Page 53 of A Lovely White Christmastide
“Good. We need his dragon taming skills to save us all from a ghastly evening.”
Chapter Sixteen
The fire crackled in the hearth and the large yule log burned bright. General Waverly stood before the group telling a ghost story that reminded Carswell of their Christmases spent abroad. Ghost stories during Christmastide were one of the few things that had stayed consistent while at war, and General Waverly’s were some of the best.
As he watched, however, he was struck by how lively the man appeared. Not at all like his wife and Kaye had described. In the time they had been guests he’d not once seen him out of sorts. Something did not add up.
Carswell’s gaze flitted to the other guests. The Cranes were back, as were several other families he’d met at previous parties and the ball. Mr. and Mrs. Papworth had actually emerged from their favorite parlor to join them as well.
Beth sat on the settee next to his chair, her sister on the other side of her. She cast him a small smile when she noticed his attention, and that strange flutter he’d noticed of late returned. The odd sensation seemed to linger long after Beth returned her focus to the story and he pondered whether it was an effect of the festive evening or her presence.
He’d felt attraction plenty of times before, but the effect she had on him was far more comfortable, like a warm blanket on a cold evening. Not that he found her unattractive in the least. Beth Haynes was most definitely a beautiful woman, but there was simply something more there that he could not quite put words to.
Kaye sat on the other side of Miss Julianna, something that never would have been allowed if Mr. Baitman had not been present. The way the man could turn Mrs. Barker from an avid guard dog into a gentle kitten boggled Carswell’s mind.
For his part, he preferred the softer side of Mrs. Barker. When her face relaxed she appeared rather pretty, something obviously apparent to Mr. Baitman as he peered over at her. Carswell smiled at the secret look that passed between the two. If he were a betting man, he’d wager that Beth and her sister would soon be free of their overbearing companion. He hoped for their sakes that they would.
Then again, with Miss Julianna soon to wed his friend, Mrs. Barker’s change in occupation did not matter much. But for Beth…
His gaze was drawn back to her, the soft firelight making her hair appear like a halo on her head. The pink in her cheek and the sparkle in her eye proclaimed her enjoyment in the ghostly tale, but even more, it was a witness to her youth and vitality. She could have almost any man she chose, but somehow she’d become interested in an old, disabled army captain.
Oh, he knew he was not so old, but his seven extra years and gnarled hand made him feel decrepit next to her. Was it really wise to carry on as they were? What were his intentions after all? He needed to make a decision soon or he’d bring ruin on Beth a second time, and that he refused to do.
The people in the room began to clap and Carswell realized he’d completely missed the end of General Waverly’s story.Slowly he patted the back of his bad hand. It was not a very efficient way to clap, but it was all he had left.
Mrs. Waverly leaned over the side of her chair toward him. “Did you like that story?”
He blinked at her, not exactly certain how to answer. He’d not heard one word in ten over the last few minutes. However, when her eyes danced with mirth and her gaze flitted to Beth he knew he’d been caught. She’d seen his attention wander elsewhere.
A slow smile tipped his lips up. “It was… delightful.”
“I am sure it was.” She waggled her eyebrows and he tried not to chuckle.
It was late and several guests had declared their intentions to leave when a footman came in and whispered something to General Waverly.
“Really?” He looked out the window. “I believe you are correct.”
Carswell followed his gaze and saw big white flakes falling in rapid succession.
General Waverly cleared his throat loudly to gather the room's attention. “Ladies and gentlemen, I believe we must end our night as I have been informed that it is snowing. For those of you who wish to get home to your families, I suggest you leave quickly before there is too much on the roads to travel safely. For those who would rather not embrace the elements, we will do our best to find accommodations here.”
Several discussions erupted around the room. The three Crane sisters begged their parents to stay, but Mr. and Mrs. Crane would not be moved. They needed to return home to be with their younger children on Christmas.
Carswell inwardly breathed a sigh of relief. He’d had quite enough of the three ladies' awkward attempts to gain his attention.
When most of their party had left, Mrs. Waverly turned to Mr. Baitman. “I believe the blue room is already aired out and ready for you.”
Carswell covered the grin that threatened. Of all the guests, Mr. Baitman was the least likely to not make it home since his property was not far from Haverton, but it seemed the chance to stay close to Mrs. Barker had been too tempting. He did not blame the man. In fact, his continued presence was a relief. With Mr. Baitman in residence their Christmas would truly be merry and bright.
“Thank you, Mrs. Waverly. You are too kind.” Mr. Baitman’s gaze flicked to Mrs. Barker and then back to his hostess.
The subtle movement of Mrs. Waverly’s head in the same direction brought with it a big smile. The woman was sharp and missed nothing when it came to matters of matchmaking.
Carswell froze. Glancing around the room he thought through the number of unmarried occupants who had been there that evening. He stifled a groan.
General Waverly was not the real reason they had been invited to Haverton; he was certain of it. With the number of gentlemen that had been present their first day he should have guessed Mrs. Waverly’s intent, but he’d dismissed the thought because of their relation to the general. Now it was quite clear. Mrs. Waverly was in the business of finding matches for her nieces. And possibly not only her nieces, but anyone whom she considered in need of a partner.
It explained why as they had gone over the list of officers to be invited for her musicale she’d been very insistent in knowing which of the men were single and which were married.
