Regency Romp - Happy Christmas Mr Jones (Regency Romps) (5 page)

             
She could smell the sweat on him.  It was a little unpleasant but bearable and she felt that she had no one to blame for any discomfort she suffered but herself.  Lydia had flirted with the gentleman, whose only sin was that he was a little fat and had been thinking of asking Jane to marry him.  It was too late to withdraw now.  She must be very careful not to anger or offend him, but of course she must refuse his offer – though perhaps not at once.

             
Yes, that was her solution.  She would thank him and beg for a little time to consider…her mind made up, she was easy once more, and as they went into supper was able to chatter in her usual friendly manner.

             
‘What may I fetch you?’ Major Johns asked, after seeing her to a table by the window.  ‘You will have some cold chicken and peas I hope – or perhaps just a syllabub?’

             
‘I would like a selection of the little tartlets and a syllabub,’ she said.  ‘I am quite hungry.’

             
Major Johns looked at her approvingly and went off to select some delicacies for her.  Lydia looked about her and saw that Jane was sitting with both Captain Milliband and Michael Bentley.  They appeared to be teasing her for she was laughing, clearly enjoying herself very much. Lydia felt slightly envious but also pleased that in drawing Major Johns off, she had given her sister a happy evening in the company of the man she loved.  Yet as she saw Captain Milliband glance across at her in a puzzled way some of her pleasure was dimmed.  Did he think she was spoken for?  Her heart plummeted, for she had hoped that when – if! – they met again he might like her enough to…how foolish she was!  Why should he fall in love with her?  He might have anyone.  From his attentions to Jane, he seemed to like her very well.

             
Lydia’s throat tightened but she fixed a smile in place and when Major Johns returned was able to greet him with a natural manner and to thank him for the wonderful selection he had made her.  He had obviously taken time to please her and she could not but think he was kind and generous in his own way.  She had now begun to feel quite guilty for encouraging him to think she was interested in an offer, for she had undoubtedly done so and that was not well done of her.

             
‘Is something troubling you, Miss Lydia?’ he asked, looking at her with more intelligence than she would have previously given him credit for.  ‘I have not offended you?’

             
‘No, of course not.  How could you?’ she asked and smiled at him once more.  ‘You have been very nice to me this evening, sir.’

             
‘I would be more than nice to you, Miss Lydia,’ he said.  ‘I know that I am too old but you have been so pleasant…if I thought it would not distress you, I would ask you to be my wife.  I have two small children who desperately need a mother but…’  He sighed and shook his head.  ‘I hardly think such a beautiful girl could be interested…’

             
‘We do not know each other well enough to speak of such things yet, sir,’ Lydia said, grateful that he had approached the subject in such a considerate way.  ‘I think you kind and…and I am sure that any girl would be fortunate…but I am not quite ready to marry yet.’  She felt her cheeks grow warm.  ‘Forgive if I have encouraged you to think…’

             
‘You give me hope for the future?’  He looked pleased.  ‘It is more than I ever expected.  There is a young lady in need of a home, who has expressed an interest in my poor children…but I would be less than honest if I did not say that you are so far above her in every way.  If ever you would consider…but I shall not press you, Miss Lydia.  Please eat your supper.  I shall give you time to consider.’

             
Lydia breathed a sigh of relief and ate her supper.  Major Johns had proved himself a gentleman and she could not help reflecting that Jane would not have done so very badly had she wed him.  However, it was clear to her that her sister’s heart was given elsewhere and she was glad that she had deflected him from his purpose for the moment.  He might return to it when she gave him her answer, but at least he had behaved with dignity, which might not have been the case.

Why was Miss Lydia giving so much attention to the rather plump gentleman, who had been sweating so profusely all evening?  Tomas was puzzled for he could not fail to notice the smiles she sent Major Johns’ way.  Michael had told him the man was a widower and on the look out for a wife to care for his two young sons.

             
‘He is not rich but comfortable.  Owns a couple of hundred acres, most of it down to pasture for sheep and cattle.  A decent sort of chap, a gentleman but…rather a bore at times.’

             
Tomas had already made the observation for himself.  The man was far too old for Lydia and not good enough to kiss her feet…she could not be thinking of accepting an offer from him?  It was ridiculous!  Not to be thought of…the idea revolted him, made him angry.

             
Why would she smile at him like that unless she was prepared to accept an offer?  She was a friendly girl and all her partners had laughed in her company – but there had been something more in her manner with Major Johns.

             
Was it possible that she was being forced to consider such a marriage by her circumstances?  She had told him earlier that she did not care for money; she was ready to settle for a house, a carriage, a horse and a dog.  Her needs were not large compared to most young ladies of her class, but he rather thought she might need a few clothes now and then and a bauble or two.  Her pearls were very nice, though not fabulously expensive.

             
Was she perhaps sacrificing herself in order to relieve her uncle of the expense of keeping both her and her sister?

             
Michael had told him that he wished to make an offer of marriage to Jane, but was unable to do so because of his father’s debts.  Had the girl a dowry of her own…Tomas let his thoughts trail away as he saw the odd look in Lydia’s…she was so thoughtful, a little sad perhaps.

             
He wished that her card were not full.  Had he been able to dance with her again, he might have discovered what had brought that expression to her face.  However, the next day was Christmas Eve and he would call at the Manor to leave a gift for his host – and perhaps he might meet Lydia and have a chance to speak with her…

Lydia saw that Michael Bentley, his parents and Captain Milliband were all leaving.  She longed to say goodnight to them but she was still dancing.  They were leaving a little before the ball was over and she regretted that she had had so little time to speak with the captain.  Jane had spent far more time in his company than she had.

             
When the dance finished, she thanked her partner and went out into the hall but it was too late; he had gone and she did not know when she would see him again.  Tears pricked her eyes.  She had wasted her chance, but at least she had saved Jane from making a mistake.

             
‘Lydia – I’ve been wanting to speak with you,’ Jane said, a sharp note in her voice.  ‘What did you think you were doing – flirting with Major Johns like that?  I am ashamed of you.  You almost threw yourself at him.’

             
‘I did nothing of the kind.  I was merely being friendly,’ Lydia said guiltily.  ‘Besides, I was protecting you, Jane.  If you accepted his offer it would have been a terrible mistake…you deserve better.  One of us must make a good marriage so the other can have a season…’

             
‘Had Major Johns asked me I would have stipulated that you have your chance next year, but I am so humiliated.  I would not think of accepting his offer now.’

             
‘Good,’ Lydia said unrepentant.  ‘I am sorry, dearest, Jane, if I have distressed you – and I admit that he is a kind gentleman, but you would not have been happy as his wife.’

             
‘No,’ Jane admitted, tears in her eyes.  ‘I should not.  I could only be happy with Michael – but I might have been content caring for his children and…’  She shook her head.  ‘I had made up my mind that it must be…but now you’ve made me see that he does not truly care for me, as I thought he might.  He merely wants a wife for his children…and, given the choice, he would prefer you.’

             
‘He told me he would ask me one day,’ Lydia said and guilt rushed over her again.  ‘I know it wasn’t kind of me – and I should hate to hurt him – but I was thinking of you…’

             
‘You are very dear to me, Lydia,’ Jane said.  ‘Just be careful.  I should hate to see you trapped into such a marriage.  You should marry someone…someone like Captain Milliband…’

             
‘What makes you say that?’ Lydia asked, heart racing as she wondered if she had somehow given herself away.

             
‘Oh…just because he was so pleasant – and he looked at you a few times, as if he rather liked you.’

             
‘Did he?’  Lydia’s heart sank.  What might have happened if she had not spent her evening flirting with Major Johns?  Had she saved the supper dance for…but it was no use wishing for the moon.  Why should he be interested in her?  Even if he quite liked her, he could not have failed to notice her flirting with Major Johns and he probably despised her.

             
Besides, had she not been successful in capturing Major Johns’ interest, her sister might even now be engaged to him.  Her small sacrifice, which was hardly a sacrifice at all, was worth it for Jane’s sake.

             
‘You’re not cross with me, are you?’ she asked as the two girls turned towards the stairs.  ‘Please do not be cross with me, Jane.’

             
‘How could I be cross with you at Christmas?’ Jane asked and smiled.  ‘You probably saved me from making a mistake.  I suppose we shall just have to wait and see if Uncle Simeon can afford to give us all a season – and if not…well, I have thought of hiring myself out as a governess.’

             
‘You are clever enough,’ Lydia said, ‘but I hope you will not just yet.  If we wait a little perhaps something will turn up.’

             
‘Yes, I dare say a duke will propose to you and an earl to me,’ Jane said and laughed.  ‘You have such a vivid imagination, Lydia.  I must be careful what I say to you or you will be setting your cap at an earl next.’

             
‘Oh no, I have learned my lesson,’ Lydia said.  ‘I realised that I might have hurt a man’s feelings and I was fortunate that Major Johns is so understanding…’

The two girls went on up the stairs and disappeared from view along the landing.  They no longer had a view of the hallway as the gentleman emerged from behind the door where he had been standing when they began their conversation.  He glared after them, a look of fury in his eyes.

             
He might not be the catch of the season, but he was certainly a good catch for either of them, Major Johns thought sourly.  How dare Miss Lydia play with his feelings – and why should Miss Jane have imagined he was about to make her an offer when he was far from it?  There was a young woman in the village who would suit him very well.  The daughter of a parson, she was young, comely and fond of children.  He had been considering making her an offer for weeks and now his mind was made up.  He would take Mary-Ellen a splendid Christmas gift tomorrow and ask her to marry him…No, he would wait until Christmas Day.  Tomorrow he would give Miss Lydia a fright.  He had let her off too easily this evening and she deserved a little punishment for the trick she’d played on him…

Christmas Eve and it was a beautiful crisp morning.  Lydia was up before her sister and cousins, all of whom were sensibly having a lie in after the ball.  She could not rest in bed when her mind was in such turmoil.  She had been busy for weeks making her Christmas gifts for the elderly and poor of the village, but she’d also found time to buy small gifts for her uncle, cousins and, of course, Jane.

             
For Jane she had purchased a fine shawl of wool in a pretty shade of blue; it was wrapped in tissue and Lydia was going to place it under the Christmas tree, which had been placed in the long gallery.  During the day all the family would place their gifts under the tree.  She had purchased a silk scarf for her uncle, some perfume for Annabel and a pair of gloves for Mary.  Her gifts had quite exhausted her funds, even though she had saved from her allowance all year.  However, she was conscious of the kindness shown her by her uncle and his family, and it was worth the little sacrifices she’d made to purchase her gifts. 

             
Dressed in a simple gown of green muslin over a silk petticoat, to keep out the chill, she went downstairs to the gallery and placed her gifts beneath the tree.  The servants had been into the room before her and cleared away the remains of the party the previous night.

             
It had been a lovely ball but must have occasioned so much work for the servants.  Lydia was glad that she had made gifts of sweets and biscuits for all of them.  She had not as yet delivered them, but she would take them down to the kitchen this evening before they sat down to dinner.  Her uncle always gave his servants money at Christmas, because he claimed it was more useful.  Many employers gave cloth or boots but Uncle Simeon believed the money was better so that they could spend it as they pleased and Lydia agreed.  If ever she were the mistress of a large house she would do the same.

             
A little sigh escaped her as she realised it was most unlikely.  Would she have to settle for the kind of marriage that she had prevented Jane from making?  She hoped not, but knew that she could not look much higher – but perhaps someone a little younger and slimmer?

             
Oh, how wicked she was to think such thoughts.  Major Johns had been so kind to her and she really felt quite guilty now.  She had been unkind to lead him on…suppose his feelings were truly engaged?

             
Feeling restless, Lydia decided that she would go for a walk.  As it was such a lovely morning and the family would not be up for hours she had time to walk to the hamlet and speak to Mr Jones.  She wondered if he’d had the courage to ask Nanny to be his wife and smiled.  Sometimes her ideas were good ones…weren’t they?

             
She walked briskly, humming a little tune, but she had got no further than the village when she saw Mr Jones approaching.  He was carrying a large bunch of mistletoe and grinned as he saw her.

             
‘Well then, Miss Lydia,’ he said.  ‘Fancy meeting you when I was on my way to the Manor to bring you this…brought me luck so it did.  Amabel is to wed me and we’ll live at Captain Milliband’s home, in the cottage he provided.  We’ve both been lonely and this is the ideal solution for us for our remaining years.’

             
‘I am so happy for you,’ Lydia said and took the bunch of mistletoe he offered.  ‘Thank you for this – I do love mistletoe and we have so little at the Manor.  I do not think my uncle quite approves of the custom of kissing beneath it…but I shall have it in my room.’

             
‘Well, I’ll not delay you, miss,’ he said.  ‘I just wanted to tell you my news and wish you Happy Christmas.’

             
‘I am so pleased things are going well for you.’  She saw he was wearing her red scarf and smiled.  ‘Thank you for my mistletoe.’

             
‘It may bring you luck, Miss Lydia.’

             
‘I am sure it will,’ she said.  ‘Thank you – and Happy Christmas, Mr Jones.’

             
‘Take care of yourself.  We shan’t forget you, even though we may not see you again.’

             
Lydia watched as he turned back towards his home.  She had a lovely warm feeling inside knowing that things had turned out so well for him.  If only something good would happen for Jane – and her.

             
Carrying her mistletoe, Lydia began to walk faster.  It was Christmas Eve and people would soon be calling, either to leave presents or to thank them for their hospitality at the ball.  She was beginning to feel hungry…

             
It was as she entered the Manor grounds that she saw Major Johns coming towards her.  She guessed that he had been up to the house and felt a little nervous as she saw that he had noticed her.

             
‘Ah, Miss Lydia – just the person I most wished to see,’ he said.  ‘I had to come.  I could not sleep all night for thinking of you…and I must tell you that I adore you and I shall not bear it if you will not be my wife.’

             
Lydia gave a squeak of fright.  This was what she had feared – but Major Johns had seemed so considerate last night.  Something had changed.  She could feel it – feel his anger and his resentment…but why?  What had made him change towards her?

             
Her heart jumped with fright as he moved closer and she took a step back.  ‘Please, sir…I hardly know you…’

             
‘A pity you did not think of that last night…but then, you were merely playing with my affections, were you not?’

             
‘Oh…’ Lydia felt terrible as she saw the accusation in his eyes.  ‘I did not mean to hurt…I was only…’  It was impossible to say why she had behaved so badly.

             
‘I know exactly what you and your presumptuous sister thought,’ he said bitterly.  ‘I heard your conversation last night and it may interest you to know that I never had the intention to ask her.  There is someone I think more worthy…’

             
Suddenly seizing her, he pulled her into his arms and kissed her.  Lydia gave a gasp of fright and slapped him.  For a moment he stared at her so angrily that she thought he might hit her but he let her go.

             
‘Think yourself fortunate that I am a gentleman, Miss Lydia.  You are carrying mistletoe, which entitles me to kiss you.  I dare say you intended to encourage some other poor fool, but you have your just deserts.  I have paid you back for your trick and we shall think no more of it for your uncle’s sake.’

             
Lydia swallowed hard, inclined her head and ran in the direction of her home, clutching the mistletoe.  What a horrid man he was after all.

             
She could not go inside feeling as she did.  Turning in the direction of the summerhouse, she sat down on a bench that was icy cold and felt the tears drip down her cheeks.  Scrubbing the back of her hand over her mouth to wipe away that awful kiss, she let the wretchedness seep over her.  What a wicked girl she had been – and now she had been punished for her trick.

             
She gave a little sob of despair.  How could she have been so very foolish?  She wasn’t a bad girl and she certainly had no intention of using Mr Jones’ gift to entice someone into kissing her.  Feeling hurt and despoiled, she threw the bunch of mistletoe on the ground beside her.

             
‘Crying, Miss Lydia?’

             
Lydia’s head came up at the sound of a man’s voice.  Seeing Captain Milliband standing in the opening of the pretty folly, looking at her, she was overcome with humiliation.

             
‘Please go away, sir,’ she said in a small voice.  ‘I would not have you see me like this…’

             
‘You are in distress,’ he said and his voice was like a caress.  ‘Will you not tell me what troubles you, Lydia?’

             
‘I am so wicked.  If you knew what I had done you would not wish to know me.’

             
‘I do not think you could be so very wicked that I should not wish to know you,’ he said and sat down close to her.  ‘Why do you not tell me why you are crying?’

             
Lydia stared at him, and then it all came tumbling out.  She told him how she had hoped to save her sister from an unhappy marriage, realising too late that she might hurt a man’s feelings.

             
‘Last night he was so considerate…but I think he heard Jane and I talking  - and he was angry.  Just now…he grabbed me and kissed me as a punishment, then he told me Jane was presumptuous and accused me of having that mistletoe in order to entice a man…’

             
‘The devil he did!  He will hear from me for that…’

             
‘No, please, you must not.  I deserve it for being so wicked…’

             
‘My sweet, darling girl,’ Tomas said, tipping her chin up towards him with one finger.  ‘You were perhaps a little reckless and thoughtless, for his feelings might have been aroused and he might have tried to do more than kiss you…but no one could call you wicked.  Indeed, you always try to make others happy.  Mr Jones told me what you did for him and his Amabel…’

             
Lydia looked at him in wonder.  She had a strange feeling in her stomach and was a little breathless.  ‘Did you call me your darling girl?’ she croaked.

             
‘I called you my sweet darling girl,’ he said, smiling down at her, ‘and that is exactly what you are.  I knew from the first moment I saw you that I loved you, but it took me a while to realise you were the only girl for me.  I thought I had a duty to someone else, but then I understood that I should only make us all unhappy if I did not follow my heart.  When Mr Jones told me that you always tried to protect others and make them happy I understood what happened last night – or thought I did.  I imagined that you were prepared to sacrifice yourself for Jane’s sake – so that she could marry Michael.’

             
‘Well, I dare say I might if I found someone I could bear to marry,’ Lydia said and then tripped over her tongue as she said, ‘Apart from you, of course, which is different, because I would like to marry you – only you haven’t asked and I shouldn’t say.  But I do so want to make Jane happy.  If I married a rich man I should ask him to give her ten thousand pounds so that she and Michael…oh, that is terrible of me.  I didn’t mean that you should…but I do not see how they can ever be happy unless…’

             
Lydia finished in confusion, looking at him with apprehension.  To her amazement he seemed helpless with laughter.  She frowned and said, ‘I did not think it was funny.  Jane is so very unhappy…’

             
‘Well, she need not be, for Michael has made up his mind that he cannot live without her and intends to ask her today.  However, I think we might give Jane an independence of her own – and ten thousand pounds seems a very fair sum to me, if she will accept it.’

             
‘Oh yes, she will from me…’ Lydia said and then faltered.  ‘How can you love me when I am so impossible?  I should never have asked…at least until we were married.’

             
‘Oh, I imagine I can afford it,’ Tomas said trying to look innocent and failing as his eyes twinkled.  ‘Especially as you assured me that you did not care for money and needed only a carriage, a horse and a dog.  I think that perhaps my wife should have a few fashionable clothes, don’t you?  I might be tempted to give her some jewels…if she smiles at me.’

             
‘Oh, Captain Milliband,’ Lydia said.  ‘You are far too good to me.  I am sure I do not deserve -’

             
She got no further for with one fell swoop, he snatched the bunch of mistletoe from the ground, held it over her head in one hand while using the other to pull her close.  Lydia’s breath caught as his head bent towards her and then his mouth took possession of hers.  His kiss was so sweet and yet so powerful, so demanding that she lost herself in responding to him with all her heart.

             
‘Oh, I do love you,’ she said when at last she could breathe again.  ‘Will you forgive me?’

             
‘There is nothing to forgive,’ Tomas replied.  ‘I am a wealthy man in need of a wife to love me and care for me.  I should have made it possible for Jane and Michael to wed had you not said a word, for I like your sister very well and Michael is one of my best friends.  So stop thinking yourself wicked, my darling Lydia – and kiss me.’

             
Lydia obeyed, giving herself up to the pleasure of showing him how much his kisses were appreciated and enjoying the new and exciting sensations coursing through her body.  She was beginning to suspect there was a great deal more to marriage than a wedding ring and a new home – and she thought she might like discovering what Captain Milliband had to teach her.

             
‘Captain Milliband…’

             
‘Tomas, my darling, if you please.’  He looked down at her appreciatively.  ‘What more can I do for you?’