Chapter 10

The door opened to the study where the men had gathered and Frank turned his attention to the people entering the room. Of course, his attention would always find Tillie when she was near. But there was a young man with her, and Frank focused on that gentleman.

He knew before introductions were made that this was the Marquess of Derwin’s grandson, the Earl of Penview. He was the right age and perfectly outfitted in the most debonair togs.

Frank watched as Tillie left the room and Penview was introduced by his grandfather.

Everything he’d heard about the man was correct. He had to be about twenty-six or -seven. Frank imagined most females in London Society would think him quite handsome in a rugged sort of way. But it was the look in his eyes that Frank concentrated upon.

Penview seemed to be wary of why his grandfather had requested his presence. Perhaps he rightly assumed that his role as the writer of the letters had been discovered and that he might be called upon to defend himself, or to at least explain his actions. It was obvious that he considered himself in hostile territory and that he would be forced to face the man he’d threatened.

“Penview,” Lord Derwin said to his grandson. “I don’t know if you’re acquainted with everyone, so allow me to do the honors.”

Frank was impressed with Lord Derwin’s calm authority as he walked around the room, introducing his grandson to those he might not be familiar with, and giving Penview the opportunity to greet those he already knew.

When he came to Tillie’s father, Lord Derwin stopped. It was obvious he didn’t want this to be a fleeting introduction.

“Jameson, allow me to present the Earl of Dunstan. Your grandmother and I have been here for the week and have been treated most hospitably.” Derwin smiled. “Lord and Lady Dunstan are the most gracious of hosts. Dunstan, allow me to present my grandson, the Earl of Penview.”

Tillie’s father rose. “Lord Penview,” he greeted with a short nod. “Welcome to my home. I’m pleased you could attend.”

“Thank you for allowing Grandfather to send for me.”

“George,” Viscount Dunstan called to his son. When George stepped close, his father introduced the two young men. “I don’t know if you are acquainted with Lord Penview.”

“Yes, Father. We’ve met. So glad you could join us, Penview.”

“Thank you, Rowley.”

“Frank,” he called, and Frank stepped over to where they were gathered. “Allow me to present Lord Derwin’s grandson, the Earl of Penview. Penview, Major Frank Collyard.”

“Major,” Penview said. There was interest in his expression. “I’ve heard of you. You gained quite a reputation during the war.”

“Thank you, Penview. But that was ages ago.”

“Perhaps, but the work you did for the government is still remembered.”

“Oh,” Derwin said. “I see Lord Beckett. I want to introduce Jameson to him.”

“By all means,” Lord Dunstan said. “I’m sure there will be time for us to get together before the ball. We have much to discuss.”

“Of course,” Derwin said as he escorted his grandson across the room.

“What do you think?” George whispered behind his snifter of brandy.

Frank watched as Lord Derwin introduced his grandson to Tillie’s uncle. “I think young Penview knows exactly why he’s here and is trying his best to find a way to avoid having to explain himself.”

“I wouldn’t want to be in his shoes for anything,” George said, then they stepped apart before anyone overheard their conversation.

. . .

Tillie was pleased by how well dinner went that night. The only adjustment she made was to move Lady Felicity to the opposite end of the table from Lord Penview. Her efforts to play matchmaker would have been disastrous if she’d kept Felicity near Penview.

When dinner was over, the men excused themselves to meet in her father’s study, and the women disappeared upstairs to ready themselves for a long night of dancing. Tillie excused herself and escaped to the summerhouse where Frank was already waiting for her.

“Oh,” she sighed when she saw him, then rushed into his waiting arms.

“Is something wrong?” Frank tipped her chin up to look into her eyes.

“No, everything is fine. I’m just glad that this night is almost over. I have so much to tell you.”

Frank led her to the gabled window that afforded their favorite view. “Concerning Penview, I imagine.”

“”Yes. I was the fortunate one to greet him at the door when he arrived.”

“Was he rude to you?”

Tillie smiled at his chivalrous outrage. “No, no. Not at all.”

Frank relaxed. “Then what is it?”

“As I was taking him to join his grandfather, we happened to run into Felicity.”

“And?”

“She has feelings for him.”

“How do you know this?”

“She told Corrine and me when we went to the village. She’s quite smitten. But she said he doesn’t even know she’s alive. I didn’t think that could be possible. Felicity is a beautiful young lady. But when we met him, he looked right through her as if she wasn’t there. She was heartbroken.”

“He’s a fool, then.”

“Yes, he is. But I’d arranged for the two of them to sit together at dinner and had to rush to change the seating so they would be far away from each other.”

“Perhaps Lady Felicity will thank you for helping her avoid Penview when this week is over.”

Tillie considered Frank’s words. “Has Father mentioned anything about meeting with Penview?”

“I believe he plans to meet with Lord Derwin and his grandson while you ladies refresh yourselves after dinner. He asked that I join him, along with Lord Beckett.”

“What do you think will happen?”

“I don’t know.”

Frank wrapped his arms around her and held her closer. “I prefer not to think about Penview. Instead, I’d like to think about you.”

Tillie lifted her head and smiled. Frank’s gaze locked with hers, then he lowered his head and attended to the mission uppermost in his mind. Yuletide melodies wafted from the house and set their bodies moving. They kissed, turned, swayed, and kissed again.

Tillie met his kisses with an eagerness that surprised her. She could think of nothing but the here and now, this moment, locked in his embrace. She prayed that Frank was sincere about his feelings for her. But if he’d simply needed her to help him step out of the darkness that had consumed him every Christmas, then so be it. Somehow she would find a way through her own darkness, should that day come.

Frank deepened his kiss, then ended it slowly, and lifted his head. “We need to talk,” he said after he placed a gentle kiss on her forehead.

“We have been, silly,” she answered.

“No, I mean we need to have a serious conversation.”

“About what?”

“About our future. You know I love you, don’t you?”

Tillie tried to stop the tears from filling her eyes. “I know you’ve said as much.”

“And you didn’t believe me?”

“I…” Tillie swiped at a tear that spilled from her eye and rolled down her cheek. “I…”

“I would never say something so serious if I didn’t mean it. I love you, Tillie. I think I fell in love with you shortly after I met you. I was more sure of my feelings when I saw how full of life you are. I hadn’t been alive for so long that I scarcely recognized what really living looked like. What it felt like. But seeing your love for life brought me back from that pitiful place and for the first time in years I look forward to tomorrow.” He laughed and rushed on. “And every tomorrow, my darling. As long as you’re in it.”

“Oh, Frank.” Tillie cupped her gloved hands on either side of Frank’s cheeks.

“I love you, Tillie. And I’m asking you to marry me.”

“Oh, Frank!” Tillie wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him.

“I’ve already spoken to your father. He said the decision was yours to make.”

“Oh Frank! I… Well I, that is I… I imagine I’ll have to consider your offer,” she said as his kiss robbed her words. But half into the kiss he broke away, startled, having belatedly heard what she was saying.

The look on his face was priceless. It was part surprise, and the greater part disappointment. Keeping him waiting was simply too cruel.

“Very well. I’ve considered your offer and… I accept!”

In that moment the tender exchanges they’d known earlier were forgotten, replaced by a more compelling ardor that spoke of harmony.

And rapture.

And bliss.

“God bless my dear uncle for bringing you here,” she whispered. “If not for him, we would never have met. He’s responsible for this magic. For us.”

“I couldn’t agree more.”

Tillie’s heart swelled in her breast, and when Frank lowered his head to kiss her, she answered with all the love she felt for him. A love that grew stronger with every look. Every touch. Every breath.