Page 53 of A Christmas Miracle for the Frosty Marquess
Could it be that he is finally opening himself?She marveled, her thoughts tumbling over each other. She had seen Julian in various lights, in numerous settings. But today, amidst the joy and laughter of the orphanage, she saw him truly. There was a passion, a dedication that she hadn’t noticed before. And it was drawing her to him.
She tried to shake off the feelings, chiding herself for being so easily moved. But as she watched him interact with the children, laughing and playing with them as if they were his own, she could no longer deny the truth that had been simmering in her heart.
Julian approached her, a twinkle in his eyes.
“I think young Timothy believes I’m a magician of sorts, with all these parcels,” he said, chuckling as he gestured toward a young boy who was staring at his package as though it were solid gold.
Clara smiled warmly, her eyes never leaving his.
“To them, you might just be,” she said.And, to me, as well…
They shared a quiet moment, their gazes locked, speaking words their lips had yet to utter. The realization hung in the air, unspoken but palpable. Clara was on the cusp of acknowledging a truth she had long been skirting around. She was falling deeply, irrevocably in love with Julian.
“Miss Bennett?” asked Francis, a girl of about nine years old. “Can we sing some Christmas carols?”
Clara glanced at Julian, silently asking if he would like to join. He grinned at her, nodding with that same intense gaze he had been giving her the past couple of days before turning to the little girl.
“We certainly can,” he said.
They began with “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing,” the children’s innocent voices weaving a tapestry of holiday magic. But amidst the vibrant melodies, Clara found her gaze continually drifting to Julian, who stood beside her, his deep baritone enriching the song. The tenderness with which he sang, the way his eyes danced with a rare gleam, was enchanting.
Each stolen glance deepened her understanding of her own heart. The festive atmosphere, the joy surrounding them, seemed to clarify the emotions she’d been trying to navigate. She, indeed, loved Julian. She could no longer deny that fact. The revelation, while not entirely unexpected, held a potency that left her breathless.
However, the shadow of uncertainty lingered. Despite the significant transformation in Julian’s demeanor, she was unsure whether he reciprocated her feelings. While his gestures spoke volumes, his words remained elusive. There seemed to be something he wanted to say to her, as she had seen at Agnes’s house the day before. Why wouldn’t he say it?
The notes of “Silent Night” echoed through the room, drawing Clara back to the present. The children sang loudly, their faces illuminated with glee and contentment.
“It’s been a splendid day, hasn’t it?” Julian asked, moving closer to her with an earnestness she found intoxicating.
“It truly has,” she said wistfully. “The children will remember this Christmas for years to come.”
Julian glanced around, his gaze settling on the many happy faces.
“I believe I will, too,” he said, his tone barely audible over the voices of the children.
When the last carol finished, Julian turned to her, bowing elegantly.
“I must go make ready for our Yule log celebration this evening,” he said.
Clara nodded, blushing at the thought of attending another family event with Julian.
“I will be leaving soon, as well, to do the same,” she said.
Julian smiled, and the affection in his eyes made Clara’s breath catch in her throat.
“I look forward to seeing you this evening,” he said, holding out his hand.
Clara took it, feeling the warmth of his grip.
“Until then,” she said with a curtsey.
Julian reluctantly released her hand, bidding the children farewell before leaving. Clara stared after him until another child tugged on her hand.
“Will you come sing with us?” five-year-old Benjamin asked.
Clara smiled down at the boy.
“I will sing one more carol with you all,” she said. “Then, I’m afraid I must be on my way.
