A Husband for Christmas by Susan M. Baganz

Author:Susan M. Baganz [Baganz, Susan M.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Christian Fiction, inspirational fiction, Clean and Wholesome Novels, Religion and Spirituality
ISBN: 9781522399100
Publisher: Pelican Book Group
Published: 2022-09-20T00:00:00+00:00

7

Oliver paced in his room that evening. Adelia probably didn’t think he’d heard her softly spoken words amongst the noise of the music and the crowd.

But he had.

Her tone had been sad. All vivacity had disappeared, and the stiff woman in his arms resembled nothing of the woman he’d come to adore.

Adore? Or love?

He wasn’t ready for a wife yet. The idea of Adelia marrying was acceptable on a merely practical or academic level. Of course, she should wed. However, the idea of her even embracing Lord Rush or Sir Hilman did not sit well with Oliver. In fact, a strange rage welled within him, and he realized his fists were clenched and a headache imminent if he continued gritting his teeth.

He relaxed his jaw and forced open his hands. He shook out his arms and rolled his head from left to right in an attempt to loosen the tension. What did this mean? Why couldn’t he be happy for Adelia? She had two lovesick puppies sniffing at her feet. He should be rejoicing that she soon would be off his hands.

He did not want to celebrate.

He collapsed in his favorite chair, and with his elbow on the stuffed armrest, he placed his head in his hand as he pondered this conundrum. It was his job as her ward to see her comfortably settled into an appropriate match. One of which her uncle would approve.

What had his uncle told him before he passed away? Oliver tried to recall the scene.

“Oliver, my boy. You have been almost as a son to me. You have matured into a man to whom I am pleased to leave estate, as well as the care of my girls.” Lord Barnes coughed a few times before continuing. “It will come soon. I’m worried for Adelia, that she will lose her spirit under the auspices of polite society. Promise me you will never allow that to happen.” The man’s piercing gaze caused Oliver to swallow hard.

“Uncle, you will rally. This talk is unnecessary. You are needed here for many more years. I am not eager to assume your title or estate. Please don’t saddle me with responsibility for Adelia.”

Lord Barnes relaxed as if he were asleep. Those eyes opened again, pleading with Oliver to understand. “Don’t be obtuse, Oliver. My time is near. Promise me you will take care of my girls.”

“But of course, Uncle.” Oliver fought tears and swallowed hard again. His palms were now clammy.

“And Adelia. She is yours…” Lord Barnes slipped into unconsciousness. Those were the last words his uncle said to him. Oliver had always thought it was the responsibility to see her cared for. But what if Lord Barnes had not left the sentence unfinished and intended it to be complete.

Had his uncle wanted Oliver to marry Miss Adelia Donovan? He was her ward. That would be inappropriate.

Wouldn’t it?

A glimmer of hope grew within him that maybe it was his uncle’s intention after all.

~*~

Two weeks and many dances, concerts, picnics, carriage rides, and shopping trips later, Adelia paced the morning room.

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