Page 21 of A Lovely White Christmastide
She should pull away from Mr. Kaye’s touch. She’d not meant to rest her back so much against his chest as they waited to exit, but the heat emanating off him felt good in the cold and she tried to convince herself that warmth was the only reason she enjoyed his closeness.
“They do.”
When Beth’s feet hit the ground she turned and Julianna jolted upright, not wanting her sister to see how she was nearly cradled in Mr. Kaye’s arms. If for one moment Beth thought she was in danger of making a ninny of herself, she’d completely switch from older sister to stand-in mama. In some ways her sister reminded her of a mother hen, always needing to take care of everyone around, especially her. And that was a huge problem.
When Beth focused on applying herself to others’ needs she completely disregarded her own. That simply would not do. This was her one chance to find the freedom and happiness Julianna knew she desired. If Beth lost that chance due to something she did—if she refused to allow Lord Bingham near enough to win her regard because she thought she needed to protect her—Julianna would never forgive herself.
“Allow me to help you.” Lord Bingham reached into the carriage and grasped Julianna’s hand.
Once they were all outside, the transfer of people and possessions went quite smoothly. The promised they were in good hands with the new driver before going to work with another man on the broken coach.
As promised, the inn was not far off. When they arrived they were treated to a hot meal and a fire, warming themselves from the inside out.
“What now?” Julianna asked. “We have lost the better part of the day.”
“Well, we cannot stay here,” Beth insisted. “I would much rather travel late than be stuck overnight without Mrs. Barker for propriety. She will be sure to fret until everyone is in a tizzy. Plus, think of how frightened Aunt and Uncle Waverly will be. ”
“Your sister is correct.” Lord Bingham moved his utensils to sit directly parallel to one another on the right side of his plate. He then set to spacing them exactly the same distance from oneanother. “We need to push on if we wish to reach Kendal before your uncle sends out servants to scour the roadsides for an overturned carriage.”
“Or worries we have whisked you both off to Scotland,” Mr. Kaye said before popping a piece of bread into his mouth. His eyes danced as they bounced between Lord Bingham and Beth.
Julianna kicked his shin under the table. If he was not careful his blatant comments would undermine everything they were hoping to foster between her sister and his friend. Knowing her sister, if she felt forced, she’d shy away from forming any intimate feelings as quickly as a young colt did from a bridle.
Mr. Kaye’s smile fell and he blinked at her in confusion. Thankfully he did not question her.
After the meal the ladies excused themselves for a moment.
“Jule, it is not polite to kick people under the table,” Beth said once they were out of earshot of the gentlemen.
“How did you…”
“Because the force of your kick was powerful enough to bump his foot into mine.”
Julianna let out an embarrassed giggle. “I had not realized how forceful I’d nudged him, but he deserved it for such a cheeky remark.”
“And yet you did not look at all opposed to such a scenario when you were all cozy with him in the carriage.”
“I was not?—”
“Oh come now, Jule, I saw it with my own eyes. You need to be careful. Sweet talking gentlemen like Mr. Kaye are not always as they seem. We must not allow men we hardly know to win our affection so quickly. I promise you; it will not turn out well.”
“Not every man is like he who we do not name, Beth.”
“I never said they were, only that one day is barely a speck in a lifetime. Best to make sure that speck does not darken the rest of your life.”
“But what if that speck is the only bright spot I have seen in years? What if it is only the beginning of happy days to come? One day can also be the catalyst for years of joy.”
Beth slowly shook her head. “Why do I bother arguing with you?”
“Because it’s more entertaining than if we kept silent.” Julianna cast her a wide grin. Beth reluctantly smiled. “Besides, you need my sunshine to brighten your doom and gloom.”
The smile slipped and Beth wrapped her arms around her middle. “Have I become that disagreeable?”
Julianna wrapped an arm about her slim shoulders and squeezed. “Not disagreeable, but I have worried about how distrustful and fearful you have become. I know why you worry, but not everyone is out to hurt us. And if Aunt Waverly invited these two gentlemen, she must have some sort of trust in their character. Let us try to give them a little grace before we deem them cads, shall we?”
Her sister did not immediately respond, but when she finally lifted her bowed head a glimmer of light showed in her eyes. “I suppose we can. Only be careful, Jule. It is the least we both can do.”
“Agreed.”
