A Christmas Spirit of Forgiveness

by Carolynn Carey

  In other words, that slight young female had been performing the duties that—had he been more willing to mend fences—could and should have been his.

  He got to his feet and smiled. “Mrs. Cauldwell, I hope you’ll do me the honor of allowing me to carry you to the kitchen where you’ll be warmer, not lacking for company and hopefully able to cajole Cook into fixing both of us a snack to tide us over until dinner.”

  The lady’s near toothless grin was all the response he needed.

  Chapter 4

  Anna wasn’t sure how long she’d slept, but when she awoke, the fire in her chamber had almost burned itself out. She lay still for a couple of minutes while taking stock of her condition. Thankfully, her head now felt fine, but her stomach complained of being empty.

  She pushed herself up in bed and looked toward the windows. Someone had closed the drapes, leaving the room in semidarkness, so she rose and opened them. The snow had stopped, thank goodness, but the sun glared so brightly off the mounds of snow that Anna quickly averted her gaze.

  She wondered again what time it was and then recalled that Betsy had consulted a mantel clock that morning. Having a clock in her bedroom was a luxury Anna had never known, so she hurried over to consult the ornate timepiece. Two gilded cherubs cavorted on top of the clock while two more reclined on the white onyx base. Anna smiled at their whimsical expressions before shifting her gaze to the golden hands situated on a white face boasting golden Roman numerals. It was almost one thirty in the afternoon. No wonder she was hungry.

  But knowing Mrs. Ballard, there’d be warm food waiting for her in the kitchen. She glanced down at her dress. Unfortunately, it looked as though she’d been sleeping in it, which she had, of course. Earlier that day, her head had hurt so badly that when she got to her chamber, she’d merely crawled under the covers and gone to sleep.

  She brushed at her skirt, hoping to smooth it out a bit, then shrugged and stepped over to the washstand. There was fresh water in the pitcher so she washed her hands in the basin, brushed her hair and exited her chamber.

  She didn’t run into anyone on her way to the kitchen, but she gasped aloud when she stepped into the room and found Mrs. Cauldwell seated at the table with the earl sitting across from her. The two looked up when Anna paused in the doorway, and Mrs. Cauldwell shot her an impudent grin. Ashington merely raised his brows.

  Anna wished she could sink into the floor. Obviously, she’d been found out. However, from what she could observe, the earl didn’t appear to be angry. On the contrary, when she’d first spotted him, he’d appeared to be listening intently to whatever yarn Mrs. Cauldwell had been spinning. Anna could only hope it was nothing too incriminating.

  Forcing a smile, she stepped into the room. “Good afternoon, all. I’m sorry I’ve slept most of the day away.”

  The earl got to his feet. “Good afternoon, Miss Marshall. I trust your headache has improved.”

  Anna hadn’t told him she had a headache but obviously someone had. She wished she had some way of knowing what had gone on while she slept. As it was, she’d just have to say as little as possible and hope for the best. She sketched a quick curtsy. “Thank you for asking, my lord. And yes, my headache is completely gone now.”

  “I’m glad to hear that. No doubt you’re hungry. Mrs. Cauldwell and I have just finished a bowl of delicious stew, and I believe Cook said there was some left. Shall I fetch you a bowl?”

  Anna forced a smile. No matter how amazing she found the current situation, she was determined not to show it. She walked toward the table on legs that felt a little less than steady. “That would be lovely, Lord Ashington.”

  He smiled and nodded, just as though he spent most of his days in the kitchen fetching food for other people. “Have a seat then.” He pulled out a chair and she dropped into it.

  Fifteen minutes later, Anna had finished her bowl of stew, along with a hunk of warm bread, but while her hunger had been assuaged, she couldn’t say the same regarding her curiosity about the earl. Why wasn’t he angry about Mrs. Cauldwell being an uninvited guest in his house? In fact, the two seemed to have forged some sort of bond that left Anna both puzzled and amazed. Their conversation was reminiscent of what one would expect from old friends.

  So she simply sat back and listened while the two discussed the features Mrs. Cauldwell would need in a new cottage to help her become more independent. Obviously, the earl intended to pay for the dwelling, along with new furnishings. This in itself seemed out of character, but in addition, he indicated he would return during construction to ensure everything was being done correctly.

  A sudden commotion at the back door drew their attention. The door was thrust open and the head groom stepped inside, stomping his feet to loosen some of the snow adhering to them.

  The earl stood and, after excusing himself to Anna and Mrs. Cauldwell, walked over to speak to the groom. “Greetings, Jenkins. What’s the situation in the stables?”

  “All’s well, my lord. There was some worry early this morning that the weight of the snow would be too much for the roof, so one of the stable lads climbed up and shoveled a good portion of it down. Fortunately, the snow has stopped now and the temperatures even seem to be climbing. We’re hoping for some melting this afternoon, particularly if the sun stays out and it don’t snow any more.”

  “What about the lane?”

  “It’s still covered deep, my lord, but I’ve got the lads out now seeing if they can begin clearing it. I’m hoping by tomorrow, if the temperature cooperates, we can get a fair amount done.”

  Ashington nodded. “As you know, my sister was hoping to join me soon.”

  “Aye, my lord. But there’s no saying what the roads are like in other parts of the country.”

  “I know, but we have no control over those. Let’s just do what we can to clear the area near the house and hope for the best.”

  “Aye, my lord.” Jenkins nodded, then turned and made his way back out the kitchen door while the earl stepped across the room to speak to Mrs. Ballard.

  Anna had been observing all of this from her spot at the table with Mrs. Cauldwell, who, like her, had watched the earl’s movements with total concentration. When he walked back to their table, he ignored Anna and addressed Mrs. Cauldwell. “I’ve asked Mrs. Ballard to move you back into your previous chamber in the south wing where, if I understand correctly, you will be more comfortable. No doubt you’re tired now, so Mrs. Ballard will ask James to carry you to your room.”

  Mrs. Cauldwell gifted him with an adoring smile. Anna was glad those two were getting along so well. She really was. But she was surprised that Mrs. Cauldwell had started doting on the earl so quickly. Of course, the man was handsome, especially when he bothered to flash that especially winning smile. She wished he’d someday smile at her that way, but the chances appeared slim, especially since he now seemed to know exactly how she’d used his estate in his absence.

  Her fears appeared well founded when the earl turned to her, his smile instantly dissolving. “I wonder, Miss Marshall, if you might join me in the library?”

  Aware that his question was more along the lines of an order, Anna merely nodded and stood. The earl waved his arm, motioning for her to precede him so she marched through the door and along the chilly hallway, feeling the hairs on the back of her neck rise as his steps echoed behind her. No doubt she was in for a stern dressing down, perhaps even some threat of what would happen if she continued trespassing on his property.

  She could only wonder how much he knew. Had Mrs. Cauldwell told him about the rabbits that frequently made their way from his woodland into the villagers’ pots? Or perhaps about the flour that sometimes disappeared from his pantry only to reappear on someone’s table in the form of bread?

  Despite the chill of the hallway, Anna felt heat rushing to her face. Yes, she would have to admit that her forays onto his property, even into his house, could be called stealing. And yes, the punishment could be quite severe, she suppose
d. She didn’t think he would prosecute anyone. He didn’t appear to be that sort of man. Still, the bad blood between him and his neighbors might make him less than sanguine about their activities.

  By the time they reached the library, Anna was fuming. How dare the earl undertake a quick trip to Ashington every year or so and make snap judgments about the people who were his neighbors? How could he in good conscience ignore one of his properties so completely when everyone knew it was the estate owner’s place to take an interest in the welfare of the people living in the vicinity?

  When they entered the room, Anna marched over to the fireplace, then turned and confronted him. “Well, my lord, I suppose you’re going to say that I must stop making use of your property without your express permission, and while I realize that such an order is well within your rights, I must protest.”

  Unfortunately, whatever protest she’d been about to make completely disappeared from her mind because the earl was giving her that smile—the one she’d expected never to see, the one that made her cut her gaze toward the fireplace while wondering why the room seemingly had warmed by several degrees. He continued to smile and Anna continued to feel as though she were melting, much like a snowman during a sudden heatwave.

  Then his smile faded. “Actually, Miss Marshall, I had intended to thank you for your care of the people in the neighborhood. Even though there were some hard feelings on both sides, I should have been the one taking care of them. Since I was not, I’m delighted that someone did, and I am forever in your debt.”

  “Oh,” Anna said because she could think of nothing else to say. The earl had certainly taken the wind out of her sails. But his smile was returning and once again she glanced toward the hearth to see if the fire had flared. She took three quick steps away from the flames, which resulted in her standing directly in front of the earl.

  She looked up and found herself staring into his eyes. His gaze was intense, almost mesmerizing, and Anna unconsciously leaned forward. Then, to her shock, the earl also leaned forward. He lowered his head and his lips moved toward hers. She had no desire to turn away.

  The initial touch was gentle, almost tentative, but it shook Anna all the way from her lips to the soles of her feet. She gasped, just barely, but considering that their lips were touching, it was enough to draw a bit of his breath into her mouth, and she wondered suddenly how he would taste.

  She was about to find out because he leaned in closer and placed his hands on her shoulders. He held her loosely and she instinctively understood she could easily step out of his grasp. When she didn’t object, he pulled her toward him and pressed his lips more closely against hers. Without quite realizing what she was doing, Anna parted her lips, and that was when she discovered he tasted of coffee and another flavor she couldn’t identify. It wasn’t unpleasant, just unfamiliar and she finally decided it was a special flavor that was unique to Lord Ashington.

  She parted her lips a bit more, eager to explore his flavor in more detail, and was amazed to feel his tongue darting into her mouth. Although she was initially startled, she discovered very quickly that she liked the sensation, which was both new and somehow exceedingly familiar, almost as though she’d experienced it years ago on an occasion that existed just beyond the reaches of her memory.

  A slight shuffle sounded from the doorway, as though someone had started to enter and then stopped so quickly that their shoes slid on the floor.

  The earl pulled back slowly, as though loath to end the moment, but then he turned quickly toward the door. He inhaled with a gasp. “Rachel! How did you get here?”

  Anna turned toward the doorway. Standing there was a lovely young woman dressed in traveling clothes who stared at Anna with a puzzled expression on her face. This, obviously, was the earl’s sister, Lady Nettelford.

  For the second time that day, Anna wished she could sink into the floor.

  Phillip couldn’t believe he’d just allowed himself to kiss Miss Benton’s niece. Anna Marshall was one of the people he should have been watching out for, meaning she was one of the last people he should have been kissing.

  Even worse, he had been caught kissing her. He had been caught kissing Miss Marshall by his sister Rachel, who should not have been able to get through the snow for another day or two.

  Instinct might have urged him to step away from Miss Marshall and hurry across the room to his sister’s side, but he refused to desert the woman he’d just been embracing. Instead, he placed a hand at the small of her back and gently guided her toward his sister, who met them halfway across the room.

  Phillip made the introductions. “Rachel, I don’t believe you’ve met Miss Benton’s niece, Anna Marshall. Miss Marshall, this is my sister, Lady Nettelford.”

  Rachel smiled and nodded to Anna. “Call me Rachel, please. I remember your aunt from my childhood, but I don’t believe you and I ever met.”

  Phillip spoke up quickly. “Miss Marshall moved to the country two years after our father took us to London. But how did you get here? The drifts must be five feet or more on the roads.”

  “Strangely, the snow is deep only around Ashworth. The coachman had no trouble at all until we were within a couple of miles from here. After that, a few villagers turned out to help clear the road for us. And fortunately, the grooms here at Ashworth had cleared the drive leading from the lane to the house.”

  Phillip frowned. “These last two days of weather have been strange indeed.”

  “True,” Miss Marshall spoke up. “But obviously it’s moderating now and if the drive and lane are clear, I should be able to return home.”

  Phillip experienced the strangest sensation of acute loneliness when Miss Marshall spoke of leaving, which he realized was extremely foolish. She was merely going down the lane a couple of miles. Besides, any feelings he might have for her were entirely inappropriate. He was not one to toy with the emotions of any woman but especially not one who lived in the vicinity of one of his estates.

  In addition to that, his beloved sister had arrived so he should not be experiencing this peculiar sense of loneliness.

  “Of course you will want to go, Miss Marshall,” he forced himself to say. “I’ll ask one of the grooms to take you. And if you find that your aunt is in need of firewood or food or any other necessities, just send me word and I’ll see that you receive it immediately.”

  Miss Marshall dropped a quick curtsy. “Thank you, my lord. I’ll go upstairs and retrieve my cloak and hat so I’ll be ready when the cart is brought around.”

  Rachel stepped forward. “I’m sorry we won’t have longer to become acquainted, Miss Marshall. I remember your aunt with affection. She once removed a huge splinter from my hand when I was a child, and I recall that although I was terrified of the needle, it didn’t hurt at all.”

  “Yes, Aunt Cora is very talented with healing. She probably rubbed a tiny bit of one of her numbing salves on your hand before she removed the splinter.”

  “I don’t really recall what she did.” Rachel laughed. “I was screaming too energetically to pay attention.”

  Miss Marshall laughed too. “That’s frequently true with children. Fortunately, Aunt Cora has always had a talent for calming fears.”

  “And how is your aunt?”

  Miss Marshall’s smile faded. “She is not as well as I might hope. Her joints cause her such pain that she often doesn’t try to get out of the house.”

  Rachel touched gloved fingers to her lips. “I am so sorry. Is there anything we can do to make her more comfortable?”

  Miss Marshall shook her head. “If Aunt Cora’s potions can’t help, I don’t know much that could. Although…”

  Phillip’s pulse jumped with anticipation. He wasn’t sure why the thought of helping Cora Benton caused him such joy, but he suspected it had something to do with pleasing her niece. Of course he also would welcome an opportunity to mend some fences in the neighborhood. “You’ve thought of something we could do that might ease your aunt’s pain?”


  Miss Marshall nodded. “She’s often cold in the winter because we must be careful with our firewood. I don’t mean to complain, because the villagers would certainly provide more if we asked but Aunt Cora is always afraid of taking too much and causing a shortage for someone else.”

  “You’re saying a bigger fire would help ease her joint pain?”

  “I think so.”

  “I’ll see that a load of wood is delivered to your aunt’s house later today.” Phillip wasn’t sure how much firewood was on hand at Ashworth but he felt certain there was no shortage. And even if there was, he could make do without a fire in his chamber if it would mean easing Miss Benton’s pains.

  Miss Marshall’s smile and the gratitude shining in her eyes warmed Phillip so much that he decided going without a fire would be a small price to pay.

  “Thank you so much, my lord. Now I’d better fetch my cloak and hat so I won’t keep the horse standing when the cart is ready.” She turned toward the hallway, only to pause when Mrs. Ballard stopped in the doorway, a frown of concern on her face.

  “Ah, Miss Anna. I’m glad to see you’re still here.” She transferred her gaze to Phillip and dropped a quick curtsy. “We have a problem, my lord.”

  “What is it, Mrs. Ballard?”

  “Illness,” she said before looking back toward Miss Marshall. “You remember little Mark being sick?”

  “Yes, of course. I decided he merely ate too many brandy-soaked currants.”

  “Well, five others have come down with the same type of sickness and none of them has eaten anything out of the ordinary.”

  “Who are the five?” Phillip demanded.

  “Well, there’s James, the footman, and two of the maids, one of the grooms and another potboy.”

  Phillip turned to Miss Marshall. “Do you have any idea what this might be?”