Mistletoe and Magic (Novella): A Loveswept Historical Romance by Katie Rose

Author:Katie Rose
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Tags: Romance, Fiction, Contemporary Women, Historical, General
ISBN: 9780345544315
Publisher: Random House LLC
Published: 2013-10-13T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eight

“Where is Mr. Jared Marton! I demand to see him!”

Jared put down his newspaper, surprised at the ruckus he heard outside, beyond the steps of the Union Club. Charles glanced at him in confusion, and their fellow members gazed up from their cigars in surprise while the butler poured coffee into a silver urn.

A few moments later, a middle-aged man burst into the room, brandishing a walking stick as if it were a weapon. “Which one of you is Jared Marton?” he demanded, his florid face turning from one elegant gentleman to the next.

“I am Marton.” He got to his feet, aware that the butler had gone to ring for the police and that Charles was right behind him. “And who might you be?” he asked knowingly.

“William Sweeney. Hah, I see you know my name!” the man puffed, still waving his cane furiously as Jared’s brows raised in recognition.

“Pray take a seat, Mr. Sweeney,” Jared said cordially, indicating a soft leather chair. “Would you care for a brandy?”

“I would not!” the man spat, advancing with his stick. “It’s my understanding that it is you who came between myself and Miss Appleton. Dare you deny it? I heard from her aunt myself that you are now courting her!”

“I don’t deny it at all,” Jared replied, unperturbed by the man’s bullying manner. It was clear that William was the worse for drink and had obviously taken leave of his senses when Eve informed him that he’d lost Penelope for good.

“How dare you! She was mine! Why, I could outspend you from now to next Christmas if I wanted!” His black eyes shone with hate. “Do you know who I am? I’ve made myself a fortune in shipping cotton, while you, you beggar of the law …” He swung the cane at Jared as if to strike him.

“That will be enough!” Charles grabbed the cane, startling the man into a choked sputter, while Jonathan Wisely stepped forward, brandishing a poker.

“I think it is high time you took your leave,” Jonathan warned. “While we still allow Confederates in this club, we don’t abide drunken louts!”

“It’s all right,” Jared said calmly. “Mr. Sweeney, I have listened to your nonsense only because I understand the pain you must feel from your loss. Miss Appleton is a wonderful woman, so I sympathize with what you are going through. However, I must demand that you never speak her name as your acquaintance again.”

William stood puffing, the color beginning to drain from his face as Jared spoke sternly. “Why, you young pup …”

“I suggest you take your leave while you still can,” he continued. “I refuse to hear any more of your threats, verbally or otherwise. And if I hear you utter a word about my relationship with Miss Appleton again, I will take a horsewhip to you. You are correct; I have been given permission to court her. And I very much hope by Christmas to persuade her to be my wife.”

Jonathan dropped his brandy glass on the table, but no one moved.

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