Christmas with the Marquess Read online

  “Your words are flattering, my lord.”

  “Allow me to introduce myself, my lady. I am Lord Kingston, son of the late Marquess and Marchioness of Kingston. I had inherited my late father’s title, if there was any confusion on your part, my lady,” Lord Kingston introduced himself to Lady Ellen, although he already knew who she was. He had asked his cousin, Lord Ferren, and Lord Ferren had much to say with regards to Lady Blanchard and her lovely daughter. Perhaps, a little too much.

  “Thank you for the clarification, my lord. It is such a relief to be made aware of whom exactly someone is. Would you not agree?” Lady Ellen uttered, her tone razor sharp.

  “Indeed, my lady.”

  “Lady Ellen,” Lady Ellen introduced herself and held out her hand to him.

  “Daughter of the Earl and Countess of Blanchard,” Lord Kingston completed her words as he took her hand and kissed it briefly.

  “I am impressed,” Lady Ellen answered, her blue eyes sparkling with secret intrigue as she lowered her hand.

  “Would my lady care for a dance?” Lord Kingston inquired, but before Lady Ellen could respond, a whirlwind of light pink muslin and lace separated them.

  Lady Blanchard’s face was a shade of crimson as she stared at Lord Kingston angrily. “My lord, I hardly think it is appropriate to speak to my daughter, or any young woman for that matter, with a reputation such as yours.”

  “Mother!”

  “Not a word, Ellen,” Lady Blanchard hissed and glared at Lord Kingston. “You are to stay far away from my daughter, my lord.”

  “My lady, I meant no harm…”

  “I care not what you meant, my daughter will not be ruined by your filth,” Lady Blanchard exclaimed, grabbing her daughter’s arm and storming off.

  Lord Kingston stood motionless, in a state of certain shock, and rubbed his temple. As he glanced at Lady Ellen’s apologetic glance, he realized she was rather embarrassed by her mother’s rude outburst. Lord Kingston did not blame her in the least, but he was uncertain whether her perception of him had changed now that she was aware of who, and supposedly what, he was.

  The group of young women glanced at him wide-eyed, as did a few other guests who had witnessed and overheard Lady Blanchard’s harsh words, not uttering a single word to him.

  “If you would pardon me, ladies, I clearly have no business speaking to you, nor to be anywhere near you,” Lord Kingston said and turned away.

  Lord Kingston sighed as he returned to Lord Ferren’s side, and clenched his jaw.

  “That was a rather unfortunate spectacle, cousin,” Lord Ferren uttered solemnly.

  “Indeed, it was,” Lord Kingston sighed.

  “I am truly sorry you had to endure that. I know as well as you do how you have changed. Most people are still wary of you…”

  “There is no need to apologize, cousin. The only person who is at fault here is me. I was the one whose behavior and reputation was tainted. It is the consequences of my actions, no one else. I must now learn to live with those repercussions,” Lord Kingston assured Lord Ferren with a weak smile.

  “That may be true, and I am proud you are mature enough to carry the responsibility of your mistakes, but there is no need for people to hold those mistakes against you for the rest of your life. Is it?” Lord Ferren asked.

  “You are a noble soul, cousin. If only all people could see things as you do,” Lord Kingston sighed and patted his cousin’s shoulder. “Perhaps, I should rather retire to my chambers for the evening. Clearly, I am unwelcome here.”

  “Do not fret yourself over the opinions of people such as Lady Blanchard. Although, her daughter is lovely, and Lady Blanchard had approached me a few times regarding her daughter’s hand. If Lady Blanchard was not as overbearing as she is, I would have considered it, but I do not wish to be stuck with such a woman as my mother-in-law.”

  Lord Kingston’s jaw clenched once more. “Perhaps, I should steer clear as well, although…”

  “Although what, cousin?”

  “I met her in the library earlier this afternoon, and Lady Ellen is a delightful young woman. We spoke for a long while and…”

  “You are fond of her.”

  “Is it obvious?” Lord Kingston cringed.

  “It was not before, but it certainly is now,” Lord Ferren uttered, and chuckled with amusement. “Lady Blanchard is not going to like this at all.”

  Lord Kingston glanced at an amused Lord Ferren. Lord Kingston could not help but feel saddened and frustrated at the thought of how the evening had played out, how Lady Blanchard had caused such a scene in front of the guests in the ballroom. He had been a fool to even think there would be a future for him with Lady Ellen, as her mother had clearly forbade him from having any contact with her.

  Despite that, he still felt very much drawn to the beautiful young woman, but he was certainly not about to cross a line with Lady Blanchard. He was well aware of how someone as aggressive and persistent as the Countess could ruin his already tainted reputation, regardless whether he was a better man now. She did not even give him the opportunity to speak, but he certainly did appreciate Lady Ellen’s attempt to defend him while her mother spoke those ill words of him. Either way, Lord Kingston decided it would be better to simply keep his distance from Lady Ellen for the duration of the social events planned by his aunt, however difficult it may be.

  ***

  It had been two excruciating days for Lady Ellen as she had been forced to stay at her mother’s side constantly. The extreme measures her mother had gone to to ensure Lord Kingston did not dare approach Lady Ellen was infuriating, but Lady Ellen showed no sign of deviance. She did not wish to cause any more unpleasantries than there already was.

  “Mother,” Lady Ellen uttered while her mother pinned her hair in preparation of that evening’s dinner. “Lady Catherine informed me of a delightful book of poetry she had encountered in the Duke’s library, which she is convinced I would find much pleasure in. Could I visit the library before dinner?”

  Lady Blanchard raised an apprehensive brow at her and shook her head as she turned to Lady Ellen who stood by the bedside. Lady Ellen was dressed in a lovely and elegant rose hued gown with lace sleeves and an intricately embroidered bodice, dressed perfectly for the impending dinner. Lady Blanchard believed in dressing Lady Ellen in light and whimsical fabrics as it made a young woman more desirable for eligible gentlemen. Of course, Lady Ellen thought differently, but gone were the days where Lady Ellen would argue with her mother. She simply wished for this fortnight to end as speedily as possible.

  “My dear Ellen, there will not be time to do such a thing. I am well aware of how immersed you become while in the company of books, and I can only imagine you will lose yourself in His Grace’s library. It is one of the largest collections in England.”

  “I have heard that same thing, Mother, however, Lady Catherine explained in pristine detail the precise location of this delightful book. I will not be long at all and will be on time for dinner. I vow to you, Mother,” Lady Ellen answered casually.

  Lady Blanchard pursed her lips for a moment and nodded. “Very well, my dear, but I do urge you to hurry back to the dining hall as speedily as possible. I had arranged for us to be seated beside Lord Ferren, which is a rarity in itself. We would not wish for such an opportunity to go to waste.”

  “Of course not, Mother. I will make haste,” Lady Ellen said.

  “I must say, my dear, I am very pleased you have joined the group of young ladies. They come from very influential families, and they would certainly be a great asset to assist in finding you a husband. Lady Naomi’s and Lady Catherine’s fathers are both highly ranked men and would ensure you receive the right type of attention from the right kind of people,” Lady Blanchard commended her.

  “Thank you, Mother. Those ladies were very kind to welcome me into their group so warmly.”

  “I am truly proud of you, Ellen.”

  Lady Ellen blinked as her mother’s words see
med surreal to her. It had been a very long while since she had heard such kind and sincere words from her mother, and she simply nodded, unsure of what to say in return.

  “You better make haste, my dear. Dinner will be starting shortly,” Lady Blanchard pointed out.

  “Indeed. Thank you, Mother,” Lady Ellen said gratefully as she approached the door and could not help but allow a smile to form on her lips as she left the bedchambers.

  As soon as she stepped out into the hallway and closed the door behind her, she hurried down the hallway toward the library. She had every intention of finding the book Lady Catherine had spoken of, but admittedly, Lady Ellen had ulterior motives for visiting the library. Her heart hoped she would see Lord Kingston there, even if it were only for a short while. There were so many things she wished to say to him, explain to him, and apologize to him. Her mother had treated him very cruelly, and she was riddled with guilt over it.

  She approached the library doors and quietly opened them. She inhaled deeply, and as she stepped inside, a smile formed on her lips.

  Standing in front of the large window, staring down at the snow covered meadow, was Lord Kingston dressed in dark grey. At the sound of the doors opening, Lord Kingston turned around, and Lady Ellen’s heart fluttered as his gaze met hers. A smile formed on his lips as they stood in silence for a few moments, neither one making a move, or saying a single word.

  Lady Ellen, who was aware she was pressed for time, softly cleared her throat and approached the handsome lord. “Good evening, my lord.”

  “A pleasant evening to you as well, my lady. What brings you here so close to dinner time?”

  “Lady Catherine recommended a book of poetry to me, and I came to retrieve it for my perusal,” Lady Ellen answered, unable to tear her gaze away from his. His brown eyes warmed her soul unlike any fire ever could, and ignited a spark inside her which would never be extinguished.

  “Lady Catherine is very fond of poetry,” Lord Kingston answered. “Would you care to be escorted to the poetry bookcase?”

  “That would be delightful, my lord, although Lady Catherine’s instructions and directions of the book’s location were very clear, indicating it is not in the location my lord thinks it is,” Lady Ellen pointed out rather gallantly, and Lord Kingston smiled at her.

  “Lead the way, my lady,” Lord Kingston uttered.

  Lady Ellen made her way to the back of the library, the very last row of bookcases against the wall, and quickly located the book Lady Catherine had mentioned. She retrieved it from the shelf and glanced at Lord Kingston with a smile. “Thank you for your assistance.”

  “You are most welcome.”

  Lady Ellen and Lord Kingston glanced at one another, and Lady Ellen’s heart pounded in her chest as she and Lord Kingston were in such close proximity to one another. Her mother would surely not approve of this.

  Lady Ellen’s smile faded, and she lowered her gaze. “My lord, I wish to apologize for my mother’s behavior a few nights prior.”

  “There is nothing to apologize for, my lady. Your mother was being protective of you and frankly, I do not blame her for what she did.”

  “She treated you cruelly and unfairly when you did absolutely nothing wrong,” Lady Ellen defended. “Not even to mention the manner in which she embarrassed you in front of all the guests.”

  “It is nothing I have not heard before, my lady,” Lord Kingston said.

  “It still does not make it right,” Lady Ellen persisted.

  “It does not, but there is truth in her accusations.”

  “I do not believe that. You have given me no reason to think such things of you. You are kind, and your company is pleasant and comforting.”

  “Your words are kind,” Lord Kingston answered shyly.

  “My words are also true,” Lady Ellen smiled sincerely.

  “I must admit, my lady, I was terrified that when you learned who I was, your perception of me would change. However, I see now it has not,” Lord Kingston admitted. “Why is that, my lady?”

  “My lord, I do not judge people based on gossip. I believe a person shows their true character through their actions,” Lady Ellen answered. “I believe you are a good man and perhaps you have done some questionable things in the past, but people make mistakes, and it would be rather unfair if you were still judged on those mistakes for the rest of your life.”

  Lord Kingston glanced quietly at Lady Ellen, a smile slowly forming on his lips. “That is very gracious of you, my lady. You are one of the very few people I have ever met who thinks in such a way.”

  Lady Ellen cocked her head and smiled in return, her blue eyes sparkling happily. “And my lord is one of the few people I feel comfortable speaking to.”

  “Now that, I find difficult to fathom. You seemed rather comfortable with those young ladies, or was I mistaken?” Lord Kingston asked.

  Lady Ellen chuckled and shook her head. “You were mistaken, my lord. Conversing with people is not one of my strengths.”

  “Yet you stand here speaking effortlessly with me,” Lord Kingston remarked. “Why is that?”

  “I am not entirely certain, but there must be something rather remarkable about my lord,” Lady Ellen said with a glimmer in her eyes. She clutched the book against her chest and sighed, not wishing for their time together to end, but if she did not leave the library, her mother would most certainly come searching for her, and she did not wish for that to happen. Her mother would not allow her to go anywhere unchaperoned again. She would then be a prisoner.

  “I must go, my lord. We would not wish for my mother to catch us here…,” she said, feeling even more breathless than she thought as Lord Kingston took a step towards her, “…alone. Like this.”

  Lord Kingston, although he could have taken a chance and kissed her, did the honorable thing and stepped back, although Lady Ellen wished he had, but she respected him now even more than she had before.

  Lord Kingston respected her as well, and he would not take advantage of her. He was a new man, a changed man, and he desperately wished everyone knew this.

  For a moment, she hesitated, took a step forward and gently pressed her lips against his. Their kiss was brief, but sweet and tender, everything she had thought it would be, and more. She was the first to step away, as she had initiated the kiss, and glanced up at Lord Kingston’s face. He was both surprised and elated, which caused Lady Ellen to smile dreamily at him.

  “Now, I must go.”

  “Perhaps, I shall see you at dinner, my lady,” Lord Kingston whispered and tenderly brushed her cheek, causing shivers of delight to flutter inside her entire body.

  “Perhaps, my lord,” Lady Ellen whispered in return. She turned on her heel, still clutching the book against her chest and swiftly left the library, hoping her mother was not standing outside in the hallway. Her colored cheeks and labored breathing would most certainly indicate she did more than merely search for a book, as would her racing heart. Not even to mention Lord Kingston’s presence inside the library.

  Lady Ellen was most certainly surprised at her own actions and shocked by her boldness, but she did not regret kissing Lord Kingston. Lord Kingston had not tried to take advantage of the situation, and she now knew he was not the dishonorable man the gossips portrayed him to be.

  As Lady Ellen hurried down the hallway towards the master stairwell, she realized she had finally found the man whom she wanted as her husband. He even may reciprocate her feelings for him. Perhaps even more than she thought he did. She instantly feared her parents would never allow a marriage between her and Lord Kingston due to his past. There had to be some way Lady Ellen could prove to her parents that Lord Kingston was not the man they thought he was. As she glanced up at the olive branches which had been weaved through the balustrades of the stairwell, Lady Ellen closed her eyes for a moment, wishing for a Christmas miracle.

  Chapter Four

  A smile formed on Lady Ellen’s face as she watched her father approach her a
nd her mother, his manservant following closely behind him with his baggage.

  “My dearest Ellen,” Lord Blanchard smiled in return as he held his arms out towards her and embraced her lovingly. “I have missed you dearly.”

  “I missed you as well, Father,” Lady Ellen said and watched her parents embrace after their week apart.

  Even though they embraced one another, it felt cold and impersonal as she was aware their marriage had been prearranged. Even though Lady Ellen knew her parents cared for one another, or had learnt to care for one another after all those years of marriage, she was saddened at the thought that they would never truly experience the love she felt inside her heart at that moment.

  It also saddened her when she realized the arrival of her father meant the end of her time being spent with Lord Kingston. They had spent time together every evening after Lady Ellen ensured her mother was fast asleep, and it had been both terrifying and thrilling to Lady Ellen. She had never snuck out of her bedchambers or anything as daring as what she had done the past few nights.

  Of course, this would now end. Lord Blanchard was a very light sleeper, and there was no possible way Lady Ellen would be able to sneak out of their bedchambers undetected. Perhaps now that Lord Blanchard joined them, she would be given her own bedchambers, which would be more than ideal, but she was not optimistic of this happening.

  Yet somehow, she would try to still find her way to the library.

  ***

  Later that evening, while at dinner, Lady Ellen noticed Lord Kingston sitting at a table on the other side of the dining hall, boldly glancing at her for longer than usual. Lady Ellen bit her lower lip before lowering her gaze, so as not to make it obvious that her cheeks colored. She did not wish for either one of her parents to notice, or anyone in the dining hall, for that matter.

  “My lady, are you feeling all right?” Lord Marshall inquired, and Lady Ellen glanced at him.

  Lord Marshall was the youngest son of the Earl of Westwood, and he had been positioned opposite Lady Ellen and her family for dinner that evening. Lady Ellen was not well acquainted with him, but her father seemed to have developed a fondness for the young man.