Christmas at Belhaven Hall: the Maidens of Marbury, Book 3 by Karla Kratovil

Author:Karla Kratovil
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Fiction, Historical, Romance
ISBN: 9781957748917
Publisher: Tule Publishing Group, LLC
Published: 2022-07-29T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Nineteen

“Still hiding, ma chérie?” Julien closed the library door behind him.

Olivia looked up from her book. “Julien, I’m not hiding. I am simply enjoying a good book by the fire.”

Julien chuckled. “May I join you?”

“Of course.” She motioned to the chair across from her. The sounds of muffled hammering filtered through the door. Olivia grimaced. “He has been at it all morning. When I walked past him earlier, he was standing precariously on a tall ladder tacking greenery to the molding above the front door. When I inquired why he hadn’t asked Daniels to take care of it, he grinned and said the job needed a creative eye.”

“The decoration looks quite nice in the main hall. When I passed him last, he and Louisa were wrapping the stair railing with garland.”

“The dinner party was meant to be a simple affair. Unfortunately, I fear there is no such thing when it comes to Mrs. Drake and her family.”

Julien shrugged. “It will be fun. All of your favorite people will be here, no? So, tell me, why are you hiding with your book?”

“I am not hiding. I’m just not in the mood for Christmas celebrations. Why must we make such a fuss?”

“I am happy to spend Christmas here with you and your guests. I always envied that Henry would return here in December and make merry for Christmastide. I told him I went to visit my family, but in truth, I spent the holiday alone.”

“Oh, Julien. How awful to be alone at Christmas.” Olivia leaned forward and laid her hand on his arm. “I don’t mean to sound so grouchy. It’s just that celebrating Christmas without Henry feels wrong. He was the arbitrator of fun. He loved Christmas. I miss him.”

Julien took her hand in both of his. “I miss him, too.” After a moment, he released her. “Are you sure it’s not the new earl that has you hiding? His eyes watched you very carefully last night at dinner. He wears his feelings on his sleeve.”

Olivia let out a sigh. She had felt his watchful gaze too. But she had been grateful Max hadn’t tried to press her about his question from the bookstore. Julien leaned back with his hands folded together and waited patiently for her answer. Olivia bit her lower lip. “We kissed yesterday in the bookshop.”

Julien’s eyes widened. “Well, that explains all his staring. It does not explain why you are hiding from him. Was his kiss unwanted? Did he force his attentions on you?”

“No, nothing like that. It was unexpected…how I felt was unexpected.” She shook her head. “It’s complicated.”

“Attraction is never complicated. Olivia, I know that you and Henry had a platonic arrangement. Did you not ever take a lover during the years you were married?”

She felt her cheeks heat, and she placed her hands on them. “No!”

“Whyever not? Henry had me; I know he wouldn’t have minded.”

Henry had said as much to her once. But the idea of taking a lover had seemed so blasé, so very not like her.

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