Unholy Nights: A Twisted Christmas Anthology (43 page)

A sense of relief washed over her and slowly exhaled and stepped back toward the door. She had no interest in explaining how they came to be alone in the dark at this time of night. “I should return to my room.”

“I’m sorry” he began softly. “I didn’t mean to—”

She tilted her head to the side and raised an eyebrow at him. “Sorry?”

“Perhaps sorry is not the right word.” He looked a little sheepish as he held out his arm. “May I escort you back?”

“I think we’ve had a close enough call for tonight, don’t you?” She stepped toward him and softly kissed his cheek. “Good night Captain. Until tomorrow.”

CHAPTER 8

Elizabeth pulled aside the curtains and looked out in to the orchard. A fine dusting of snow blanketed the ground and the trees. It was beautiful. She felt a smile tugging at the corners of her mouth and bit her lip. She could not stop thinking about the night before. 

Lucy interrupted her thoughts as she burst into the room. “Happy Christmas Lady Elizabeth. How did you sleep?”

“Well enough. Happy Christmas to you.” Elizabeth looked out the window hoping to hide the blush rising on her cheeks.

“The ghosts didn’t disturb you last night?” Lucy opened the wardrobe and ran her hand along the sleeve of an emerald walking outfit. “What about this? You’ll need to be warmly dressed for the ride in to church.”

“There are no ghosts in Scarsbury Manor.” She said firmly. Why did everyone seem to want to believe in ghosts in this place? More importantly, why did she feel the need to contradict them? She walked over to the wardrobe and looked at Lucy’s selection. “I’d prefer the blue I think.”

“As you like.” She pulled the costume from the wardrobe and laid it on the bed, “One of the housemaids Sarah said there was some kind of accident in the library—a desk completely overturned – and the carpet was a mess with wax. It’s lucky the house wasn’t burnt to the ground.”

“I’m sure there’s a perfectly simple explanation. Someone partaking in too much drink most likely.” Elizabeth felt slightly guilty envisioning her dropped candle—of course that was the least of her transgressions. ”I hope it was not too much trouble to clean up.” 

Lucy just shrugged and began brushing through Elizabeth’s hair. It did not take long to get into presentable shape for Christmas morning and soon she was on her way to the breakfast room. Lady Allen had made it clear she expected everyone for the journey to church and she was determined to not be the last one today.

When she walked into the breakfast room the Lord and Lady Allen were quietly occupying their usual spots at the end of the table while Edward, Captain Wolfe and Mr. Oxley looked to be in deep discussion of the state of the farm. Her heart skipped at the sight of him. It was going to be all she could do not to make a fool of herself by blushing like a silly schoolgirl. Thank goodness the Easterly sisters had not yet arrived.

“Good morning.” Edward greeted her with a smile. “Did you sleep well?”

Why was everyone so concerned about her sleep? She felt the Captain’s eyes on her, but did not look at him, trying to hold on to her composure. “Good morning. Yes, of course, my room is very comfortable.”

Edward raised his eyebrows, “I am surprised you were not disturbed by the crashing about in the library.”

Elizabeth felt her color rising and quickly ducked her head as she poured herself a cup of tea. Did he know what happened—would the Captain tell him? “Oh yes, I mean I heard some noises, but it seems to be a common occurrence does it not?”

“My thoughts exactly,” he replied easily, slapping the Captain on his shoulder. “Fortunately we’ve got Wolfe here to chase after our ghost.”

She peered over the rim of her teacup at the Captain. His eyes were sparkling with pleasure and the corners of his mouth twitched. Of course he was enjoying watching her squirm. She wanted to be angry at him, but she just couldn’t. She liked him like this; smiling, relaxed. 

Sebastian kept his gaze locked on her. “I can assure you Darling, It’s entirely my pleasure.”

Elizabeth almost choked on her tea. She half considered tossing it at him, but she would only make a spectacle of herself. A deep breath would have to suffice—or better yet—turning the tables on him. “And do you intend to chase our ghosts every night Captain Wolfe?”

“I shall make it my particular endeavor while staying at the manor,” he replied evenly.

“What is this about chasing ghosts?” Anne Easterly burst into the room claiming the attention of everyone at the table. “What have I missed?”

“It seems only Captain Wolfe was brave enough to face our unholy visitor last night.” Edward said cheerfully.

Anne gave her sister a bitter look. “I am sure I would have seen the ghost had Mariah not doused my tea with her sleeping powders.”

“You know I didn’t mean to do it.” Mariah was clearly upset as all eyes turned in her direction. “I had a frightful headache and had meant it for myself.”

“Do not make a scene sister, of course I have forgiven you.” Anne smiled and touched her sister’s cheek.  The display lacked sincerity in Elizabeth’s eyes, but Mariah looked grateful for her words. It certainly explained why the sisters had not emerged last night.

“You best stop chattering away and finish your tea. It’s nearly time for church.” Lady Allen looked squarely at the Easterly girls before walking toward the door. “Let us all meet downstairs in thirty minutes. The carriages will be waiting out front.”

“We shall be ready.” Edward called out on their behalf before returning his focus to his tea.

To Elizabeth’s relief, the conversation did not return to the disturbance in the library. Anne had steered the conversation back to herself and was going on about her sighting of the ghost two nights ago. Elizabeth was about ready to go wait in the cold hall rather than listen to any more, when Mariah interrupted the conversation remembering she’d left her cross on her dressing table and begged her sister to retrieve it with her.  Anne left with her begrudgingly much to the relief of everyone remaining.

Edward leaned to the side and peered down the hall to make sure they were out of earshot. “I thought that story would never end, although I did appreciate the detailed description of how gallantly you comforted her Wolfe.”

“Please promise me you will not abandon me to ride in the carriage with those two,” Elizabeth pleaded. “I fear I would not survive it.”

“You would not survive it?” Sebastian looked slightly incredulous, “You should be glad Miss Easterly is not collapsing into your arms at every opportunity. Imagine if the carriage were to hit a bump in the road. My perfectly appointed cravat would be soaked in tears.” 

“Awful business these girls crying and carrying on. I wouldn’t stand for it myself,” Mr. Oxley interjected.

He was a grumpy sort of man Elizabeth decided. She had almost forgotten he was there—and this was not the first occasion where she had been taken aback by his presence. He seemed to fade into the background until he would jump in with some unsolicited and usually unhappy piece of commentary.

Edward rose from his chair and headed toward the door. “I’ll go check out the carriages and report back.”

Elizabeth gave Edward a look of gratitude and was relieved to see Mr. Oxley follow him out of the room. He seemed harmless enough, but it was Christmas and she didn’t need any extra negativity. She turned to Sebastian. “It seems your cravat may be saved after all.”

“Edward is a true friend.” He paused for a moment. “Lady Elizabeth, would you honor me with another ride this afternoon?”

She smiled broadly. “Yes, I would like that very much.”

CHAPTER 9

The Christmas service was pleasant enough and Elizabeth was in a light mood as they returned to the house. Much to her relief they had managed to steer the Easterly girls into the carriage with the Allens and were able to enjoy the journey into town without Anne’s sour disposition. A generous tea was served after they returned home and Elizabeth tried to enjoy the food, but she could only think of her impending ride with the Captain.

Finally, the party broke apart and they were able to escape the big house.  Elizabeth gasped in the fresh air as they led their horses across the drive. It was wonderful to escape the confines of the house even if the weather was less than desirable. The fog had mostly cleared while they were at church, but the frosty ground still crunched under the horse’s feet and she was glad she had worn her heavy velvet cloak over her riding costume.

“Where shall be our destination Lady Elizabeth?” Sebastian asked pulling to a stop. “We could take the same trail through the orchard or venture toward town through the valley.”

“The orchard I think. I enjoyed our ride yesterday and we had to turn off before we reached the end of the trail.” She looked away toward the gnarled apple trees. They were finally alone and now she was afraid to look at him.  What if it had all been a mistake last night? What if it meant nothing to him?  She wanted to acknowledge what had happened, but the fear kept her quiet.

“As you wish.” He nudged his horse back to an easy trot, his eyes focused on the trail ahead.

She looked over at him, studying his expression. He was as handsome as ever, but there was a definite tension in his jaw that had not been there earlier. Perhaps the events of last night weighed on him also.  Words to broach the conversation were streaming through her head, but none of them came to her lips.

“What do you intend to do after the holidays?” he asked casually, breaking the silence.

He posed the question that had been plaguing her since she’d come to Scarsbury. “I am expected back at my family home.”

“And you do not wish to return to your family?”

“Please—it sounds awful when you say it like that. I love my family Captain Wolfe, but it is a difficult situation. They treat me as if I am a child.”

“And you would rather live on your own?” he looked skeptical.

“I would rather have the life that was taken from me.” He flinched at her words. Why had she said that?  He must think she would never get over John. Perhaps it was the truth, but she was ready to move on with her life.

“Impossibilities.” He said simply, his brow crinkled in thought.

“We all have our challenges, do we not?” She wanted to explain herself, but the words still would not come.  If he felt something for her, wouldn’t he say it? What if she made a fool of herself by declaring feelings that were not returned? She retreated the safety of a lighter subject. “I hear you are to entertain us with your violin for the Wassailing?”

His expression soured. “Yes, Miss Easterly talked me into lending my violin for the event. Not that I mind playing, but I hate to expose my instrument to the elements. It has survived too much already.”

Elizabeth raised her eyebrows falling back into the comfort of their usual banter. “I am surprised you could be talked into anything Captain. Didn’t the Navy teach you to be steadfast?”

“The Navy has taught me much of life,” he answered, his voice cool.

“Don’t take yourself so seriously, Captain.” She was attempting to tease, but as soon as the words were out, she knew she had gone too far. He wasn’t in the right mood for teasing. 

His expression grew dark and his eyes flashed with anger. “And the Navy is not serious?  Fine words coming from one who has never had to lift a finger in life. When you have spent three years away at sea in service you can speak to me of the Navy, Lady Elizabeth.”

“At least you have the opportunity to do something in life,” she shot back. “My only expectation is to marry someone who will please my family.”

He pulled his horse to a stop and narrowed his eyes at her. “Well you accomplished that once already and did quite well for yourself.”

“Don’t misconstrue my words.” She glared back at him. “You may not have seen us together, but I loved John.”

Time seemed frozen for a moment as they stared each other down, until he finally jerked his reins and galloped ahead, eventually disappearing around a bend in the path. She pulled her horse slowly to a stop and took a deep breath. What had just happened? Why had she said that? He was right, she had never been expected to work, but it’s not as though she had a choice about it. She was lucky to find John first time, but now she was expected to find someone new or be considered a burden to her family for the rest of her life. Even with independent means they felt ‘responsible’ for her. Men never had to suffer that feeling of dependence in the way a woman did. 

Still, she could not imagine the hardship of life at sea. Away from everything you knew for months and years living in tiny quarters with outbreaks of disease and threats of attack. It made her problems, her life, seem rather trivial in comparison. The look of pain in his eyes flashed before her again and her stomach dropped.  What if he did not come back? She could justify herself ten times over, but she didn’t want to be right—she just wanted him to be beside her again. She wanted him to look at her with those eyes. She wanted to feel his strong arms around her. Had she fallen in love with him?

CHAPTER 10

Elizabeth slowly blinked open her eyes and stared up at the celling. It was finally morning. She had been awoken during the night and was beginning to believe in ghosts. It was practically routine now—the loud crash accompanied by the shrill screams of Miss Easterly. The men would come running to comfort the distressed ladies and soon after some broken household item would be located and the scene would finally be done. She did not even leave her room anymore. The sight of Anne throwing herself into the arms of Captain Wolfe was too much. 

Tomorrow was the Twelfth Night and she would be leaving soon after. She felt a pang of regret at the thought of her departure.  She wanted to escape, but she could not push Sebastian from her mind.  He seemed to have taken it over bit by bit, moment by moment. His wit, his eyes captivating her beyond what she had thought possible. The passion she felt in his embrace. If only he would speak to her. 

It had been over a week since their fight. She was sure he would have spoken to her, but he acted as if she didn’t exist and she was forced to sit by and watch Anne Easterly throw herself at him shamelessly.  The worst part was that he now seemed to encourage Anne. Smiling at her nonsensical attempts to be witty or charming. Elizabeth sighed in frustration.  This was all her fault. Why had she let her pride get the better of her? Perhaps she should just pack up her things and try to forget him.