An Affair Downstairs (22 page)

“Absolutely, Alice. And it's not often I will allow you that.” Gabriel smiled in her direction, though she could still see a hint of menace buried beneath his jovial surface. Gabriel was not a man she would dare to cross. She'd always been glad he was on her side, more or less. His brother, Marcus, was the only man she could imagine successfully standing up to him, and that for no other reason than she'd seen it with her own eyes. Once, Marcus had knocked Gabriel unconscious over a disagreement concerning Eve.

“My husband took nearly a whole day to even notice my portrait.” Sophia flashed a glance at her husband. Did she know she was playing with fire, adding to the tension that simmered between the men? That Alice believed Sophia to be aware of her actions concerned her all the more. “When we first hung it up, he didn't realize I had removed his mother's portrait and replaced it with my own until Eve Thorne mentioned it that evening.”

“It commands me to look.” Ralston's lips curled back from his teeth in a predatory grin. “I can hardly look away.”

“Aren't the Thornes coming to dinner?” Alice grasped at any potential change of subject. “It feels like the longest time since I've seen them. I miss them. Mina must be getting so big.”

“It has only been three weeks,” Sophia said. “Maybe a month. They were going to come tonight, but they sent another excuse. Eve promised me that they would be here for Christmas. They're coming tomorrow.”

“Christmas Eve.” Alice laughed, thinking of Grace and her gracing them with her presence. “How fitting. Eve, on Christmas Eve?”

Sophia nodded, not welcoming the interruption. “With Mina. And they're staying through the New Year. It will be a merry week of celebrations.”

“I'm happy to hear it. Christmas is so much better with children in the house.” Sophia and Gabriel exchanged grim looks that told Alice she had been the one to say the wrong thing this time. They hated to be reminded of their childlessness, and especially of their baby's untimely death. Their only son had died the night he was born. Still, perhaps their grief bonded them in ways that nothing else could. “Mina is always a delight,” Alice added, hoping she was not too late to save the situation.

“That she is,” Gabriel said. “I can't wait until she sees the rocking horse Winthrop restored for her.”

“Winthrop?” Instantly, Alice lost all ability to think of anyone else. “When did he have time for that?”

“He found it at the old McGinty place, in the attic. It was in good condition, just needed sanding and staining to be shiny as new. Girls love horses, do they not? Sophia being the exception, of course. A toast to my wife,” Gabriel said, taking the first glass from the tray as Finch appeared. He waited until everyone had a champagne saucer in hand. “My wife, an extraordinary woman. I don't always say it enough, but you are the love of my life, and I'm grateful for every minute we have together.”

“Gabriel.” Tears were shining in Sophia's eyes. She'd been rendered speechless, a rare occasion.

Well
done, Lord Averford.
Alice turned to Ralston, her eyes narrowed as if to say, “Just try to compete with that.”

Not to be outshone, Ralston made his own toast. “Plato said that ‘wonder is the feeling of a philosopher, and philosophy begins in wonder.' To the wonder of the woman I'm to marry. To Alice.”

She smiled, raised her glass, and sipped, certain he hadn't had the chance to poison it. Ralston did enjoy his Greek philosophers. She had suspected he was going to raise a glass to Sophia. Even after he said Alice's name, she felt like a last-minute substitution, a poor comparison to her sister in his eyes.

Sophia moved across the room to join hands with her husband as they lifted their glasses. Ralston watched them before turning to Alice. “Might we be as happy one day?”

“We might,” she said. If they managed to part soon enough. Alice now had a theory as to why Ralston wanted to marry her so badly. The true object of his affection was taken. Being married to Alice was the next best thing to winning her sister's heart, putting him in proximity to Sophia as often as he liked. And maybe one day, he would drug
Sophia's
tea and try to take advantage of
her
.

Alice could not allow it. “Lord Ralston, I wonder if I could have a word with you in private.”

His eyes narrowed shrewdly, then widened again with relief. “Ah, no, my dear. It will have to wait. My aunt and uncle have arrived to join us for dinner.”

She turned, disappointed to see Finch about to announce the Holcombs. “After dinner, then. I'll just have to wait.”

Dinner, a tedious affair, lasted far too long, and the Holcombs were unfortunately aware of the engagement. Of course Ralston had told his aunt, but the more people who were aware that Ralston and Alice had an understanding, the harder it would be to get out of it. It didn't stop Lady Holcomb from chattering on about Matilda Furbish as often as she liked. For her part, Alice spent most of the meal imagining her fiancé's wedding to another woman. Matilda Furbish would make a fitting bride for him.

Alice's main conversational contribution at dinner had been to inform the gathered company that she had learned to shoot, with a pointed look in Ralston's direction. He failed to take the hint. Logan would have been proud of her following through at last.

The gentlemen passed through to the drawing room almost directly after the ladies had gone, telling Alice that Gabriel had no desire to linger with Ralston any longer than necessary. Alice took the opportunity to try to get Ralston alone. The sooner she could tell him, perhaps the sooner the Holcombs and Ralston would decide to leave.

“Lord Ralston,” she said, taking his hand to tear him away from the selection of music at the piano. Alice suspected that Sophia had asked him to play. “I need a word with you. It can't wait.”

“Perhaps you would like some tea first.” He pressed the back of his hand to her forehead as if testing for fever. “I'll ring for Finch. I think you still tire easily. You can't rush recovery.”

“I don't care for tea, thank you.” She took his hand and led to the small parlor down the hall. “As you know, Lord Ralston…”

“Alice, why is it that you refuse to use my given name? We're to be married, darling. Please, call me Harry.”

“Harry,” she said. “As you know, I was quite compromised when I consented to marry you.”

“Winthrop, the bounder.” He nodded knowingly. “I suspected as much. He got there before me. I understand. But Alice, it doesn't bother me. I'm willing to accept that you come to the marriage in a compromised state…”

She stifled the urge to slap him. He wasn't worth it. “I meant compromised as in mentally off. In a fog. Still recovering from a head injury.”

“Oh. Oh, that. Of course.”

“Of course,” she echoed, wishing she could accuse him point-blank of having kept her in such a state on purpose, but how could she without proof? “I don't think I can be held accountable for anything I might have said when I wasn't quite myself.”

“No. You said some terrible things, especially to your sister, but we were willing to overlook them.”

“There is no
we
, Lord Ralston, when it comes to you and my sister.” He was trying her patience now, and she suspected he did it on purpose. She pulled his ring out of her pocket. She'd chosen a skirt with pockets for just such a reason. “I'm returning your ring. I no longer wish to marry you. I'm not sure I ever did. I think it best we part as friends.”

He refused to take her hand or the offered ring. “Part? Don't be ridiculous. Of course you'll marry me. I'm an earl.”

“And? Am I supposed to be impressed by that? My sister is a countess, but she hasn't changed from the sister I've always known. What's in a title?”

“Everything. Besides, we're engaged. You said yes. There's no going back on it gracefully. I won't accept it.” He turned and walked toward the bookshelf, leaning with his back to her.

“Be reasonable. We haven't told anyone outside family. It's not too late for us to part without anyone being the wiser. I'm sorry to hurt you, but you were right about Winthrop. I love him, Lord Ralston. I'm not in love with you.”

He laughed bitterly and turned back to face her, closing the distance between them. “I told you, I don't care about Winthrop. He'll never have you. Or, not again.”

This time, she slapped him. Square across the face.

“I'll let you get away with that now.” He rubbed his cheek. “But once we're married, don't think I won't take my rights over you. I wouldn't hurt you on purpose, but I certainly wouldn't avoid retaliating.”

The answer would have disturbed her if she had any notion to stay with him. “We'll never marry. It's what I'm trying to tell you. Take your ring back or don't, but I'm not going to marry you.” She placed the ring on the table next to him, walked to the door, and held it open. “I suggest you all enjoy a quiet Christmas at Holcomb House. I'm sorry things didn't work out.”

“Alice, please.” He dropped to his knees. “Please reconsider. You don't know how much I love you. I was willing to have you even when we had no idea you would be yourself again, when other men had run off.”

There was only one man to whom he referred, and Alice knew Logan's reasons why. She would not be swayed. “I think you liked me that way. Docile. Obedient. That's not who I really am. I'm not sure you even really know me, Ralston.”

He rose, came forward, and took her hands. “And you don't know me. We rushed into things perhaps, but I see no reason to punish me for my haste brought on by my earnest desire to be with you always. Alice, please, give me a chance. Get to know me.”

“I don't think we should waste any more of each other's time. I've already told you that I love another man.”

He shook his head. “I don't accept it. You might still be more damaged than you think. The doctor said healing would take time. I'm not going to allow you to cast me off when your judgment is likely compromised.”

“A laughable suggestion.” But she wasn't in the mood to laugh. “You had no trouble accepting me when my judgment
was
compromised.”

“Because of the great love I bear you. Alice, trust me. I know what's best. I'm an invited guest for the holidays, and I plan to stay. You needn't say another word of our engagement. I'll consider it off for now. Hold this for safekeeping.” He placed the ring in her hand. “And when I think you are ready, I will ask you again.”

“Please, Lord Ralston. I would rather that you leave.”

“You don't know what's good for you, darling. I can't disappoint my aunt and uncle who have gone to great pains to arrange to spend the holiday here. And by the end of the week, you'll be glad I stayed. Now then.” He took her hand. “Let's go rejoin the others.”

She followed him down the hall. Her head was quite right, she was certain, but she began to wonder about his. What madness had overtaken him? Jilted lovers weren't supposed to stay for Christmas. How desperately she wanted him gone! And she sensed that Gabriel was in full agreement. But with the Holcombs invited as well as Lord Ralston, the chances were that they were stuck with the lot of them and would have to make the best of it.

***

Alice and Agatha had planned to abandon the Dower House in favor of Thornbrook Park for the festive week ahead, but Alice wished to rethink that plan. The thought of meeting Ralston's gaze across the breakfast table made her nervous. And what if he tried to slip something into her food? Unfortunately, their plans had been made and Mary had moved their things over to Thornbrook Park with Agatha. It would be too much trouble to expect Mary to pack it all up and head back.

By the next morning, Alice was disappointed to find Lord Ralston hadn't left in the night. He remained lingering over his coffee, watching Sturridge direct the footmen in erecting the tree in the corner of the drawing room. Mr. Kenner, the new estate manager, tried to help. At home, her parents had never bothered with a tree, but Sophia loved the grand Victorian tradition. Alice was surprised that her sister was willing to settle for one large tree and didn't insist on one in every room.

“It's leaning too far to the left,” Kenner said, as the men attempted to straighten the tree.

Even Alice could see that the cross of wood nailed to the bottom of the trunk was too small to support all the weight of it, and how was the tree to get water? If Sophia wanted candles to light the branches, and Alice was certain she would, they couldn't risk the tree drying out in the night. For now, she watched the men and said nothing. Logan would have valued her opinion, but she didn't feel the need to make her voice heard with Logan so far away. She had little interest in the new Kenner fellow.

“Too far right, you mean,” Ralston interjected. The adjustment nearly sent the tree toppling. Of course, Ralston had an opinion on the matter.

“No, no,” Sturridge said. “Just line it up with the ceiling and—”

“Tie it up?” Ralston suggested. “Secure it to the wall and it should stay put.”

“Tie it?” Alice was about to question, and then stopped. Let Mr. Sturridge handle Ralston and his silly suggestions. The room smelled of pine and the idea of Christmas put Alice in a brighter frame of mind. In light of the holiday, she supposed she could be more charitable to Ralston, or simply pretend he wasn't there.

“Merry Christmas,” he said quietly, turning his attention from the tree. “I've been looking for the mistletoe, but it seems they haven't gotten to hanging it yet.”

“Merry Christmas, Lord Ralston,” she answered, making an attempt to add some warmth to her tone. “I hope you don't find the holiday too disappointing. It's not too late to return to Holcomb House.”

He laughed. “I'm sure it isn't. Lord Averford hinted at it a little more strongly than you, until Sophia reminded him of his manners. I'm here as a guest, Alice. Invited. I'm not out to hurt you.”

She softened a bit. “We can be friends, Lord Ralston. I see no harm in it.” Though why anyone would want to stay on when it was clear he wasn't wanted, Alice couldn't begin to fathom.

As she reached out to shake his offered hand, the tree teetered and began to fall directly at them. She shrieked and Ralston tossed his cup in time to take her in his arms and leap aside.

“Thank you,” she said, breathless, still in his arms when she heard the voice behind her.

“Ah, I see the problem. The stand is too small, and you'll need to place the tree in a tub to help support it, with some water in the bottom to keep it from drying out. Wilson, run out to the hothouse and fetch the small tub. We have just the right one. You know where it is.” A voice of reason at last!

“Yes, Mr. Winthrop. At once, sir.”

She shrugged out of Ralston's hold. “Logan. I didn't expect you.”

“I can see that.” The tension had returned to his face, his mouth in the grim line. She couldn't decide if it was being back at Thornbrook Park or the sight of her in Ralston's arms that had effected the change in him.

“The tree was falling. It almost landed on me.”

“But it didn't, because I was here to catch you,” Ralston said. “Mr. Winthrop, returning to your duties?”

He shook his head. “Old habits are hard to break. Like you, I'm here as an invited guest.” He raised a brow, his reference to being invited like Ralston indicating to Alice that he had been on the sidelines watching them for a moment before letting his presence be known.

“Lord Averford invited you?” Alice did a poor job of hiding her disbelief. Gabriel was a genius. If one couldn't get rid of the unwanted fiancé, invite the competition. “For Christmas?”

“Lady Averford did, actually. I happened to drop in on the Thornes when they were getting ready to journey here, and she extended the invitation to include me. Lovely of her, don't you think?”

“Very.” It was the least Sophia could do, she supposed, after allowing Ralston to worm his way into their intimate circle. “I hope your family won't miss you too much. The girls must have been looking forward to the holiday with you.”

“They're looking forward to holiday treats. They will hardly notice I'm gone.”

“I doubt that. But I'm very happy that you could join us.” Now that she was over her shock, she wanted to throw herself into Logan's arms. She couldn't tell what he was thinking, though, or if he felt the same. He seemed distant. Finding her in Ralston's arms couldn't have helped matters. She longed to reassure him, privately, that she had spoken to Ralston and ended their engagement.

“Are the Thornes here as well? With Mina?”

He nodded. “They're getting her settled with the nurse upstairs. The car ride seems to have upset her. If you'll excuse me, I would like to make myself helpful to Mr. Kenner in getting this tree up. Lady Averford can't have Christmas without a tree.”

“You can't have Christmas without your loved ones close.” Ralston stepped forward and boldly took Alice by the hand. She opened her mouth to protest, but what could she say without making a scene? She went along with it, for now. “I'm glad I'm here. Alice, shall we go for a walk to get out of the way while the men get to work?”

He dismissed Logan as if he were a lowly servant and swept her out of the room. She went without protest, if only to get Ralston out of the way and avoid a scene between the men. But she tugged away from Ralston as soon as they left the room. “Logan Winthrop is also an invited guest. It would serve you well to try to get along with the man, in the spirit of Christmas.”

“I'll try, darling.” He placated her. “But it's hard to be nice to the man who holds your heart in his hands. Deep down, you must know that I'm the better choice.”

“I know nothing of the sort,” she said. “I'm going to look for Eve. I haven't seen her in so long.”

“I'll be here waiting for your return.”

***

Perhaps coming back to Thornbrook Park had been a mistake. He hardly knew what to do with himself as a guest. As a manager, he could cope perfectly well. Work took his mind off almost everything, and there was plenty of work to be done with Christmas coming and the Kenner fellow not quite up to the task. When he entered the room to see Alice in Ralston's arms, though, he nearly lost his sense of purpose, and his mind along with it. He had come to secure her affections. But had she changed her mind about breaking her engagement to Ralston?