Page 32 of A Wallflower's Wassail Punch
“Drew, you’re an old friend and a good man.My daughter hasn’t shown interest in courting, let alone enjoy the company of another man besides her family, in five years.I can see she’s willing.”Beecham blinked, wiped at an eye, then stood, a content smile brightening his round face.“I will speak with her later today.Unless she’s put on a tremendous performance, we’ll consider it official.”
“Official?”As in engagement?He swallowed, finding his throat had gone dry.
“Are you courting her without the goal of marriage?”Beecham’s bushy brows drew together.“Isn’t that how it goes?”
“Yes, of course.I just didn’t expect to announce an engagement this quickly.My daughter doesn’t even know I’m considering a wife yet.”He swallowed again, then the kiss they had shared came back to him.
The earl boomed out a laugh.“Only jesting you, Drew.The two of you will decide when the banns will be read.Now, let’s have a drink, shall we?”
“Henry, I can’t tell you how grateful I am.This entire visit has been so… unexpected.If you had told me a week ago that the Earl of Beecham would be my—”Bollocks!
“Your father-in-law!Love it, love it.All those young boys make me feel ancient.You’re a man who can hold his own with me.For the most part.”
Andrew grinned.He had been nervous, a greenhorn asking for a beautiful young woman’s hand.But it was over with, and Christmastide brought joy and mistletoe.“May I discuss the courtship with her today?”
“Whatever you feel is appropriate.We do have one more suitor coming with William today.”Beecham scratched his jaw.“Should we give the lad a chance?”
They stared at each other for a moment, then howled with laughter.
* * *
William arrivedthat afternoon as everyone was preparing to gather greenery and mistletoe.Annette hadn’t seen her youngest-older brother in weeks.“Willy!”she cried and threw her arms around him as he stepped from the coach.“Don’t you dare stay away so long again.”
He had light-brown hair like their father and brother Ambrose, but his eyes were hazel rather than green.Papa always said that his eyes were a mix of his own and their mother’s brown.
“I’ve brought you a surprise,” he said.“Charles, come meet my sister.”
Her brothers were considered tall, but this man towered over her.He had sandy-brown hair and eyes almost the same color.Not quite brown, not quite gold.When he smiled at her, she knew she would like him.
“Mr.Charles Wilkens, solicitor, associate, and friend.Lady Annette Page, my little sister.”
He bowed and removed his hat.“It’s a pleasure, my lady.”
Annette didn’t recognize the gentleman’s name.“I thought you were bringing…” What was the man’s name?
“It didn’t work out.We’ll say it’s for the best and leave it at that for now.”Her brother put an arm around her shoulders, and they made their way up the portico and into the entrance hall.
“This is the surprise?”
“I thought you would be happy I didn’t bring another suitor.”
Her heart did leap.After this morning, between her fall and that kiss, she was relieved she wouldn’t have to pretend anymore.She had made her choice and was certain Lord Weston wanted to court her.He wouldn’t have kissed her in such a way if he did not.
“You are not with family this Christmastide?”she asked her brother’s handsome friend.
“I shall return before the new year.I’ve been invited to another party.The widow who sent the invitation owns a coal mine my uncle has been trying to purchase for years.We are hoping to convince her to sell it.”
William grinned.“The widow happens to be Lady Winfield.”
She gasped.“Does Lucius know?”
“He will soon enough.”
Charles’s brows furrowed, obviously not knowing the connection between her eldest brother and the countess.Annette grinned back at William.
“Good day, gentlemen,” called Lord Weston from the entryway.“Just in time to help us collect pine boughs and such.”
William shook his head and held out his hand.“It’s good to see you again, Lord Weston.Have you enjoyed your visit so far?”
