A Wish for Father Christmas by Laura Rollins

Author:Laura Rollins [Rollins, Laura]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2021-10-10T23:00:00+00:00

Chapter 10

Alice rode atop her horse in trousers and a man’s great coat. The attire was warmer than her usual skirt and pelisse, though such was a rather small consolation, since, so long as she was Mr. Allen, there was no chance Lord Brooks would hold her as he had yesterday. Neither did it make up for the annoyance of wearing glasses in the cold. Why hadn’t anyone warned her that they often fogged up to the point that she couldn’t see what was directly in front of her?

It was a blessing that her horse had a good head about him, otherwise she might have ended up lost among the trees.

“I appreciate you making time to join us today,” Lord Brooks said from his horse beside her.

“It’s nice to get out of doors on such a fine day,” she said, careful of her voice. This morning, instead of simply riding over, Lord Brooks had written first to see if “Mr. Allen” might join him. She wasn’t sure what to think about the note. Her first thought was to be thrilled that she was being given the chance to see him again, even if it was as Mr. Allen and not as Lady Nightingale. But that was closely followed by the realization that, if Lord Brooks was writing instead of simply riding over as he had the day before, it was probably because he was trying to avoid seeing Lady Nightingale altogether.

She was grateful, all the same, that she’d painted her face yesterday before going out in the snow with Joseph. Lord Brooks didn’t seem to have any suspicions regarding Lady Nightingale or Mr. Allen. It was a small victory, but one that brought her relief all the same.

Just past Lord Brooks rode Lord Robins. “You should have seen Aunt Margarette’s reaction when Brooks returned to Cresthearth yesterday and admitted he’d never made it to call on Miss Dowding.”

“Was she much displeased?” Alice asked.

“Was she?” Lord Robins laughed. “Few things put that woman out, but Brooks ignoring her express wish that he pay a visit to Miss Dowding . . . well, it was a sight, that’s for sure.”

Lord Brooks only cast his gaze heavenward. “I explained the matter.”

“What?” Lord Robins continued with a snort. “That you went to Evergreen Cottage first, of all places? And then, after waiting a time to see if Mr. Allen could join you and learning that he couldn’t, that your horse was too cold to continue? What kind of a story is that? Even I could have thought up a better excuse to not call on a lady.”

Was that all Lord Brooks had told his friends and aunt? He’d stopped by and had to wait in the cold? Alice suddenly felt far less joy in riding next to him. He’d not only completely failed to mention that they’d spent what she considered a most enjoyable afternoon together, but Lord Brooks had made it sound as though he’d been met with rudeness at her cottage and had been forced to stay out of doors, in the cold, while Mr.

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