Page 1 of Snowbound with the Earl
One
The rumor was thatLady Dorsey had a knack for matchmaking. Notably, Lord and Lady Ivy had become engaged at her winter house party two years before. The next year, a slew of hopeful young ladies had vied for invitations so they might also attend the now famous—or was it infamous?—Dorsey house party and catch a husband for Christmas.
Lady Noelle Bonneville, widowed viscountess, was not in search of a husband. In fact, she’d just rid herself of one and had no intention of locking herself in the prison of marriage ever again. But Lady Dorsey—Eva—was a family friend and had been so very kind to her when they’d been children. Noelle had been one of the youngest of the bunch of children who gathered with their families at the summer house parties in Shropshire, and Eva had always included her in the children’s games. So when their paths crossed in Town at a dinner party—one of the first events Noelle had attended since coming out of mourning—and Eva sat beside her on the couch after dinner, Noelle expected the invitation and fully intended to decline.
“Lady Bonneville, I have been wanting to speak to you,” Eva said, her green eyes sparkling.
“Surely we have moved beyond these formalities,” Noelle replied. “You’ve known me since I was in leading strings.”
Eva put her hand on Noelle’s. “You’re right. Noelle, it is so good to see you again. You are looking well.”
“Thank you, Eva. I admit it is a bit strange being in Society again, but I confess, I was beginning to feel a bit lonely.”
“I’m sorry to hear it, but I believe I have just the thing.”
Noelle began to shake her head, but Eva squeezed her hand. “Lord Dorsey and I are having a house party a fortnight before Christmas. We would be honored if you would join us.”
Noelle was still shaking her head. “I’m to spend Christmas with my parents at Fairborne House.”
Eva waved a hand. “Oh, the party will end the twenty-third of December. Fairborne is only a half day’s ride. You will be there for dinner.”
Noelle was prepared for this argument. “I wouldn’t want to risk being snowed in and unable to spend the holiday with my family.”
“You refer to the events of two years ago.” Eva smiled wistfully. “I assure you that that Christmas was an anomaly. Last year we received only a dusting of snow.” The twinkle in her eyes dimmed, but only slightly. “We had to forgo the snowball fight and the building of snow lords and ladies, but the pond did freeze. We had a lovely day of skating and shinty.”
“Eva, you have always been a good friend to me—”
“All the more reason to agree to come to Dorsey House!”
“But I fear you might be thinking of using your matchmaking skills—”
“I have no such skills and no ulterior motives. Yes, dear Holly and Lord Ivy became engaged at our party two years ago, but that had nothing to do with me. They had known each other for years. In fact, there were no matches made last year. At least none I am aware of.”
“I understand and yet I don’t feel quite ready—”
“I wouldn’t be so insistent except that Lord Evergreen will be in attendance, and you know how quiet and withdrawn he can be. I think he might appreciate a familiar face.”
Noelle ceased shaking her head. Lord Evergreen? Graham Birmingham, the Earl of Evergreen, had agreed to attend the Dorsey house party? His attendance was the best reason yet for Noelle to decline. Surely, she was the last person Graham wanted to see or be forced into company with for a week to ten days. Noelle knew she should decline. She opened her mouth to do so—firmly and decisively.
“Very well. I’ll attend.”
Eva, who had been looking at her out of the corner of her eye, jerked her head up. “Oh, I’m so pleased!”
Wait. She hadn’t meant to say that at all. Noelle was appalled with herself. She had to correct the matter immediately. “What I meant was...”
Eva looked at her with wide, hopeful eyes. Noelle sighed. How could she disappoint her friend when she was looking at her with so much eagerness? It would be like kicking a puppy. “I’d be honored to be your guest.”
“My lord!” Eva called as the doors opened and the men entered, having finished their port and cigars. Lord Dorsey smiled at his wife and then caught Noelle’s eye. His expression turned sympathetic. He crossed the chamber, and Eva stood. “Lady Bonneville has accepted our invitation. I do believe this year’s event will be the best yet!” She squeezed his arm then gasped. “Oh, there is Miss Rummage. I must speak to her.” She floated away, and Lord Dorsey smiled down at Noelle.
“If it’s any consolation, you never really had a choice.”
“I’m beginning to realize that.”
“She is a force of nature, and you can either fight it or enjoy the storm.”
“Can oneenjoya storm?” Noelle asked.
He grinned. “I do.”
