Page 67 of A Lovely White Christmastide
“Or she will grow to hate me. Time does not heal all wounds.” He held up his hand. “I should know.”
“True, but if aided with a little medicinal treatment, it can help the healing process along.”
“And what medicine would you prescribe?”
“Love.”
He chuckled. “I cannot convey that if she is not here.”
“Take a look outside.”
There were no windows near the entry door, so he crossed to the ones in the front parlor all the while hoping he’d see the sleigh returning. Instead, a bevy of white flakes glided gently to the ground.
He turned in confusion. “Snow?”
“Yes, and if my guess is not far off it is enough to stall them in Kendal. They will take up at the inn.”
“I should go.”
“Not yet. Give her a night or two to sleep on it. You too, for that matter. In the morning you can plan your pursuit. They will not be going anywhere.”
“How can you be so sure?”
“Servants,” she said with a smirk. “They not only know everything but can also work wonders when asked.” Then with a wave of her hand, she sauntered away.
Carswell smiled. The woman was tenacious.
Turning back to the window, his smile faltered. The wind had picked up and the snow swirled chaotically around the house. For a military man, Mr. Haynes had not planned his departure very well, but the man had been determined. Carswell only hoped he was not so irrational as to push on through the nasty conditions.
The silence in the room broke when someone cleared their throat. Carswell glanced over his shoulder. Kaye stood in the doorway, shifting from one foot to the other.
Carswell returned his focus to the window. “What in the devil were you thinking, Kaye?”
“Pardon?”
“Engaging yourself on a whim. You could have ruined Miss Julianna’s reputation entirely.”
“Or Mr. Caleb Waverly could have ruined it, forcing her to marry him. Would you have her be subjected to such a domineering unfeeling gentleman?”
“No, but there must have been another way.”
“Perhaps, but I am happy with how things have turned out.”
“As am I,” a feminine voice added.
Carswell spun around. Miss Julianna placed a hand on the back of the settee, her gaze fixed on him. It was ungentlemanly to question a lady’s judgment, but he found the words leaking from his mouth before he could stop them.
“Why would you wish to marry a fool like Kaye? The man is impetuous, chaotic, and a terrible flirt.”
Miss Julianna’s eyes flashed with blue fire. “You forgot loyal, brave, and self-sacrificing. If I recall it was he who saved you from certain death on the battlefield, is that not correct?”
He opened his mouth to respond but she continued. “You do not need to answer that. I already know it is true. What I must ask, is why do you continue to belittle him for his difference in temperament? Or me for that matter, for I have often heardBeth claim I have the same compunction to act quickly on my thoughts.”
Kaye moved to stand beside her and placed a hand on the small of her back. The show of support made Carswell’s chest tighten and his hand throb. He tried to convince himself that he was not envious of their unity, that he did not yearn so deeply for the same connection, but he knew he did. And the only woman he could ever imagine that connection with was Beth.
His shoulders slumped. “You are correct, Miss Julianna. Kaye has many good qualities as well, but how can you both be so sure after such a short courtship?”
“Love can bridge many gaps, Carswell.” Kaye gazed fondly down at his intended.
