| |
S
tephen stood by the fireplace in the drawing room, warming his hands and his backside in turn, for he hadn’t quite warmed thoroughly since coming in from the ice-skating session. However, he’d learned one thing from watching Lynette interact with her son while on the ice, as well as with various Ivy family members: he hadn’t lost interest in her romantically.
“I know that gleam in your eye, brother,” Griffin said as he joined Stephen, resting a forearm on the mantle. “And I can’t help but think you’re up to no good.”
“Ha! That shows how well you actually know me.” He rubbed his hands together but couldn’t help the grin spreading over his face. Soon, the others would join them, for a greenery gathering party had been assembled and he’d been one of the first to join. “But yes, I’ve had the most delicious idea.” Excitement buzzed at the base of his spine, and he couldn’t wait to put the plan into effect.
Griffin eyed him askance. “Do I even want to know?”
“Probably not, but I’ll tell you anyway.” Stephen faced his brother. “I’ve joined the greenery gathering party.”
His twin’s eyebrows soared into his hairline. “You? Why the devil for? You detest such outings.”
“True, enough, but it’s all part and parcel of my plan.” His grin widened. “For I’m going to attempt to woo Lynette, and I aim to start with mistletoe.”
Confusion and consternation mixed in his brother’s expression. “You’re doing it up too brown, brother,” he said with a fair amount of caution in his tones. “In the end, you might hurt her.”
“Perhaps, I am, but I’ve suddenly realized I’ve not properly gotten over Lynette.” He swallowed against the wad of feelings lodged in his throat. “I treated her poorly the last time I saw her, and I promise I won’t hurt her again. If she harbors the same romantic feelings for me deep down—”
“—beneath her loathing, you mean?—” Griffin interrupted with a grin of his.
Stephen sailed on, ignoring the outburst. “—then why should I not set out to court her when we’re all here at Ivy Castle at the same time?”
“Well, that is logical, but—”
“And, what’s more, I’m going to enlist the help of her son. Nothing pulls at a woman’s heartstrings at Christmastide like endearing oneself to a child.” He waggled his eyebrows. “The plan can’t fail.”
“Hmm. I rather think it can.” Griffin shook his head. “However, you’re still a bounder, only in a different way than you were back then if you think to play fast and loose with her heart merely to prove you’re still vital and attractive as you were as a younger man.” A tinge of anger threaded through his words. “And what’s more, you’ll hurt the boy in the process.”
Stephen frowned but shook his head. “I promise, I won’t. There is no malice in my intentions. I only want to win Lynette back.” Some of his confidence deflated and left him cold. “I want a life with her. It’s the reason why none of my other relationships worked before.”
“That part is probably true.” Griffin rubbed a hand along his jaw. “What if you grow attached to the child and Lynette won’t have you? All three of you will be hurt.”
“I honestly hadn’t given that thought.” Stephen sighed. Why was romance suddenly so complicated?
“Then you’d best ruminate on it. Hearts will be broken—including yours—if you approach this with a cavalier attitude.” He laid a hand on Stephen’s shoulder. “Be careful and proceed with wisdom. Romance isn’t a game.”
Hot annoyance flared through his chest, but then he tempered it with a nod. Griffin was only trying to help. “I know. And neither should it be, not at this age.”
“Not at any age.”
Stephen rolled his eyes toward the ceiling. “Will you help me? I can’t do this alone. Entering into a romance is daunting enough.” A niggle of fear made its way through his gut. What if he failed... again?
“Do you truly wish to win Lynette back into your life for the purposes of courting and perhaps eventual engagement? Instead of showing her what she might have missed by turning you down the first time?”
Did he? For the space of a few heartbeats, he pondered his motives. Finally, he nodded. There was nothing he wished for more. “Yes. Now that you’ll be entering parson’s mousetrap, I’d best do the same. I don’t want to be on the outside looking in.” The fear grew, for he didn’t wish to be left out in the cold by his brother’s change in attention. “If fate is kind, we can raise our families together.”
Griffin laughed, yet there was a certain gleam of longing in his eyes that spoke of his wish to begin just that. He dropped a comforting hand on Stephen’s shoulder. “You’re a terrible liar. You don’t enjoy not having Papa’s notice on you.”
A heated flush rose up the back of his neck. “Perhaps there’s a bit of that too, but I’m being honest with you. Lynette was the first woman I truly loved. Now we are both free. I... want to feel that again. With her.”
“And her son?” Griffin cocked a dark eyebrow.
“He’s part of her, so yes.” Some of the knots of anxiety eased in his stomach. “It might be nice to have a ready-made family to start. And Lynette seems to get on well with ours. That’s something. Of course, she hasn’t really met Mama and Papa yet...” Uneased tripped down his spine. Would they find fault with her?
“True.” His brother nodded. “Then I’ll help you. What would you have me do?”
“Oh, thank you!” As gratitude coursed through him, Stephen promptly hugged his brother and stepped back a few steps while they both looked away in embarrassment. “When the greenery comes back, secure all the mistletoe without a word. If we haven’t found any, I need you go take care of that.”
Griffin snorted. “So I’m to go back outside and gather only the mistletoe if we can’t secure the plant this afternoon.” It wasn’t a question.
“Yes, if you please.” Stephen nodded with enthusiasm. “Afterward, find three strategic spots throughout the castle to tack up the mistletoe. It’ll play a large part in my courtship of Lynette.”
“Are you certain?” His twin narrowed his eyes. “This makes you look quite mad.”
“Oh yes. Extremely certain. I’ll win her back and all it will take is three mistletoe kisses.”
“Ah, heavens.” Griffin shook his head. “I can’t help but think you’re careening for another heartbreak, one you might not be able to recover from.” He frowned. “I don’t want you hurt, brother.”
Stephen shook his head and waved off his comment. “Romance should be easier the second time around, don’t you think?” His confidence soared, prompting a grin. “It’s only a matter of time before Lynette realizes she still loves me, and then everything will be right as rain.” And finally, he could enjoy the Christmastide season the way it was intended.
Later that evening
L
ynette stifled a yawn, but it escaped anyway, forcing her to hide it behind her hand. The day had already been full, what with ice skating and then the greenery gathering party all before tea. Now, not an hour after dinner, the Duke of Whittington decided it would be great fun to play Snapdragon to liven things up, especially since the two children were in their midst. The older man’s eyes flashed with excitement as he gave orders to a footman and the butler, for Snapdragon was apparently one of his favorite games.
Her mother, true to form, wasn’t so keen. “It’s a scandalous waste of brandy, fruits and nuts, that’s what.” She drew a shawl tighter about her shoulders while hunching into the corner of a low sofa.
“I’m sure it will be fine. The duke wouldn’t wish to do it if he thought it a waste.” Had her mother has always been a grump or did the holiday season bring the horrid out in her?
The duke and duchess talked quietly near the door while the servants ran to procure the necessary supplies. Lord Hollingsworth chatted softly with his fiancée. A bit of relief had slipped down her spine when she’d discovered the identity of the woman. At least she wasn’t attached romantically to Lord Tilbury. Off to one side of the room, the remainder of the Ivy family talked and laughed while John and Lucy played with his tin soldiers near the windows.
To all intents and purposes, they were one big family. It had a lovely connotation, but she didn’t know where she stood within the folds of these people.
As soon as Lynette settled onto one of the chairs away from her mother, Stephen drifted near her position.
“I trust you’ve enjoyed your day?”
“Oh, quite.” She craned her neck, for he was tall. His Alpine teased her nose and sent faint awareness tripping over her skin. “Though I might say it’s been a while since I’ve put in such a full set of hours.”
“Well, isn’t that what Christmastide is for? Filling one’s days with various outings and games until one falls exhausted into one’s bed at night?” His eyes twinkled with mirth, and when he grinned, her gaze fixated on his sensuous mouth.
What would a kiss from him feel like now that they had history between them? Then she shoved that inappropriate thought from her mind. He and she weren’t partners any longer. “I suppose so. Your parents seem to think every moment is jolly fun.”
He looked in the direction of her gaze. The butler and footman had returned with a shallow bowl, the foodstuffs, as well as a bottle of the duke’s finest brandy. “My father has a particular fondness for all things pertaining to Christmastide. Perhaps it’s because he and my mother married on Boxing Day.” His shrug was an elegant affair as he fixed his attention firmly back on her. “It’s all part and parcel of their love affair over the years.” A certain longing filled his eyes. “I envy them.”
“As do I,” she admitted in a soft voice so that her mother couldn’t overhear. “But the good thing about this season is there is no limit to the hope.” Oh, dear. Why had she said that, and to him in particular? She hadn’t meant to hint to him that she might like to enter into a romance again.
Had she?
His eyes lit with interest. “Indeed, you’re correct, Mrs. Hodgins. As long as one has hope, anything is possible,” he said in an equally soft voice.
She detested his lack of intimacy in not using her Christian name while in mixed company, but she understood the need for formality. “Yes, and there is a certain magic to be had at Ivy Castle. How lovely it is to find myself back here.” It was a bit of truth mixed with a lie, but perhaps she could find new happiness here.
“I’m beginning to feel the same way about this old pile.” His grin had the power to give her knees the strength of cooked porridge. If she hadn’t already been seated, she would have collapsed onto a chair.
Oh, he was quite charming, and she’d always like that about him. Before she could respond, the duke waved a hand.
“Come, everyone! The game is starting!”
Seconds later, the butler lit the brandy in the shallow bowl on fire. The flame was impressive and burned a pretty blue near the liquor. Both the children squealed with excitement as everyone made their way to the table where the bowl rested.
“Who shall go first?” the duchess asked with a smile that reflected in her eyes.
“Griffin shall,” the duke proclaimed. “Since he’s the only one of my children engaged, we’ll let him open the game.”
Stephen’s eyes narrowed, but he said nothing. Was he jealous of his brother’s upcoming nuptials or the fact he’d soon find himself wed?
You could have had that with me if you hadn’t tried to map out every moment of our future...
Then the whole of her attention was given over to the flaming bowl and the players.
Lord Hollingsworth approached the table with a grim expression. When he looked at Miss Ridley and she nodded, the lines of anxiety lessened from his face. He darted a hand into the bowl, disturbing the brandy. The flames nipped at his fingers, but he withdrew without a treat in hand. “Perhaps next time.” But a goofy smile teased the corners of his mouth.
“My turn,” the duke announced. “Let me show my sons how the game is played.” When he delved a gnarled hand into the flaming bowl, he also failed to grab a dried fruit or nut. “Botheration!”
Both children giggled, while snickers circled through the assembled adults.
“Don’t worry, Whittington. You’ll have another try at it,” the duchess said with a certain amount of soothing in her tones.
Miss Ridley went next. She eyed the flames for a few seconds before gently easing a hand into the bowl. “The flames tickle a bit.” Astonishment reflected in her eyes. Seconds later, she came away with a raisin.
Cheers went up around the room.
“Let me try.” Lady Lettice approached. High color bloomed in her pale cheeks, but there was an underlying sadness about her that tugged at Lynette’s heart, for she knew the reason why and sympathized. The holidays were not the same once a person lost a spouse. When the lady dipped a hand into the brandy bowl, she soon plucked out a walnut half and held it up for inspection. “How marvelous!” Instead of eating it for herself, she gave the treat to her daughter, Lucy, who held it in her palm like the most valuable treasure.
“Please, will you let me try?” Lucy asked, with big, round eyes and an earnest expression.
“Me too!” John cried, jumping up and down in his spot. “I’d like a go at it.”
The duke and duchess protested citing dangers to children.
Stephen stepped up to the table. He winked at Lucy. “I’d say I’d grab you a treat, but your mother has already gifted you with one.”
“What about me, Lord Tilbury?” John asked in a small voice as he stared earnestly up at Stephen. “I’d like one ever so much.”
“Oh, John, have some manners,” Lynette chided softly.
“It’s no bother, Mrs. Hodgins.” Stephen waved a hand. “I’ll have a quick go and see if I can procure the lad a treat.” With some minor theatrics, he put a hand into the flaming brandy. “What a curious sensation. Let’s see what I can find before I’m burned, shall I?”
Both children watched with excitement and horror as if he were a grand maker of magic.
“Aha!” Stephen pulled his hand from the flames. Between his thumb and forefinger rested a plump date. “Now that is a treat fit for a young gentleman.” He beamed as he handed the fruit to John. “Here you go.”
“Thank you.” There was awe in John’s voice and the beginnings of hero-worship in his eyes. “This is the best night!”
“I’m glad I could be of service.” Stephen met her gaze across the table. “Shall I retrieve a treat for you, Mrs. Hodgins?”
She tossed her head, for she was in danger of letting herself fall for his charm, and she hadn’t decided if that was what she wanted for her life. “I shall fish one out for myself. Thank you.”
Good natured laughter went around the room.
Slowly, she put a hand into the flames, and a giggle escaped her throat. “Oh!” The blue fire danced about her fingers. “It’s not all that hot.” But no doubt it would be if she lingered. Quickly, she pinched a raisin and brought it out of the heating brandy. “I got one!”
Cheers erupted through the company.
“Good show, Mrs. Hodgins!” the duke called.
When she went to pop it into her mouth, Stephen took the dried fruit. “You stole my raisin, Lord Tilbury. That is hardly fair.” And oh, she’d had a taste for the sweet fruit doused with liquor, for it had been a long time indeed since she’d indulged in anything of that nature.
“Then I shall replace it post haste.” With another wink, he put a hand into the bowl once more. “Look how the flames dance over my fingers. It’s as close to magic as I’ll come, I expect.” And indeed, it seemed as if he’d mastered the flames, for they jumped from finger to finger, sliding over the back of his hand, clinging to his skin. The children watched in awe.
“Stephen, stop. You’ll burn yourself,” Lynette said. In her distress, she’d forgotten to use his formal title, but no one noticed.
“All right.” He left off with his play and seconds later pulled out another walnut half to wild applause. Over the bowl, he offered the nut to her with a flourish. “I believe I owe this to you, Mrs. Hodgins.”
“Thank you.” As her fingers brushed his at the hand off, warmth ebbed up her arm to her elbow. “That was quite an impressive stunt.”
“Indeed, it was.” He grinned as he dried off his hand with a handkerchief. “Just wait until you see what else I have up my sleeve for the remainder of the house party.” When he winked, heat infused her cheeks, and then he turned away from the bowl to let his younger brother have a chance.
Lynette was glad his attention was off her, for any more of that flirting and she’d dissolve into a puddle. When had he become so mysterious? She nibbled on the walnut. It was a bit adorable, and to her surprise, she couldn’t wait to see what else he’d do.
I’ve missed you, Stephen.
As if he felt her regard, he glanced over his shoulder with one eyebrow raised in question. She offered a smile and then crossed the room, intent to offer her mother the rest of the walnut, but her head was filled with possibilities that only a foolish woman would want due to Christmastide.