Page 32 of Holly & Folly

He had watched their love match turn sour. Watched as Mother had driven Father nearly mad. Father had taken refuge in his duty, avoiding her whenever possible, while she had turned outward, filling the void with social engagements and expensive clothing.

Archie would far rather approach marriage as a strategic arrangement than to watch love turn sour and curdle.

After an hour and a half, his backside was numb, and Miss Caldwell and Miss Benson had both, at some point, drawn nearer to him so that he was obliged to keep his elbows pressed to his sides to avoid a degree of physical contact he had no desire for.

He could bear it no longer. Indeed, the only thing that had allowed him to endure so much of it was the saga of Miss Prescott’s efforts to stay upright. Her brother had finally taken notice and roused her.

The embarrassment in her eyes and painted on her cheeks had made it necessary for Archie to cover a laugh with a cough that had momentarily paused the vicar’s droning sermon.

Miss Prescott had shifted her body toward her brother and had, if Archie was not mistaken, taken to poking herself with something every time her eyelids began to droop.

But an hour and a half was too long. An hour too long.

Archie rose from his seat, drawing the attention of a number of people, and picked his way past the Caldwells and Mother, who tried and failed to catch his eye, as she always did.

Archie made his way out of the church, breathing in the chill, crisp December air and the blessed silence only to be found outside of Mr. Tomlinson’s presence.

He considered returning to Bellthorne, but there was something he wished to do.

It was less than five minutes until the door opened and people began to file out.

Archie made his way back inside, wishing people a Merry Christmas as he passed them.

Mother was wont to spend at least half an hour gossiping after the service, but today must have been different, for she sought out Archie.

“Are you here to lecture me over leaving early?” he asked.

“No,” she responded. “I am quite glad you did, for I am sure it was only that which prevented him from keeping us another hour. Did you speak with Miss Caldwell? Or Miss Benson?”

He put a hand on her shoulder. “I can no longer remember a time in my life when anyone but the vicar was speaking.”

She swatted him with her fan. “How very vexing you are. It was not so long as that. And you might have used the time to speak with the young ladies.”

“And risk the vicar’s censuring looks? Mother, I do beg of you.”

“As though you care for such a thing.” Her eyes pleaded with him. “It is my dearest yuletide wish that you pay heed to one of these beautiful young women I have gathered at Bellthorne for you. For you to enter into the blessed state of matrimony⁠—”

“You sound like Mr. Tomlinson. Now that you mention it, though, I did wish to thank you for inviting Miss Prescott to the party.”

The woman in question was speaking with Mr. Kendrick a dozen feet away.

Lady Dalmeer’s pleading posture gave way as she shot a glance in Miss Prescott’s direction. “Please, my son…anyone but her. You must believe me when I say she would be a decision you would regret for the rest of your life.”

“You would know something of that, wouldn’t you?” The words were out before he realized it.

Mother stiffened.

Archie spoke more gently. “I love you and wish you a very merry Christmas, Mother, but I need you to believe me when I tell you that I have no intention of marrying—and certainly not to be directed in such a thing by you.” He kissed her on the cheek again, then walked to Miss Prescott.

He stood far enough away not to disturb her conversation with Mr. Kendrick, taking the opportunity to observe instead.

She had a ready smile—and an engaging one—but there was a hint of reserve in her manner, as though she feared Mr. Kendrick might, at any point, remember her sins and throw them in her face. As the man was particular and a dead bore, her fears might not have been unfounded.

When they parted ways, she watched Mr. Kendrick, then noticed the earl.

She smiled at him and walked over. “I thought you had left, my lord.”

“Did you? I was not aware you were conscious for the past two hours.”