Page 44 of The Widow’s Christmas Surprise

“Thank you, Mr. Granger.” The words were heartfelt, for the lady now looked at him with more respect than previously. Perhaps she understood at last how deep his devotion to her cousin ran. “We will discuss our departure and make certain you are able to say goodbye to Maria before we leave. I suspect Lord Kinellan will wish to wait a day or two before attempting the return journey.”

“A day or two only if we don’t wish to be bogged down in snow throughout most of the journey.” Kinellan sounded gruff, but his manner toward Hugh had also undergone a subtle change.

While they had been talking, darkness had fallen. “I must go see to my sister. She will be worried if I do not appear for dinner.” Hugh bowed. “My lady, my lord.”

With no further ado, Hugh opened the door and headed down the corridor. The situation, while not perfect by any means, was a great deal better than when he had entered the receiving room. He and Maria were at least pledged to one another, tenuous though that declaration might be. He’d write to Littles this evening to see if there was any change at all with Kit.

In the last letter the butler had sent, he’d written that the doctor himself was amazed at the tenacity Kit showed in clinging to life. Although his usually robust brother had wasted away to skin and bones during the last two months, he had not yet decided to give up the ghost. A blessing and a curse, but one that was ultimately in God’s hands.

Hugh strode out the front door, a lantern in his hand to light his way to Wingate. “Come on, Kit.” He spoke under his breath, almost as a prayer to whoever would listen. “Come back to the living. I want you to meet the woman I’m going to marry and give us your blessing.” In the best of all possible worlds, that was how it should be. Otherwise, he might lose her entirely.

Chapter Eighteen

Monday morning dawned clear and cold, with no hint of snow in the air. A perfect day for a last outing with Maria.

The decorating of Kersey Hall had begun after breakfast and he’d walked his sister there to help with the festivities. However, having to stand about within arm’s length of Lord Wetherby and not plant him a facer would have been harder than riding bareback with a burr under his backside. Instead, he’d decided to spirit Maria away for some time alone before she left tomorrow. He’d been thinking all yesterday what he and Maria could do so that she would have good memories of their last day together. And with the weather cooperating, it was a perfect day, in Hugh’s estimation, for ice-skating.

He’d just sent Bella inside the Hall and handed a note to Saunders to give to Maria. He’d already told the grooms to have their horses saddled so they could ride out to the pond near the dowager’s house. It should be frozen solid after the last cold snap, making it excellent for his purpose. The skates were stored in the tack room in the stable—Bella had visited him last year and they had had such a grand time skating, he’d decided to keep the skates handy for the next winter’s use.

The groom had just brought their horses—Galahad, and Lily, a chestnut mare—when Maria came through the front door. Beautiful as always, today she looked even more brilliant in a light gray riding habit that caught the morning sun, making her seem to glow. God, but he would miss her.

Determined not to succumb to melancholy on this of all days, he smiled broadly and came toward her. “Good morning, my lady.” First names were for use only in private, but they would be private soon. “I thought you might like a special outing this morning.”

“Good morning, Mr. Granger.” Her smile dazzled him, although just looking at her red lips made him want to taste her once again. “An outing sounds wonderful.”

“I warn you, the ride may be a bit chilly.” He held his hands out and tossed her up onto Lily.

“I’m sure I won’t mind.” Her eyes crinkled at the edges, as if she were laughing at him, daring him to keep her warm.

He’d be happy to oblige.

“Where are we going?” She adjusted herself in the saddle, settling her right leg over the pommel and pulling her skirts down over it.

“Now that would spoil the surprise, wouldn’t it?” He swung up on Galahad, checking to make sure the package with the skates in it was secured behind the saddle. “Don’t worry. It’s not far.”

“I am waiting with great anticipation, sir.” She gathered the reins and looked expectantly at him. “Lead on, Mr. Granger. Tempus fugit.”

“Yes, it does, my lady. Let us go, by all means.” He tapped his horse’s flank and the roan moved off at a fast walk. Lily followed close behind and when they reached the smooth driveway, he touched the horse again and they swung into a canter.

Maria flashed him a smile as she drew even with him. She had an excellent seat, though of course she’d learned to ride here, a little over a year ago. The former Lord Kersey had taught her to ride, along with other things, so he gathered.

He refused to think of that. Rather, he preferred to dwell on her generous nature as with the Tates, her kindness when dealing with children or animals, her gentle wit—though sometimes it came out quite sharp as well. These were the things that had made him love her. That he would miss most about her when she had gone.

Turning the horse down the driveway that led to Francis House, he wondered what she thought he had in store for her. He glanced to his right to find her grinning widely. Of course she would think he was bringing her here for a tryst. Wanton woman. Just last night they had promised her cousin and Lord Kinellan they would wait until they were married to engage in intimacies beyond a kiss. Well, he didn’t think they could withstand such a promise if she were to stay at Kersey, but since she was leaving in the morning, today seemed safe.

They flashed past the circular driveway and continued on toward the formal gardens. From his vantage point atop the horse, Hugh could see the pond about a quarter mile beyond, shining brightly as the sun reflected off the ice. Excellent.

Pulling Galahad down to a trot and then a walk, Hugh brought them to a stop right at the end of the irregularly shaped pond. There were bulrushes thick at the far end, with overhanging trees, now leafless. Nearest to them was the overturned log where he and Bella had sat to lace on their skates last year. There was also a place to tie the horses so they could crop the little bit of grass still left. An idyllic spot for their last day together.

Hugh dropped to the ground, then helped Maria down as well. She slid down into his arms, every part of her touching every part of him it seemed. The minx would try his patience for certain. He gave her a stern glare. “You had best behave, young lady. I made a promise to your cousin not to compromise you before we could marry.”

“I think I will take my chances with Jane’s wrath if it means I can be close to you, my love.” She gave a coquettish laugh and Hugh groaned. Best divert her away from this dangerous topic.

“Here is your surprise.” He waved toward the frozen pond.

“I see.” She looked askance at the pond, then at him. “I will admit I am surprised, for I cannot fathom a single reason why you would have brought me here.”

“Ah, but here is the other part of the surprise.” He untied the parcel from behind the saddle and brought out two pairs of—