Page 39 of A Christmas Miracle for the Frosty Marquess
As she sat there, amidst the laughter, the glowing fire, and the spirit of Christmas encapsulated in the walls of their home, Clara felt a profound sense of gratitude. She was grateful for the family and friends who surrounded her, for the blessings in her life and, most of all, for the opportunity to make someone else’s life a little brighter. In that moment, nothing was more significant to her than the joy they would soon be spreading.
The atmosphere in the drawing room, however, changed when the butler, cleared his throat.
“Announcing Lord Silverstone, Lord Thornmire, Lord and Lady Farley and their children, and Mr. Thomas Barker,” he said.
The door swung open, and in strode Julian, his family following right behind him. A hush fell over the room, so suddenly that even the echo seemed to vanish instantly. Though Clara had been engrossed in the comforting warmth of her family and friends just moments before, her attention was now riveted to Julian.
The man was handsome, with his light brown hair and sharp jawline. But it was his piercing blue eyes that unsettled her lately. Those eyes which had so often met hers with a glacial chill, tonight seemed different. A softening, a melting of that icy exterior, if only for a moment, had her heart racing with a mix of anticipation and trepidation.
To Clara’s utter astonishment, Julian made his way toward her. Each step he took sent her own heartbeats echoing loudly in her ears.
“Clara, might I have a moment?” he asked as their families and the Harris’s exchanged greetings and pleasantries. His voice was measured, but Clara detected an unfamiliar undertone. Was it humility?
Clara tried to mask her surprise and uneasiness, giving Julian a guarded smile.
“Of course, Julian,” she said, hiding her feelings behind a veneer of politeness.
Julian led her to the corner of the room, and Clara noticed the inquisitive expressions on her siblings’ faces. Julian looked at the ground for a moment before giving her a sheepish grimace.
“I owe you an apology,” he said. “For my abrupt exit at the vicarage. I was rude, to say the least, and for that, I am sorry.”
Clara blinked, taking a moment to absorb his words. This was a stark contrast from the man who had been so dismissive of her just days ago. Her mind raced. Had Elizabeth been at work behind the scenes yet again, steering her brother into this uncharacteristic moment of repentance?
Realizing that Julian was awaiting her response, she shoved aside her confusion and gave him a warmer, more genuine smile. Whatever had prompted the apology, Clara was determined to accept it.
“It is perfectly all right, Julian,” she said. “I understand how it might have been overwhelming.” She stopped herself before she mentioned the reason she thought it might be overwhelming, simply settling on widening her smile.
Julian looked instantly relieved, as though his actions had truly been weighing on him. He held out his arm just as the butler entered the room to announce the serving of dinner, the ice in his blue eyes continuing to thaw.
“Thank you, Clara,” he said. “That is a great burden lifted from me. If it pleases you, might I escort you to the dining room?”
The apology had been a surprise, but this was utterly astounding to her. She had so many questions, reservations. And yet, this was precisely the sort of gesture for which she had secretly hoped. Could it be that Julian was capable of something other than stubborn aloofness with her? Or was he simply trying to save face in front of his family?
Steeling herself, Clara offered another cautious smile.
“I accept your offer, as well,” she said, taking his arm.
His eyes twinkled, making Clara question once more the sincerity of this surprising transformation. But as she took his arm, she felt a distinct thrill. She was stepping into something that felt unfamiliar, but it held the promise of answers and the resolution of feelings she hadn’t yet dared to confront openly. The rest of her family and their guests paired up and led the way to the dining room. Clara stole a glance at Julian, but apart from visible relief, his face did not betray his feelings.
The dining room was awash in the golden glow of candlelight, the polished silverware gleaming and the porcelain plates a canvas for an array of sumptuous dishes. The atmosphere was jovial, as befitted a Christmas feast. Yet amidst the clinking of crystal and the murmur of convivial conversation, Clara found herself often attentive to Julian.
That, to her, he was an enigma wrapped in fine linen and a well-tailored coat. His unexpected warmth and buoyancy were the exact opposite of the man to whom she had so far been betrothed. Julian conversed freely, even laughingly, about politics, the latest publications, and the holiday festivities. It was as though the heavens had suddenly replaced the closed off, unattainable Julian Hawthorne with this decidedly more affable doppelganger.
Not doppelganger,she thought, chiding herself.With the Julian I once knew.The thought was comforting, and it added to the surge of hope she felt. As much as the shift puzzled her, Clara had to admit that she appreciated the change. Every so often, he would look her way, and the corners of his mouth would lift in a half smile, sending a thrill coursing through her.
Her musings were interrupted when Hannah spoke up.
“We could use some extra hands this year for distributing the baskets tomorrow,” she said. “The need has been greater, sadly, than in years past. I know that Clara has volunteered, but if anyone else would like to do so, we would be more than happy to have you along.”
Elizabeth was quick to respond.
“I shall be more than happy to volunteer,” she said. “It is, after all, the season of giving.”
Hannah smiled gratefully at Elizabeth.
“Wonderful,” she said. “We are so very thankful for your generosity.
Elizabeth blushed humbly and shook her head.
