Dear Margarette
Langdon Hall, Maidstone
December 1, 1815
My cherished friend, can you believe that Christmastide is almost upon us? It is a time that I cherish deeply, even more since my beloved Henry died so long ago. He used to follow me around with mistletoe until I gave him a proper kiss. How I miss him! I never thought my heart would recover from losing him, but your friendship has bolstered me over these years.
I must admit that I look forward to every letter I receive here, especially since we are not spending Christmas together. Perhaps I can host a house party when the weather is agreeable, and we can all sit around and play whist. Wouldn’t that be grand?
You mustn’t fret about me, because I am fortunate enough to have my granddaughter, Arabella, visiting for the holiday. You may have heard the news around Town, but her fiancé broke off their engagement, leaving her utterly devastated. Frankly, I am pleased. I never did care for Lord Eastwood. He is entirely too vain and pretentious for my liking. I’m not quite sure what Arabella ever saw in him, especially since he is a known rake amongst theton. But I am just the grandmother, and I was forced to bite my tongue for Arabella’s sake.
Even so, I refuse to sit back and do nothing but watch my granddaughter suffer. I know just the man who will solve all of Arabella’s problems. I hope I am not just being foolish, but I do worry about her. She doesn’t deserve the poor treatment she has received. I have already come up with the perfect ruse to bring these two together.
I do hope I am successful at playing matchmaker. You inspired all of us to try our hand at it, and the prospect has given me such hope. I heard that Euota and Eugenia even have a friendly wager in place. Have you heard from them?
Arabella is stubborn and I know she will fight this, but I do so desperately want her to be happy. I have also recruited my dear friend Lady Barrett to help with the scheme. Do you remember her? She is a dear woman who has had much tragedy befall her, as well.
I am counting down the days until Arabella arrives and we can start up this scheme. I feel slightly giddy at the thought of bringing together two people who are destined to be with one another. With any luck, I shall see my great grandchildren before I die. Is that selfish of me? Perhaps, but I am old, and no one can fault me for that.
I do look forward to receiving your letter and hearing your thoughts on the matter. It shall be a Christmas unlike any other, I can assure you of that.
Fondly yours,
Esther
Chapter One
Lady Arabella Wyndham stared out the window of the coach as it rolled through the countryside. She was traveling to her grandmother’s house to spend Christmas with her, and she hoped a change of scenery would do her good. Frankly, she wasn’t sure what would help her now, especially since her reputation was in tatters due to not one, but two broken engagements.
What had become of her? She once was a diamond of the first water, but that all changed after her first broken engagement with Lord Barrett. He had called off the engagement to serve in the Royal Army, shattering her heart in the process. She had been young, naïve, and never thought any misfortune would fall upon her. How foolish she had been. Since then, she had guarded her heart, not allowing anyone in.
Arabella hoped she would find some solace at her grandmother’s estate. She needed a respite from her unrelenting thoughts, knowing she was destined for spinsterhood. She was tired of pretending all was well when her life was crumbling around her, threatening to consume every last ounce of joy.
Her lady’s maid, Mary, spoke up. “Are you all right, milady?”
“I am,” Arabella lied, bringing her gaze back to meet hers.
Mary didn’t appear convinced but fortunately didn’t press her. “How much longer until we arrive at Lady Langdon’s country home?”
“It shouldn’t be much longer,” Arabella replied. “I do appreciate you coming along with me. It has made the trip much more bearable.”
“You don’t have to keep thanking me for doing my job.”
“But I feel as if I must, since I am taking you away from your family on Christmas.”
Mary gave a slight shrug of her shoulders. “We shall celebrate once I return.”
Arabella found herself envious of her lady’s maid and her close-knit family. It was something she wished she possessed. Her father had recently married a woman only five years older than herself, and the woman was truly awful to her. When she complained to her father about her stepmother’s ill treatment towards her, he just dismissed her out of hand.
The coach turned down the lane that led to her grandmother’s country home, and she admired the trees that lined the road. They had grown since the last time she had visited Langdon Hall nearly five years ago. She hadn’t been back here since that fateful day when Lord Barrett had visited her for the last time.
The coach stopped in front of a large, rectangular manor with a portico over the main door. After the footman stepped off the perch and placed the step down, he opened the door and assisted them out of the coach.
Arabella stared up at Langdon Hall and attempted to fight back the flood of unwelcome memories that came to her mind. She wasn’t here to relive the past, but to learn how to move forward. She was still rooted in her spot when the main door opened and she was greeted by a familiar face.
“Good evening,” Moore said, opening the door wide.
She smiled at the aging butler as she approached him. He was short, with white, thinning hair, and his shoulders were hunched over. “It is good to see you looking so well,” she replied before she stepped into the entry hall.
