Mistletoe and Magic (Novella): A Loveswept Historical Romance (15 page)

“Is she all right?” Gabriel asked when Jared descended the steps.

“Yes. She had a real fright, but she’s recovering. The women are taking care of her.” Jared rubbed his hand across his chin, feeling the whiskers that bristled. “I should get cleaned up myself, but I can’t bear to leave her.”

“I’ll stop by your house for a change of clothing and some shaving articles,” Gabriel offered.

“And I’ll go to your parents’ and let them know you’re all right,” Charles said. “They may have seen the paper.”

“Yes, right.” It didn’t escape Jared’s notice that his thoughts had been filled only with Penelope.

“We’ll return shortly.” Gabriel grinned, glancing toward the steps. “I’d have to drag Jenny away from her sister, but I know she’ll be worried about Michael. Tell her I’ll bring him back with me.”

Jared nodded as the two men left and Bertha came from the kitchen, wiping her hands on her apron. “Mr. Marton! I heard you were well. Thank the Lord. It’s going to be a beautiful day, and a very happy Christmas!”

Jared grinned as she ushered him into the dining room. “Do sit down for breakfast. I was just preparing some pancakes for Miss Penelope. They’re her favorite, you know. And there’s hot coffee, biscuits, and bacon.”

Taking a seat at the table, Jared thought that a hot cooked meal was exactly what was needed after a night in jail and his brush with death.

It would be a happy Christmas indeed.

“What is this!”

The door of the Appleton house burst open and Theodore Marton stormed inside. “I demand to see my son! Where is he?”

Charles shrugged at Bertha while the maid rushed toward the dining room.

“What is going on?” Jared emerged with his coffee cup while his father stared at him, an interesting mixture of emotions playing across his face: relief was there, along with frustration and anger, mingled with joy.

“Then it is true.” To Jared’s surprise, the older man’s eyes grew wet and he brushed at them impatiently with the back of his sleeve.

“Yes.” Jared put the cup aside and stood stiffly as his father embraced him. “It is all true. She saved my life, Father. I don’t know how much of the story you heard, but if not for Penelope, I wouldn’t be standing here today.”

Theodore appeared to have aged ten years since the day before. Stunned by the news and the sight of his son, he sank down onto a chair, all of his former bluster gone.

“I thought you died.” His voice was barely a whisper as he stared at Jared.

“I’m sorry for the fright, Father, but I am alive and well. Jack Kelly tried to murder me, but the police have him in custody.”

“Thank God,” the older man breathed.

“There is more. I have asked Miss Appleton to marry me and she has accepted. I know you’re dead set against it, but there is no help for it. I love her and she loves me. And if that means you cut me off, so be it. I will find a way to make my fortune, with or without my family …”

His father shook his head, holding up his hand to stop further words. “I’ve been a fool, and an old fool at that. When I saw the paper this morning, all I could think of was the argument we had and the threats I made. The way I tried to control your life.” He raised his eyes to Jared. “Can you forgive me?”

“Yes,” Jared agreed. “As long as you can accept Penelope as my wife.”

“That I can do. I don’t know if she told you, but I spoke to her, tried to make her leave you. I even sent her a check.” When Jared’s visage darkened, he continued quickly. “She never cashed it. I have no doubt she tore it up.”

“You had no right to interfere.”

“I know that now. I was just concerned for your future happiness. I was also worried that Miss Appleton wouldn’t be accepted, but I was wrong there, too. She has admirers who will stand up for her. In the past few days, I’ve had a series of visitors all providing testimony as to the nature of Miss Appleton’s character. Mildred Adams, the sisters who run the orphanage, the Billings girls—all speak very positively of her. I believe that kind of support will outweigh her detractors.”

Jared shrugged. “That’s good, but I don’t really care.”

His father nodded. “I know you may find this hard to believe, but your happiness is all that matters to me. Having the acceptance of society will only make things easier for both of you. And if what you’ve told me about Miss Appleton is true, your mother and I are forever in her debt and will do everything we can to assist. May I be the first to congratulate you?” He rose and stood before his son.

“Thank you, Father.” Jared smiled, accepting his father’s handclasp.

Christmas morning dawned bright and beautiful in New York City. Penelope and her family met outside the cathedral in the frosty air, exchanging smiles and confirming dinner at Eve’s for three o’clock. Jennifer and Winifred were resplendent in their morning gowns, while Eve stood with Rupert Darling, looking unbearably happy. Bells rang out, celebrating the holiday, while excited children tugged at their mothers, wanting to go home and play with their new toys.

Jared stood beside Penelope, his arm around her. Word had spread quickly throughout the congregation about their upcoming nuptials, and well-wishers stopped by to congratulate them on their engagement and share good tidings of the season.

Jonathan Wisely approached, a rueful smile playing beneath his moustache. Penelope looked beautiful in her velvet cloak, adorned with a white ermine collar and
muff that had mysteriously appeared beneath the Christmas tree.

“I understand congratulations are in order.” Jonathan saw the flash of the ring. “But I must confess my disappointment.”

“Why is that?” Jared questioned.

“You have taken the last Appleton off the market.” He sighed, brushing his hands together as if all was lost.

“Thank God!” Jane and Elizabeth Billings cried, more than happy to have the gorgeous Penelope safely married. They exchanged a secret look with Mildred Adams, who nodded to Eve in satisfaction.

“When is the wedding?” Jonathan asked.

“June,” Jared said proudly. “We would have liked to have done something sooner, but Aunt Eve and Rupert beat us to it. They have their hearts set on a Valentine’s Day wedding, so we decided to wait until summer.”

“I’m afraid life is going to be dull around here from now on,” Jonathan said sadly. “Very dull indeed.”

“I should hope so.” Jared laughed, teasing a curl that dangled enticingly behind Penelope’s ear. “We could use a bit of peace with everything that has transpired. But you know it won’t be for long.” When Jonathan gave him a questioning look, Jared shrugged. “As long as the Appletons live and breathe, there will always be mistletoe and magic, my friend. You can bank on that.”

Everyone laughed as Gabriel and Charles acknowledged the truth in his words. Penelope blew Jonathan a kiss.

“Merry Christmas, Jonathan!”

“And many happy returns to you both.” He bowed and then took his leave, whistling.

And there was mistletoe and magic for all.

Read on for an excerpt from Katie Rose’s