Chapter 5
All the ladies—from those seeking refuge at the Home to the staff—had gathered in the main hall to decorate for Christmas.
Regardless of the station they were born into, all were treated as equals.
This was a place for women to heal, to find safety, to discover friendships.
Happily, most came, then went once they’d recovered, or found new purpose and made new lives.
Just a few, like herself and Beata, stayed because this was the only life left for them.
Chatter and gaiety rose, filling the large space.
Even Molly’s cheerful festive humming was drowned out by the gleeful sounds.
Before too long, Mrs. Elkins took charge of what needed to be done and assigned the tasks, after which, the ladies dispersed, laughter and merriment ringing throughout the house.
Given her height, Grace was allotted the task of hanging boughs of holly.
She couldn’t wait to see all the decorations adorning the Home, illuminated with candles.
It was a magical time of year. When she was little, much to her mother’s displeasure, she had assisted the servants with making their house festive.
Her late mother was never one for festivities, unless it was going to Town for the season.
And so, Grace had spent hours at a time preparing garlands, making bows, and adding finishing touches, until the entire house was a winter paradise. She wanted the same for Rose Park.
Mrs. Elkins interrupted her musings. “Oh, and don’t forget to hang mistletoe.”
She swallowed hard. “Mistletoe?”
“Yes, of course. We simply must have mistletoe. The decorations wouldn’t be complete without it.”
The last thing she needed was a sprig hanging over her head. She could still feel the sensations from the embrace she’d shared with Edward the day before pulsating through her. If she was going to stay firm, she simply could not let that happen again.
She was about to argue when, Mrs. Elkins added, “Mr. Elkins is quite the romantic and always looks forward to a quick kiss under the mistletoe.” The older woman’s eyes softened. “Our first ever kiss took place under it, oh nearly thirty years ago.”
Grace inhaled deeply and kept her mouth shut. Mrs. Elkins’ memories were too precious to tarnish with her own selfish wants. She would simply have to avoid Edward. No, think of him only as His Grace.
“Mrs. Banks,” Molly called to her with much enthusiasm. “I’m to assist you.”
At least she wouldn’t be alone. Safety in numbers, plus concentrating on the pleasant task of decorating for the season should be a nice distraction.
“Excellent. Where will we begin?”
“The drawing room,” Molly started with excitement. “I’ve had ever so many ideas about how the room should look. I think the gold ribbon would go nicely in there.”
Before too long, the adornments were well under way. Molly indeed had a very specific vision as to how the room should look, which didn’t bother Grace in the least. She was pleased that the staff found joy in decorating, too.
Molly’s soft humming filled the room and soon, Grace found herself joining in the carols as she draped garlands of greenery over the mantle. She took a step back and admired her handwork. A few more strands of tinsel would be perfect.
“I need to get more ribbon, Mrs. Banks,” Molly called from the opposite end of the room. “I’ll be back soon.”
Some last touches, and Grace was just about finished with her little corner of the room.
All that was left was for her to hang a sprig of mistletoe above the door that connected to an adjoining sitting room.
The size of this house and the abundance of rooms never ceased to amaze her.
What was even more shocking was that Lord Kenwreck had won Rose Park in a game of chance.
Why anyone would ever gamble away their home was beyond reason.
She reached up and attached the mistletoe to the hook already in place. “There,” she began with satisfaction. “I think it looks beautiful.”
“You’re standing under the mistletoe,” a low, deep voice brushed across her neck.
Edward. When did he enter the room? Had Molly notified him of her whereabouts?
She had the funny feeling her well-meaning staff were plotting against her.
Turning her head slightly, she met his gaze, and the past and present collided.
She was tired of denying her feelings for him. One kiss surely could not hurt.
Edward lifted her chin with a gentle finger, then whispered in her ear. “I’ve dreamed about kissing you under the mistletoe for too long.” He trailed soft kisses along her cheek until his lips were only a breath away from hers. “Tonight, it becomes a reality.”
Taking her lips in a slow, thoughtful kiss, he enticed her to open up to him.
She gasped when his tongue flicked her lips, and then she was full against him and kissing him back as if it were her very reason for living.
He backed her against the wall as his mouth did wonderful things, and she wrapped her arms about his neck, bringing him closer.
Good heavens!
“It’s time for the Yule Log to be brought in!” Mrs. Kirkby’s ecstatic announcement reverberated from the main hall.
“I need to go.” Grace’s legs were wobbly, and her cheeks were hot with passion. She made some inane excuse about the reason for her hasty retreat. “I will be expected… to help.” Hurrying along with the ladies to the parlor, she waited with the others as two burly tenants carried in the Yule Log.
“This is most exciting!” Lady Doyle cheered.
“I would hardly call it that,” Miss Holt, one of the newly hired maids, said with a frown.
“Why ever not?” Grace questioned as she pressed a cool hand to her inflamed cheek.
“The log has brought nothing but bad luck to my family,” she replied, her features sullen.
Molly gasped, “Oh no! What happened?”
“The fire went out on the very first night, and, as you know, that is horribly bad luck. And when I said that to my father, he laughed at me and said I was too superstitious.” Miss Holt shook her head.
“The next month, he took ill, then Mamma took ill, and before the frost could melt, both of them had died.”
Grace went up to the young woman and placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. “We will ensure that nothing of the sort happens this year. We will take turns standing watch if we have to.”
Despite Grace’s attempt, Miss Holt did not appear convinced. She offered a skeptical smile, as if to simply appease her, but clearly still did not believe in the magic of the season.
After the log had been lit, the ladies continued their efforts until the entire house sparkled with Christmas spirit.
Yet through it all, Grace could not escape the feelings Edward had stirred.
When he was near, it was as if not a day had passed, or that she was harboring secrets.
She was thankful that he’d decided to take a tray in his cousin’s room.
At least it provided a little reprieve from the surge of emotions that were consuming every part of her body.
Oh, how she wished she could turn back time.
Christmas Day
Coming together for Christmas dinner was one of Edward’s favorite traditions.
When he was a small boy, he’d enjoyed sitting with his parents and grandparents, listening to them tell stories.
He’d detested being an only child and all the lonely hours, especially the lonely meals, spent in the nursery.
Christmas dinner was the only time he was allowed to sit with the elders of his family.
He felt a little guilty for inviting himself today—and for being thankful that his aunt had not yet descended upon them—but how else was he to garner Grace’s attention?
And besides, he did not want to spend the festive season alone.
For the past couple of years, even though he’d been surrounded by family, he’d felt utterly alone.
He’d marked each Christmas with remembrances of the last one spent in the company of his late cousin.
It was time to build new memories, happier ones.
The moment he set foot in the Home, the enticing smell of roast goose and warm spices replaced his guilt.
Vibrant cheerfulness emanated from the parlor.
He took in all the beautiful decorations as he walked toward the sound of revelry.
Every corner and alcove was trimmed with greenery and garlands, tinsel and candles.
The house positively glowed with festive cheer.
“Good afternoon,” he greeted as he entered.
He spied his cousin sitting by the window with Phelps at her side.
They were the epitome of family. Although he was truly happy for them, a slight streak of jealousy pierced his heart, too.
He’d always dreamed of a Christmas such as this, with Grace at his side, their children playing nearby.
He mentally shook his head, pushing those dreams aside for now, and went to his cousin.
“Happy Christmas, Winifred, Mr. Phelps.”
The young man stood and greeted him. “It is a most happy Christmas, thanks to you, Your Grace.” He glanced down at Winifred with love in his eyes.
Despite the argument he was certain to have with his aunt regarding Phelps’ station, Edward was pleased with the outcome.
Samuel had only the best of intentions for Winifred.
What more could he ask for? He was about to ask Winifred how she was feeling when Grace came into the room looking absolutely perfect in a deep aubergine gown.
“You look so elegant,” one of the ladies present commented.
“Thank you, Miss Trevor.” Grace went about the room, welcoming each person, including one of the tenants who’d recently lost his wife of forty years. “Happy Christmas, Mr. Neil. So glad you could join us,” she said, then turned to Edward.