Page 69 of It's a British Christmas

CHAPTER 12

Eve paced the floor in her room awaiting Adam’s arrival. She should not allow him through the door. It was improper and went against everything she was raised to believe. It was bad enough they’d shared more than a few enthusiastic kisses, but this would ruin her completely if they were caught.

She jumped at the sound of the soft knock. She wiped her sweaty palms on her dress and opened the door. Adam entered and took her into his arms. “We must talk, sweetheart. I cannot have you worrying about what people will say about the two of us. I am a duke, I can marry whomever I please.”

Eve pulled away. “You are a duke, yes. You were raised to be a duke. Your mother was raised to be a duchess and does it remarkably well. I was raised to marry a man from the village and live that life.”

“Stop.” He reached out and pulled her against him again. “My mother is more than willing to help you. She will take you under her wing and guide you. Even if she did not approve at the start, she has come to admire you, and will not let you fail.”

She thought back to the duchess’s visit earlier in the day when she questioned her about her feelings for Adam. The duchess did give her a lot to think about and there were times she believed she could do this, and then times, like when Miss Clark made the rude remark about Adam hunting for their food that she felt miles away from this life he offered.

“Stop thinking, darling.” Placing his knuckle under her chin, he bent his head and placed his soft, warm lips over hers. If anything would stop her thinking, it was certainly Adam’s kisses.

“I want to announce our betrothal at tomorrow night’s ball. I know the proper way would be to visit with your father first, but since you came here with his permission, I believe he would give his blessing once I see him.”

Was she ready to make that commitment?

“More than anything I want to stay with you here tonight, but I also want to prove to you that I respect you and would never do anything to dishonor you.” He smoothed back the hair on her forehead. “So with great reluctance I will say good night. Tomorrow is Christmas Eve and I look forward to sharing that day with you as well as the day after. And letting everyone know you are my choice, and I will always stand by you.”

With those words he kissed her on the forehead and left the room.

Eve joined the rest of the lively crowd the next morning for breakfast. The plans for the day were the group to gather after breakfast for singing and exchange of small gifts. An afternoon trip to the village to admire all the decorations would keep the guests busy before the Christmas Eve dinner, and then ball.

As much as Eve was enjoying being with Adam and sharing in all the events for the day, she was missing her parents. They had their special routine for the holiday. After a church service, she, Mama and Papa would enjoy the feast she and Mama had prepared. Traditionally, they shared their meal with a few neighbors who had no family.

Some years her sister or brothers would come with their families but this year it was to be just her Mama and Papa. After an exchange of gifts, they would join some of the church members in Christmas caroling around the village in anticipation of Christmas the next day.

“Why the sad face, my love?” Adam asked as he sat alongside her on the settee as they waited for the gift giving and music to start.

“Just missing my parents.” She sighed. “I know our celebration would seem very pastoral to you, after all this.” She waved her hand around. “But it is something we've always done together."

"Ah, sweetheart, I promise from now on we will celebrate Christmas with your family.”

She laughed. “That is a nice gesture, Your Grace, but I don’t think a quiet rustic holiday can live up to what you’re used to.”

He closed his eyes. “Eve, stop it. I lived in your house for two weeks, did I not? What you and your family have to offer is something wonderful. The love and joy I found in your home was definitely something special.”

“Your Grace.” Adam’s butler entered the drawing room and approached him.

“Yes, Peter.”

He handed a folded piece of parchment to him. “This note just arrived for Miss Allen.”

Eve sat forward, a sense of looming disaster surrounding her. Adam passed the note to her and with shaking hands she opened it. Her eyes skimmed the paper and she gasped. “Oh, no. I must return home immediately.” She hopped up.

“What is it?” Adam stood and grasped her elbow.

“My parents. They are both sick. There is no one there to take care of them. I must leave.”

“Wait a minute. Does the note say what their illness is?”

She closed her eyes and nodded. “Influenza.”

“No. I’m sorry Eve, but I cannot allow you to go back home with influenza there. it is too dangerous.”

Eve drew in a breath, her eyes wide. “You cannot stop me, Your Grace. My parents need me, and I will go to them. Please ask to have a carriage brought around while I pack.”

He grabbed her hand as she turned to leave. “No, Eve. There must be another way to handle this.”