The Lady's Chocolatier: a Victorian-era romance novella

by Sandra Sookoo

  Damn it. He hadn’t meant to admit such a thing, but there it was.

  Her eyes rounded with shock and she struggled against his hold. “Let me go.”

  “Of course.” Immediately, he released her hands. His passion cooled and the intensity of his arousal lessened. “Evangeline, I—”

  “Stop.” She slithered from his lap and when he assumed she’d march into his bedroom and slam the door, she surprised him again by pacing the length of the opposite sofa, the table between them. “What you say makes sense. Except…”

  “Except what?” He hadn’t the heart to tell her that her delicate unmentionables were rendered almost transparent each time she passed before the lamp resting on a side table.

  “Except once again what I want is only given at the discretion of a man’s whim.” She curled her hands into fists and whirled to face him. “Do you know how aggravating it is to have an idea blocked, argued, derided just because it was put forth by a woman?” Her lower lip trembled. “Everything in this society—this world—is controlled by men, even down to the needs of my body—mine—which is under my control, yet upon marriage, this body—” She grabbed her breasts in her hands. “—becomes the property and possession of a man.” With a cry of frustration, she threw her hands up in the air and her breasts swayed with the sudden movement. “None of this is fair.”

  “I agree, but do understand that while what you said is true, not all men will treat women like chattel. Not every man will demand a woman tie herself to a domestic life if that is not what she wishes.” He shoved his hands through his hair and then held his head in his hands. “If you do not wish to be measured by ‘all women,’ you mustn’t measure all men by the same stick.”

  For several long moments, Evangeline glared at him with the expression of a thundercloud, her chin notched up in defiance. She was the proud embodiment of nature’s fury raging outside. Then she sighed and the fight left her shoulders. She slumped onto the sofa as if her bones would no longer support her. “You are correct. I do you a disservice as much as I have had done to me.”

  Jasper lifted his head, and when he met her gaze, tears sparkled there. “I understand why you wish to further your independence in this manner. It should be your right as a human being. All I ask is that you make your decisions wisely—discreetly—and don’t let others devalue you simply because you are female.”

  “I will.” She nodded, her gaze darting away. “I suppose in this regard I have failed as well.” A tiny sob escaped her. “I have disappointed my mother, my aunt, you.”

  “No.” She looked so forlorn that his heart ached for her. “My dear Evie, where you and I are concerned, there is no disappointment.” He clambered to his feet, crossed the floor and resettled on the sofa beside her. “I have never met a woman with more fortitude or determination.” Jasper took one of her hands in his. “Your courage and kindness set you apart. Your bravery alone could quell the hearts of the most hardened military generals.” Those things and more had made him fall for her to begin with.

  “More pretty words.” A tear leaked from the corner of one eye and splashed upon the back of his hand. “Pardon me. The past few days have been trying. My mind is consumed with confliction and confusion.”

  “You are entitled to your feelings.” He entwined their fingers, but when she pulled her hand away, he didn’t protest. If she still wished to cling to finding her independence through her business, he would assist her, even if it sent her away from him. He wanted her happiness above all things. “I am going to help you sell your garments.”

  “How?” She stared at him, her lashes spiked with moisture. And she was even more enticing than she was before.

  “Set up a shop here in London. There is more foot traffic and younger clientele. You wouldn’t need to travel all over England.” Which would put her closer to him and maybe then he could continue to woo her. At the very least he could watch over her.

  Fear roiled in her expressive eyes. Evangeline shook her head. “It’s… too overwhelming to think about right now.”

  Rain beat against the window, the only sound heard in the room for long minutes.

  This time he refused to allow her to retreat from life or a possible future with him. “It would be easier with a partner. Together, you and I will locate shop space.”

  “My aunt wouldn’t come to London, not now that Grandmother lives in Brighton.” She shook her head, her expression growing closed. No doubt she’d already told herself all the reasons why the idea wouldn’t work. Obviously, she’d missed his point entirely. “I would have to handle the business alone, and I’m not certain I have the knowledge or the credibility.”

  Jasper wanted to scream with frustration at her inability to see her worth or her potential or his willingness to help launch her. “You are never alone when I’m here.”

  She took a quick gulp of breath and then another. Finally, she shot to her feet, panic lining her face, her eyes wide and hunted. “I cannot make such a decision at the moment, but I promise to think on what you’ve said.”

  And then she fled the parlor. Her bare feet pounded against the hardwood as she crossed the hall to his bedroom. The door slammed behind her.

  Muttering a curse, Jasper flopped backward against the sofa. God save him from high-spirited women, even if this one owned his heart.

  For the first time in his career as a chocolatier, Jasper came downstairs to the shop an hour after opening. He’d overslept, his mind apparently drained from the events of the prior evening.

  He manipulated his cravat as he made his way down the stairs, but when he would have stepped into the shop itself, the sound of Evangeline’s voice brought him to a halt and he lingered just inside the door. Positioning himself so he could comfortably observe, shock plowed into him when he caught sight of her behind the counter assisting Theodore with customers, a Parisian-style apron tied about her slim waist, protecting a gown of brilliant blue, and combined with the low bodice, enhanced her natural beauty and made her eyes pop with color.

  “Good morning, Mrs. Alrad,” Theodore greeted. “Yes, Mr. Winslow is out of pocket this morning—I think—but Miss Bradenwilde can help you with your selections. She has quite the discerning eye. I have tea to make for another customer.”

  Still concealed, Jasper rolled his eyes. Young Theodore had lessons on tact to learn yet, and with one of their more prominent clients no less. Also, it was disturbing how willing the other man was to incorporate Evangeline into sharing his tasks. He crossed his arms over his chest and leaned a shoulder against the wall and continued to observe.

  “Thank you for the kindness, Mr. Anderson, but I am not the expert that you or Jasper are.” She met Mrs. Alrad’s gaze. “If I were you, I’d consider one of these mouth-watering fruit tarts today, or if chocolate is what you’re after, the soft caramels topped with flaked salt will change your life.” A smile sounded in her voice.

  While they conversed, Jasper’s gaze never left Evangeline’s face. Her eyes sparkled while she made suggestions; her hands animated as she gestured toward confections she tried to steer the customer toward. Once she’d made the sale and Theodore boxed the purchases, she was immediately approached by another customer, this time a male.

  Jasper frowned. A tall, blond man dressed to impress, his hair styled just so, whose face lit with a satisfied grin upon seeing Evangeline.

  “How may I assist you today?” she asked with cheer and genuine pleasure that grated on Jasper’s nerves.

  “Securing dinner with you along with a box of your finest chocolates would be a terrific start,” the man responded as he leaned over the counter to possess himself of her hand.

  Jasper’s body stiffened. The gall of the man!

  But he needn’t have worried. Evangeline extricated herself from his grip without losing her smile. “How about I fill your box with sweets and you can find a dinner companion elsewhere?”

  “Perhaps, but I won’t enjoy the confections quite as much without you on my a
rm,” came his response that set Jasper’s blood boiling.

  “Do try and learn a new skill, sir. It will serve you well in life.” She tempered the admonishment with a smile that had Jasper’s chest tightening. “Now, shall we discuss your chocolates?”

  Further conversation remained strictly on the candies, and Jasper’s respect for her went up several notches. She’d handled herself with aplomb and diplomacy, all the while remaining unruffled. By the time she sent the gentleman on his way, three other customers waited for her attention and insight.

  Through it all, Jasper watched with varying degrees of fascination and admiration. She was a natural in this setting. He stroked his chin as thoughtfulness fell upon him. Interesting, that. And perhaps it would open a whole new avenue he’d not previously considered, but would it be received with better reception by his reluctant lady?

  During a lull, Theodore returned to the counter. “You have a knack, Miss Bradenwilde. If I didn’t know better, I’d say you were born for this sort of work.”

  “Thank you.” She briefly touched his arm and Theodore’s face went as red as his hair. “I am merely showing my thanks to your employer for his hospitality.”

  “This rain has been unfortunate, but I heard talk it will end tomorrow. Finally have some clear weather.”

  “Is that right?” Was that panic in her voice? “I suppose one cannot have rain every day, though. We all must learn to live our lives in the sun as well.”

  “Yes, ma’am. I have liked having your assistance this morning.” Theodore grinned as if he had no sense. “It is certainly different with a woman about the place.”

  Evangeline’s smile was ethereal as she regarded the younger man. “May I ask you a question?”

  “Certainly.” His head bobbed as if he were an owl.

  “Do you enjoy working for Mr. Winslow?”

  Jasper’s insides twisted. This was why no good ever came of listening at keyholes or around corners. What would his assistant say?

  “I do, Miss Bradenwilde.” Another round of enthusiastic nodding ensued. “Mr. Winslow is a top-notch teacher with a wealth of knowledge. He listens to my ideas. Never says my views are wrong, even when they differ from his. We work together to create new confections and designs.” The man’s eyes grew round with excitement. “Every once in a while, he’ll put my creations in the case. That is a grand day indeed.”

  “I can imagine the thrill,” Evangeline agreed. “There is something so pleasant about seeing your hard work on display, knowing that your chocolates will bring happiness to others.”

  “Yes, miss. Exactly that.”

  “Mr. Winslow has always been one of a kind. He is a true treasure to this world, England especially.” Her voice trailed away, perhaps into thought.

  From his doorway shelter, Jasper lost his heart to her all over again. Her opinion only solidified his decision to propose, and he would do so tonight if at all possible.

  “He is that, miss. I thank the Creator every day he chose me to be his assistant.” Then no more conversation was had since Theodore was summoned to one of the tables.

  Finally, Jasper could no longer remain hidden. He stepped into the shop and greeted her as if he hadn’t been spying on her. “I apologize for my tardiness.”

  A wash of pink splashed into her cheeks. “Think nothing of it. I have been enjoying myself immensely in your absence.”

  “Ah, so then you are content most without me?” He couldn’t help teasing her.

  “Don’t be daft, Jasper,” she said with a smile. “I meant I never thought I’d like selling chocolates with any amount of dexterity.”

  He nodded. “I knew it was balderdash when you stated you weren’t inclined toward sales.” He lifted a hand in greeting to Theodore. “One way or the other, my dear Miss Bradenwilde, life will see you as a raging success. Mark my words.”

  And he would be the stepping stone for that growth. Nothing was impossible. He would move heaven and earth for the woman he loved if only to see her smile again.

  Chapter Nine

  The nearer closing time at the emporium grew, the more skittish Evangeline became.

  All afternoon she’d worked alongside Jasper. He’d been the perfect companion and a congenial businessman. Over the hours, he’d shown her how he made a couple of his confits, even let her sample his newest creations. Not once did he tell her she needed to remove the apron she’d appropriated or cautioned her that she had no place in his world of confections.

  Therein lay the problem. Being with him either in this capacity, talking over tea or sharing kisses and caresses was too easy. They fit together like pieces of a puzzle. There was familiarity there, but now it was peppered with excitement and anticipation. With each new surprising faucet of his personality she discovered during their short time together, the more her heart yearned to be with him in a permanent capacity.

  Which made her restless spirit quiver with chilling anxiety, a queer sort of terror that froze her heart and urged her to take flight once again before the fear could catch up.

  She glanced beneath the counter where she stood, confident her packed and readied carpetbag remained stowed in the cupboard near her feet. While Jasper slept this morning, she’d hurriedly stowed her personal effects into the bag and hustled it downstairs. Even though the rain still came down steadily as it had for the past two days, she planned to leave the emporium and him once he closed the shop this evening. The trunk would be left behind.

  Her chest tightened and her heart squeezed with a strong pressure. She bit down hard on her bottom lip to stave off giving in to the urge to cry. The feelings she held for him hadn’t stayed in the past like she’d hoped. Instead, they had surged forward and multiplied and strengthened until all she thought about was him; all she saw when she examined her life was a typical ton life and all the domestic drudgery therein, despite his pretty words of the night before.

  Men would say many things in their quest to bring a woman to wife.

  And as the terror of such a proper, boring existence mounted, she fought back against all the emotions that swamped her. She tried to push the confusion from her mind to encourage clear thoughts and logical decisions, to reassure herself that what she planned to do was the right course. If she allowed the walls around her heart to come tumbling down, if she gave herself permission to contemplate what a future with Jasper might entail, did that mean the death of everything she had spent her adult life fighting for?

  “Looks like your head is in the clouds, Miss Bradenwilde,” he mentioned as he gravitated closer to her with a broom in his hands. “Care to share what has you wool-gathering?”

  “I would not, Mr. Winslow.” It was best to return to the frosty woman who met him on the train platform the other night, for it would be the way he remembered her and the break would be gentler for him. “The crux of my thoughts have no bearing on my future.”

  Would that it was so. One tiny decision could decide the fate of her future for good or for ill. The same decision would break this man’s heart for the second time in a five-year span.

  How can I do that? Yet, how could she not, if making him happy would mean she’d be miserable? Her heart trembled again. A rather sticky wicket, that. Did a woman sacrifice herself at the marital altar because she wished for nothing except to see one Jasper Winslow spend the rest of his life in a joyful state?

  But then, wasn’t that the very definition of love?

  Evangeline gasped. Her eyes unfocused as she gaped. Surely she wasn’t in love with the chocolatier. Good heavens, she’d only been back in his company for two—now three—days.

  The snap of his fingers in front of her face brought her crashing back to the conversation. “It wasn’t a question of the ages that required a sober answer. I merely attempted to lighten your mood.” His low chuckle vibrated in her own chest. “Come back to Earth.”

  “I appreciate the attempt at diversion.” Despite the directions her mind was being pulled, Evangeline smiled. He alwa
ys did have a knack for disarming her, for making her feel as if everything would work out in the end. “Forgive the prickles. I am somewhat out of sorts today.”

  Tell me you are different. Tell me a life with you will be more adventure than a chore.

  “With you, my dear, there is nothing to forgive.” He winked, and a twinkle gleamed in his eye, the same one she’d spied all those years ago before their lives were forever altered by the same decision she contemplated now. The lopsided grin made an appearance and her heart fluttered. “Would you do me the honor of having dinner with me tonight?”

  She wetted her lips as awareness of him heightened every sense. Memories from their kisses the night before assailed her. Gooseflesh raced over her skin. “Haven’t we had dinner together for the last two evenings?” She clasped her hands together to help tamp down the urge to reach out and touch him.

  “Yes, but I would especially like it if you would accept tonight.” Jasper waggled his eyebrows as he leaned on his broom handle. He exuded confidence as only a man who is assured of a certain outcome could be.

  And I’m going to destroy him again.

  Still, another piece of her heart flew into his keeping. She nodded even as she knew she would never arrive at that table. His simple residence should be a large testament that he wasn’t a representation of all she abhorred. Her resolve wavered. “That sounds delightful.” Then she gave herself a stern warning. Remain strong, Evangeline. No matter how different he seems, given half a chance, he will steal your freedom.

  He leaned close, secured her hand and brought it to his lips. Faint flutters tickled in her lower belly. Heat built in her core. Why did he have to be so charming? After brushing a fleeting kiss on her bare knuckle, he released her. “Until then. I shall count down every minute.” He took his leave and soon he and Theodore were involved in end of the day chores.

  Eventually, time passed and the young shop assistant donned his overcoat and his cap.

  “Have a good night, Miss Bradenwilde. I hope to see you again soon,” he said as he paused at the door.