Page 12 of A Lovely White Christmastide
“It may be,” she said slowly. “But that does not denote a change in position for us, nor does it mean we should run heedlessly into the arms of men we do not know. I, for one, am happy with my state in life.” Beth bit her lip at the lie. When was the last time she’d been truly happy?
In her mind Edward’s hazel brown eyes peered down at her. She’d been sure he would declare himself. How she’d soared in that moment, only to fall to earth the next. A cold, calloused earth with little hope and no joy left for her. She’d loved Edward since she’d been old enough to put up her hair, and he’d declared he returned her affection—until the day that he did not.
Julianna’s gloved hand slipped into hers. “You are a terrible liar, you know.”
A small smile pulled at the corner of her mouth. “That would make two of us.”
They both laughed and Julianna pulled her in for a hug.
Stepping back, Beth said, “Shall we just enjoy our holiday? No schemes or impending engagements attached.”
Julianna compressed her soft pink lips as she studied her. Beth held her breath, hoping her sister would simply drop the subject so they might enjoy one last Christmastide before their lives changed forever.
“All right, Bethie. No more talk of Father and Widow Westwood.”
“And—”
A firm knock sounded on the door and someone jiggled the handle.
“Who is it?” Beth called.
Mrs. Barker’s exasperated voice answered. “It is I. Now let me in before I catch my death in this drafty hall.”
Both girls made eye contact. Julianna rolled hers and Beth let out a long slow breath, praying for the patience she would need to withstand Mrs. Barker’s irritating company for one more day of travel.
Crossing to the door, she used the key to unlock it.
“What kind of establishment is this?” Mrs. Barker complained as she entered. “No breakfast trays and only a pittance of a fire.” She spun toward Beth and Julianna’s smoking hearth. “What is this? Why do you have no fire?”
“The maid has not come to light it and we are out of coal.”
“Unacceptable. Your father will have my head if either of you come down with a chill because of this inn’s despicable service.”
“It is no matter,” Julianna said. “We are ready to leave. Let us go in search of some breakfast in the common room and then we can be on our way.”
Mrs. Barker grumbled as she turned toward the open door, and Julianna cast Beth a conspiratorial smile.
“Perhaps,” she whispered, “the men will not have eaten either and we will be able to dine together again.”
“Jule, I said no matchmaking.”
Her sister grinned. “No, you said no speaking of Father’s match.”
Then before she could object, Julianna bounced out of the room, leaving Beth with a begrudging smile. Julianna was nothing if not optimistic.
Chapter Four
Daniel jogged down the stairs to catch up with Bingham. It was still strange referring to the formidable captain so informally. While smaller in build, he’d always somehow looked up to him. Bingham was well organized, socially adept, and virtually fearless. All the things Daniel lacked.
As Daniel rounded the corner trying to keep up with his friend, the innkeeper gestured wildly to him. He slid to a stop.
“Mr. Kaye, the Misses Haynes are awaiting you in the parlor.”
“Awaiting me?”
“And Lord Bingham. Your breakfast is nearly ready.”
“Very good,” Bingham said so close to Daniel’s ear that he jumped. When had he doubled back?
