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“I believe professions of love are best heard from the source. What are your feelings toward him?”
“A few hours ago, I would have told you I thoroughly disliked the man, but now... I don’t know.”
“Understandable. Being loved by man like Lord Cheverell... Well, it is an overwhelming prospect. And loving such a man in return is not a task for the faint of heart. But your heart is anything but faint. It’s strong and stubborn. He sees in you a woman who could be his equal. That’s why he loves you.”
They neared the door. Before they went inside, Mama turned to Chloe and touched her cheek. “Tonight was a close thing, Chloe. If your father knew of this, you’d be forced to accept the earl regardless of your feelings. I hope I’ve bought you some time to consider. However, I suspect you won’t have much of it.”
Chloe kissed her cheek. “Thank you.”
“Come along, then. I have carols to lead. And you have a heart to search.”
Mama went inside. Before following her, Chloe looked over her shoulder.
Lord Cheverell was still there, standing in the drive by his waiting carriage. He was watching over her until she was safely inside.
And he was still wearing the ugliest, gaudiest, most repellently festive waistcoat in the history of Christmas.
Chapter Four
Justin woke to thesound of Christmas bells pounding against his skull. He rolled over in bed, buried his face in the pillow, and groaned.
Last night.
He had a hundred regrets about last night, and only seventeen or so were whisky-related.
He dragged himself to a sitting position and rang for his valet. Today, he could not afford to stay abed. He had a great deal of damage to undo, and the first steps were a headache powder, a bath, and a shave, in that order.
After that...Well, it was Christmas. He should probably go to church and do some repenting. Couldn’t hurt.
And once it was well enough into the day to ensure they’d be awake and ready for callers, he must go to the Garland residence. Only the Christ child in the manger knew how that would unfold. Once he confessed the truth of last night, he might find himself staring down a pistol or four. She did have several brothers.
But the prospect of a bullet-riddled torso was of no moment. His concern must be for Chloe.
Last night, everything had happened so fast. In the moment, he hadn’t known how to correct her mother’s bizarre assumptions. But he could not allow anyone to besmirch her reputation or character on his account. Not even her own family. Most especially not her own family. He knew how dear she held them.
He stumbled over to the washstand, where he splashed cold water over his face and gave his teeth a vigorous scrubbing with tooth powder. By the time Smithson arrived bearing his headache powder and a glass of fizzy water, Justin was feeling slightly human again.
