On the Second Day of Christmas: A Christmas Regency Romance by Deborah M. Hathaway

Author:Deborah M. Hathaway [Hathaway, Deborah M.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Draft Horse Publishing
Published: 2020-11-21T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 11

Lucy sat across from Aunt Harriet in the drawing room, a blazing fire warming them as they faced the flames with hot tea and mince pies.

“What a day,” Aunt murmured, as if to herself.

Lucy merely nodded in silence, stifling a yawn.

“Tired?” Aunt asked.

“A little.”

“It is no wonder, after what has occurred. Nearly falling into the Thames would exhaust anyone.”

Lucy looked away.

“Unless…” Aunt continued, “that is not all that is bothering you this evening?”

Lucy knew this question was coming. She’d been bracing for it ever since she’d first seen Dr. Kent. And after Mr. Carter’s slip earlier that day, it was inevitable. But was she ready to share so much about her past? Was she ready to have everything change?

“Lucy, I’ve had my suspicions for a few days now that there was something more to your relationship with Dr. Kent than you have let on. Mr. Carter’s words today solidified those suspicions. However, I do not wish to pry. I will respect your wishes if you desire to keep your secrets your own. Only know that I am here to listen if you are ready to speak.”

Lucy blew out a slow breath. It was time. After all, there was no point in keeping this a secret any longer from Aunt.

Lucy had tried to make her peace with the gentleman. She’d tried to befriend him. And in both cases, she’d failed. At least now Dr. Kent would choose to stay away from her, rather than Aunt inevitably running him off.

“Do you recall years ago the Christmas you spent ill at our home?” Lucy asked.

Aunt Harriet nodded. “What a dull year that was.”

“I returned home from a ball on St. Stephen’s Day and told you what had occurred. Do you remember?”

“Of course. How on earth could I forget? You declined a proposal.”

Lucy winced, looking at her aunt without a word until finally, Aunt’s eyes widened. “Dr. Kent? He was the young man?”

“Yes, he was.”

Aunt made a noise as she clearly struggled for words. “But I…How could you…Why did you not tell me?”

Because your opinion of him would have prevented me from speaking with him freely.

Lucy shrugged. “What happened was in the past, and I simply wished to forget it.”

“Well of course you would. Declining a proposal is always traumatic for both parties.”

Lucy lowered her gaze. In her experience, the proposer had it far worse.

Aunt pressed a hand to her brow. “How could I not have remembered the man? I’m sure you mentioned his name all those years ago.”

“I hardly expect you to recall a gentleman four years after I mentioned him.”

“What is his family situation? Did I ever dine with his parents?”

Lucy chewed on her bottom lip. “His father is Fawsley’s apothecary.”

“Oh,” Aunt Harriet said in a rush of breath, “yes. Now I remember. You told me the apothecary’s son proposed. That is why I did not recall meeting him, for why would I? Heavens, it is no wonder you declined him.”

Lucy hid her frown. That most certainly was not the reason why she’d refused Dr.

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