Page 29 of The Scoundrel's Christmas Challenge
As they were retiring, Lord Elwood stopped Christiana at the door. “I would like to apologize for my pompous introduction when we first met. It was wrong of me to assume the use of your woods. It was worse when I also assumed you should then sell it to me.” He cleared his throat, then gave her a sheepish smile. “You are a lovely woman and a gracious host. I only hope we may begin again. My wife would be so pleased to be able to continue this friendship.”
His speech took her by surprise. Her cheeks warmed at his compliment, and she knew by the seriousness in his dark eyes that he was sincere. She grasped his hand and gave him a smile. “I would like that very much, Lord Elwood. Very much.”
“Elwood, dear,” came his wife’s voice from a distance. “Where did you go off to?”
“My dearest calls,” he said with a lopsided smile. “Thank you, Lady Winfield.”
Christiana sat down in front of the hearth, letting her mind wander over the past few days. She leaned her head against the soft leather of the wingback chair, comparing her opinion of her guests when they first arrived with her present thoughts. How wrong she had been about them. Well, most of them. Lord Frederick was still a toad and probably always would be.
Lord Elwood was a different man with Lady Elwood by his side. His pompous attitude had been a show of bravado. In truth, he was a kind man who loved his wife and enjoyed hunting. And Lady Elwood had indeed become a friend. They had spent the early afternoons conversing over needlepoint and the evenings laughing and discussing fashion, men, books, and life. The viscountess was a wonderful listener with a natural maternal instinct, and Christiana found herself wanting to confide in the woman.
Lord Bentson, the dear man, had shared several stories about her mother. How wonderful it was to learn a new side of Mama, told by someone who had loved her. He had asked if he could continue to write, and Christiana had agreed. She was growing attached to the elderly man and had even caught herself slapping her knee once.
“What deep thoughts are swirling in that beautiful brain of yours?”
She turned to see Lucius leaning against the doorframe. “Thinking of first impressions and how wrong it can be not to keep an open mind.”
“As in the Elwoods?” he asked, taking the seat next to her.
She nodded. “And Lord Bentson.”
“Has he told you more about his time with your mother?”
Again, she nodded, thinking how handsome he looked in his mulberry coat and black and white pinstriped waistcoat. His hair was combed back, curling around his nape. “He’s a sweet man. I’m growing quite fond of him.”
“I’ve enjoyed their company as well. Lord Bentson is full of surprises. Who would guess a man of his age could still manage a bow and a pistol with such skill?”
“It makes me wonder what other tricks he hasn’t revealed yet.”
“Who do you think will win?”
“All of them.” Including herself. For she would win Lucius. Maybe it was time to stop denying her feelings, face her fears, and admit she wanted to be with Lord Page. Did she want to be Lady Page and part of his obnoxious, loving family? Be a sister to Lady Annette and a mother to an entire brood of rambunctious, ornery boys just like the Page brothers? Perhaps she did.
Christiana gave him a side-look and grinned at his shocked expression.
“How can they all win?” Lucius rested one ankle on the opposite knee, leaning his head back. “Do you anticipate a three-way tie?”
“No.” She laughed, and once again, the familiar lighthearted feeling returned. “Believe it or not, I have made friends during this house party. I like them, and dealing with them as friends rather than business acquaintances seems like a victory for me.”
“So, you will sell everything except Vengeance?”
“No, I will sell the vase and will allow Lord Elwood and his guests access to my woods.” She imagined the smiles on the Elwoods when they learned of her decision. “They will have to notify me, of course, which will provide us with future opportunities to enjoy one another’s company.”
“Clever. What about the mines Sir Horace wants to buy?”
She flashed him a sly smile. “I’m still considering what to do about that.”
“Ah, then everyone may not win.”
“I must keep someone on his toes.” Christiana stood. “Midnight?”
He shook his head. “I’m exhausted. If I wait until then, I’ll fall asleep.”
“Shall we wait until tomorrow?” She bit her lip, not wanting him to see her disappointment.
“Egad, no. And miss my bedtime kiss? Your lips give me the most delicious dreams. Without it, I fear I might have nightmares.” He rose and stood before her, arms behind his back. “Get your cloak and meet me outside. I have a different version of this afternoon’s contest.”
Christiana dismissed Mr. Jensen before she joined Lucius, assuring the butler that she would be perfectly safe. From his quick assent, she knew he was beginning to trust Lord Page. The night sky had cleared to an inky black with a bright moon guiding her way along the path.
