Allison Lane's Christmas Collection by Allison Lane

Author:Allison Lane [Lane, Allison]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Regency Romance Novellas
Publisher: Belgrave House
Published: 2008-05-20T16:00:00+00:00

-5-

“There you are,” Mr. Reeves exclaimed, joining Emma, who was fashioning garlands in the great hall.

She had gathered greens with the rest of the party that morning. A largely sleepless night had convinced her that she must participate in every activity, no matter how many cuts she faced. Avoiding the other guests played into the dowager’s hands by making her seem guilty of improper conduct, which in turn reflected poorly on the captain. As the rightful owner of Blacktower, he deserved her support.

But even the carefree search for Christmas greenery emphasized her odd position between two hostile parties. The dowager had remained in the house, but no one doubted that she would hear of every smile directed at Emma. The captain’s duty as host of this gathering had kept him too busy to speak with her, and Lady Catherine had passed most of the expedition with Mr. Langtree. Without their support, few people had been willing to talk to her, so Emma had turned her attention to the children.

Five-year-old Jenny was her favorite. They’d had a grand time racing up and down hillsides, poking about the forest, and admiring the jewel-like lake tucked into a valley. Squirrels had chattered at them from the treetops, annoyed by the invasion of shouting, squealing people. Several dogs gamboled through the crowd, raising laughter with their antics.

But exploration had filled only part of the morning. They had also dragged holly branches to the wagon, stripped ivy from its stranglehold around a tree, and watched the captain climb a huge oak to cut down balls of mistletoe.

It was the first time she had seen him happy. He would make a wonderful earl, for he honestly cared for people. And she could already see the effect of his return. Most of the guests had picked up on his mood, genuinely enjoying themselves for the first time since her arrival. The dowager had acted on the family like ivy on a tree, choking the life from everyone she dominated.

There was no trace of snow, but the children played hiding games among the trees. Servants built a fire, offering chocolate to anyone feeling chilled. Much of the company eventually gathered there to sing carols. All things considered, it had been an enjoyable morning.

Now the entire company was busily decorating the manor.

“Were you looking for me?” she asked Reeves. “Or are they ready for this garland?”

“Looking for you. The footman Lady Catherine dispatched to Melcor House has returned.” He held out a letter.

Her hand shook as she broke the seal. The contents raised a lump in her throat. “She accepts your recommendation and offers me the position. What did you say? You don’t even know me.”

“Fustian. I feel as though I’ve known you for ten years. Robert sang your praises often enough. He felt blessed to have you at his side. I merely mentioned the school you started at Fairport and your prowess on the pianoforte. When does she want you to start?”

“Boxing Day.”

“Then you will attend tomorrow’s ball. Will you save me a set?”

“Of course.

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