Page 7 of Yule Be Mine

Chapter Three

The morning had dawned crisp and cold, but then that was the usual way of it in December. Yule gazed out the drawing room window over the frozen lawn, the sun’s thin rays tinging the snow with faint streaks of pink. For some reason, the hint of color made him think of Penelope’s cheeks before she’d stalked back to her parents last night. Strange how his thoughts kept returning to the child. He supposed it might be because her appearance last night had been such a shock. He really needed to concentrate on what eligible ladies were available this weekend so he could at least attempt to think about getting on with the wager.

“Yule, good morning.” Fritz clamped him on the shoulder. “I trust you slept well. Have you breakfasted yet?”

“I have. Always a bit of an early riser, if you remember.” Yule smiled at his friend. “I might just nip back in for another cup of coffee.”

“A good idea, as we are heading out into the woods in about half an hour. The plan is to collect the greenery and tree this morning, decorate the house this afternoon in preparation for the ball this evening.” His friend grinned, then turned toward another gentleman who’d just entered the room. “Carrington, good morning. Can I get a word?” Fritz tapped Yule’s shoulder. “Be sure to dress warmly.”

“I will,” Yule called as his friend hurried after the other guest.

“Good morning, Ulysses.”

Yule’s head snapped back around, and he gasped.

Penelope stood before him, smiling radiantly, dressed in a very smartly cut walking gown in a bold blue and black plaid, trimmed in black that made her waist seem small enough for him to span with his hands. An elegant blue velvet bonnet accented in black hid much of her red hair but made her eyes a dazzling sapphire. For a moment, it was again as though he didn’t know who she was, just like last night when he first saw her across the room.

He returned her smile. “Good morning, Penelope. You are looking well this morning.” Better than well, to be sure. She looked most attractive.

“As do you. I understand we are going to gather greenery this morning. The weather is fortunately clear, though it looks terribly cold.” She nodded to the icy scene outside the window.

“I daresay we will be chilly at first, but our efforts may warm us up sufficiently.” He hoped her mother would make sure Penelope dressed warmly enough.

“Yes, the Mistletoe Run should take care of that quite nicely.” Her eyes sparkled as she spoke the words, making Yule’s stomach drop.

It would be damned awkward if he was paired with Penelope for that kissing game. He’d have to make certain he was partnered with some other young lady.

“Do you think we might fetch the greenery together, Ulysses? I’d like to catch up, see what you’ve been up to all this time.” Her low-pitched, lyrical voice was lovely to listen to.

There was no reason why they couldn’t do the gathering together. Nothing at all strange about that. They hadn’t seen one another in such a long time, of course Penelope would be curious about what he’d been doing. He’d likely do most of the talking, of course. Not much for her to tell about her life in Ireland. Still, it would be good to find out how she’d fared in a strange land, without her brother. “That sounds like a splendid idea, Penelope.”

Her face lit up, just as it had when he’d given her that doll, Mrs. Phillpotts, he recalled. A beautiful face, to be sure, but so young. He’d simply have to make damned sure he had a different partner for the mistletoe game.

“Have you been reading Mr. Dickens’s most recent novel?” The eagerness in her voice made him smile. “It’s called Great Expectations, serialized in his magazine All the Year Round. I think it’s quite a good story so far. The third installment comes out today.”

“I have not begun that one, although I have read quite a few of Mr. Dickens’s novels.” He was rather a fan of the author’s works. “When did it begin?”

“Just two weeks ago, on December first.”

“Ah, well, no wonder I didn’t read it. There was quite a to-do at my grandfather’s house that weekend.” Lord, that had been an eventful two days.

“Do tell, Ulysses.” She stepped closer, her eyes eager. “You always told such good stories when you were a boy.”

“Parts of this one will curl your hair. Are you certain you can stand such a tale?” Her parents had likely already had it from his parents, so he wouldn’t be telling anything out of turn.

She raised her chin. “Try me.”

Yule glanced around to find the guests filing out of the room. They must be heading for the waggonettes that would take them to the woods. “Come, we mustn’t miss our carriage. I’ll tell you on the way out.”

Nodding, she started toward the doorway.

“Oh, Penelope.”

She halted and glanced at him over her shoulder. “Yes?”

“Please call me Yule. Everyone else does.” Only strangers called him Ulysses so it sounded odd coming from little Penelope. Better than the dreadful “Sissy” of course, but too formal for her. He offered her his arm.

“Thank you, Yule.” She took his arm, her touch strangely warm, and they proceeded to the foyer to don coats against the chill of the day.