Once the footman departed, Hastings held the door open for Alden. “If I may be so bold, I have noticed how happy you seem lately. I suspect it has much to do with Lady Elinor.”
Alden nodded, a small smile playing at his lips. “You are right,” he admitted. “Elinor does make me immensely happy- far happier than I have ever been.”
Hastings lowered his voice. “I have heard rumors from theservants at the manor that say you have almost kissed Lady Elinor on multiple occasions.”
“Yes, that is true,” Alden admitted as he approached the door. “But I won’t kiss her unless she is truly ready. I am attempting to be a gentleman.”
“Well, Christmas is a day of miracles, sir,” Hastings remarked.
Alden chuckled, a genuine warmth spreading through him. “For the first time, in a long time, I find that I suspect I am going to enjoy this holiday.”
Hastings smiled. “I wish you luck, sir.”
As Alden approached his door, a thought occurred to him. He stopped and turned to face his valet. “I am sorry that I took you away from your wife on Christmas.”
“I am most fortunate to have a very understanding wife,” Hastings said with a reflective look in his eyes. “We will celebrate once I return home.”
“I do appreciate all that you do for me,” Alden remarked.
Hastings tipped his head in acknowledgement. “It has been a pleasure to serve you, sir, and I hope you find what you seek. Now, you must hurry if you don’t want to be late for the church service.”
Once Alden departed from his bedchamber, he made his way to the awaiting coach. He settled back into his seat and watched the snow create a picturesque white wonderland outside the window. The snowflakes clung to the ground, and he found himself smiling at the serene beauty of it all.
He could be happy here. With Elinor. In truth, he could be happy anywhere as long as she was by his side. He just wanted to be with her.
And then the realization struck him like a bolt of lightning.
He was halfway in love with her.
Good gads! What had he done? Had he not just resolvedto not fall in love? Love would complicate a marriage between them, and he didn’t need any more complications in his life.
The coach came to a stop in front of a quaint stone church, and he watched as the parishioners filed inside.
His mind churned with emotions. What was he going to do? He couldn’t possibly admit such feelings to Elinor, not when they were likely unrequited. He couldn’t even convince her to kiss him, let alone marry him.
But then he saw her. Elinor stepped gracefully out of a coach, dressed in a pale green gown that accentuated her delicate features. Her hair was styled in an elegant chignon, and her cheeks were flushed a rosy pink from the morning chill. She looked every bit the enchanting vision that had captivated his heart.
In that moment, he knew everything would be all right. When he was around Elinor, he felt calm, at peace. She allowed him to be who he truly was, not the persona he adopted to fit into high Society.
Alden departed the coach and approached her. “Good morning, Lady Elinor,” he greeted with a warm smile.
“Good morning,” she responded, her eyes lighting up at the sight of him. Or had he just imagined that? He hoped not.
He stopped in front of her, being mindful to maintain a proper distance. “I trust that you slept well.”
A slight furrow appeared between her brows. “I did not go to bed until late. My uncle was relentless in trying to convince me to marry the duke,” she shared with a weary sigh.
“I’m sorry,” Alden responded, his heart aching for her. “I can only imagine how difficult that must have been.
“It matters not since I refuse to marry the duke and be added to his collection of fine things,” Elinor remarked.
“I think you are wise to do so.”
“My uncle says I am stupid to pass on such an advantageous marriage,” Elinor shared.
Alden smirked. “Well, if I may say, your uncle is a muttonhead,” he responded.
Elinor laughed, and the sound was like music to his soul. “I couldn’t agree more,” she said. “Although, I am sorry he said such hurtful things about you last night during supper.”
