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“Right.” He sucked in lungsful of air and nearly missed a step as he craned his neck to keep track of Lynette’s movements. She strolled the perimeter of the room, with her mother trailing. That woman hadn’t dressed for the holiday or with flair, for her black bombazine skirts were the anthesis of gaiety, as was the black lace wrap she held about herself like a shield. Behind her, Jack tripped along, his face wreathed in smiles, as he nibbled at the small cake in his hand. “My apologies,” he said to his sister. “I’ll try better to attend you and the dance.” He guided them through the first turn as if nothing untoward had happened.
“You hopeless idiot.” Affection softened the words. She laughed, sounding much like she had before sadness touched her life. “Sure, brother of mine, you’re not in love at all,” she joked, her steps matching his, for growing up, their mother had made them practice with a dancing instructor three times a week.
“I don’t know what you mean.” But heat crept up the back of his neck all the same.
“When a man is completely mesmerized by a woman’s entrance into the room, there’s no hope left. He’s much too far gone to go back.” Fondness lingered in her tones and reflected in her eyes. She squealed when he took them around the next turn with aplomb. “I hope you make a go of it with Lynette. You are a handsome couple and you’ll be a fantastic father to John.”
“It’s out of my hands, but thank you for the confidence.” Yes, the boy did need a father, and already Stephen felt responsible for him. Warmth filled his chest as his pulse beat out a rapid tattoo. But would Lynette be willing to take a chance?
As the dance came to an end, he waved to his mother. No doubt he’d need to take her out for a dance soon. It was one of her more darling expectations. He dropped a kiss upon his sister’s cheek. “Thank you for the talk and the waltz. I’m better prepared now to take on the world.”
“I’m glad to hear it.” She sighed as he brought her back to the sidelines where they’d begun their conversation.
He executed a half bow from the waist. “Now, if you please, I’m off to dance with the most beautiful female in attendance tonight.”
“Mrs. Hodgins?”
“No, my brilliant niece.” As the string orchestra prepared for another waltz, he crossed the floor with purpose, stopping in front of Lucy. “Might I have this dance?” He bowed to her, and she giggled as only a five-year-old girl could.
“Yes, please, Uncle Stephen.”
“Excellent.” He scooped her up into his arms. “My, my, you are obviously the most beautiful girl here. I think you’re a princess in disguise.”
“Princesses have tiaras.”
“Perhaps they do, but not always.” Stephen occupied an open spot on the floor. He beamed at the couples around him. “Isn’t my niece the personification of Christmastide?” When murmurs of agreement circled about, his grin widened. Yes, he’d neglected her terribly since beginning his quest to win over John as well as Lynette. Never again. There was room in his heart for all of them.
The realization left him once more breathless with wonder.
At first it felt rather odd to go through the steps without a partner matching him, but then he gave himself over to the fun of whisking Lucy about, and when her gay laughter rang in his ears, and her joy-filled eyes met his own, his heart swelled to almost bursting in gratitude. Now he was thankful he’d come to Ivy Castle. Christmastide had given him the chance to renew his acquaintance with his family, and that was one of the best feelings in the world.
Close to the end of the set, Stephen paused long enough to put Lucy on the floor. She promptly settled her feet upon his, and they conducted the remainder of the waltz at their own pace while couples swirled around them.
“Oh, that was great fun, Uncle Stephen!” Lucy fairly hopped up and down while polite applause echoed through the room.
“I’m glad you enjoyed it.” He kneeled before her and took one of her hands, bringing it to his lips. “Where are you off to now, princess of my heart?”
She tossed her gleaming chestnut curls over one shoulder. “I require a glass of punch, please.” Then a calculated gleam entered her eyes. “John has a cake. Do you think I could have one too?”
“I don’t see why not.” He stood and took her hand once more. “Let’s find the refreshment table, shall we?” When he glanced up, his gaze connected with Lynette’s. She offered a smile, and he nearly forgot his own name at the pleasure in her expression. He held up a finger to indicate he’d be with her in one moment, and then quickly escorted his niece to the promised refreshments table. His sister walked the perimeter of the room, no doubt intending to join her daughter and monitor her ingestion of sweets.
“I must talk to other ladies,” he said while kneeling once more so that he was at eye level with Lucy. “Do you mind?”
“No, but will you tell me goodnight when Mama says I have to leave?”
“Of course I will. It’s a favorite part of my day.” That was God’s honest truth, for he never missed the opportunity to send her off to dreamland. Yes, once he returned to London, he’d make it a point to visit her more often. No longer would he be remiss in his duties to his family.
“I’m glad.”
“So am I.” He kissed her cheek. The scents of lemonade and honey met his nose, for she’d already made headway into her snack. “Until then, my princess.”
Now it was time to charm Lynette and extract her promise. He wanted nothing else.
