Page 47 of A Christmas Miracle for the Frosty Marquess
“However, the tale of Sir Cedric and the Frozen Lake lived on, whispered in the hidden glades and forgotten forests, a testament to the enduring magic of brave knights, enchanted princesses, and magical realms.”
When the story finished, the older children applauded. One of the younger children awoke, and Emily pulled the little girl into her lap, cradling her. The smaller girl didn’t say anything, but it was clear that she noticed the shift in the atmosphere. She clapped her hands together before rubbing her eyes sleepily and nestling into her older sister.
Inspired by the snowy ambiance outside, Clara began to hum a familiar Christmas carol. Mary, recognizing the tune, joined her. Soon, the room was filled with the strains of “Silent Night,” the gentle lullaby enveloping the room in a comforting embrace.
The story and the song were a fleeting respite, but seeing the children’s faces light up, their eyes shining with wonder, gave Clara a pinch of hope. Even amid sorrow and uncertainty, the magic of the season could provide a touch of joy.
But as the final notes of the carol faded away, Clara’s thoughts inevitably returned to Agnes. Each passing moment without news felt like an eternity. The laughter and music were but a fragile shield against the encroaching dread. Still, Clara held onto the brief solace the evening had offered, praying for a miracle to save her dear friend. The silence in the room was suffocating. Clara’s once hopeful eyes had dulled, as the weight of despair threatened to crush her spirit.
Just when the evening seemed its darkest, a sound pricked her ears. The muffled thud of hooves on the hard frost of the ground. Clara’s head snapped up, her heart daring to hope once more. Could it be?
She raced to the window, the icy pane fogging as she pressed her face against it. There, illuminated by the pale moonlight, was the unmistakable silhouette of Julian atop his steed, his posture emanating urgency. Following closely behind were Thomas and another figure whom Clara presumed to be the physician. She covered her mouth to stifle a sob of relief. The ragged breathing behind her told her that Agnes was still clinging to life. The doctor had arrived just in time.
As Julian dismounted and strode into the manor, Clara’s heart missed a beat. She could read exhaustion in the lines of his face, the shadows beneath his eyes. But more potent was the fierce determination in his gaze, the unwavering willpower that promised he wouldn’t let Agnes slip away.
When Julian entered the room, their eyes met. In that fleeting second, a rush of emotions welled up in Clara’s heart, emotions she couldn’t quite place or define. But now was not the time for contemplation. Pushing those feelings aside, she focused on the task at hand.
The physician, an older man with a stoic countenance, immediately attended to Agnes. Clara pulled the three wakeful children to her and out of the way of the doctor. Julian, Thomas, and Mary gathered around, aiding wherever they could. Under the physician’s expert guidance, they applied poultices, administered medicines, and provided comfort.
The room was a whirl of activity, and time seemed to stand still. Each movement was deliberate, every second vital. The air grew thick with tension, with everyone holding their breath, praying for Agnes to pull through. Clara was glad that the two youngest children remained sleeping. She could imagine how confused and distressed they would be if they were awake to see such a spectacle.
Finally, after what felt like hours but was only minutes, Agnes’s breathing stabilized at last. The pallor on her face was replaced by a hint of color, and her pulse grew steadier. The physician, wiping sweat from his brow, finally nodded in satisfaction.
“She’s out of immediate danger,” he said with a sigh of relief. “Tonight will be critical in her recovery. But she stands a chance of surviving that she wouldn’t have had without your swift action to get her medical attention.”
Clara, still processing the events, turned to Julian. Their eyes met again, and without words, they communicated a shared understanding. The night had tested their resolve, and they had triumphed. On top of that, Clara sensed that there was more to their bond than just relief. Something deeper was happening, something yet to be explored. But that was a mystery for another time. Right then, what mattered was Agnes’s recovery and the children’s immediate care.
“I shall stay with the family tonight,” Clara said, speaking before she realized that she meant to, but meaning her words sincerely just the same.
Mary nodded, joining Clara at her side, and linking arms with her.
“As will I,” she said, giving Clara a tired but determined smile.
When Julian stepped forward, she expected him to excuse himself. His face was pale and there was a haunted expression in his eyes. But when he spoke, Clara was shocked.
“I will, as well,” he said.
Chapter Twenty-two
Julian surprised himself with the offer to spend the night in Agnes’s wilting home. But as soon as he made the offer, he knew he had done the right thing. Thomas patted him softly on the back, smiling softly. In his cousin’s eyes, he saw confirmation that he had made the right choice.
“I will stay, as well,” he said.
In the same moment, he realized that it wasn’t his decision to make. It was Agnes’s home, and he knew that they should ask her if she was all right with their plan to stay. But she was asleep, with the physician standing over her and adjusting her poultices and damp cloths. As though sensing Julian’s eyes on him, Dr. Simmons turned to face the others in the room, giving them a tired smile.
“I think that staying with her through the night is a wonderful idea,” he said. “Should she take a bad turn, someone will need to be here for the children. And should her fever break and she awakens, she will need the support and kindness. It is wonderful of you to make such a sacrifice.”
Julian smiled and nodded.
“Then that is what we shall do,” he said.
The group nodded in silent agreement, looking at one another to figure out how they would manage their overnight stay. It was obviously inappropriate for the men to sleep in the same room as the women, and there were the five little children who needed to be put to bed. Julian wasn’t surprised when Clara stepped forward, her sense of leadership delicate but confident.
“I will look at the rest of the house and see what our sleeping arrangements might be,” she said. “Or at least, what we can make them.”
Everyone else nodded. Her friend Mary stepped forward, touching her arm.
“Do you need my help?” she asked.
