Until Spring by Shannon Gilmore

Author:Shannon Gilmore
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781962810067
Publisher: Burlapllama Publishing

CHAPTER 9

Lovie didn’t want to admit it, but she was thankful for a break from the normal chaos surrounding the holiday season. Two days had passed since they arrived at her family’s home. At first, she had thought Hawke might be eager to leave, but the ease of their conversations had alleviated her of that notion.

“There you are,” Hawke said, passing the open parlor where she sat in a wingback chair hidden away from the day’s festivities. “You disappeared after the Christmas feast. Are you missing your family?”

“No. Hudson and Rochester are undoubtedly playing billiards for shillings with the servants and losing on purpose.”

“I thought you might be worried they were concerned when we didn’t arrive back in time.”

“Oh, Hudson knows better. This isn’t the first time something like this has happened. I honestly believe he agreed for you to escort me because he was afraid of this very thing, which speaks of his trust, or Rochester’s. I have a feeling it took a little persuasion from Rochester that you were harmless and safe to escort Hudson’s spinster sister.”

“You use spinster as if it’s a bad word,” he said, walking farther into the little parlor where a cozy fire burned and the candles created a soft glow. “I brought hot chocolate. I hope you like it with milk and sugar. I can’t abide it with water and no sugar.” He carried no tray, just a cup in each hand. He strolled to the chair where she sat and handed her a serving. With the tea table between them, he sat on the settee. “Spinster simply means a lady who earns her own way and doesn’t need a husband’s income.”

“Which is also to say, on the shelf. And I don’t earn my own money.” She said over a sip of Christmas cocoa.

“Is this your house?”

“Strictly, it’s Hudson’s.”

He tilted his head and gave her an exasperated look. “You’re splitting hairs.”

“I’m melancholy and not good company, I’m afraid. We spent only a few holidays in this house, but the ones we did spend here created good memories.”

“You think the good memories are gone, and there will be no more?”

She watched him closely. “Yes, I suppose I do. What about you? How do you feel spending Christmas with strangers?”

“This isn’t the trip I had planned, but I did expect a certain amount of grief. I’d consider this a boon under the circumstances.”

“I’m sorry. That was rude of me.” She put the cup down.

“Why? Because you’re curious?”

She slanted him a dubious brow.

“I’m not speaking of a kiss. I’m simply saying that it’s not untoward to question one’s motives or life or feelings, especially when that someone has been residing in your home for a week. Between here and your cousin’s house in Mayfair, we’ve spent a fair amount of time together. We’ve talked, laughed, and even been ill.”

“One of us has been ill.” She bit her lip. “I confess that I wondered a little if you were dependent on drink. I’m happy to see that you’re not.

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