Mistletoe and Magic (Novella): A Loveswept Historical Romance (4 page)

The tea bell had barely rung when there was another sharp tap at the front door. Penelope and her aunt were enjoying a meal in the kitchen, the flowers obviously a forbidden topic. At the sound, Penelope rolled her eyes heavenward while Bertha went to answer the summons. She returned a moment later with an elegant cream-colored card.

“What is that?” Penelope looked up from her meal.

“A gentleman caller.” Bertha handed Eve the card. “He’s waiting in the parlor.”

“Mr. Marton?” Eve guessed, adjusting her spectacles to examine the card the maid proffered.

“I believe so.” Bertha gave Penelope a sympathetic glance. “He seems very eager to see you, miss.”

“Please tell Mr. Marton I am not at home. Not now or ever!” Penelope said dramatically, taking a sip of her tea to emphasize her words. Immediately she regretted the gesture, as the scalding liquid burned her tongue.

“I’ll go explain,” Eve said, placing a fond hand on her niece’s shoulder. “No
young lady ever has to spend time with a man she doesn’t favor. No matter how rich, or successful, or handsome he happens to be.”

Penelope’s head swiveled toward her aunt, but Eve was all innocence as she took up the card and went to the parlor.

“Mr. Marton?” Eve blinked, extending her hand. “I am Eve Appleton. Miss Penelope’s aunt.”

“Why yes.” Jared bowed, and then took her palm into his. “I am sorry I did not make your acquaintance last night at the ball. I left shortly after Pen—I mean, Miss Appleton departed.”

“I see.” Eve’s blue eyes twinkled. “Won’t you sit down?”

“Thank you.” Jared put his coat on the sofa and sat on a chair beside her. He gazed about the old house in fascination. Like many among New York’s elite society, Jared had heard the tales of the Appleton sisters and their séances. He saw the pictures of the sisters on the wall supposedly evoking the spirits of their clients’ dearly departed, the cobwebbed chandelier in the dining room, the elaborate candelabra on the fireplace mantel. It was exactly as he’d pictured, and every inch as intriguing as the young woman who resided here.

“Is Miss Penelope at home?” he asked eagerly.

“I’m afraid she is not at present.” There was a trace of regret in Eve’s tone. “Can I offer you some refreshment? Tea, perhaps?”

“No, thank you.” Jared glanced upstairs, suspecting full well that the beautiful young woman was ensconced there, avoiding him. “I know my visit was on rather short notice. Has she recovered completely, then?”

“Oh, you must mean from last evening.” Eve nodded. “Penelope said she was tired. Quite unlike her, you know, especially on her debut. She has always been a favorite of men and women alike.”

“I can see why.” Jared nodded in agreement. “Yes, she rushed out rather quickly, so I was concerned about her health.”

“She is perfectly fine,” Eve assured him. “I spent time with her this morning myself and can testify she ate a full breakfast.”

“I am so glad.” Jared did appear relieved. “I have to confess, I was very concerned about her. Is she … I mean, did she get my flowers?”

“Ah yes, the roses!” Eve beamed. “They were beautiful, I must say. But Miss Penelope has quite a charitable streak, you know, and donated them to the church. I imagine they are gracing the altar at St. Patrick’s as we speak.”

Jared stared at the older woman, dumbfounded. Not only was Penelope refusing to see him, but she wouldn’t even accept his gifts. He saw the sympathetic look in Eve’s eyes and knew she was fully aware that her niece was rejecting him in the most polite way.

Another man would have left at that point, message internalized. Clearly, Miss Appleton wanted nothing to do with him. But Jared wasn’t every man. If anything, his determination was fueled by the challenge.

If he truly thought she detested him, he would be on his way. But he knew better. His thoughts went back to the look they shared when he first saw her at the ball: it was the same confused passion and desire that he was feeling now, the same sense of fate, that this was meant to be.

Penelope Appleton was not immune to him, of that he was certain. He just had to find the right words, the right gift, and the right way to move her.

“So, Mr. Marton,” Eve interrupted his thoughts. “It has been a while since I’ve entertained such a handsome gentleman. Tell me all about yourself. I remember you escorted Miss Winifred to the ball last year?”

“Yes.” Jared nodded. He advised Eve of his family and connections before continuing thoughtfully. “Miss Winifred and I became acquainted when she was clerking for Mr. Howe. I found her fascinating. Never in my life had I met a woman with her intelligence and independence.”

“I agree.” Eve beamed, pleased at the compliment to her scholarly niece. “Winnie has always been gifted in that way. Although I daresay, she gave Mr. Howe quite the run for his money.”

Jared hid a grin. “I felt sorry for Charles myself. Yet at the same time, I thought
he needed a nudge, so I escorted Miss Winifred to the Governor’s Ball. He and Miss Winifred were obviously so right for each other, and I feared he would have lost her if he didn’t claim her as his own. I like to think I helped that along.”

“You are wicked, young man!” Eve chortled. “I daresay you are not acquainted with Mr. Forester?”

“By reputation only,” Jared admitted. “I’ve met Gabriel on several occasions and found his company to be extremely genial. He is married to your other niece, Jennifer. Is that correct?”

“Why, yes. Our Jennifer certainly made him work for her hand. Gabriel thought she had cheated his mother by pretending to contact the dead! Can you imagine? As if my Jennie would do any such thing!”

“Appalling!” Jared laughed. “So it sounds like the Appleton women can be quite the challenge?” He was getting the message.

“Exactly.” Eve beamed at the young man stretched out before the fire. “But the more worthy the goal, the dearer the cost, don’t you agree?”

“Yes, I do.” Jared looked directly at Eve. The moment for generalities had passed—it was time for him to put his cards on the table. “I have to admit, Miss Penelope has stolen my heart, as I imagine she has done with many a man before me. I know that must sound ridiculous, since I only just danced with her last night. But I know it to be true.”

“I see.” Eve’s expression grew serious. “You have given this a lot of thought.”

“I have, and I know I can make her happy. But if the young lady will not allow a gentleman contact, it would be very hard to advance his case. Hypothetically speaking,” he added, aware that Eve owed her loyalty to her young relation.

“Are you fond of exercise, Mr. Marton?” Eve inquired. When Jared looked at her in confusion, she sighed and shrugged her shoulders. “Miss Penelope is very active herself. In fact, I understand that Central Park on a Tuesday afternoon can offer young ladies a stimulating opportunity for ice-skating. And then there is the tea that follows at the Grand Union Hotel? I hear it is quite the event.”

“Thank you so much, Madam Appleton.” Jared stood up and fetched his coat, aware that the older woman had become his ally. “You have my undying gratitude.”

Eve took his hand in hers, and when her blue eyes met his, he saw the same searing intelligence he’d witnessed in Winifred.

“Do not underestimate Penelope. She is beautiful, but that is merely the tip of the iceberg. She is a prize worth winning, young man, but one you will have to work for. All I ask is for you to make her happy, for of all my girls, she very much deserves it.”

“That I will, Madam Appleton. You have my word.”

Penelope got out of her aunt’s carriage and looked over her shoulder at the snow-trodden road leading to Central Park. Smiling, she waved as she saw Jennifer with her husband and her little son seated in a horse-drawn sleigh. The toddler was so bundled up with blankets that only his eyes were visible as the horse trotted forward, sleigh bells ringing merrily with every footfall.

Seated on a bench at the edge of the lake was Winifred, accompanied by the Billings girls. Penelope fetched her skates from the coach and proceeded to make her way through the crowd to join them.

“Is the ball out?” She shaded her eyes against the sun glistening off the newly fallen snow.

“Yes,” Winifred confirmed, pointing to the scarlet orb dangling from the bell tower. “The park officials have been doing that for a few years now,” she explained to Jane and Elizabeth Billings. “The ball means the ice is sufficiently thick for skating. They hoist a red banner if there is any question of safety. But the temperature was close to zero last night, I believe.”

“What a good idea!” Elizabeth stood up to make room for Penelope. “That way, no one gets hurt.”

Taking a seat on the bench, Penelope proceeded to put on her skates, admiring the winter view. Tall pines glistened in the distance, their boughs aching under the weight of the heavy snow, and the lake was like a smear of bottle-green glass beneath the sun. Neighbors shouted greetings to each other, full of holiday cheer, while children threw snowballs at unsuspecting adults. A group of men had built a bonfire beneath the footbridge, enticing ladies in their warm woolen cloaks and stylish hats to join them for a hot toddy. The Bethesda Fountain sparkled in the distance, the angels on top seeming ethereal beneath the shimmering frost.

A dog barked and ran merrily after his owner as Penelope got to her feet. Skaters whizzed by her, the sound of their blades scraping on the ice mingling with laughter and
gay repartee as she gracefully stepped onto the frozen lake. She’d barely moved away from the bank when she was surrounded by male admirers.

“Miss Appleton! Allow me!” Jonas Weathermere gallantly offered an arm to assist her.

“Miss Penelope, I’ll fetch you a warm drink!” Rudolph Wisely sped off to get her a hot cup of cider, while his brother Jonathan skated backward, showing off his skill. His reward was finding himself devoured by a snow bank, bottom first, his skates pointing skyward as his feet flew out from under him.

Penelope smothered a giggle as Rudolph rolled his eyes and went to his brother’s aid. Gratefully, she accepted Jonas’s arm and took a turn around the pond, enjoying the frosty air, the scenery, and the exhilarating exercise.

“Thank you, Miss Appleton,” Jonas beamed when they returned to the bench. “Perhaps later you’ll honor me by joining us for tea? I know my sister would love to see you!”

“Perhaps.” Penelope gave him a flirtatious wink as Elizabeth Billings waved her over.

“Come, let’s skate by the fire and get warm,” Elizabeth said, looking pretty in her red velvet cloak and fur muff. “I daresay I see Nicholas Biddle there, along with Charles Howe and his sister.”

The fire roared beneath the bridge and both women eagerly drew near the hot flickering logs. Rudolph appeared with cups of cider, and the women gratefully sipped the warm liquid. Winifred joined them, warming her hands around her mug. Her sister seemed so happy married to Charles, Penelope realized, pleased at the notion as Winnie blew the steam from her mug and returned her smile.

The cold finally began to leave her as she finished the toddy. When Penelope was able to wiggle her toes inside her skates once more, she heard a familiar voice behind them.

“Good afternoon, Miss Winifred. Miss Jane and Elizabeth. And of course Miss Penelope!”

Penelope’s eyes widened and she whirled around. Jared Marton approached, looking very handsome in a charcoal-gray coat and silk hat. He was beginning to grow a
moustache in keeping with the male fashion of the day, and she noticed that it accentuated his sensual mouth and the curve of his smile.

So he was still here. Penelope frowned in annoyance. She had penned her note days ago, advising him to leave town. He should have received the letter by now; she’d paid the post boy handsomely to keep her identity anonymous, and to make sure only Jared himself was the recipient. Obviously he’d chosen to ignore her warning.

“Hello, Mr. Marton,” Winifred said, shaking his hand, obviously pleased to see her friend. “What a surprise!”

“Yes, it is,” Penelope said in an unwelcoming tone. “What are you doing here?”

“Penelope!” Winifred said, astonished at her rudeness.

Jared simply laughed. “Skating,” he responded as politely as if she’d complimented him. “I believe it is an enjoyable pastime in the holiday season. Don’t you agree?”

“I’ve never seen you here before.”

“A minor detail.” He laughed. One brow rose wickedly. “Why? Do you think I have other motivations for being here?”

Penelope sniffed. “I just find it very odd that you should suddenly appear. We’ve been coming every Tuesday since the lake froze in November, and I don’t recall ever …”

“Hello, old man!” Charles approached and warmly shook Jared’s hand. “Penelope! Don’t you look pretty!” He bent down and kissed her cheek in a brotherly fashion, admiring her navy cloak.

“Miss Appleton, I understand the tiles in the Bethesda Arcade are quite beautiful. Would you mind showing me? As you’ve noted, I am not a frequent visitor.”

Penelope frowned. She couldn’t refuse without Charles thinking her rude, so when Jared extended his arm, Penelope slid her mittened hand on his bicep and tried to ignore the effect his closeness had on her. The wind blew as they skated toward the arcade, and Penelope shivered as ice crystals stung her face and neck.