Beneath the Mistletoe (Christmas Courtships Book 2) by M.A. Nichols

Author:M.A. Nichols [Nichols, M.A.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Nichols Publishing, LLC
Published: 2023-11-27T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 16

How could a moment be one of the most romantic in her life yet still so disappointing? Hettie held back a sigh that was tinged with a touch of both sentiments and turned her thoughts away from the latter. It was far too soon for them to be kissing. With only a few days of courtship, it was hardly fitting for them to be embracing in darkened rooms while the ball raged on not far from them.

It was hardly fitting for any courting couple to be doing such a thing; as the perpetual chaperone, she knew that better than most.

Hettie’s lips trembled with a smile. How vastly different was her life at present from what she’d anticipated?

There was no firm age for when a lady became a “spinster.” Certainly, many anticipated early marriages, but many ladies did not speak those hallowed vows until they were closer to five and twenty or older. Unmarried ladies were not so uncommon that one could be labeled so whilst in the blossom of one’s youth, and such things were rarely bandied about until the lady reached at least thirty. Even the king boasted two sisters who were still unmarried and far older than she, and Hettie doubted anyone dared to call them spinsters.

However, there was a feeling—an instinct, really—that struck each lady. There was no rhyme or reason to it, but it was a moment in which one knew one had reached that stage. Spinsterhood. And having earned that title, one knew it was unlikely to ever change.

Though her family and friends batted the word away any time it was spoken, Hettie had known she was a spinster long before they did. What little attention she’d garnered from gentlemen had lessened with each passing year, until one day, she realized it had been some months since she’d shared even a conversation with a bachelor, let alone anything romantic in nature. Gentlemen didn’t even wish to stand up with her for a dance; what hope did she have that one would wish to spend a lifetime with her?

Accepting that had been difficult at first, but once she’d embraced it, Hettie’s life and happiness had improved greatly. No more waiting and hoping for something that would never come.

Yet now, here she sat, tucked snugly beside her beau as he stole kisses (chaste though they may be). Not only was this a perfect moment, but it was one of many they’d shared in the last few days. A gentleman not only longed for her company but couldn’t seem to get his fill of it.

For all that joy coursing through her, Hettie couldn’t help but wonder what Mr. Baxter would do if she simply took advantage of the opportunity presented and kissed the man properly. She felt like laughing at that image, though her heart pressed against her ribs, inching her closer. But when her gaze drifted to his arm, still holding the mistletoe aloft, she spied the mourning band once more on his arm and knew it was best not to rush things.

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