Read It Happened One Christmas Online
Authors: Kaitlin O'Riley
It Happened One Christmas (25 page)
The Duke of Rathmore, surrounded by a large group of people, was an older version of Jeffrey, Lisette thought, struck by the similarities between the two men. The duke's hair was gray, while Jeffrey's was black, and they were both certainly handsome men, but it was the spark in their eyes that was so striking. There was no doubt that these men were father and son.
Lisette had heard the story that Jeffrey was illegitimate, but he had been claimed by his father (for who could doubt it, given their remarkable resemblance?) and given a title. Jeffrey was raised knowing he was not the heir to his father's dukedom, but had been treated as his son in all other ways. Of course, Lisette had always wondered about Jeffrey's mother. It was common knowledge that she had been a beautiful dancer, but who was she? And where was she now? Lisette had never had the courage to broach the subject with him. The Duke of Rathmore's long-suffering wife, who had turned a blind eye to her husband's numerous affairs and had quite graciously accepted Jeffrey into her home, had died some years ago, but the duke had not remarried. The talk going around was that his latest mistress was an Italian opera singer.
Lisette had to admit that she trembled a little at meeting this infamous man.
The handsome Duke of Rathmore turned his attention to Jeffrey as they approached.
“Father, I would like to present some very good friends of mine,” Jeffrey began. “You know Lucien, of course. His wife, Colette, is unable to join us tonight.”
Lucien shook hands with the duke, whom he had known since he was a child.
Jeffrey continued with the introductions. “You remember my friend Captain Harrison Fleming, from New York. This is Harrison's wife, Mrs. Juliette Fleming, who also happens to be Lucien's sister-in-law.”
“At last I am able to meet the infamous Juliette Hamilton, whom my son has been telling me about for so long,” the duke said, his merry eyes twinkling.
“I'm afraid I've been in America for the last two years, Your Grace.” Juliette replied engagingly. “I would have come to meet you much sooner had I known you were more handsome than your son.” Not at all intimidated by the duke's wealth and importance, Juliette flirted expertly with him and the older man was charmed with her, as most men were upon meeting her.
The duke laughed with her. “Well, I'm delighted that you made it back in time for my Christmas party this year. It's always a privilege to have a beautiful woman as one's guest. And, Captain Fleming, you are a most fortunate man to have such a wife.”
Harrison laughed. “So I have been told.”
Jeffrey continued the introductions. “And, Father, this is yet another of Lucien's sisters-in-law, Miss Lisette Hamilton.”
After he shook hands with Harrison, the duke's keen eyes fell upon Lisette. “Miss Hamilton, it is my pleasure to meet you.”
“Good evening, Your Grace. Thank you for inviting me.”
“My dear, you are most welcome. The party will not lack for lovely ladies this evening, that is certain.” The duke turned to his son. “Another beautiful Hamilton sister? I hope you are planning on marrying this one, since you let the first two slip away, Jeffrey.”
“I think Miss Hamilton has her sights set for someone far more deserving of her affections than I, Father,” Jeffrey said with his usual self-deprecating good humor.
The duke smiled broadly at Lisette. “Well, Miss Hamilton, my son may be right at that, but I have a feeling that he's still a fool not to try for you. Now, my dear, come with me. I need someone lovely and charming by my side while I greet my guests, and I think you will do quite nicely.” He extended his arm to her.
With no choice but to politely accept his invitation, Lisette swallowed her fear. After all, this was the main reason she had come out this evening in the first place, to see and be seen. With a bright smile, she placed her hand on the duke's arm.
“I would be honored, Your Grace.”
With the amused eyes of the others upon her, Lisette allowed the Duke of Rathmore to lead her among the distinguished guests at his party. She spent the next hour being introduced to every significant peer of the realm as well as all the political players in the government. When she found herself discussing education reform with the prime minister, William Gladstone, Lisette felt a bit faint. But she surprised herself, too. She possessed more self-assurance than she had thought.
As she moved through the crowd with the duke, Lisette noted with great satisfaction that no one turned up their nose at her. Not one person looked askance or questioned what a shopkeeper's daughter was doing at such a high-society event as the Duke of Rathmore's Christmas Ball in the first place. Not a single gentleman looked bored or seemed uninterested in anything she had to say. Everyone was polite and charming to her, inquiring about her with something akin to fascination.
Perhaps it was merely because she was with the duke himself, and who would dare disapprove of her in his presence ? But Lisette had to attribute some of her social accomplishment to herself. People genuinely seemed to like her and enjoy her company. Lady Emmeline's spiteful words faded away to nothingness.
When the dancing began, Lucien came to claim her for a waltz and for that she was most grateful.
The duke relinquished her graciously. “I must thank you, my dear Miss Hamilton, for being such a lovely companion this evening.”
“Oh, thank you, Your Grace. I have had a most wonderful time meeting everyone.”
“You are quite welcome, but you can thank me by saving a dance for me later on.” He gave her a wink.
She laughed, promising him a waltz, and she moved to the ballroom with her brother-in-law.
To the strains of one of the Strauss waltzesâshe never could remember the names of themâLisette realized she was thoroughly enjoying herself. Attending a major social function was not as arduous a task as she had first anticipated.
“I'm happy to see that beautiful smile, Lisette,” Lucien said to her. “Everyone is talking about you. It means you are quite a success.”
“I am?” A thrill of pride welled within her.
“Yes. You are the belle of the ball, unquestionably. I've been bombarded by so many questions about my pretty, and unattached, sister-in-law all evening that I am exhausted with answering them all. You have made quite an impression.”
“Have I truly?” Her jaw dropped in astonishment and shock that anyone would ask about her.
It always surprised her when people even remembered her name. Lisette was simply another one of the Hamilton sisters, the quiet one with auburn hair. She didn't think that she stood out in any special way. She was not businesslike, determined, and independent like Colette. She wasn't wild and reckless as Juliette had been. She was not at all smart and bookish like Paulette, and was not charming and girlish like Yvette. She was not the smartest nor the wittiest nor the prettiest among them. Her sisters all stood out in their own way, while Lisette was just Lisetteâunassuming and quiet, in the background, doing nothing in particular of any note. At least that was how she saw herself. So to have made an impression upon people she did not even know left her quite speechless.
“Yes, you've made an impression,” Lucien continued to tell her. “And more than a few very eligible gentlemen have expressed an interest in meeting you. Shall I introduce you?”
“Oh, I don't know!” Nervous laughter bubbled within her. “I don't know if I'm quite ready for that just yet, Lucien.”
“Well, let me know when you are and I will arrange something.”
“Thank you.”
Lucien gave her a knowing look. “I seem to recall an interesting conversation with you over breakfast recently. You asked me questions about Quinton Roxbury.” He paused. “And from what I have gathered from Colette, it seems to me that it is not a coincidence that you have broken your engagement to Henry, is it?”
“No. It's not,” she answered softly, looking into Lucien's warm green eyes.
“If you need my help in any way, I am here for you, Lisette.”
“Thank you, Lucien.” She really did appreciate her brother-in-law's concern and felt a bit overwhelmed by his care of her.
As the waltz ended, Lord Jeffrey Eddington stepped in for the next dance. “My turn.”
With a dramatic bow, Lucien stepped aside and handed her over to his friend. “I shall see you both later.”
Lisette smiled as Jeffrey spun her around.
“I have something to tell you,” he whispered low when they were alone on the dance floor.
“What is it?”
“Quinton Roxbury is here. With Lady Emmeline.”
Lisette was lucky that Jeffrey caught her before she landed on the floor when she tripped over her own feet. Oh, that was not what she wanted to hear! Her heart somersaulted in her chest. The two of them were there in the ballroom with her. Of course she had known there was a very good chance that Quinton and his fiancée would be in attendance that evening and had been prepared to face them both, but now the reality of the situation sent her into a bit of a panic.
“Take it easy there, girl.”
“Where is he?” She could barely breathe at the thought of him in the same room.
“Calm down. You look like a cornered deer.” Jeffrey attempted to pacify her. “I only told you because I thought you would want to know, not to terrify you. Don't look over there and make it obvious, but he is standing with Lord and Lady Dandridge, over by the arched doorway near the Christmas tree.”
“Oh, God in heaven. Do you think he knows I'm here?”
“Believe me, he knows you are here. Every man in this room knows you are here.”
On the afternoon two days ago when she had met Jeffrey on the street, Lisette had confided in him what had happened between her and Quinton Roxbury. Well, almost everything. There were some things a lady simply didn't share. But all in all Jeffrey had known surprisingly more about her circumstances than she had expected and had proven most supportive, giving her some sage advice on how to handle the situation. He admitted that he heard that her name had been linked with Roxbury's, but he did not think it was widely known. Thank heaven. He had applauded her for ending her engagement to Henry Brooks when she did, especially in light of her feelings for Quinton, and had agreed to assist her socially. Jeffrey had been so sweet and had a way about him that made her feel very comfortable confiding in him. He really had become the brother she never had.
“How can you be sure?” She forced herself not to turn her head and look in Quinton's direction. The urge to see him was so very tempting. And the impulse to see what he was like while he was with Emmeline both fascinated and repulsed her.
“He's been watching you for at least the last twenty minutes that I can attest to.”
“Really?” she whispered frantically, her heart tripping.
“What do I do now?”
“My darling girl, you do nothing.” His encouraging smile comforted her. “You continue on as you have and enjoy the ball. Especially dancing with me. Do you know how many women are eyeing you with undisguised envy right now?” His eyes gleamed merrily.
“Jeffrey, be serious.”
“I am completely serious, Lisette.” He managed to remove the smile from his handsome face to prove it to her. “There is nothing for you to do but continue on as if they were not here.”
“If you say so.”
“I do.”
After the waltz ended, they slowly walked from the dance floor. His advice was reasonable, but what she wanted was for someone to tell her to run and hide. It was not Quinton she feared seeing so much as confronting his fiancée and her terrible condescension. Lady Emmeline's visit to the bookshop had shaken Lisette's self-confidence more than she liked to admit. And that bothered her. She turned to Jeffrey.
“Take me to see them.”
“What?” Jeffrey asked in confusion.
“I would like you to take me over to extend my regards to Mr. Roxbury and Lady Emmeline.” Determined to make the evening a test of her strength, she wanted to face what she dreaded the most. Besides, if there were rumors about her and Quinton floating around, she wanted to put them to rest. Being seen greeting Quinton and his fiancée would be sure to extinguish any malicious gossip.
“You're serious?” He gave her a look of admiration.
“Quite.” She offered a weak little smile. “But let's hurry before I lose my nerve.”
“It would be my pleasure, Miss Hamilton.” He extended his arm to her, beaming with pride. “Shall we go then?”
26
Fast Away the Old Year Passes
On Lord Eddington's arm, Lisette glided over to where Quinton and Emmeline were standing together. Emmeline looked tall and regal in a rich amethyst gown, her brunette hair swept fashionably atop her face. The couple they had been speaking with had just left them to go to the refreshment tables, so they were now standing alone. Quinton and Emmeline did not stand close to each other. In fact, there was a distinct coldness between them, Lisette noticed with some satisfaction. One would never guess that they were to be married two weeks from tomorrow.
Emmeline's dark eyes widened with surprise and something akin to dismay as she saw them approach, but Quinton smiled broadly.
Lisette gripped Jeffrey's arm tighter and her mouth went dry.
“Good evening, Lady Emmeline. Roxbury,” Jeffrey said with his usual effortless charm. “I believe you are both already acquainted with Miss Hamilton.”
“Yes. Good evening, Lord Eddington. Miss Hamilton,” Emmeline murmured hurriedly, her body stiffening.
Quinton remained quiet, but nodded his head at her in acknowledgment. An amused smile played at the corners of his mouth, as if he knew exactly why Lisette had come over to them.
“It's so nice to see you again, Lady Emmeline,” Lisette said, forcing her voice to remain low and calm. “Your gown is quite a lovely shade of violet.”
“Thank you.” Emmeline grudgingly offered her thanks at Lisette's compliment, as she placed her hand possessively on Quinton's arm and inched closer to him.
Taking a deep breath, Lisette mustered a bright smile at Quinton. He looked devastatingly handsome that evening, almost taking her breath away. “Are you enjoying the ball, Mr. Roxbury?”
“Yes, very much.” Quinton gave her a knowing look that Lisette felt down to the tips of her toes. He seemed pleased that she had come over to greet him. “And how are you this evening, Miss Hamilton?”
“Very well, thank you.”
“Lady Emmeline, I understand that you've visited Hamilton's Book Shoppe this week,” Jeffrey said pointedly.
Lisette caught her breath at Jeffrey's boldness. The awkward tension between the four of them was palpable, and taunting Emmeline about their encounter in the bookshop was too much. Perhaps it was wrong of Lisette to greet them as she had. She should not have come over. It was obvious that Emmeline was as ill at ease as Lisette was. Quinton, on the other hand, did not seem upset in the least by Lisette's presence.
“Yes,” Emmeline snapped, her mouth forming a thin, tight line at Jeffrey's reference to the bookshop.
Surprised, Quinton looked toward his fiancée. “I did not know you visited the bookshop, Emmeline.”
“Well, I did.” Lady Emmeline did not elaborate. Enjoying Emmeline's obvious discomfort a little too much, Jeffrey turned his attention to Quinton. “Have you ever visited the Hamiltons' bookshop, Roxbury?”
“No, I can't say that I have, but I would like to someday. I've heard such wonderful things about it,” Quinton responded, very much at ease given the situation.
“Their shop is most impressive and I suggest you visit when you can, Roxbury. However, I believe my father claimed the next dance with Miss Hamilton, so I must deliver her to him. If you will excuse us.” Jeffrey finally decided to put Emmeline out of her misery. “Please continue to enjoy the party.”
Lisette pasted a bright smile on her face and made a point to say to both of them, “Congratulations on your upcoming wedding.”
Once again, Emmeline managed a brittle thank-you between gritted teeth, before Jeffrey escorted Lisette away.
“Oh, that was simply horrid!” Lisette exclaimed when they were out of earshot. She still held on to Jeffrey's arm for support. “And you were terrible!” she scolded him affectionately.
He merely shrugged. “Lady Emmeline deserved a little of that after the nasty things she said to you. But I'm proud of you, Lisette. You handled yourself quite admirably back there. And that was a nice touch, congratulating them on the wedding.”
“I could not have faced them without you by my side.” But she had done it. She had conversed with them both, and anyone was sure to have noted that they spoke amicably together as if nothing were amiss. “Thank you, Jeffrey. For everything.”
He favored her with one of his infamous smiles. “You are more than welcome.”
“There she is!” The Duke of Rathmore came to claim his waltz with Lisette and Jeffrey left her in his father's care.
“Well, Miss Hamilton, you are creating quite a buzz this evening. Everyone is asking me about you,” the handsome duke told her with a wink as he led her to the dance floor.
“That's funny, Your Grace,” she retorted with a warm smile. “Everyone's been asking me about you!”
The duke's deep laughter caused a few heads to turn in their direction.
After their dance, the duke handed her over to the young gentleman who was listed next on her dance card. She danced the galop, an extremely fast dance, with Lord Eads, a pleasant dark-haired gentleman, followed by dancing the quadrille with a good-looking gentleman by the name of Frank Crow. Both men were sweet and charming enough, but neither was anyone who made her heart flutter the way it did when she was with Quinton. When the quadrille came to an end, she thanked the handsome Mr. Crow and then she looked about for Jeffrey and Lucien. Or Juliette and Harrison.
Leaving the ballroom, she searched for her family, not wishing to be alone in case she ran into Quinton or Emmeline again. She had lost sight of them during the first quadrille and had no idea where they had gone. She thought she recognized Juliette's scarlet dress and moved toward the figure near the buffet tables, but realized upon closer inspection that it was not her sister after all. She continued to press through the thick crowd, acknowledging the faces she had recently been introduced to but could not place their names, and consequently nodded in greeting with a smile.
Seeing a small, red velvet settee along the wall in the main room near the Christmas tree that was blessedly unoccupied, she rested her dance-weary feet and wondered where Juliette and the others were. She was ready to go home, having had her fill of high society for one evening.
“Ah, at last I see you are finally alone, Miss Hamilton.”
She glanced up in surprise, her pulse increasing. Quinton stood before her. “Mr. Roxbury!”
“I did not expect to see you here this evening. Yet here you are.” He grinned appreciatively at her. “Looking more beautiful than ever and the belle of the ball at that.”
Pleased that he had noticed her popularity, she smiled. “Thank you, but I am sure you exaggerate.”
She had never seen Quinton dressed in formal attire before, and the effect was quite impressive. He looked handsomer than she could have imagined in his finely tailored black suit. His golden blond hair was combed back stylishly, and his clean-shaven face only emphasized his handsomeness and the chiseled line of his jaw. It almost hurt to look at him, so badly did she long to reach out and touch him.
“I am not exaggerating, but your unassuming nature is part of what makes you so irresistibly charming, Miss Hamilton.”
Secretly thrilled by his comment yet knowing she should not be, she scanned the area in nervous apprehension, afraid Lady Emmeline would see the two of them together. Above all, she wished to avoid a confrontation or a scene of any kind with her. Being well liked and popular was one thing, but being a party to a scandal was something else entirely.
Noting Lisette's anxiety, Quinton informed her, “She left already.”
“She did?” Surprised by this bit of news, she relaxed slightly.
“It seems Lady Emmeline was overwhelmed by the sudden onset of a severe headache and her parents took her home not long ago.”
Feeling a twinge of guilt, Lisette asked hesitantly, “Would that sudden headache have anything to do with me?”
Quinton shrugged his shoulders. “Perhaps.”
“She came to see me at the bookshop again a few days ago.”
“I gathered that from Eddington's comment earlier.” His expression grew concerned. “Emmeline did not mention her visit to me. I hope it was not unpleasant.”
“It was not what one would describe as a friendly visit.” The look on his face changed from one of concern to one of displeasure. “I am very sorry about that.”
“It seems I was seen entering your carriage last weekend and she was not pleased to hear about that.” She cast him a shy glance. “People are talking about us, Mr. Roxbury.”
“I am even more regretful about that outcome than you could imagine, Miss Hamilton.” The earnestness in his voice touched her.
“Lady Emmeline warned me to stay away from you and told me that as a mere shopkeeper's daughter I wasn't good enough for you anyway.” What had prompted her to repeat Lady Emmeline's snide remarks to him? She had certainly not intended to, but it was quite interesting to see the reaction on his face. He was more than a little disturbed by the report of his fiancée's behavior. He was horrified.
“She said that?” His voice grew angry and the look on his face hardened. “Emmeline had no right to say such things to you.”
“Didn't she?” Guilt had riddled Lisette's conscience since she met Lady Emmeline because Lisette knew that her own actions were not blameless.
Quinton eyed her levelly without a hint of indecision. “No, she did not. She had no right at all to insult you. Everything she has heard is based solely on circumstantial gossip. She knows nothing. If she should insult anyone, it should be me, not you. Since she cannot, and most likely will not apologize to you, I will apologize for what she said.”
“Thank you.” Lisette appreciated his defense of her, but deep down she believed Lady Emmeline was justified in her accusations. “However, people do talk and will continue to talk. You must not be seen with me as you are now. It will only cause more gossip and speculation before your wedding. Even now people are watching us.”
“I am now well aware of the consequences of being seen with you, Miss Hamilton.”
At that point, she expected him to take his leave of her. Yet he still stood there. He did not move away as he should. He did not bid her good night and walk away.
Defying all the conventional rules of behavior, Quinton whispered low, “Could we please talk for a moment together privately somewhere?”
“I think you know that is not possible, Mr. Roxbury.” Lisette rose to stand on her feet, however wobbly. If he would not leave, then she would. She took one step away from him, but his next words stopped her in her tracks.
“I could not help but notice that Henry Brooks is not in attendance with you this evening.”
Quinton did not know! But of course! How would he know that she had broken her engagement to Henry? She had not seen him since she had done so. They had not spoken privately together until now. It surprised her that Jeffrey had not mentioned it to him at some point in the evening. However, she felt that telling Quinton the truth at this moment would only prompt him to do or say something that could cause even more speculation about them. It would be wiser, and the safer course of action, to allow him to believe she was still betrothed.
Lisette turned to face him. “Mr. Brooks had a previous commitment this evening and was unable to attend.”
His eyes flickered with interest. “I see.”
They stood staring at each other, the silence thick with unspoken words.
Finally Lisette recalled that she wanted to ask him something. “Actually, Mr. Roxbury, there is something I wish to discuss with you.”
He seemed intrigued by her statement. “Please go on.”
“About the housing selection committee . . . I would like to be a part of that. In fact, I already have a particular family in mind for one of your new houses. One of the girls in the shop, Lizzie Parker, and her younger brother, Daniel. They are a deserving family who is struggling. They live in a dreadful neighborhood since their parents passed away and are being cared for by an aunt. They would benefit immensely by moving into one of your homes. I would vouch for their character personally.”
“Then they can have the first house.”
“That's it?” she asked incredulously, shocked by the ease of his agreement. “Just like that?”
“Yes.” Quinton grinned with satisfaction. “I trust your judgment, Miss Hamilton. If you feel they would be a good fit, then I agree with you.”
“Oh, Mr. Roxbury, you are too kind. That is wonderful of you!”
“No,” he said with intensity, stepping closer to her. “You are wonderful.”
Again the wild impulse to go to him, to move into his warm embrace, threatened to overwhelm her. Her heart pounded with the need to reach out and touch him, to feel her body pressed against his, to feel his mouth on hers. And she knew instinctively that he felt the same way. They stared into each other's eyes as her breathing became more rapid. She wanted him to kiss her and she wished they were alone somewhere, not at a Christmas ball surrounded by hundreds of guests.
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