Their Mistletoe Matchmakers

by Keli Gwyn

  “There’s so many people. I asked Uncle Henry to put me up here so I can see everything.”

  “What a good idea. Your uncle’s tall, so you have a great view now, don’t you?”

  Dot nodded. “I’m so high up that I can see a feather coming out of your hat. I’ll stick it back in, but you gotta be still.”

  Henry smiled at Lavinia. “Everything’s going well. You must be pleased.”

  “Very much so. Mr. Quinn was wonderful. I laughed so hard at times that my sides ached. Forgive me for doubting you.”

  He spoke with sincerity. “I was happy to help.”

  “You’ve gone above and beyond. I’m in your debt.”

  “You don’t owe me a thing. Friends help each other.”

  He’d said the word friends, but the attraction in his arresting blue eyes gave her the impression he meant more than that. Or was she imagining things? That must be it. She averted her gaze, not an easy task when she couldn’t move her head. “Are you done, Dot?”

  “Yep. Would you put me down, Uncle Henry? I wanna get something to eat.”

  “Certainly.” He lifted her over his head and set her down.

  Dot joined her siblings, who welcomed her into their group without protest. How odd. They usually didn’t want their little sister tagging along when they were with their school chums.

  Lavinia cast a sidelong glance at Henry, but he was looking at the children. “It’s nice to see them having fun.” He turned to her. “I didn’t support your plan at first, but this party was a good idea.”

  She smiled. “We still have the one with the congregation to look forward to on Christmas Eve, too.” Along with more baking—and more of his delightful company.

  “Aunt Livy!” The voice was Marcie’s this time. She stood with Alex on one side of her and Dot on the other, all three of them looking up at her and grinning mischievously.

  Something was afoot. “What is it?”

  Alex answered, his tone gleeful. “There’s some mistletoe on your hat. And we’re at a Christmas party, so you know what that means, don’t you? Uncle Henry has to give you a kiss.”

  Lavinia’s hand flew to her hat brim. Sure enough, there was a sprig of the felt-like foliage tucked among the plumage. So that’s what Dot had been up to.

  The children’s friends rushed over. “Kiss her!” they cried in unison.

  “What are you waiting for, Mr. Henry? Give her a kiss!” a familiar voiced called above the hubbub.

  Lavinia scanned the crowd, looking for Gladys. She found her former housekeeper on the arm of her new husband, sporting a smirk. When had they returned?

  The children gathered around Henry and Lavinia and set up a chant. “Kiss her! Kiss her! Kiss her!”

  A couple of the older boys added some rhythmic stomping and were soon joined by the rest of the children.

  There was no escaping this time. Lavinia lifted her head, looked in Henry’s eyes and was lost in the deep blue depths. The admiration she’d seen earlier was back. There was no mistaking it. He wanted to kiss her.

  The voices faded, leaving the rush of blood in her ears the only sound she could hear.

  Henry’s gaze locked with hers, filled with a silent question.

  She gave him the barest of nods, but it was enough.

  He tilted his head and leaned toward her.

  She closed her eyes and waited, curiosity and excitement leaving her light-headed.

  Henry’s lips met hers, a soft brush filled with promise. The sensation was so beautiful, so overwhelming that she swayed.

  He reached out, gripped her by the upper arms and pressed his mouth to hers firmly and completely, giving her a kiss. A real kiss. Her very first.

  She’d dreamed of this moment for years, and it had finally arrived. She responded as best as she knew how, savoring the experience. Oh, that this moment could last forever.

  All too soon, Henry pulled back and grinned. Lavinia gazed at him. She couldn’t speak. She could scarcely breathe.

  The whoops, hollers and cheers from the children brought her back to the present. She’d just kissed Henry Hawthorn in front of a crowd of witnesses. And she’d liked it. They had to have seen that.

  Lavinia quickly schooled her features. She smiled and replied in what she hoped was a lighthearted tone, although to her ears it sounded a bit breathy. “All right, my darling nieces and nephew, you’ve succeeded in having your fun. Now, go enjoy this time with your friends.” She waved the children away.

  Thankfully, the guests returned to their conversations and the dessert tables, which left her alone with Henry. How was she to act after that kiss?

  He reached toward her hat. “Since this has served its purpose, let me take care of it.” He slipped the sprig of mistletoe in the breast pocket of his frock coat.

  “I’m sorry about that,” she said in her normal voice. “I had a hunch they were plotting something, but I had no idea they would put us on the spot the way they did.”

  The engaging smile of his that she loved appeared in full force. “I’m not sorry. What man wouldn’t welcome an opportunity to kiss the loveliest lady in the room?”

  His comment, although delightful, took her aback. She had no idea how to respond. Thankfully, Gladys chose that moment to approach them.

  “I’m so glad Emery and I got back to town in time for the party. We were expecting it to take place tomorrow at the meeting hall. I gather things changed.”

  Lavinia quickly filled Gladys in.

  “I’m sorry about the setbacks, but things worked out quite nicely from what I see. The choir did a fine job, and the ventriloquist was wonderful, but—” Gladys smiled “—my favorite part was seeing the children’s latest matchmaking attempt work out so well. I told them not to give up.”

  “You encouraged them?” Lavinia hadn’t meant for her question to have such an edge, but Gladys had no business interfering.

  “Of course I did. I see the way you two look at each other.”

  “It’s not like that. We were just...” How could she explain what had happened when she wasn’t even sure herself?

  Gladys raised an eyebrow. “Just what? Enjoying yourselves? That’s what it looked like from where I stood.”

  She had, but that was beside the point. “Henry and I couldn’t very well make a fuss in front of so many people. We satisfied everyone, and now we can put the matter behind us.”

  “And you agree with this, Mr. Henry?” Gladys stood with her hand on her hips, awaiting his reply.

  The light had left his eyes, and he looked...disappointed? Or was it hurt? “I don’t wish to discuss the matter now. We’re here to enjoy the evening, are we not? If you’ll excuse me, ladies.” He performed a crisp bow and left.

  Gladys clucked her tongue. “I’ve known you since you were a girl in short skirts, Lavinia. You’ve never let a man kiss you before, but speaking as one smitten woman to another, it was clear you welcomed Henry’s. I’ve watched you two fall for each other, and I couldn’t be happier.”

  “It’s not like that.” She liked him. She was probably even smitten, but he’d said nothing to indicate that he returned her feelings. “Besides, even if we were interested in each other—and I’m not saying we are—there could never be anything between us. Henry and I don’t share the same values. Father would never forgive me if I chose a man who lacked his approval.”

  Gladys took Lavinia’s hands in hers. “My dear girl, it’s high time you start thinking for yourself. Your sister did that, and look at what she gained.”

  “Look at what she lost. I won’t disappoint Father the way Pauline did.”

  “I’ve said my peace, but I’ll leave you with this. Think about your Heavenly Father and what He wants for you.” Gladys gave Lavinia’s hands a squeeze and headed over to the ch
ildren.

  Her maid-turned-housekeeper-turned-friend meant well, but Gladys hadn’t been privy to the scathing comments about Pauline that Lavinia had heard her father make over the years. She couldn’t bear to think of him saying such things about her. Pauline had let him down, but Lavinia refused to do so.

  She’d enjoyed Henry’s kiss. There was no denying it. He’d said he enjoyed kissing her, too, but his curt comments and abrupt departure made her wonder if she’d imagined the attraction she’d seen in his eyes. Perhaps the kiss had meant nothing to him, after all.

  Henry might be a wonderful man who caused her to feel things no man before him ever had, but she couldn’t entertain fanciful thoughts about him. Her father had made it clear Henry was no different in his eyes than Jack. The sooner she won her case, was granted guardianship of the children, left Sutter Creek behind and returned to the life that awaited her back home, the better. Memories of her time here would fade. One day she would meet a man who would make her as light-headed as she’d been when Henry’s lips—

  Stop that, Lavinia. You must get a hold of yourself.

  She summoned her best parlor smile and spent the next hour making the rounds. Despite the party not working out the way she’d planned, her guests had enjoyed themselves. Several had even gone so far as to say it was the best party they’d ever attended. She’d succeeded in achieving her goal of gaining the community’s support, despite the changes she’d been forced to make, and yet her victory felt hollow.

  The first family left the schoolhouse just as a gentleman wearing an overcoat as fine as Henry’s entered. She would have recognized the man’s raven hair and green eyes anywhere.

  Stuart Worthington.

  He spotted her and strode her way. Although he was as good-looking as ever, he was the last person she wanted to see when her emotions were running amok. What would Henry think?

  “Lavinia, what a pleasure.” He lifted her hand and planted a kiss on the back of it.

  “I, um, wasn’t expecting you so soon. Has something come up?”

  “Nothing’s amiss. I just thought it would be more pleasant to spend Christmas here in Sutter Creek with you than alone in San Francisco.”

  How was she to deal with Henry and Stuart in the same town at the same time, especially after what had just taken place? Thankfully manners dictated her response. “Of course. I’m sure you’re eager to meet the children.”

  His warm smile came as a surprise. “By all means. I understand I just missed their performance. I’m sorry about that. I would have liked to have seen it.”

  “Really? I didn’t know you had an interest in children.” Despite the many conversations they’d had, the topic hadn’t come up.

  “Very much so. I look forward to having a family one day. Now that my career is getting established, I can think about making that happen.”

  Stuart had been the consummate gentleman on the trip west, keeping things between them cordial. His statement, coupled with the quick raising of his eyebrows, caused a warning gong to sound in her head. Was he hoping to woo her, after all?

  “How did things go in San Francisco? Do you have a favorable report for Father?”

  He blinked twice, and his professional manner reasserted itself, much to her relief. “I do. The city is well on its way to becoming one of the largest and most influential in California. By establishing a hotel now, we could secure a piece of property in the area between Market and Montgomery. I’ve scouted out several prime locations.”

  “He’ll be happy to hear that.”

  “I hope so. Now, would you be so kind as to introduce me to your nieces and nephew?”

  “Certainly.” He seemed genuinely interested in meeting them, and yet she couldn’t help but wonder about his motives. She’d had no such qualms in the past, but he hadn’t made his intentions quite so obvious before. “I must ask you not to mention my plans to take them to Philadelphia. I’ve encountered some hurdles.” She updated him on her pending court case.

  “I’m sorry things have been so challenging, Lavinia. You can trust me not to say a word.”

  “Thank you.” She spotted Alex by himself, surveying what was left on the dessert tables, and headed over to him. He picked up a molasses fritter.

  “Alex.”

  He spun around, a guilty look on his face. “Aunt Livy, I’ve only had three things so far.”

  “It’s fine. You may have another. I just came over to introduce you to my...my friend, Mr. Worthington. Stuart this is my nephew, Alex.”

  “I’m pleased to meet you, young man.” Stuart held out a hand.

  Alex looked up at Stuart with narrowed eyes and made no move to accept his offer of a handshake. “You’re the man who brought Aunt Livy here, aren’t you?”

  Stuart returned his attention to Alex. “You’re right. I’m the one who was privileged to serve as her escort on the trip here, and what a journey it was. We traveled on two ships and a train.”

  Alex eyed Stuart suspiciously. “You’re not her sweetheart, are you?”

  To his credit, Stuart didn’t appear surprised. “I work for her father, but she and I are friends.”

  “It’s a good thing you’re only friends because my uncle Henry just gave her a great big kiss in front of everybody.”

  Of all the things Alex could have said, that had to be the most cringe-worthy. Mindful of her nephew’s feelings and Stuart’s stunned silence, Lavinia chose her words carefully. “You and your sisters took your uncle and me by surprise with that bit of mistletoe mischief. We went along with it because we knew it was all in fun.”

  “But you like him. I know you do.”

  “Of course I like him. Your uncle is a fine man, and he’s very good to you and your sisters, but he and I are just friends.” And despite her surprising reaction to Henry’s kiss, that’s all they could ever be.

  “Speaking of your sisters,” Stuart said, bringing the awkward conversation to a close, “I’d like to meet them, too, so your aunt and I will leave you to enjoy that dessert. I look forward to seeing you again, Alex.”

  Lavinia took the arm Stuart offered, grateful to escape her nephew’s probing questions. The last thing she wanted to do right now was examine her feelings for Henry. Or his lack of feelings for her. She scanned the room, spotted Marcie and Dot by the Christmas tree and led the way to them.

  Marcie saw them first, and her eyes widened. She looked from Stuart to Lavinia. “Who is he?”

  She introduced him. “And these are my nieces, Marcie and Dot.”

  Stuart held his closed hand to his waist and leaned toward the girls in gallant fashion. “Your aunt didn’t tell me what lovely ladies you are.”

  Marcie smiled and passed a hand over her dark curls. “Do you want to see the decorations I made? Aunt Livy’s been too busy to see them.”

  The way Marcie shrugged off Lavinia’s apparent lack of interest brought her up short. She’d been so focused on the party that she’d forgotten to look at her niece’s ornaments.

  Henry appeared at Lavinia’s side. “Your aunt’s here now, Muffin, and I’m sure she’d love to see your creations.”

  Lavinia welcomed the opportunity to concentrate on something other than the men standing on either side of her, giving her time to compose herself after the series of surprises she’d faced in the past few minutes. “Yes, sweetie, I would. Please, show us all.”

  Marcie ate up the attention, eagerly pointing out her handiwork while directing her comments to Stuart. “I made angels since I’m going to be an angel in the Christmas play. I even have a line to say. Will you be there, Mr. Worthy, um, Worthing?” She frowned. “I forgot what it is.”

  “It’s Worthington, but since that’s such a long name, you can call me Mr. W. And yes, I will be there. I look forward to hearing you deliver your line. I’m sure you’l
l do a wonderful job.”

  “My niece is quite talented.” Henry smiled at Marcie, but the icy look he shot Stuart could freeze the water flowing in Sutter Creek.

  Lavinia could avoid the inevitable no longer. “Stuart, allow me to introduce Henry Hawthorn, the children’s uncle. Henry, this is—”

  “Mr. Worthington. Yes, I know. Welcome.” Henry extended a hand, still stained from his day spent working in the smithy. His eyes held a challenge.

  Stuart returned Henry’s piercing gaze with an unflinching one and shook his hand without hesitation. “I’m pleased to meet you, Mr. Hawthorn. Lavinia has told me a great deal about you.”

  The tension between the two men put Lavinia on edge. “You must be tired after your travels, Stuart. Have you secured lodging yet?”

  “I booked a room at the American House hotel. I’ll be heading there shortly, but first I’d like to sample some of those desserts and have a cup of that delicious smelling cider, if I may?”

  Lavinia nodded. “By all means.”

  “Aunt Livy, can Mr. W. go with us to get our Christmas tree tomorrow?”

  Stuart had obviously made an impression on Marcie. “It’s nice of you to ask, sweetie, but I’m not sure he’d want to do that.”

  “It’s going to be quite an adventure. This little lady—” Henry swung Dot into his arms “—has never seen snow. Her brother and sister did once, but they were too young to remember. I thought it would be fun to head up the mountain and find a tree above the snowline. That will require traveling in a wagon over two hours each way.”

  Henry’s announcement was unexpected. Several days before, Lavinia had suggested granting the children’s wish to see snow, but he’d said the trip could end up being more trouble than it was worth and that they could find a tree much closer. Something had obviously changed his mind. It was clear he was out to dissuade Stuart from joining them.

  Dot stared at Henry, openmouthed. “We get to see snow? Goody!”

  “Please say you’ll come, Mr. W. You could help Uncle Henry cut down the tree and carry it to the wagon.” Marcie leaned toward Stuart and spoke in a stage whisper. “Alex thinks he’s old enough to do it, but he’s not. He’s still a boy, but you’re a big, tall man.”