Christmas at Dewberry Hollow by Amelia Grey

Author:Amelia Grey
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: St. Martin's Publishing Group

Chapter Six

Isabelle had awakened early and with so much anticipation it irritated her. She was not winning the war with Gate. That she was thinking of him as Gate and not Mr. Gatestone was proof. Not that she needed anything more than the way he made her feel when he looked at her, touched her, and kissed her.

They’d had a wonderful time together last night playing cards, laughing, and talking with her mother, Mrs. Boothe, and Mr. Thimwinkle. Even the duke had stayed for Mrs. Boothe’s recital. It was quite clear after their first evening of parlor games that Gate was a skilled cardplayer, but he was kind enough to let all of them win once or twice a night. He never minded Mr. Thimwinkle’s funny ho-ho-ho laugh or Mrs. Boothe asking him the same question several times. He always answered as calmly as the first time. Even Isabelle’s perfectly mannered mother had squealed with delight more than once during their relaxed evenings.

While decks were shuffled and decisions were made on which card to play, they talked of London, the Prince Regent’s lavish lifestyle, balls during the Season, and the beautifully wooded parks. Isabelle never wanted the evenings to end. Last night when it came time for everyone to retire, she had been deliriously tempted to whisper for Gate to meet her in the library after everyone settled into their rooms.

Her yearning was deep, but knowing he wanted nothing more than a mere tryst for a night kept her from delivering the invitation, regardless of his repeated questioning glances. Maybe if she didn’t give in to the temptation, her heart wouldn’t be broken when he left.

For a time after she’d gone to bed, she found herself wondering if that’s how her mother’s affair with Mr. Moore had started. Lingering glances, soft touches, and amazing kisses that seemingly had no end. Finally, she decided that it was so long ago it didn’t matter. The damage was done. Isabelle couldn’t trust her heart to any man who was a guest in the inn. Not even for a single night.

So what she must do today was find that tree and send the handsome man on his way. The sooner the better for her. The hollow would always be her home. While she felt Gate fit very nicely into it, the carefree London bachelor would never feel that way even if he should want more than one night with her.

“Where are you off to all bundled up for a north wind?” her mother asked as Isabelle walked into the drawing room.

“I have several things to get done today, Mama,” she replied cheerfully.

Her mother placed the quill in its stand and rose from the chair in front of the secretary. “What is there for you to do?”

“As if you didn’t know,” Isabelle answered, hoping Alma wasn’t going to question her too thoroughly. She didn’t want to fib but couldn’t tell her mother the truth. “I wanted to make sure the carriage wheels are in good shape for our ride to Christmas Day church and that the blankets and everything else are onboard.

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