The Earl's Christmas Delivery (11 page)

Before leaving, the maid handed a packet to Estelle. Carole recognized it as the one the earl had got from the goldsmith. Estelle took it and chewed her lip thoughtfully. The maid took her leave but Estelle was too wrapped up in thought, gazing at the package in her hands to take note of her.

"That must be a very special package," Carole commented.

"Oh, you recognize this?"

"It is the one your brother collected from
Rundell, Bridge and Rundell
, I believe."

"Yes, it is. Did he mention it to you?"

"No, I don't recall him speaking of it. He took extra care to stow it securely so I assumed it must be something dear."

"Indeed, it is. But I think... I think I should keep it hidden for now. It's to be a surprise later on."

"There's nothing better than Christmas surprises."

Estelle nodded and smiled. "Indeed, you are very correct. And I promise, today will very likely be quite full of them. In fact, I should probably leave you to your bath and go down to make arrangements for dinner."

"Of course. And Estelle, truly... thank you so much. For everything."

"Oh, don't thank me yet, my friend. The day is only half over."

Myserleigh had left the ponies in good hands in the stable and now he'd checked to make sure the
piano-forte
had made it safely into the blue drawing room. Estelle had made a spot for it and the room was decorated with greens and ribbons and bows. An old fashioned kissing bough hung from the ceiling, a framework of greenery festooned with fruit and garlands of silk. And mistletoe, of course. The servants had included bunches of the stuff, to very appealing effect. He imagined the children would squeal with delight when they were brought in after dinner. Estelle had outdone herself.

He turned to leave, to head up to his room
and avail himself of the bath he'd requested but found Estelle watching him from the doorway. She looked very well, considering the strain she must be under with the holiday preparations and her husband's unfortunate illness. He smiled.

"It's good to see you again, Estelle."

"Thank you for making the trek out here," she replied. "I know you'd probably rather have stayed in Town."

"Yes, that had been my plan, but it's the very devil to find someone to make a delivery the day before Christmas."

"Good. I wasn't sure what it would take to actually get you here."

"Well, you accomplished it, and I'm glad that you did. Your house looks quite festive."

"Thank you. The children are getting old enough to appreciate the holiday and I want to make it as special as possible."

"Is... is Bexley able to enjoy all your efforts?"

She nodded, but wouldn't meet his eyes. "He says he is pleased with the decorating."

"So he's been able to be up, to move about the house?"

Either she did not hear his question or she chose to avoid a direct answer. "You'll see him later. Perhaps you should go to your room for a rest. I had a tub sent up already and hot water is being prepared now."

His aching muscles could almost feel the relaxing heat of that bath already. Of course, he
couldn't even consider it until he knew that Miss Meriwether was being well tended.

"Thank you, but perhaps Miss Meriwether should have access to the tub first. She has been through quite the ordeal since we left London yesterday morning."

"Yes, so she mentioned. But don't worry, I've already put a tub in her room, too."

"I'm sure she will appreciate that."

"Yes, I'm sure she will. And how kind of you to be so concerned for her, especially since you made her sleep in a stable last night."

He winced. "She told you about that, did she?"

"Yes, and frankly I was quite appalled to hear it. My goodness, Miser. You are an earl, for pity's sake! Could you not have found some better arrangement for her?"

"She insisted on being with the pony.
You should know, Estelle, that woman is taking this whole pony instructor business entirely too seriously."

"
But she didn't have to sleep in the stable. Honestly, you should have taken better care of her."

"I did take good care of her! I made her a fine pallet in a very private area and, I assure you, I kept her warm all night."

Er, perhaps he should not have said that. An expression of shock and horrified alarm overtook Estelle's face. Damn, but his sister was obviously reading far too much into his words.

"Holy heavens, you
slept
with her?"

"No! Well, yes, I did, but
—"

"
Jacob Myserleigh, what sort of villain are you? She is my friend. I trusted her with you!"

"Now wait just a moment, Estelle.
I don't like what you are implying. What sort of woman do you think she is?"

"She's a very proper sort of woman. It's
you
that I am not very sure of. What are your intentions toward her?"

"
My inten—"

"I swear to you,
Miser, if you have harmed her in any way—"

"Of course I've not harmed her.
You're overreacting."

"
You would say that, considering it isn't you who are ruined!"

"Nobody's been ruined."

"I will never forgive you. And to think, I had hoped to take her to London next Season and help her make a good match."

"I knew you were plotting something like that."

"Well, I can't very well do that now, can I? No. At best I can find her a farmer or some local merchant who might have her."

"You'll do absolutely no such thing!"

"No gentleman would have her after what you've done."

"
Any gentleman on earth would be blessed beyond measure to have Miss Meriwether for wife."

"Oh, would they?"

"Most certainly."

"Then why don't you?"

"Why don't I what?"

"Marry her, of course."

"But I... I can't."

"
Oh, she was good enough when she was convenient but not for every day?"

"Good God, Estelle. It isn't like that."

"Then what is it like? Why don't you marry her?"

"Because she..."

"Yes?"

"
Because she hates me."

"She doesn't hate
you."

"Yes, I'm quite sure that she does.
She has good reason, of course."

"
I've no doubt about that. Yet you ought to know, when I spoke to her upstairs she had several very nice things to say about you."

"She
talked of me? What did she say?"

"That you were kind, that you were generous, that you helped several people in need..."

"I only did those things at her urging."

"Then she has made you a better person. You ought to, in turn, make her your wife."

Bother, how did he end up in this conversation? With his pesky little sister, of all people! Then again, perhaps she was exactly the person he needed to confide in. If anyone could help Miss Meriwether see him in a good light, Estelle was the one. He'd have to tell her the truth and just pray she might know what to do.

"
I've been trying to figure a way to convince her of just that all morning long," he admitted. "I'm afraid some of my behavior has been... well, it's done nothing to ensure Miss Meriwether would even welcome my suit, let alone accept me."

"What exactly have you done to her?"

"Not what you seem to think that I've done! But... it's been enough."

"Then I suppose we will simply have to undo what you've done."

He couldn't very well imagine how he was going to
un
kiss the girl and
un
cuddle her through the night, but he was willing to give it a try. If Estelle thought there was a ghost of a chance, he was eager to believe her. Their cold, silent hours of travel this morning had done nothing to make his passion for her grow any less fervent. If anything, he wanted her more now than even last night. If Estelle thought there might be some way to win her, he would do whatever she said.

"Tell me what to do," he begged his sister.

"Do you love her?"

"It's ridiculous, but I do."

"It's not ridiculous, Miser. It's simply what love is. We do ridiculous things for the people we love."

"I can't argue with that; I slept on the floor of a stable last night. And that's
all
that I did there, Estelle, so stop grinning at me this way."

"I'm just... it's
unusual to see you like this. You're so doubtful and unsure."

"I hope you're enjoying your fun, but it is a bit less than amusing for me. I'm not used to not knowing how to proceed. Are you going to help me or not?"

"Win my friend's heart and let you take her away from me?"

"Yes."

She made a grand show of considering this, but of course in the end she gave him a conspiring smile and relented.

"Of course I will. And can I tell you, I had no idea my evil scheme would work so very quickly! I thought you'd be a much harder case,
Jacob Myserleigh."

"Your evil scheme? What the devil do you mean by
—"

"Very well. Now here is what you must do."

"Wait, I—"

"Do you want my help in the matter or not?"

"Er, I do."

"Excellent. Here. You will need this."

She thrust the package that she'd been holding into his arms. It was the carefully wrapped box from the goldsmith. He frowned at it, then frowned at her.

"What is this?"

"It's one of the parcel's you collected for me."

"I know that. But what do I do with
it?"

"You will give it to her."

"What? But—"

"When you find just the right time, you will give
it to her."

"How on earth will that
—"

"And you will tell her how you feel."

"Discuss my feelings, Estelle? I'm not very good at that, I'm afraid."

"Do your best. And don't worry. If you are sincere, she will see it on your face, just as I see it now. You do love her, don't you?"

"God help us all, but I do."

"Then everything will work out.
Trust me. Things are all falling just into place."

He wanted to ask her what she meant by that last bit, but she was already floating out the door, humming a merry tune and going about her day as if this sort of thing happened all the time. He was left holding the carefully wrapped parcel and wondering how his little sister could be so very calm about things when he felt as if a stampede of wild horses ran circle
s inside his chest. By God, he didn't see how this box—no matter how exquisite its design—would make Miss Meriwether look beyond his many failings and consider allowing him into her heart. If Estelle though that it would, though, he prayed she was right.

The bath Estelle sent up to Carole's room was pure heaven. She'd luxuriated in it long after the water cooled from hot to warm and then even after that. She could scarcely think of anything that might feel better than getting the chill out of her bones and the mud and grime off of her body.

Except that she could think of a couple things that might feel even better than that, but they all involved close personal contact with the earl, so she was careful to avoid thinking of those. Much.

A light luncheon had been brought to her room and she tried not to devour that like a ravenous wolf, even though she'd been left alone with it and no one would have seen. How long would it take her to get used to these silly little things like hot baths and regular meals? All these she used to take for granted, but not anymore. As long as she was here she'd never cease to appreciate them. Heaven only knew how long it would be before she'd be back in her old life, eking by as best as she could.

It would hardly be right to expect Estelle to be her savior forever. She'd best keep that firmly in mind. With hope, though, after her time here she could at least ask her friend for a letter of reference. Perhaps that would get her another position in another good home.

There'd be no Jacob Myserleigh there, though. Very likely he'd not be here after tomorrow. As much as she rejoiced in her elegant surroundings and her fortunate state, she wanted to weep at the thought of him leaving. Would he think of her at all when he was gone? Probably not.

Thank heavens she'd always have that kiss to remember! She had a feeling it would have to get her through many long, lonely nights over the course of her life. But she knew what it felt like to sleep in his arms, didn't she? She'd cherish that memory, too.

After dressing and eating, Carole was thrilled to have Estelle invite her to the nursery to meet her three children. It was a pleasure, indeed, to see their bright, chubby faces and to giggle with them as they showed off their fine toys and squabbled amongst themselves over who would be the first to sit on
Mish Meriwevher's
lap to have her read them a story. She brought peace to the nursery by joining them on the floor and making room for all three.

So delighted was she by all the attention that she didn't even notice when the earl entered the nursery. She had no idea how long he'd been watching them, but her face caught fire immediately when she glanced up to discover Estelle smiling sweetly with her brother at her side. Carole lost her place in the book and had to reread an entire paragraph, much to the dismay of the two older children who knew the story by rote and who chastised her severely for her repetition.

She pulled her mind back into her task and subdued the thumping in her chest, making a game of misreading several more paragraphs as she went along. The two little boys thought it remarkable fun, but Miss Liza—who was all of five years old and smart enough to know one should take such things as stories very seriously—threatened to read the book herself. Carole had mercy on her and let her look over her shoulder, pointing with her finger at the words as she went along so Liza could be sure she was doing it correctly.

She was impressed to find that the little girl could, indeed, read many of the words and after the conclusion of the story Carole was draw
n into a deep discussion with her regarding her fondness for working at letters. Liza pulled out her slate to demonstrate the proper way to write an A and Carole pretended to be fully enthralled by this lesson.

The
two boys scrambled off to entice their uncle into an awkward game of marbles—Estelle had to keep reminding her brother not to let Charlie, the little one, put them into his mouth—but at least Carole could breathe easier, not feeling the earl's eyes on her. She was able to devote her full attention to Miss Liza, which was just as the precocious poppet liked it.

They made it all the way through the letter L before Estelle interrupted to say it was time to dress for dinner. Carole was proving to be a terrible student, according to Miss Liza's evaluation, and she had to promise to return to the nursery tomorrow to continue her lessons. It was wonderful to be a part of a family, even if it would be only temporary. She was determined to enjoy every moment of her visit here.

The nurse appeared to take the children into their dressing room, so Carole rose and said her good-byes. The children would not join them for dinner, but afterward they'd all gather somewhere in this huge home and let the children have the presents their uncle had brought. Carole wished she'd had something for them, but knew Estelle would let her take some of the credit for the pony. It would be adorable to watch their young faces when they were led out to the stable to meet Holly and her foal.

As Estelle helped usher her children out of the room, Carole realized that left her alone with the earl. He was watching her closely, even though she was being ever so careful to avoid looking at him. He'd taken up a spot near the door and she would have to pass near him in order to leave.

Heavens, but simply walking past the man should not be so difficult! She took in a deep breath and got two steps closer to him before he spoke.

"The children seem to like you."

"Children generally like anyone who will play games and read stories with them," she replied, staring at the floor.

"Not everyone is so comfortable around children, though. You seem to be comfortable in most things, Miss Meriwether."

"I... I'm glad you think so, sir."

"And you are comfortable to be with, as well."

She wasn't at all sure how to respond to that.

"Er... Thank you."

Now he took two steps closer to her. There was not much air in the room all of a sudden and she began to feel a bit lightheaded. She hadn't meant to let her eyes meet his, but she did. They were dark, deep, and she was afraid she'd be trapped forever in them. He was gazing at her intently, as if something very important was on his mind and he was mulling it about. She tried to swallow but her throat was too tight.

"I've very much enjoyed our time together, Miss Meriwether," he said. "Especially... especially waking up with you in my arms."

What?
Oh, good heavens! How could he bring that up now, remind her of her shame? She'd been trying desperately all day to forget it!

"Sir, I don't think
—"

But he didn't let her finish. He closed up the space left between them and reached for her, taking her shoulders and pulling her toward him so she could not escape. She was held captive by his eyes, as well as his arms. An odd sort of fear gripped her, but she wasn't quite sure if it was terror for his behavior, or horror at her own.

She didn't offer up the least bit of struggle as he held her against his warm, solid form.

"I... that is, Miss Meriwether, we... we really ought to do that again sometime."

She blinked at him. "Sleep in a stable, sir?"

"Yes... rather, no. Certainly not. A bed would be infinitely better."

"A bed. Would you have any bed in particular?"

"Mine, preferably, although I suppose we would be flexible on that matter."

"Flexible?"

She could scarcely believe what she was hearing. Did he really think so little of her that he would make such an improper offer, right here in his sister's own nursery? What sort of woman had he taken her for?

"I'll make whatever arrangements you like," he assured her, as if that sort of thing would make up for his dreadful presumption.

Arrangements
! He was offering to make her is mistress, wasn't he? He said he could be flexible... by God, did that mean he'd allow her to keep other men on the side? He must think her worse than a
demi rep
. And to discuss all this here, under Estelle's very roof! It was the height of bad form. The man must have no honor at all.

And what of her? She let a full two seconds pass while she actually contemplated his offer! Good heavens, she ought to be ashamed of herself.

She pulled herself away and stood up as tall as she could. She would not succumb to his scheming, his tempting offers of things she could never have. She really ought to slap him, but restrained herself from that, too.

"No thank you, sir," she announced. "You'll have to warm your bed some other way. Perhaps you can make arrangements with yourself to be... flexible."

His hands had dropped to his sides and she spun on her heel, marching from the room and not looking back. Perhaps knowing she'd done the right thing would make her days without him somewhat easier. Or perhaps that new
piano-forte
would just fall on her and end all this torment once and for all.

Myserleigh watched her go, hearing her footsteps echo down the corridor, their angry cadence taunting him the whole way. His own stunned horror kept him rooted to his spot, frozen with no idea what he could do. Estelle's livid throat clearing behind him finally distracted him.

He turned to her and sighed. "I certainly mucked that up, didn't I?"

She simply shook her head and rolled her eyes at him. "Miser, you are an idiot."

"What do I do? Should I go after her?"

"Only if you want to die young
. No, this is going to take some extra effort, I'm afraid."

He dropped his head into his hands, mortified to rehash
those careless, stupid words over and over again. No wonder he had avoided this sort of thing all his life. Being in love was a much greater challenge than he'd ever imagined. Being without Miss Meriwether for the rest of his life, however, would be infinitely worse.

"Tell me what to do," he asked Estelle for the second time today.

"Dress for dinner. I'll make sure that she's there, though I have no idea how to convince her when the last thing she'll want is to sit at a table with your sort of scoundrel."

"Tell her I'm sorry! Tell her I did not mean what it very probably sounded like I meant."

But Estelle held up her hand and shushed him. "Just be on time for dinner. And keep that parcel I gave you nearby."

He agreed and understood he was being dismissed. Damn, but it was demoralizing, being so vulgarly misunderstood by his dearly intended, and then being scolded like a wayward child by his own sister. What further misery must he endure on this endless journey to bliss?

"Oh, and one other thing," Estelle called just before he left the nursery. "Be on your best behavior tonight. Mother is here."

Mother
? By hellfires. Now his wretchedness was complete.