A Fowl Christmastide by Sandra Sookoo

Author:Sandra Sookoo
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Twelve Days of Christmas, Regency romance, romantic comedy, short story, Christmas Eve, holiday romance, Three French hens
Publisher: New Independence Books
Published: 2020-12-03T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Five

“Mrs. Blanchley, this is Miss Fletcher, my neighbor. Belle, this is Mrs. Blanchley, the headmistresses here.” Nick performed the introductions while Belle shook hands with the older woman.

“A pleasure to meet you, ma’am,” she murmured as she glanced about with curiosity. Would that be her future when she attained such an age? Looking after children that were not her own?

“Good evening.” The headmistresses nodded. Not a speck of hair was loose from the severe knot she kept it in. No wrinkle was found in the stark lines of her black wool gown. “Come with me. I’m sure you’re anxious to start.”

Belle trailed behind Nick as he wound through the corridors following behind the headmistress. At least from his angle she could appreciate the way his exquisitely tailored garments hugged his lean form. Was it a sin to want to cry from the perfection of a man’s taut backside? When she’d touched his arm during the sleigh ride, his muscles had clenched, and there had been power in him. How would it feel to be held by him, to lean her cheek on that hard chest?

Merciful heavens, Isabelle, stop those sorts of thoughts this instant. He is your neighbor.

Did that matter where looks were concerned? Or even feelings? Belatedly, she realized he’d asked her a question. Both Nick and the headmistress had paused at the door to a room and were staring at her. “I beg your pardon. What was that?”

He glanced at her with amusement in his eyes. Could he guess the direction of her thoughts? “Mrs. Blanchley wanted to know if you wished for tea since the trip over here was rather chilly.”

Languid heat curled through her insides the longer he regarded her with that slightly crooked smile. “Oh, no. I’m quite fine. Thank you.” How could she ever be cold when she was in his company? Some of that warmth infused her cheeks. I’m being a ninny.

“All right then. I’ll introduce you to the children,” the headmistress said as she reached for the door handle.

Belle worked to hide her shock. “They’re not abed at this hour?”

“Not tonight.” The woman’s sharp face relaxed with a serene smile. Genuine affection lined her face. “This is the one night I allow them to stay up past their bedtimes. All the children look forward to Lord Hastings’ arrival.” She pushed open the door. “They take extremely good care of the toys from year to year, so we have quite a collection, but everyone should have something to look forward to, no matter what their station.”

“I quite agree, Mrs. Blanchley.” She smiled. Nick had made quite the impression on not only the children but also the headmistress. Perhaps, given time, he’d prove charming with her as well, and if the headmistress liked him, that was a good vouch of character.

Nick stood back and gestured with his free hand. “After you, ladies.”

Both the headmistress and Belle went into the room ahead of him. It was a parlor, and had been festooned with fir boughs, red ribbons, and tin bells.

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