The Christmas Promise: Regency Romance (Rogues and Laces) Read online

  “I– I hope so,” Julianna replied uncertainly. “I confess that I will struggle to dance, given the state of my injuries, although I can converse well enough, I think.”

  Christiana nodded. “You shall keep your family to yourself, if asked, and state that you are a cousin of some description to Ingraham. I would avoid being asked too many questions about that matter, given that we are not going to easily be able to answer them. Should one gentleman appear to be rather enamoured with you, then that would be the time to discuss the matter of your family with him.”

  Doubts suddenly plagued Julianna, and her head began to ache. This was feeling a good deal more complicated than she had expected. For whatever reason, her mind clouded with images of Mr Ingraham and simply refused to let him go. She could not seem to remove him from there, seeing him smile at her with that warm expression whilst his eyes lit up with evident delight. She did not know whether he was wed, although she presumed he was not. Would he not consider her?

  “Mr Ingraham, of course,” Christiana continued, jerking Julianna back to the present company. “Mr Ingraham shall be at every event with us as Thayne’s friend, and together we shall ensure that you are kept quite safe, my dear. Even if your uncle were to arrive in London, you would be protected from him, although I hardly expect him to come here in search of you!”

  “No, indeed,” Julianna murmured, thinking to herself that her uncle would not even consider seeking her out in the Thayne house, especially given that he had only just taken on the title of Viscount St James. “In fact, I doubt that he would even think I am in London.”

  Christiana looked more than satisfied. “Wonderful,” she said with a smile. “Now, whilst you are here, I must beg a little help from you.”

  Julianna nodded, her eyes widening just a touch as she sat forward in her chair carefully, wanting to appear as willing as she could. “I will do whatever I can to help you, my lady.”

  Christiana’s eyes sparkled. “You are very kind, my dear, but you need not fear about earning your keep. The only thing I need your help with is to decorate this wonderful townhouse for Christmas.” She laughed as Julianna’s expression grew puzzled. “As you can see, there is not all that much throughout the house as yet.

  “I will need to make wreaths of rosemary, holly, and ivy leaves, with perhaps a few apples added to it – although they, of course, will have to have their own decorations first.” She smiled as Julianna sat back in her chair gingerly, feeling a little relieved. “Then there are the paper flowers, and I’m afraid I may insist on a few games of Snapdragon, which is a game I have dearly loved since childhood. Thayne will play it with me, albeit a little reluctantly, so I am hoping that you will be more inclined towards it, although you must still be careful with your present injuries.”

  Julianna smiled, feeling her heart lift with happiness and contentment. “I am quite sure that I shall be able to help you with such matters, Lady Thayne.”

  “Please my dear, just Christiana in private,” her hostess reminded her with a smile. “It would give me the greatest pleasure to be able to do so.”

  “Very good,” Christiana replied, just as the door opened to admit first the Honourable Aaron Thayne and then Mr Ingraham. They were still in deep conversation but stopped immediately to greet both Julianna and Christiana.

  Julianna allowed her gaze to linger on Mr Thayne, aware of just how loving a look he sent towards his wife. He appeared to be deeply in love with her, as Christiana appeared to be with him, given the pink blush that rose in her cheeks. Julianna sighed inwardly, remembering the promise she had made to her mother. What if she could not find such a love for herself? Her heart squeezed painfully as she looked away from them both, only to find her gaze settling on Mr Ingraham, who was now seating himself by her side.

  “How are you, Miss Wade?” he asked, his voice gentle and eyes filled with concern. “Does your back still pain you terribly?”

  She gave a slight shake of her head. “I am more than able to manage, Mr Ingraham,” she replied, careful not to give too much away about just how painful her back was. “Although I was just saying to Lady Thayne that I do not think I shall be able to dance.”

  Ingraham smiled at her, reaching across the space between them to press her hand lightly by way of reassurance. “I do not think that will matter one jot, Miss Wade,” he promised. “For I am quite sure that anyone who talks to you will be enamoured by your beauty and sweetness of character.” His smile lingered. “I do hope that you will accept my offer of a carriage ride tomorrow afternoon, however? The weather, I think, will be fine, if not rather cold, but Hyde Park is sure to still be busy with other members of the beau monde. I would be more than glad to make some introductions.”

  Julianna inclined her head, aware of the strange reluctance on her part to be introduced to anyone else at all. She would have much preferred to remain at Christiana’s home with Mr Ingraham, enjoying his company and conversation. Not that she could refuse his kind offer, however, given that the very reason she was in London was to find a gentleman to marry her and, thereby, remove Mr Ingraham from his requirement to help her.

  Although that was his own choice, she reminded herself, as she tried to find something to say. “I am quite sure I will be able to endure a short carriage ride,” she replied truthfully. “My back is, I’m afraid, a little more painful than I wish to make known, Mr Ingraham.” Her eyes searched his. “But I will, of course, make every effort to do as you ask. Again, you are very kind, Mr Ingraham.”

  He held her gaze steadily, frowning just a little. “I would not push you, Miss Wade, not if you are not yet ready.”

  “No, indeed,” she replied, putting a brave face onto her pain. “I shall be glad to attend with you. Tomorrow afternoon, you say? I shall be ready on time, sir, you can be sure of that.”

  “Well, if you are quite certain,” he replied, still not looking convinced. “Tomorrow then, Miss Wade, the search shall begin.”

  She frowned, a little confused. “The search?”

  “Yes,” he chuckled, his brown eyes alight with good humour. “The search for your husband, Miss Wade.”

  “Oh, yes,” she murmured, her cheeks now aflame. “Yes, of course. The search for my husband.”

  Charles Ingraham laughed again and said something kind, leaving Julianna even more muddled than before. In her eyes, she could think of no gentleman better than Ingraham to take such a place in her life, for she knew him, did she not? She knew him to be kind, generous, compassionate, and courageous – a gentleman of honour. It was quite clear, however, that he had never once considered himself to be a suitable match for her, else he would have perhaps said as much.

  Foolish girl, Julianna chided herself as Thayne and Christiana joined in the conversation. Forget Mr Ingraham. Surely, there will be another who can match up to him! Open your heart and see what will occur.

  Julianna tried to smile, tried to forget and ignore the way her heart seemed to be drawn towards Mr Ingraham, but found time and again that her gaze would return to him, that her eyes would linger on him. Cursing her foolishness, she forced a smile onto her face and turned herself a little more directly towards Christiana, who gave her something of a knowing look.

  A small sigh left her lips as Julianna dropped her gaze to the floor, suddenly wishing that she could be alone so that she might find a way to rid herself of this strange and unwelcome desire to remain in Mr Ingraham’s company for as long as possible. She only prayed that he might never learn of it.

  SIX

  “And this is my dear cousin, Miss Wade.”

  Charles smiled to himself as Viscount Featherstone immediately looked upon Miss Wade with interest, evidently taking in her beauty and her grace. Miss Wade was looking remarkably well this afternoon, which he had to say had only made him more aware of just how beautiful a creature she was.

  This was now the second afternoon in a row that he had taken her out in the carriage for a short drive around Hyde Park, finding tha
t he greatly enjoyed Miss Wade’s company and conversation. He also was aware that she had a strength of character that was growing steadily with every day that she was away from her uncle and Lord Faversham, although he continued to be concerned that her back was paining her more than she showed. Even now, he could see the stiffness in her frame as she rose from her curtsy, her face a little paler than before.

  He fought the urge to take her arm, almost overwhelmed with the urge to protect her. This was meant to be an opportunity for Miss Wade to meet with any gentlemen of note. To take her arm now might give Lord Featherstone the entirely wrong impression, suggesting that Ingraham himself was about to marry Miss Wade, even though Charles was pretending to be cousins with the lady. Distant cousins, he supposed, as Lord Featherstone began to converse politely with Miss Wade.

  “A cousin of Mr Ingraham’s, you say?” Lord Featherstone shot Charles a sharp look. “I was not aware that you cared all that much for family, Ingraham. Or is that just your brother speaking unkindly about you again?”

  Charles shrugged, ignoring the jibe. “My brother can speak as he wishes,” he replied quickly. “Although you can hardly blame me for taking an interest in my cousin when she is as beautiful and as charming as Miss Wade!” He grinned as Miss Wade blushed and Lord Featherstone raised an eyebrow.

  “Indeed,” Lord Featherstone murmured. “Might I steal your cousin from your side for a few moments, Ingraham? I can see that your carriage is waiting, and I am aware that it is rather cold. There are a few of my acquaintances just arrived, and I would be glad to introduce Miss Wade to them.”

  Charles looked towards Miss Wade and saw her frown. Evidently, she did not like to be spoken of as though she were not present and as though she did not have a tongue in her head. “I think,” he said carefully, “that you would do best asking Miss Wade that herself, Lord Featherstone.”

  Lord Featherstone started slightly, as though he had not considered such a thing. Turning towards Miss Wade, he cleared his throat and put a somewhat false smile on his lips.

  “Ah, yes, Miss Wade. Might you wish to accompany me?”

  Miss Wade did not accept immediately, as Charles had expected. Instead, her brows furrowed as she regarded Lord Featherstone, considering him carefully. Then she let her gaze drift back towards Charles, a questioning look in her eyes. He nodded carefully, wanting to encourage her.

  “For a few minutes only, Lord Featherstone,” she said eventually. “I would not like to be away from the carriage or from my cousin for long.”

  “Take as long as you wish,” Charles interrupted, with a wave of his hand. “For I have just seen my good friend Lord Mowbray arrive at this very moment!” His eyes lit up as his friend waved a hand in his direction. “Do excuse me, Miss Wade, Lord Featherstone.”

  Turning his back on the two of them, he hurried towards Lord Mowbray, who was the youngest son of a viscount but had recently inherited the title from his elder brother who sadly passed away of fever. Mowbray had been in mourning for many months, but to see him in London again must mean that the grieving period was at an end.

  “Mowbray!” Charles exclaimed, greeting his friend jovially. “You cannot know how good it is to see you, although I confess that calling you by such a name has quite addled my mind! I keep wishing to refer to you as Putter, as you once were.” He grinned as Lord Mowbray shook his head, slapping Charles on the shoulder.

  “It has taken some getting used to,” Lord Mowbray admitted, his grey eyes glancing all around Hyde Park as he carefully patted his thick dark hair with one hand, as though ensuring it was all in place.

  “And you have come to London for the little Season?” Charles asked, not even realising that he had quite forgotten about Miss Wade with the excitement of seeing his good friend again. “Are you looking for a game of cards or two? I have not played since my arrival a few days ago, although, I confess, I would be glad of a game.”

  To his surprise, Lord Mowbray shook his head, his jaw set. “I’m afraid, Ingraham, that such things are beyond me now. I must take on the duties of the title with every responsibility.” His jaw worked for a moment and he sighed. “No, it shall be matrimony and the pursuit of heirs for me, I’m afraid.”

  Charles gaped at him, astonished at the change he saw in his friend. Last time he had been in London with Lord Mowbray – or Mr Putter, as he had been then – they had enjoyed the delights of the Season without any consideration for anything serious. Now it seemed, things had changed for Lord Mowbray in a way Charles had not expected.

  “You need not look so shocked,” Lord Mowbray grimaced, his cheeks a little flushed. “I need an heir to continue the line, especially given that my brother died without so much as finding a wife!” He sighed again and rubbed his forehead as though to erase the lines there. “I imagine that you are here in London to do the same?”

  A chilly wind wrapped over Charles’s shoulders, reminding him of the real reason he was in London. Immediately concerned and berating himself for forgetting about his charge, he turned his head to see Miss Wade standing next to Lord Featherstone, as stiff as a board. She was not smiling, her face appeared to be rather grey, and her eyes were burning with pain. He could not understand it – until he saw her curtsy yet again to someone she had only just been introduced to. The pain in her back must be excruciating.

  The desire to go and rescue her burned in his blood.

  “I think, Mowbray, that I may have just the lady for you,” he muttered, unable to remove his gaze from Miss Wade for even a single moment. “That is, if you would like me to make the introductions?”

  His heart sank to his toes as he saw the way his friend’s eyes lit up at the notion, although he could not explain why.

  “You have someone in mind?” Lord Mowbray asked, interested. “I would much prefer to be introduced to a suitable young lady rather than have to dance with, converse, and generally entertain a variety of young ladies in the hope that one might accept my suit.”

  Charles could not help but grin. “Indeed, I understand. In fact, I have a young lady here that I am… assisting.” He did not quite know how to explain it, seeing his friend’s astonished glance. “It is all rather complicated, and I will, of course, explain it to you in its entirety at some point, but needless to say, I am helping Miss Wade during her little Season. It is her wish and my hope that she will be engaged before Christmas Day.”

  “Which is not too far away,” Lord Mowbray muttered, as Charles fixed his gaze upon Miss Wade once more, seeing her face ravaged in agony as Lord Featherstone took her arm without even asking the lady and began to march across the park towards them again. Being rather tall, he held Miss Wade’s arm at an angle, forcing her to walk in a most uncomfortable position, which, Charles could see, only aggravated her wounds further.

  “Do excuse me.”

  He moved without thinking, hurrying towards Miss Wade in the hope of being able to rescue her from Lord Featherstone just as soon as he could. He had been quite foolish to forget about her presence here in Hyde Park, foolish to think that Lord Featherstone would be able to take adequate care of her when the fellow had no notion of what the lady had already endured.

  “Miss Wade,” he said breathlessly, as Lord Featherstone came to a stop. “Are you–”

  “Thank you, Lord Featherstone,” Miss Wade interrupted, sliding her hand out from under his arm and immediately stepping away from him, although Charles saw her stagger slightly. “You are very kind.”

  Immediately, Charles offered the lady his arm in Lord Featherstone’s place, and Miss Wade accepted it at once, leaning on him heavily.

  “I do hope to dance with you tomorrow evening, Miss Wade,” Lord Featherstone replied with a smile. “I have very much enjoyed your company.”

  “Thank you,” she replied, without agreeing to dance with him. “Good afternoon, Lord Featherstone.”

  Seeing that this was his cue to leave, Charles led Miss Wade away and back towards his friend, Lord Mowbray, who was star
ing at them both with wide eyes. “Are you quite all right?” he asked, in a hoarse whisper, aware of just how slow and pained her steps were.

  “Miss Wade?”

  “I think I will need to return to the carriage,” she whispered back, her pallor alarming him. “Might we go, Mr Ingraham?”

  “But of course.”

  Beckoning to Lord Mowbray, Charles was relieved when his friend came over at once, his eyes alive with concern.

  “Might you take Miss Wade’s other arm?” he asked, shooting his friend a look that told him to ask no questions.

  “Come, Miss Wade, the carriage is just over here.”

  Wishing that he could slip an arm about her waist, Charles quickly and quietly walked Miss Wade back towards their waiting carriage, and together, the two gentlemen ensured that she was sitting back against the squabs, her eyes closing almost at once.

  “Is she ill?” Lord Mowbray asked, his gaze still lingering on Miss Wade through the carriage window. “Is there something the matter?”

  Charles hesitated for a moment. This was not his truth to tell. In fact, he did not know whether or not Miss Wade would want such knowledge shared, but then again, he reasoned, Lord Mowbray was his very dear friend and quite able to keep a secret. If Lord Mowbray was here to find a wife for himself, and if he was interested in Miss Wade, then would it not be best for him to know everything?

  Despite the warning in his mind, Charles drew in a long breath before quickly sketching out the details of what had occurred recently. Lord Mowbray appeared to be overcome by horror, his eyes widening with shock when Charles told him about the wounds to Miss Wade’s back.

  “And you are posing as her cousin to remove her from Lord Faversham and her uncle,” Lord Mowbray finished slowly, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. “That is something of a risk, Ingraham.”

  “And one I am willing to take,” Charles replied firmly. “Should you have been there, Mowbray, should you have heard that beating and her cries thereafter, you would not have been able to remain unmoved.”