AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Chapter Two
Miss Noelle Gedneygazed across the sea of sheep at the man who’d introduced himself as Captain Marsden. Of course she knew who he was, for her father was the estate manager for Worchester Park, and all her life she’d had glimpses of the earl’s children, had even run about the countryside with them when they were younger.
Did he remember her?
Because she couldn’t help it, her focus drifted to the empty place where his left arm would have hung. There was only a pinned-up sleeve of his greatcoat, but the missing limb didn’t detract from his appearance, for the war had touched every life in England. She hadn’t seen him for many years—certainly before he’d gone into the military—and the man he’d become was astonishing. His strong chest spoke of physical exercise as did his slightly sculpted legs clad in brown breeches, and a stubborn jaw hinted at the same in his personality. His height was several inches over hers, and his red hair done in a latest style almost gleamed even though the day was overcast. His top hat sat on a slight angle over his right eye, and he watched her with a certain wariness.
Belatedly, she recalled that he awaited an answer. “You must have been very brave not only to have gone to war, but to also have fought in that much-lauded battle.” A shiver went down her spine, not for the fact he’d been a solider—though shedidhave a weakness for a military man—but because Captain Marsden was quite handsome.
The captain snorted. “I don’t know how brave. Most of us were there because we thought it a great lark in the beginning. It was only later when we were expected to kill our fellow man the reality sank in.” He rubbed his gloved hand along his chin. “What did you say your name was?”
“I didn’t.” She couldn’t help her smile for it was easy to tease him, even with a flock of sheep between them.
His eyes narrowed. “You seem familiar to me. Have we met before?”
“I should think so. We’ve been in and out of each other’s lives since childhood.” When he appeared confused, she took pity on him. “I’m Miss Noelle Gedney. My father wasyourfather’s estate manager.” A tiny gasp escaped her when she realized the error. “Er, I suppose he’s your brother’s estate manager now. He’s to meet with the earl soon.” She blew out a breath. “I’m sorry for your loss.”
“Thank you. Grief still hits me when I’m not expecting it.”
“How well I understand that.”
When he attempted to move closer, the sheep didn’t accommodate him and closed ranks. Then his expression brightened. “I remember you. One never forgets the first Noelle he’s met. It’s an unusual name.”
Unaccountably, heat infused her cheeks. “It is. My mother was enamored of anything that smacked of Christmastide. She absolutely adored the carolThe First Nowellwhich is Cornish in origin from many years back. That song also has early French connotations possibly predating the Cornish variation.”Merciful heavens, why am I babbling about this?As the heat of embarrassment went through her chest, she shrugged. “Suffice it to say, she was adamant Noelle would become my name. I suppose it’s more pleasing than Dorcas or Madge.”
“Dare I ask what your middle name is?” A trace of amusement clung to his voice, and the timbre of it sent a few tingles into her belly.
“Joy.”
The corners of his lips twitched with the beginnings of a smile. “I see.” Did the man not grin naturally, or had he merely forgotten how?
“As I said, Christmastide was her favorite time of year. She died when I was seventeen, and I’ve missed her every day since.” Not a day went by in the intervening eleven years that she hadn’t wished she could talk to her mother one last time. “I’m afraid I have mixed feelings regarding the holiday season now, but to keep my mother’s memory alive, I hold to the traditions.”
“That’s a nice way to remember her.” Captain Marsden rested his hand atop a sheep’s head. Slowly, he roved his gaze up and down her form with all the leisure of a practiced rogue. Both heat and gooseflesh were left behind after that obvious perusal, and when he returned his attention to her face, hedidgrin then. “I’m happy to remake your acquaintance, Miss Gedney.”
A shiver ofsomethingtripped down her spine. How exceedingly odd, this strange pull building between them. “Did your family come with you to Worchester Park? It didn’t occur to me to ask Papa about the comings and goings here.” A few raindrops splattered onto her cheeks. Apparently, it would rain yet again. Too much more of the precipitation and the roads would turn to pure mud. “He’s been busy as of late, and now I know why. There must be much to discuss with your brother regarding the earl’s holdings.” Really, she should pay more attention to things around her. “And poor Papa is fretting, for he doesn’t know if the new earl will retain his services like the old one did.”
The captain’s eyes widened. Of course, that was far too much information she’d just given him, for she was prone to babble when nervous.
“I’m sure your father has nothing to worry about. Royce is quite overwhelmed with everything, so he’ll appreciate the guidance. As to your question, the answer is unfortunately, yes. Both Royce and Jane are here with their spouses.” A trace of bitterness wove through his voice.
“Whyunfortunately?I’d think it would be grand to live here during Christmastide.” Noelle had been to London twice in her lifetime, so she could only guess about life within theton. It would be a fine idea indeed to be called a lady or go about in rich fabrics and jewels, but her life wasn’t anything to sneeze at, and she was grateful for it.
“I suppose it is. I’ve never thought about it before, but it’s different now, seeing the Park through the eyes of grief.” The captain shrugged. “Though, holiday celebrations will be kept small and center mostly around family, perhaps a few close friends. However, I’d hoped to pass the time alone.”
“That’s sad. Are you opposed to holiday revelry? Perhaps a bit of fun might chase away your melancholy.” How fascinating to discover this man’s life. He was so different from the last time she’d seen him, his missing arm notwithstanding. What did he do while in London?
“Not exactly, but I’m growing rancorous the older I get, which isn’t like me at all. Usually, my brother and I are a jovial pair and made a mark of teasing… until the advent of Isobel.”
A stab of envy or perhaps jealousy lanced through Noelle’s chest. “Is she a woman you both fought over?”
What business was it to her if he had a romance? She barely knew him.
“Hardly.” When she remained silent and continued to look at him, he sighed. “Isobel is Royce’s wife, and a Storme to boot.”
“I’m afraid I don’t know what that means. That last bit.”
“Well, I do, and suffice it to say, whenever there’s a Storme involved, chaos follows.” A snort mixed with a bark of laughter issued from him. “And this from a man who has been told on more than one occasion he’s an honorary Storme.”
