This is "Beneath the Mistletoe" a Lords of Avalon short story I posted on my Facebook page on Christmas Day!

I thought I would share it on the blog also. I also posted a longer story on Christmas Day called, A Child is Born. I may post that on the blog at a later date. Currently, I am working on completing the rough draft of Book 1 of the Decker Brothers Trilogy, a new Contemporary Paranormal series, while also researching and doing some writing on Book 1 of the new adventures of the Lords of Avalon, The Avalon Society Chronicles. I hope you enjoy Beneath the Mistletoe!

 



Beneath the Mistletoe

© 2014 K. R. Richards

London, December 1834

“Happy Christmas to you Sylvanus!” Oliver raised his glass.

“The same to you. I trust you will retreat to your country house and spend Christmas with your family.” Sylvanus Rooke rose from his seat in Ruan Menwennick’s, office at the Department.

“Yes, and I am determined to drag Ince from the chair behind his desk and bring him along. I swear, I think he lives here most of the time.”

Behind his desk, formerly the desk of Stephen Johnstone, Lord Lyndhurst, Ruan Menwennick, the Earl of Ince, ran a hand through his hair then waved it in the air. “I’m not going anywhere, Oliver. I’ve a mountain of paperwork to get through before the week is out.” There were days he cursed being the new Head of the Department. This was one of them.

“I thought Creed was helping you with the paperwork.” Sylvanus Rooke looked to him as he shrugged into his coat.

“Humph. He was – until I gave him leave to return to Cornwall for two weeks.”

“Your mother and sister are coming to town to celebrate the New Year with you, aren’t they?” Oliver asked him.

“Yes, thank goodness. I felt quite badly that I couldn’t make it to Cornwall to spend Christmas with them. I had to meet with the King yesterday, so, there was not enough time.” He looked to Sylvanus. “You’ll let me know as soon as you find out any information on these persons Charlie was corresponding with about this blasted Shroud?”

“Of course.”

“What of you, Sylvanus? Will you be joining your family for Christmas?” Oliver asked.

“I’m afraid that’s impossible this year. Business matters keep me in London.” He retrieved his hat.

“Well, you must come to Braxton Hall tomorrow evening. It is Mama’s annual Yuletide gathering. I am dragging Ruan along. Come join us.”

“I’m afraid I cannot. Thank you for the invitation. Some other time, perhaps?” Sylvanus declined.

“You’re not dragging me to a soiree, Oliver. I have much more important things to do such as finish this report for the King,” Ruan grumped.

“I’m sorry to inform you, but I am dragging you there. I’ll tie you up if I must. I do not want to face all of the “eligible females” Mama has invited to entice me into matrimony by myself. Besides, the King has expressed his eagerness that you should wed and quickly. He feels being a married man will give a man as young as you are more credibility as Head of the Department. It’s best you select your own wife rather than allow His Majesty to do so. That way could lay disaster. I’m certain Mama has worked hard to gather a flock of most eligible and young ladies.”

Ruan frowned at Oliver. “Don’t remind me. I haven’t time for myself of late, how can I possibly find the time for a wife? Besides… oh hell, nevermind.”

“Haven’t mended fences with Lady Anna yet, I presume?” Sylvanus grinned at him.

Ruan sent him a dark look. “How do you know everything that goes on in London, damn it? I’m beginning to think you’re a much better candidate for Head of the Department than I am.”

“I know everything that goes on in London because Marrek used to pay me for the service, and now you do. I also happen to know Lady Anna is believed to be pining away for an unknown suitor.”

“She has a suitor?” Ruan’s head snapped up. His quill dropped onto the blotter. He looked alarmed and bit angry.

“No, she does not. No one can figure out whom it is exactly that she pines for. She is still mourning her father, true, but she has no interest in making matches. ‘Tis said her grandmother and aunt are at loose ends trying to tempt her into matrimony. Word has it that she proclaims she will not marry. Yet, she behaves much like a woman with a broken heart. The Matriarchs of the Johnstone family are up in arms.”

“Oh.” Ruan sat back in his chair, relaxing somewhat.

“You, uh, never did tell me what happened between the two of you when you returned her from Cornwall to London after her father’s death,” Oliver mentioned. “I am certain of one thing, something did happen. You’re rather touchy when it comes to Lady Anna.” Oliver raised a thick, black brow at his friend.

“It’s no one’s business but mine and Lady Anna’s.” Ruan ground out.  

“We’ll see about that,” Oliver chuckled and grinned.

“No, we will not. Don’t you have some drinking and carousing to do tonight, Oliver? I’m very busy here. Surely, there is one over-sexed matron somewhere in Town who needs your attentions this evening.”

Oliver rose and took his coat from the rack near the door. “As a matter of fact, I do have some business to attend to. However, in lieu of an over-sexed matron, I was thinking more along the lines of visiting Madame Jeanette’s establishment later in the evening. The women employed by Madame are exquisite in their beauty, grace, and manners, not to mention they are highly skilled in the finer art of seduction. I daresay you might benefit from an evening spent at Jeanette’s, if for no other reason than to relieve your tension.”

“I’ve a report to get to the King by tomorrow morning. No, thank you. I have no need of anyone from Madame Jeanette’s.”

Oliver shrugged. “Very well. I’ll see you tomorrow morning at ten.”

“Goodnight, Mr. Rooke, and a Happy Christmas to you,” Ruan looked to Sylvanus.

“To you as well, Ruan. Do yourself a favor and take a day or two off,” Sylvanus offered.

Ruan shrugged. “I wish I could. Goodnight, Oliver. I will see you at nine in the morning. Nine! I’ll need you to read through this report before I deliver it to His Majesty.”

“At nine then,” Oliver nodded, put on his hat and followed Sylvanus from the room leaving Ruan quite alone.

Ruan stared at the papers before him for a moment. “Damn it, Anna!” he whispered then pushed his problems with Anna to the back of his mind. He had work to do. He could not afford to lose precious time by thinking of one Lady Anna Johnstone.

 

It was three o’clock in the afternoon when Oliver returned to the Department office. He left at ten that morning, after seeing to it the reports for the King were finished and sent off.

Rheese Carlyon and Deveril Pendarves followed him.

Mr. Smythe, Ruan’s assistant and secretary, was already gone. Oliver sent him out the door that morning so he might travel to his family home in Kent.

Oliver paused before he knocked on Ruan’s door and looked to Dev and Rheese. “Are you prepared for this? It could get nasty.”

Dev covered his mouth to hide a chuckle. He grinned and nodded. “I think we can handle this.”

Rheese motioned for Ruan’s valet to come along behind them. The man carried two portmanteaus.

“Good afternoon!” Oliver called out as he entered Ruan’s office.

“It is afternoon, but it hasn’t been particularly good, Oliver. Why are you here? I thought you would be in Sussex, at Braxton Hall by now.” He looked up to see Oliver was already dressed in formal attire.

“I couldn’t go without you, my friend.”

“I told you, I am not leaving Town.”

Oliver drew his pistol from inside his coat. “I disagree. I have come to inform you, that you are, indeed, traveling to Sussex with me as soon as you are properly dressed for the occasion.”

Ruan’s eyes widened. “What the hell?”

Rheese slid by Oliver, reached into Ruan’s drawer where he kept his pistol, and removed it.

“My own kinsman from Kernow has turned traitor?” Ruan complained.

Rheese grinned then shrugged. “Depends on how you look at it, cousin. You’ve been in a foul mood for weeks. Oliver has offered to take you from your office and make certain you enjoy yourself this Christmas. Your employees are hoping you return in a better mood and with a new perspective on the Department business and life. Dev and I are going to mind the office while you are away. We promise to contact you immediately with any emergency. You could be back within a mere two hours if you were needed. Reames, your loyal valet, has informed your household of the location where you can be reached if you receive an important summons. So, you are going to Braxton Hall.”

“I can’t leave London,” Ruan blurted out as he glared at each of them in turn.

“The King does not expect you to stay here at Christmas. As long as he can reach you, he will be content. I sent a note to him, advising him of your whereabouts for the next several days. He replied that you should enjoy your days off and thanks you for your hard work.” Oliver gave Ruan a wide smile.

“You forged a letter from me to the King?” Ruan leaned forward then sat back and shook his head in disbelief.

Oliver grinned. He nodded as he looked to his friend. “What was I to do, Ince? You are moping about, biting everyone’s head off. You need a break. This is in the Department’s best interest as much as it is yours.”

“I can’t leave town. Lady Anna might need me. This time of year will be hard for her. It’s the first Christmas without her father. I want to be near in case-”

“Ah, wonderful! Braxton Hall is just the place for you then. Have I ever told you that Lady Anna is my mother’s goddaughter? Her favorite goddaughter? I should also mention that Lady Anna, her grandmother, and aunt shall be guests at Braxton hall for the next four days. Mama invited them specifically because she knew this would be a difficult time for them all. I should also add that they accepted Mama’s invitation and arrived at Braxton Hall this morning. Lady Anna is a guest in my house, as we speak. You will be very near to her in the event she needs you. This proves to be the most perfect scenario for you, wouldn’t you agree?”

Ruan fidgeted. “Well, she may not be pleased to see me.”

“I wager she will be happy to see you. I know for certain you will be pleased to see her. So, get dressed. Reames, dress your Lordship.” Oliver cocked his pistol, pointed it at Ruan, and looked at him with a very pleased smile upon his face.

“You’re enjoying this too damn much,” Ruan glared at him.

“I am indeed!” Oliver threw back his head and laughed.

 

“I can’t believe I allowed you to force me into this,” Ruan shook his head as they were admitted into the ballroom where Lady Braxton’s Yuletide Gala was already in full swing. The room was decorated, festooned, and illuminated by the light of no less than a thousand candles. Oliver’s home had been transformed into a sparkling, winter wonderland.  

“Oliver! I knew you’d come…eventually!” His mother, the Marchioness of Braxton hurried up to greet him.

“Mama, you are the loveliest woman here.” Oliver smiled down at his salt and pepper-haired mother. He bent his head and kissed her upon her offered cheek.

“Goodness, son, your compliment is overdone. At my age, the best I can hope for is looking younger than my years. Lord Ince, I am so happy you have come tonight. You are most welcome in our home.” She laid her hand upon Ruan’s arm. “Now, you must let me introduce you to some of our guests, and I’ll not take no for an answer.”

“Go on, Ruan. I’ll wait here for you,” Oliver waved him away. He laughed when Ruan turned back and fixed an icy glare upon him.

As promised, his mother led Ruan to the very group that included Lady Anna Johnstone. There was nothing Eudora Talbot liked better than making matches. The only work involved on Oliver’s part was to put a whisper in mother’s ear that Ruan needed a wife, and that he was attracted to Lady Anna. And that was all that had been required to place Ruan right next to Lady Anna within five minutes of him walking into the ballroom.

He stood back, as much of a wallflower as any of the long on-the-shelf spinsters present. He watched the laughter, the gaiety, the romantic looks exchanged by some, the love mirrored in the eyes of several of the younger couples present. There was not evidence of romance everywhere, but for some odd reason, he noticed where it was on display tonight. He looked on as an outsider. An observer. Memories of Cait instantly crept into his mind. He had not thought of her in several weeks, mayhap a month or more. So much for thinking he had finally put those all too painful memories of her behind him. From two years ago, damn it! Of course, he would think of her tonight.

It was just before Christmas when they had met the first time, two years ago. By the time New Years came that year, they were deeply in love. When he left for his next mission two weeks after that, he told her to wait, promised he would ask for her hand when he returned. He even told her he loved her. He had never spoken those words to any woman before that, nor since. Sometimes, he allowed himself to remember that magical night before he left. He spent the entirety of it in her bed…loving her. Really loving her. Even after two years, his heart still hurt thinking about the way it felt to love her. He never experienced anything like that before she came into his life, nor after she left him. It was only with Cait.

He never saw Cait again. He returned to England five months later, to find that she had married some Scottish Baronet and had returned to her homeland.

She was married. There was no reason to seek her out in Scotland, no purpose in finding out why she had not waited for him and chosen to marry another. He would never understand. He would never forgive her. The most perplexing thing to him was that she had come to him a virgin. She had professed her love to him, knowing he was leaving on a mission. Four months later, she married another man.

He shook his head, stepped into his study, and poured himself a brandy. Then one more for good measure. Damn, he hated Cait. She was the only woman he had ever wanted to marry and the only woman who had ever broken his heart. He looked up to the ceiling as he willed calm to come to him. He needed to forget her. He smiled when he saw the mistletoe hanging from a chandelier.  

 

“How are you, Anna?” Ruan asked as they began the waltz.

Her eyes watered. She refused to cry in front of him. 

“As well as can be expected.” Anna shrugged. “Things are difficult now. Grandmother and my sisters still mourn for Papa quite deeply. Grandmama wanted the family to observe a full year of mourning; however, she also wishes to see me wed. She has moved us to half-mourning, yet insists we pay our social obligations.

“Don’t you dare marry anyone but me, Anna,” Ruan ground out an angry whisper.

“I choose not to marry at all right now, Ruan. I may never wed.” Lady Anna Johnstone sighed deeply. She was happy to see Ruan, but at the same time, it was an awkward situation.

“Before it’s said and done, you will marry me. If I have to resort to telling your grandmother what happened between us in Salisbury to make it so, I will.”

“You will not!” Anna retorted in a heated whisper.

“I promised to give you a year. And you’ll have that – unless you get yourself engaged to another, then my promise is forfeit.”

“I do not wish to marry anyone at this time. I miss Papa acutely still. I need this time to heal. I need to try and understand why…” she swallowed the lump in her throat, “I need to find a way to forgive him,” her voice faltered. Ruan saw tears forming in her big, brown eyes.

“I know, sweetheart. I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to upset you,” Ruan whispered softly against her ear. “I care about you!”

A tear slid down her cheek. “I – I know you do.”

Ruan maneuvered them toward the refreshment table when the waltz ended. However, they expertly strolled by the refreshments and he pulled her down the corridor into Oliver’s private study so she might recover from her near bout of tears.

“Thank you,” she breathed and closed her eyes. She took several deep breaths, exhaling slowly with each one.

“How is your anxiety, sweetheart?” Ruan couldn’t help it; he stroked her cheek with his fingers. He already knew her skin to be as soft as silk.

“Better.” She nodded. “I sometimes go for days without an attack.”

“And the dreams?”

“Are less frequent,” Anna provided.

“Good, I’m relieved to hear it. Anna, please let me call upon you. It’s been months. Let me come to see you once a week, please. I can even meet you at a social gathering from time to time. I can’t bear not being near you.”

“We can try, I suppose. It’s just that I am so reminded of father when I am with you.”

“I know. I have his job. I spend more hours than I should in a day in his office. I was with you when he jumped… I do not want to hurt you further, but Anna, I miss you. I think about you every single day. I worry about you. If I could at least see you, I would feel better. I need to talk to you. I need to know how you fare.”

He removed his handkerchief and presented it to her. He was torn. Here she was crying, no doubt because of him, but he was happy to be here, happy to be with her. He looked upward and saw it, a sprig of mistletoe hanging from the chandelier.  

“Anna. I’m afraid I must kiss you.”

Her head snapped up. “I don’t think it wise after…I don’t think we should.”

“Look.” He pointed upward. “Mistletoe. Just one kiss. I promise there will be nothing more. One kiss? Please, Anna? It is almost Christmas.”

“I – I can’t Ruan.” Anna shook her head. “I don’t think I could stop at just one kiss. I – I - I’m sorry,” she began to tear up again.

“Shh, sweetheart. It’s okay. Don’t cry. I understand. I’m sorry for suggesting it.” Ruan snatched the handkerchief from her fingers and dried her tears himself. He wanted to kiss her, hold her. Damn it all, he wanted so much more. Yet, he didn’t want to hurt her. Couldn’t bear to see her cry.

After she composed herself, he led her back into the ballroom. He danced one more waltz with her and took her to the refreshment table. Otherwise, he watched her from afar. Longed for her. Wished that things could be less complicated between them. He had to hope that in September, when the year he promised her was up, she would choose to marry him. She had to. What would he do if she didn’t?

 

He hadn’t been able to speak to Anna privately but once on Christmas Eve. Then it was only for a few minutes. It was now Christmas night. He had been seated next to her at dinner, that was a blessing. The houseguests at Braxton House numbered about fifteen, so it was impossible to find time alone with her. He was leaving after breakfast tomorrow morning. He wanted to speak to her in private before he left. He was beginning to doubt that would happen as the evening drew closer to an end.

Downhearted, he had about talked himself into retiring for the night when Oliver approached him.

“You must come to the study with me, Ruan.”

“Thank you, no. I’m going to turn in. I must leave early tomorrow,” he explained.

“No, you are going to the study. I promised I wouldn’t tell, but you force me to betray a confidence. Lady Anna awaits you there,” he whispered lowly.

Ruan looked up quickly. “She is?” he whispered.

Oliver nodded. “Go to her.”

Ruan gave him a nod and walked purposefully out of the drawing room into the corridor. A turn onto another corridor and he found himself before the study door. He turned the knob, opened it, and there, indeed, stood Anna, resplendent in her deep red, velvet gown.

“You came,” she whispered and smiled at him.

“Of course I did.”

“I decided I was wrong to decline your request for a kiss,” she pointed to the mistletoe above them. “May we share the one kiss you asked for two nights ago?”

“Yes,” he nodded. He paused, mainly to get hold of his emotions – his passion. One kiss. It must be the kiss of a gentleman, he cautioned himself.

He took one, two, and a third step toward her. He placed his shaking fingers upon her waist. It wasn’t from fear, rather anticipation, for he had dreamed of this moment for months. He smiled, bent his head, and kissed her – tenderly, gently. He did not want to frighten her and cause her to pull back, but he allowed his emotions, his feelings for her to come through. God, how he had missed her! Her lips were soft and warm. Inviting. He breathed in her jasmine scent and it reminded him of another night many months ago. He felt her tremble then became mesmerized by her sweet return of his kiss. He kept things light so he didn’t overwhelm her. When she pulled back, she gave him a brilliant smile that revealed her dimples.

“Thank you, Ruan.”

“Thank you, Anna. May I call upon you next week?” he watched her face while he waited for an answer.

“Yes,” she smiled. “What day can I expect you?”

“Thursday is a good day for me. In the afternoon? Say, around two?”

“That is a good time for me. Thursday, then. At two.”

“I’ll be there,” Ruan reached down, took her hand in his, and brought it to his lips. “Until Thursday, my dearest Anna.”

“Until Thursday,” she whispered.

He opened the study door, cautiously checking the corridor. It was empty so he ushered her out, and led her back toward the drawing room. He let her go in ahead of him, so as not to draw attention to the fact that that they had been together.

Oliver exited the drawing room and walked toward him.

“You look as if your spirits are lifted,” he drawled.

“They are. Thank you, Oliver. For everything,” Ruan whispered.

“So, things are good? Back to normal?”

“No, but things are looking better. Much improved, in any case.”

“Well that is good news,” Oliver clapped him on the back.

“Again, thank you.”

“You’re welcome. Happy Christmas, Ruan,” he said as he plucked two glasses of champagne from a passing footman’s tray. He handed one to his friend.

“Here’s hoping eighteen hundred and thirty-five is a better year for us both,” Oliver raised his glass.  

Ruan clinked the crystal glass against Oliver’s. “I’ll drink to that. Happy Christmas, Oliver.”

“Now, I’ve some bad news, Ruan. I received a summons for you from the King a half hour ago. I thought it could wait until after your meeting beneath the mistletoe…so here it is,” Oliver pulled the message from his coat pocket.

“Oh,” Ruan opened the missive from the King, frowning as he read it.

“Do you have to leave tonight?”

“No. But I must leave at dawn.” Ruan shrugged.

“Well, let’s get back into the drawing room. You’ll need to say good-bye to a certain lady.”

Ruan nodded. He sighed.

When he walked in, he saw Anna talking to Oliver’s mother and her grandmother. He didn’t miss the smile she sent his way.

He sighed with relief. Things between them had definitely improved. There was still hope. He returned her smile.

“By the way, who put mistletoe in your study?” Ruan turned to ask Oliver before he went to join Anna. He could say his farewells to her grandmother, Lady Braxton, and most importantly, to her.

Oliver’s eyes twinkled with merriment. He shrugged. “I have no idea.”