“Oh, Mom,” Merry breathed as she stared at the beautiful gown. Her mother had added only a few festive enhancements to the wine-red fabric. They’d be simple to remove, so Merry could wear it anytime of year. Except for the chamber Christmas ball, though, where would she ever wear it? “I might feel overdressed just going to the ball.”
“Don’t you worry about that. I’ve made enough of the dresses the ladies will be wearing tonight. You’ll be right at home.” Her mother pinned back a curl which had come loose. “Ellie sure did a marvelous job on your hair. It’s perfect with the dress.”
“She does magic with hair,” Merry said as their gazes met through the mirror.
“I really like Carlisle,” her mother said, the comment coming out of nowhere. “I think he’s been good for you, and that darling Grace has done the same for Alex.”
Merry rubbed the ache over her heart. The last few days had been incredible. The time she’d spent with Carlisle, helping to fix up his home, had filled her with a sense of family she hadn’t had since Ray’s death. Her dreams now included the house. There were times she’d look at Carlisle, and she couldn’t tell if what she was remembering had really taken place or happened in a dream.
“He and his daughter are both good friends,” Merry said lamely.
“He doesn’t look at you like a friend, sweetheart. Who are you kidding?”
“I know. It’s kind of stressing me out.”
Her mother turned Merry around and pinned her with a firm glare. “You’ll never convince me you don’t feel the same way.”
Merry’s eyes burned. She couldn’t cry, or it’d mess up her makeup. “Mom, stop.”
“If you have feeling for this man, tell me why you’d push him away.”
Crud. She did not want to have this conversation, but Merry had seen that look before. Her mother wouldn’t let it go.
“Carlisle has responsibilities in England. When he’s finished with his project, he’ll leave.” Merry was furious that her voice broke on the last word.
“Sweetheart, you’d go with him.” Her mother’s tone made it sound like she was speaking to a young child who didn’t understand anything.
But how could Merry explain the primary reason without insulting her mother?
“Mom.” This time it was Merry holding her mother gently by the shoulders. “His grandfather is anearl. There’s no way I want to get sucked into that kind of life.”
“Carlisle’s not his heir, though.”
Merry blinked. Her mother already knew?
“Do you really think I wouldn’t google the man when I saw which way the wind was blowing between you two?” Her mother put a hand on Merry’s cheek. “I don’t think you saw how closed off you’ve been to anything outside of family and a handful of friends since Ray died. I hope you won’t throw away something that is so obviously good for you.” Her mother sighed. “Carlisle and I have talked a few times when he’s come to pick up Grace. He’s a good man, and he’s been looking for something different from that lifestyle you hate so much. He likes what we have here, and he wants it for his daughter.”
Carlisle had mentioned wanting the house for Grace, hoping she’d come to love the land. That meant they’d return once in a while. Was it possible to make a long-term commitment out of periodic visits?
Since the night he’d declared himself, Merry hadn’t allowed herself to look at it too closely. She forced herself to now. Carlisle had already been away from England for several months. How often did he have to return to fulfill his responsibilities? And for how long? She could never be happy living in a high society life, but could she do it for short periods of time?
For him?
The thought made Merry’s heart give a little lurch. Was there a chance, with each of them sacrificing, they could be together?
“I don’t know what you’re thinking, but I like the look on your face.” Her mother stepped back. “You have to go after what you want.”
“Thank you.” Merry leaned in to press her cheek against her mother’s. “Now you need to get yourself ready for the ball. And I have to take Alex to Carlisle’s house.”
Normally, both of the children would have stayed the night at Merry’s mother’s house. Since she’d be representing her business at the ball, she wasn’t available. Nia had suggested a friend of her usual babysitter who’d had a cancellation.
“Hi, Mrs. Hurst,” Hannah said as she climbed out of an older-model SUV when Merry pulled up to Carlisle’s house.
“Hey there.” Merry had cut the girl’s hair many times and had gotten to know her fairly well.
Merry had to help Alex undo his seatbelt, his eyes droopy. Poor little guy had been looking forward to playing with Grace tonight, and he was already tired.
“Is there any word on that scholarship?” she asked, taking her son’s gloved hand.
