to be feeling quite chilled and was only making a point to stay because William was. Yvette tried to work the situation to her advantage. She needed to get William alone for a little bit and if Jane was staying put, then Yvette would leave.
“Are you staying out here, William?” Yvette asked softly, using his first name to show Jane that she could.
He nodded. “Yes, as host I feel I should be out here with my guests.”
“Of course you should remain with your guests,” Yvette agreed. “But would you mind terribly walking me to the house? I am quite chilled.” She smiled prettily at him.
William must have been as anxious to end this little threesome as she was for he immediately rose to his feet. “Yes, of course I shall walk you to the house, Yvette. Would you mind waiting until I return, Jane?”
“Not at all.” She grinned through clenched teeth.
Yvette smiled back in triumph. Jane could stay here and freeze. Yvette was going inside to get warm and having a private walk with William after all. She took his arm as he led her down the steps of the gazebo and along the snow-swept path to the manor house.
The December wind swirled snow around them and Yvette shivered in spite of herself and hugged her fur muff closer to her chest. They were in a copse of thick evergreen trees about halfway to the house when William spoke.
“I’m so pleased you were able to come skating today, Yvette. I was worried you wouldn’t be
able to leave your mother,” William said.
“Yes, so was I, but she’s much recovered now. And I find that it’s wonderful to be out with people again,” Yvette responded with a smile. “Thank you for inviting me.”
“I’m very happy to see you. I’ve missed you very much, Yvette.”
“Thank you. It’s good to see you again too, William.”
“I shall be attending Lady Deane’s party tomorrow. Will you?”
“Yes, I believe I will be able to attend.” Yvette hadn’t left her mother alone at night yet, and going to the ball would mean missing one of her dinners with Jeffrey, but she had to make more of an effort if she wanted Lord Shelley to propose.
“Then I shall look forward to seeing you there.” He hesitated a moment before saying, “Yvette, I feel I owe you an apology.”
“An apology?” she asked, a bit confused.
“Yes.” Clearing his throat, he looked into her eyes briefly before continuing. “I would like you to know that I was not expecting to see Jane Fairmont today. In fact I did not invite her here.”
Yvette came to a halt. She turned and faced him. “Didn’t you?”
Looking rather embarrassed, he said sheepishly, “No, I didn’t. My mother invited her without checking with me first. I’ve a feeling it’s been terribly awkward for you with Jane here and I’m very sorry about that.”
Yvette did not know what to say. She stared mutely at him, a sense of triumph flooding her. William wanted her after all! He still preferred her to Jane! Why, Jane Fairmont, sitting alone in the cold gazebo, was someone William hadn’t wanted there! A slow smile spread across her face.
“You take my breath away, Yvette.”
“Do I?”
“Yes, most assuredly. I had hoped I was clear in my feelings for you.”
“I admit I felt quite uncertain when I saw her here with you today,” she said softly, searching his hazel eyes for confirmation of his feelings.
His By Christmas (Hamilton Sisters) Page 14
