A Berkshire Christmas Read online

  “Yet you found her?”

  “It was purely by chance. The stars aligned just right.”

  “Simon …”

  “I know you don’t believe in fate or stars.” He took a deep breath. “When her father died, she was forced to take a position as a governess. She had just been fired from her job when I ran into her. The only way to keep her from disappearing again was to come up with this false betrothal.”

  “I see. So Kathleen is the woman you love? Even after the long separation?”

  “Yes, mother, my feelings have not changed. The only reason I asked Clarissa to wed me was because of our deadline was near and I had given up trying to find Kathleen.”

  “Damn that bargain, I wish we had never made it.”

  “Mother!” Simon was shocked at his mother's language. He had never heard her say that word except once when his father died.

  “Does she know about Clarissa?”

  “I told her everything or almost everything. I didn't tell her that I wanted our betrothal to be real.”

  “I understand. You might scare her off with such a declaration.” The Countess was silent for a moment. “I like the girl, Simon. I think she is the perfect wife for you. You just need to convince her.”

  Simon groaned. “That will be the hard part.”

  “Have a little faith. I may not believe in fate or aligned stars, but I do believe in miracles. This is the Season of miracles.”

  “Oh, mother, I have faith. I'm just afraid Clarissa will get in the way of my courtship.”

  “We will find a way, son. Have a talk with her and as soon as the weather clears send her back to London.”

  “I tried talking to her, but she refuses to listen. I am afraid she will hold me to our betrothal. I placed an ad in the Times announcing the end of the engagement. I am afraid there will be a tremendous scandal when I return to London.”

  “I don't care about a scandal. All I care about is your happiness. Kathleen is your happiness.”

  “She is, Mama. I will make it clear to Clarissa that if she insists on holding me to the betrothal, she will have a long wait to be my bride. If she is with child, she can't afford to wait much longer.”

  “Do you think she is enceinte?”

  “I don't know. It is possible. I wish I had listened to David.”

  “David knows?”

  Simon grinned. “David is my best friend. He knows everything except for what has happened these last few days.”

  Simon rose and went to the sideboard. He poured himself a glass of brandy and a glass of sherry for his mother.

  ❄Chapter Eighteen ❄

  Kathleen had her breakfast sent up rather than meet the family in the Breakfast Room. She had lied to Emily by omission, but it was still a lie. She wasn't Simon's betrothed. Kathleen didn't think she could face Clarissa so early in the morning.

  After a light meal of eggs and toast, she left her room. She found a quiet place to sit and reflect on her situation. Kathleen couldn't do anything about it until after the Holiday, but it didn't hurt to make a plan.

  Kathleen turned her head when she heard the door open. She groaned inwardly when Clarissa stepped into the room.

  “There you are. I have been looking everywhere for you. If it wasn't snowing I would swear you had left the manor.” Clarissa smiled at Kathleen before she settled in a chair beside her.

  “This fire feels good. It is really cold in Berkshire, isn't it?”

  “Yes, I suppose so. I like the snow,” Kathleen answered.

  Clarissa shivered. “I don't know what game you are playing, Miss Richards, but Simon is my betrothed.”

  “No games, Miss Barrington. Simon says you are not betrothed. I think I believe him rather than you.”

  “How long have you know Simon? One day? Two?”

  “Two years,” Kathleen answered without thinking.

  Perhaps we did me two years ago as Simon said.

  “Then why didn't he ask you to marry him instead of me. Answer me that one.”

  Kathleen could tell the woman was itching for a fight and she would give her one if necessary. “He couldn't find me.”

  She realized the story Emily told her of Simon loving another, fit her situation as well. Strange coincidence?

  “Likely story,” Clarissa sneered. “Like I said Simon is mine. I want you to leave when the weather clears. Do you understand?”

  “Oh, yes, I understand. It will be you who leaves when the weather clears. Do you understand.” Kathleen rose. “If you will excuse me, Miss Barrington.”

  She walked to the door as regally as a queen. If Kathleen wanted Simon, she was going to have to fight for him. The question was, did she want him? Enough to fight for him?

  Yes! Oh, yes!

  ❄

  Simon sat at his desk starring into space. How could he convince Kathleen Richards to marry him? She had pretty much avoided him ever since Clarissa Barrington’s arrival.

  My biggest regret is asking that woman to marry me. I have to fix this.

  Simon was determined, at whatever cost, not to lose Kathleen now that he has found her again. He sipped his brandy and looked up when someone knocked on the door. His Uncle James popped his head in.

  “You wished to see me, Simon?” Bishop James Tellison closed the door.

  He settled in a chair across the desk from Simon. He eyed the glass of brandy in his nephew's hand.

  “Can I pour you a brandy, Uncle James?”

  “A little early in the day, isn't it?”

  “Perhaps, but it does warm the innards on a day like today.”

  “In that case, you can pour me a large one.” James grinned at his nephew.

  Simon rose from his chair, walked to the sideboard where several carafes of liquor were stored along with glasses. He poured a dark-amber liquid into a glass and returned to his desk.

  　　He handed the glass to his uncle before he returned to his seat.

  　　James sipped the brandy before he spoke again. “Your mother said that you might want to speak to me.”

  “She did? I suppose I do.”

  “You are in quite a dilemma, nephew. Two betroths.”

  Simon's jaw tightened. “I only have one. Kathleen Richards is the woman I love and wish to marry. I made a terrible mistake when I asked Clarissa Barrington to marry me. I realized it almost as soon as she said yes.”

  “I see.”

  “Uncle, are you allowed to issue Special Licenses?”

  “I am. Why do you ask?”

  “I would like nothing more than to marry my Kathleen on Christmas Day or Christmas Even would be even better.”

  “Finished sowing your wild oats, are you?”

  “You could say that, Uncle James.”

  “That only gives you two days to get rid of the other one. She seems mighty determine, Simon.”

  “I know, but I intend to be rid of her if the weather clears. If I can't manage to get her to leave, she can witness me marry Kathleen Richards.”

  “That is rather harsh, nephew.”

  “The woman tries my patience, Uncle James. I am at my wit's end.”

  “I can see that.” James finished his brandy and rose. “You will have your Special License when you are ready and it will give me great pleasure to officiate.”

  Simon smiled for the time first since this conversation began. “Thank you, Uncle James. I would have no one else marry us.”

  After his uncle left, Simon poured himself another brandy. How was he going to convince Clarissa that he would never marry her under any circumstances? The woman was as tenacious as a bulldog.

  His thoughts were interrupted by a knock on the door. Clarissa opened the door without Simon bidding her to do so.

  “There you are, darling.”' Clarissa plopped herself down in the chair his uncle had just vacated.

  ❄Chapter Nineteen ❄

  Simon frowned. “What do you want, Clarissa?” Clarissa didn't answer before she rose from her chair and
glided around the desk.

  She placed her hands on Simon's shoulders. “Your muscles are tense.”

  “It is any wonder,” Simon said with an edge to his voice. “I think you should leave, Clarissa.”

  “Let me help you.” Clarissa used her hands to massage his tight shoulder muscle.

  Simon realized it was all part of her seduction, and he should really make her stop. Her hands were magic and they felt so good.

  “Stay away from me, Clarissa. If you expect to wed me, you will have a long wait.”

  The door opened and his brother, John, strolled in. He stopped in his tracks when he saw the woman with her hands on his brother.

  “Excuse me. I thought you were alone.” John backed towards the door.

  “No, John, stay, Clarissa was just leaving.” Simon gave his brother a pleading look.

  “But, darling, I am not finished,” Clarissa protested.

  “Oh, yes, you are ... finished.” Simon meant those words. He will never let this woman close to him again.

  “Very well.” Clarissa offered Simon a pout before she left the study.

  Clarissa breezed past John giving him a sultry look before she left.

  “Simon, what are you doing? I find you in here alone with a woman you claim you don't want.”

  “I know. It won't happen again.” Simon gave his brother a hard look. “And you, John, stay away from her. Don't get suckered in.”

  “Don't worry. I am immune to the dubious charms of women like Clarissa Barrington.” John was discussed with his brother right now. “What if it had been Kathleen who walked in here instead of me. What then?”

  “I would have lost her for good this time.” Simon drained the brandy from his glass.

  “Then do something about it.” John poured himself a hefty glass of brandy.

  “What else can I do? I planned to woo Kathleen the whole time we are here. I just asked Uncle James for a Special License. I hope she will marry me on Christmas Day or Eve. Mother spoke of a Christmas miracle but with Clarissa here, it is more like a Christmas nightmare.”

  “Then why are you in here and not wooing your lady?”

  Simon rose from his chair. “You're right. I should find Kathleen.”

  John grinned. “I think she is in the music room with Emily.”

  Simon trotted to the door. “Thanks. See you at supper, brother.”

  He was out the door in search of his lady love. Simon heard John's laughter before the door closed.

  He found Kathleen in music room like John said. She sat at the pianoforte. Her fingers flew lightly along the keys. Simon stood in the doorway listening to the spellbinding music.

  Neither Kathleen nor Emily had seen him. He had to smile for he was learning something new about the woman he loved. His Kathleen was a very talented musician.

  I hope our children inherit her talent.

  When she was done, Simon's sister, Emily, applauded. Kathleen's smile faded when she noticed Simon watching her. A delightful blush bloomed in her cheeks.

  Simon strolled into the room. “I didn't know you were so talented, my dear.”

  Emily rose from the sofa. “She is very talented, brother. I only wish I could play half so well.”

  Simon almost voiced his thoughts about their children but refrained. Instead, he said, “Emily, you sell yourself short. I find your music entertaining.”

  Emily blushed and bowed her head. “Thank you, Simon.”

  “I know it is cold outside, but it has stopped snowing for now. Would you two ladies care for a short stroll in the garden?”

  “Emily shivered. “Not for me. I think I will take a nap.”

  She strolled towards the door and winked at her brother as she passed him.

  “What about you, Kathleen?”

  Kate only hesitated a moment before she smiled. “I think a short stroll in the garden would be invigorating.” Simon grinned. “Excellent.”

  Perhaps I can steal a kiss in the snow-covered garden.

  ❄

  Simon strolled along the snow-covered path with Kathleen's gloved hand placed lightly on his arm. Although the snow had stopped for now, it was still bloody cold. He wore his warmest coat and scarf, his hat was pulled down to cover his ears, and his fleece-lined gloves were on his hands. Still, he shivered.

  Emily had loaned Kathleen her warmest sweater and her heaviest pelisse for the outing. She also wore fleece-lined gloves on her hands and her bonnet's ribbons were tied in a charming bow under her chin. Kathleen was the picture of elegance even in the dead of winter.

  They walked in silence for a while until Simon said, “My dear, may I point out this flower bed of lovely roses.”

  Kathleen glanced at the flowerbed to her right. All she saw was tall sticks with thorns. No leaves and certainly no flowers.

  “Lovely,” Kathleen murmured.

  Simon grinned. “I know these roses don't look like much now, but in the Spring. There are reds, yellows, pinks, white roses as far as the eye can see.”

  “Even now these plants hold their own kind of beauty even in winter.”

  Simon when on to point out other flowering plants that were planted in other beds. He then noticed Kathleen shivered a little.

  Kate bent down and picked up a small mound of snow. She molded it into a small snowball and stepped back. Kate threw it straight at Simon. It hit him smack in the face.

  He wiped the snow from his face. “Oh, it's like that now, is it?”

  Simon got his own bigger snowball. Kate turns to run. His snowball hit her in the back. She slipped and fell landing in a snowdrifts. Kate creates her own ball of snow before she rose. She let Simon have in the chest this time.

  Simon laughed as he stalked towards her. She backed away laughing. Just as Simon reached for her, he slipped taking her to a snowdrift with him. Simon's lips were only within a hairsbreadth of hers.

  Neither one were laughing now. Their snowball fight was well and truly over, but something else more exciting took its place. He couldn't resist slanting her lips over hers for a gentle kiss.

  After a moment, Simon's lips left her and he rose to his feet. He held out his hand to help her to her up.

  “It is getting colder. I best get you back into the house. How able a nice cup of cocoa?”

  “That sounds wonderful, Simon.”

  He believed this was the first time he had heard her voice his name. It sounded magical.

  ❄Chapter Twenty ❄

  Dinner that night was an awkward affair. There was none of the usual family banter. Everyone, including Caroline, had their heads buried in their plates. Emily was always quiet, but the family could always count on Caroline to fill any gaps in their conversation with the latest ondit from London or gushing about the latest accomplishments of her children.

  Simon was thankful his mother seated Kathleen to his right and placed Clarissa next to his Uncle James. It was only his opinion, but he believed the woman needed saving. His Uncle James was not the typical Anglican Bishop so who knows.

  He looked up several times from his plate to find Kathleen staring at him. Simon would smile and she would blush.

  The meal seemed to last forever but finally, the women rose to leave the men in the dining room to enjoy a glass of port. Simon did the honors by pouring each man a hefty glass of the liquor.

  Neil, Caroline's husband, was usually oblivious as to a shift in the atmosphere, but after sipping his port for a moment he asked, “Why are there two women who claim to be your betrothed, Simon?”

  Simon looked up from his glass and stared at his brother-in-law. When he first met the man, he thought his sister could do better than Viscount Edgewood. The man wasn't exactly ugly, but he wasn't handsome either. His sandy hair thinned a little more each year and his double chin grew slightly larger. The man's most likable feature was his smile.

  “It is a long story, Neil. I was betrothed to Clarissa Barrington until I found her in another man's arms. It was then I found Kathleen
and I intend to marry her.”

  Neil nodded. “I see. Is there anything I can do to help?”

  “Thanks for the offer, Neil. Just keep Caroline out of the way. I don't want her mucking this up for me.”

  Neil laughed. “My wife has a tendency to get involved, doesn't she?”

  “You got that right. I intend to send Miss Barrington back to London as soon as the weather clears.” Simon finished his port and poured himself another one.

  John remained silent until that moment. “Perhaps I can keep Clarissa out of your way so you can woo your Kathleen.”

  “John, I don't want you getting involved. The woman is a barracuda.”

  John took umbrage. “Don't you think I can take care of myself, big brother.”

  Simon grinned. “Of course you can, little brother. Just be careful.”

  John only nodded as he finished his port.

  James pulled a handful of cigars from his inside pocket. “Cigars, anyone.”

  ❄

  The ladies retired to the drawing-room. Caroline settled on the sofa with Emily and her mother.

  Kathleen found a seat in a chair by the fire staring into the flames lost in thought. Her reverie was disturbed when Clarissa sat in the chair next to Kathleen's.

  “Do you mind if I sit near the fire. It seems Berkshire is colder than London. Although I don't know how that is possible.”

  Kathleen offered a tentative smile. “No, I don't mind.”

  “I remember you now, Miss Richards. We were at school together. You was one of Miss Ross' favorites,” Clarissa said as a way of making conversation.

  “Yes, we were at Mrs. Ross' school. You were the one who always in trouble.”

  Clarissa flushed but otherwise ignored Kate's comment. “Wasn't there a scandal involving your father a couple of years ago or so?”

  Kathleen refused to be bated. She started to rise.

  “Oh, I am terribly sorry. I didn't mean to upset you. Please stay.” Clarissa smiled.