by Kate Pearce
Oliver stared at Holly. “The modiste, the one everyone asks after, is you? Why, I thought you only sketched out of boredom!”
“We all have our secrets, Oliver.” Holly grinned. “If you can find a way for Frances to have another season, I will see that she is clothed beautifully.”
“I thank you for that.” He placed his hand over Holly’s and squeezed. “But right now, I doubt we could afford enough muslin for even one gown.”
It wasn’t right that they should suffer so. “Has your father spoken with Ethan?”
Oliver shook his head. “He’s too proud. Besides, how would that look if the uncle went to the nephew for assistance?”
“Isn’t that what family is for?” She might no longer have her own, but before her brother died, Holly could go to him with any of her troubles.
“Pride, Holly. When that is all a gentleman has left, he holds tightly onto it.”
Pride would not feed them in the future, but Holly bit her tongue. Oliver was already quite depressed over their situation.
“Well, I must go mingle. There are a number of heiresses about and I should see about finding one to fall in love with.”
“Oh, Oliver,” she nearly cried.
“Do not fret, Holly. Marriages have been made on less, and I will endeavor to be happy, and make my bride happy, no matter what. Not all of us are meant for love.”
But we were, she wanted to call after him. But Oliver would only argue with her. Besides, other than providing gowns for Frances, there wasn’t anything else she could do.
With a sigh, she stood and wandered to the window. Where would they live once they sold their home? Lord Frederick had no property in the country. She could offer her home. She wasn’t living in it and it was quite pleasant. Even after she returned when she reached her majority, Holly wouldn’t mind the company of Lord Frederick, Oliver and Frances. In fact, she’d enjoy having others in her home and that was exactly what she’d do, if it became necessary.
“Do you trust him?” Sir Gervase asked as he materialized before Holly.
“Oliver? Of course.”
“If he had found the treasure, would he have only taken a small part?”
“I believe so,” Holly mused. “He is not a thief, but I do believe he’d do anything for his sister, even take something that was not his to insure her happiness.”
“Yet, he gambled with funds he could not afford to lose.”
Which was not like Oliver at all. He didn’t even darken the doors of the gambling rooms at the balls he attended. “I believe that only proves how desperate he truly was.” Slowly she smiled, liking her idea all the more. “However, I will see that they do have a home, if the need arises.”
“How?” Sir Gervase asked with a chuckle.
Of course, he was probably wondering how a mere miss could help anyone.
“My manor, of course. It’s mine but nobody lives there at the moment. It is quite lovely and looks out over the ocean just outside of Tintagel.” She sighed. “I cannot wait to return.”
“Tintagel, you say?” he asked with a frown.
“Yes. It’s very old too. My family has lived on the land since before you were probably even born.”
“Why doesn’t a father or brother own the manor? Have times changed that women now own property?” It was almost as if he were aghast at the very idea.
“I am the last of the line,” she explained. “My brother, David, was the last Baron Prescott.”
Sir Gervase’s pale eyes widened. “You were born of a Prescott?”
Holly wasn’t certain if he was more alarmed or surprised. “Did you know them, my ancestors, that is, when you were alive?”
“I knew a Baron Prescott,” the ghost confirmed. “He sheltered a number of Templars at a time of discourse.” He shook his head. “Another Baron Prescott, and his family, helped build St. Catherine’s Church.”
Holly frowned. “I thought the church was built after your death.”
“I may be tied to this castle, but I am fully aware of what has become of the church, land, and my fellow Templars. For short periods of time I am allowed to return to them, but I am always pulled back here.”
“Are they ghosts as well?” How else could Sir Gervase know so much?
“Only five, and they remain to guard the treasure.”
“After all this time?” If it hadn’t been found yet, what did they fear?
“We’re only waiting until it is claimed by someone we deem worthy of it, and will not see it abused.”
As there was probably nobody worthy of such an honor. Those ghosts could potentially remain there for all of eternity, just as Sir Gervase was stuck here.
“Once that person is found, all of us will be free to move on.”
“It’s a shame you must wait so long.”
“It is our destiny and an honor to serve,” he assured Holly as he disappeared.
Oh, how she wished he wouldn’t come and go like that.
With a sigh, Holly left the blue parlor to return to her chambers, her heart heavy with the concerns Oliver carried and her worries that when the mistletoe Anthony carried came to life it wouldn’t be when he was with Ethan.
Anthony stepped inside the castle, determined to find his brother and give him a piece of his mind. However, he didn’t even know where to begin. And why should he bother himself with Michael when a greater quest was at hand. He fingered the dead mistletoe in his pocket with determination. There was no reason why he couldn’t do both. With that, he strode to the library for a parchment and quill and began listing the gentlemen who were present when the mistletoe came alive, but only the names who had a daughter, sister or ward. Thankfully the Duke of Westbury was at the top of the list as he’d been present both times, as had the remaining four: the Earl of Banfield, Earl of Somerton, Lord Frederick Dallimore and Viscount Blackwater. Surely he’d be able to locate each of the gentlemen as he sought out Michael.
Once Holly saw the list and he assured her that he’d spoke to each gentleman and that the mistletoe only reacted to Westbury, she’d no longer fight what Anthony already trusted to be true.
Except, the quest turned out to be more difficult than he’d imagined. Not only were there more rooms, corridors and stairs in Castle Keyvnor than there should be anywhere, he’d only located Blackwater, Somerton and Dallimore. Thankfully, the mistletoe remained quite dead. However, no one knew the location of Blackwater or Westbury, much to Anthony’s frustration, nor was his brother anywhere to be found.
With irritation, he strode from the castle to return to Hollybrook. If Michael wasn’t there, Anthony would find him and insist that he desist in collecting debts. Then, he’d return to the castle at supper time, when he was certain to locate Blackwater, and more importantly, Westbury.
Anthony heard Michael’s voice as he approached the drawing room, and Anthony’s irritation at his brother rose. There he was, relaxed without a care in the world, sitting on the settee with that obnoxious dog, now wearing a red bow, sitting beside him.
“You shouldn’t let them do this to you, Oscar,” Michael spoke to the dog. “You’ve got to have some dignity, boy.”
His brother had the audacity to lecture a poodle on dignity? Of all the…Anthony leaned against the doorjamb and pinned Michael with a cold stare. “Interesting advice coming from you.”
“Just what is that supposed to mean?”
Anthony shrugged nonchalantly, in contrast to the anger he was experiencing inside. “I do hope I heard incorrectly. Tell me you’re not really calling in all of the debts owed you. At a wedding, of all places.”
Their mother gasped, as Anthony expected. She and Father would deal with Michael, hopefully.
“What I do and with whom is no concern of yours,” Michael argued.
“Michael!” Their mother grasped his hand. “You haven’t done such a thing, have you? What will people think?”
Michael looked down at a little tin he was holding. “Fellows do owe me money.
And it is entirely my right to collect what is owed me.”
“But at a wedding…”
Michael pulled his hand away from Mother’s. “It’s as good a time as any. And so many are here. I hardly see the harm.” Then he practically pushed the dog from his lap as he came to his feet. “I’d best be getting back to Keyvnor. I’ll need to have my things sent on to the Gypsy wagon before it gets dark.”
Michael was staying at the castle, or Anthony had thought. What was this about a wagon?
However, since his brother was at Keyvnor, Michael may be able to gain a bit of pertinent information. “Have you ever had any dealings with Westbury?” he asked just as Michael approached.
Michael narrowed his eyes on Anthony. “No. He reminds me too much of you.”
Chapter 12
The moment Holly stepped into the Great Hall, her mood brightened. How could one not feel festive in an ancient gathering room adorned with greenery and bright ribbons of red and white? Oh, she loved weddings. Even those where she wasn’t necessarily friends with bride or groom, such as the weddings to take place today. She’d not met any of the parties until they arrived at the castle, but the couples were very much in love, so how could she not be happy for them.
After taking a seat beside Ethan, with Ivy on his other side, Holly scanned the guests in hopes of locating Anthony. Surely he’d been invited.
Then she saw him, sitting with whom she assumed were his parents, the Marquess and Marchioness of Halesworth. Beside them was their daughter, whom Holly recognized from previous Seasons, and the gentleman beside her must be Lady Charlotte’s husband, Viscount Lynwood.
Oh, she wished Anthony would look in her direction, but he sat facing forward, almost as if he didn’t wish to look at anyone. Was he afraid to see her? Had he discovered who the mistletoe was meant for and it wasn’t her?
“Ethan,” Holly leaned toward her guardian and whispered. “Have you spoken with Redgrave recently?”
Westbury frowned, as if in thought. “Not in a day or so.”
Holly glanced at Anthony again. Had he found the right guardian and there was no need to speak with Ethan?
“However, he did send a note asking for a moment of my time between the wedding breakfast and the ball this evening.” Ethan looked down at her. “Do you happen to know why?”
Thankfully Holly was spared from answering when Ivy shifted uncomfortably.
Ethan turned to his younger sister. “Are you all right?”
Ivy offered a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. “Of course, I adore weddings, don’t you?”
Was something wrong with Ivy? Holly had been so caught up with her concerns, first for Ethan and then about what the mistletoe may reveal to Redgrave, that she’d not spent much time with Ivy.
Ethan frowned. “You don’t seem like yourself.”
“While you, of course, seem exactly as you always do.”
Oh, why couldn’t those two just get along? Ivy should appreciate Ethan and be glad she still had him because Holly would do anything to have her brother still with her.
Ethan blew out a breath and turned his attention to the reverend, as did Holly, and she intentionally kept her eyes from straying to where Anthony sat with his family. She’d know soon enough what her future held. Except, when she should have been more attentive to the sermon and vows, Holly worried more about mistletoe and berries.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, Holly stood and took Oliver’s offered arm and allowed him to lead her through the throng of guests, all the while keeping an eye on Anthony. Unfortunately, another Beck reached Ethan before Anthony did, not that Lord Redgrave even looked in Ethan’s direction. Instead, he was making his way toward Lord Banfield.
A knot formed in the pit of Holly’s stomach. Banfield still had two more daughters to marry off. Was one of them meant for Anthony?
“Well, there is an interesting development,” Oliver muttered.
“What?” Holly turned in the direction of Oliver’s gaze. Lord Michael had his lips pressed against Ivy’s hand.
“I do hope the chap doesn’t have his heart set on Ivy.”
Holly had to agree. Though attractive, Lord Michael was a third son, and not even close to ever inheriting a dukedom, which happened to be Ivy’s number one requirement in a husband.
“Did you happen to speak with Lord Michael?” Holly asked.
“Humiliating as it was, he understood and granted me more time.”
“I’m sorry, Oliver.” No gentleman wants to confess that he cannot pay a debt. “Were you forced to tell him everything?”
“Yes,” Oliver grumbled. “Lord Michael was not without sympathy, and I am grateful for his understanding.” Then Oliver leaned in. “I just pray he keeps my confidence to himself.”
“I’m certain he will,” she assured Oliver as Anthony reached Lord Banfield. Unable to watch the exchange, she turned to Oliver. “Let’s congratulate the happy couples, shall we?”
If Charlotte and Mother hadn’t kept him at Hollybrook Park the remainder of yesterday and last evening, Anthony would not need to approach Banfield immediately following the marriage of two of his daughters.
He clutched the dead plant in his left hand as he approached the Earl because he didn’t have a convenient pocket in which to conceal it. “Congratulations on the marriages of your daughters,” Anthony said as he held out his right hand.
Banfield grasped it and shook. “Thank you, Redgrave, and so good of you and your family to come.”
Nothing was happening. Nothing at all. “It was our pleasure,” he offered and, with a lightness in his heart, moved on. Once he stepped away, Anthony looked down at his hand to the very dead plant. It was the absolutely best thing he’d ever seen. With that, he went in search of Holly, who he spotted standing on the far side of the Great Hall with Oliver Dallimore.
Why was the bloke always around? Anthony nearly growled as predatory instincts settled in. Holly was his and he’d not let anyone else stand in the way. The chap had tried to blackmail him!
Before Anthony could reach Holly’s side and tell her the news, she was also joined by Somerton. Another irritated growl threatened to escape. Somerton may be his closest friend, but Anthony wouldn’t even allow him to stand in his way. Besides, why the sudden interest when there’d been none before?
Well, Somerton could just find someone else to be interested in, since there couldn’t be anything serious behind the earl’s attention.
As he approached, Holly’s smile brightened, but there was still a strain in her eyes.
Anthony greeted Somerton and Dallimore then held out his arm to Holly. “Could we stroll in the gardens?”
“Of course, Lord Redgrave.”
After she excused herself, Anthony led her outside so that they could speak privately. “I will have you know that I made a list of all the gentlemen who were present when the mistletoe came to life, but left off anyone who wasn’t responsible for a miss.”
Holly drew in a breath as if she were preparing herself for the worst.
“The only gentleman left to speak with is your guardian.”
“The others?”
“The plant remained quite dead. I received my final confirmation when I just spoke with Banfield.”
“Not final,” she argued. “You still must speak with Ethan.”
“Which I will do as soon as we return inside.”
“Then we should go,” she prompted. At least she was as anxious as he.
“Holly, I know this is sudden, but I don’t wish for a long betrothal.”
She blinked up at him.
“In truth, I’ve been falling in love with you for three years. Ever since we shared our first dance, and so many other moments since then, but I held back because I believed your heart belonged to another.”
“There’s never been another,” she insisted. “I thought you were just being kind. Though my brother and father were barons, I have little, and am simply the ward of a duke.”
Anthony nearly laughed. “I don’t care what you have or don’t have, or your connections, or any of that rot.” He pulled her closed. “It is you. Simply you. That is all that I’ve craved.”
Chapter 13
Holly’s stomach flipped and heat pooled in her nether regions at his touch, the passion of his voice and intensity of his eyes.
“Do you think that one day you might love me as well?”
An unintended chuckle escaped her. “I believe I’ve been falling in love with you all along as well.”
His hands settled on her waist, nearly burning her skin through her gown as he bent and placed his lips against hers. Without hesitation, Holly wrapped her arms about his shoulders as he drew her close, until there was nothing between their bodies but the clothing they wore.
It didn’t matter that it was a cool morning, for she was very warm in his arms.
Anthony angled his head and her lips parted for him as he deepened the kiss. She could go on like this forever, but then he pulled back. “Forget a short betrothal, I’ll see to a Special License immediately.”
“Perhaps you should seek Ethan’s permission first.”
“Ah yes, His Grace. I do hope he doesn’t object, but if he does we’ll just head off to Scotland.”
Holly laughed at his perseverance. “I think I might like that.”
“Perhaps we shall forgo the ceremony in exchange for the anvil, though my mother would be quite displeased.”
“You shouldn’t disappoint your mother.” Holly certainly didn’t want to begin a marriage with her in-laws unhappy with her.
Anthony looked down at her, love and desire in his eyes. “All my life I’ve done what was expected of me. Never once have I behaved recklessly, done anything of which my parents might not approve.”
“And you mean to begin now?” she teased.
“I very much intend to begin now.” He lifted her then turned, swinging her about. “We’ll remain here only long enough to celebrate Christmas, but on the twenty-sixth we are taking my carriage to Gretna Green.”
