Page 19 of An Earl's Christmas Seduction
“Ah, that’s a perfect one. You’re the winners. But who touched it first?” Hugh asked as the others entered the clearing with their lamps.
Amelia and Nicholas glanced at one another and smiled.
“We fell over it. I think we both touched it at the same time,” Nicholas replied, and the others laughed.
“Don’t let Constance know,” Isobel said, smiling at Amelia, who blushed.
“Let’s get the rope attached to it. It’ll make a fine yule log. Isn’t there a song we have to sing for the hauling? You’ll know it, Marcus,” Hugh said, turning to the viscount, who nodded.
“Heavin’ and hoein’. The yule log’s a glowin’. Into the fire, we’ll drag it…”he began, striking up a chorus with which several of the others joined in.
The rope was attached, and the log was dragged through the trees by the men, though Nicholas held back.
“Let me escort you,” he said to Amelia, for Clara and Isobel were following the men and joining in the song.
Amelia was glad to hold back, and as the log was dragged through the trees, she took Nicholas’ arm, the two of them walking in the light of the lamp he held up to guide their way.
“What fun,” she said, as the chorus echoed through the trees.
“I’m glad you think so. I’d hate to think you were bored, or thought our country ways too primitive,” the earl replied, but Amelia shook her head.
She was glad to be there, and grateful to Nicholas for his kindness and his company. There was no doubting her growing attraction towards him. They had only known one another a few hours, but she already felt a tenderness towards him. It was gratitude for his rescuing her and her mother from the snow and making them feel so welcome at Ashworth House.
“Not at all. I think it’s wonderful. I’ve never experienced these traditions before. Forgive me for asking, but I was wondering, why you have invited us all here? Is there some connection between us?” Amelia asked.
She could not hold back her curiosity any longer, but the earl smiled and shook his head.
“No, not at all. I just wanted to be hospitable, that’s all,” he replied.
Amelia was desperate to ask more about his lineage, but she knew it would not be the done thing. She hardly knew him, even as she felt a sense of intimacy growing between them. Did he feel it, too?
“I’m sorry, I wasn’t…” she stammered, fearing she had overstepped the mark, but he only laughed.
“I know it might seem strange. I know some well and some I don’t. But it’s more to do with me, you see. I can’t live as a recluse my whole life long. But I find company difficult. The thought of stepping into a ballroom filled with strangers makes my blood run cold. But to invite those with whom I find some connection or affinity to Ashworth House seemed an easier prospect. I didn’t want another Christmas alone,” he said.
Amelia felt embarrassed for having concocted such far-fetched theories as to his intentions. He was lonely, and it seemed he wanted only to relieve that loneliness through conducive company.
“It’s not strange at all. Your invitation was unexpected, but was certainly welcome. I’ve felt lonely myself recently. It’s foolish, I know. I’m surrounded by company, and forever receiving invitations. But it doesn’t mean I—” she said, faltering as tears rose in her eyes.
She did not want to cry. She did not want to look a fool in front of him. The chorus of the yule log continued, but Nicholas paused, turning to Amelia, and holding up the lamp.
“I understand,” he said, placing his hand on her arm.
It felt comforting and reassuring, though she still fought back the tears, as her hand went instinctively to the locket.
“It’s Christmas. I should be happy,” she said, forcing herself to smile, but he shook his head.
“No one should force themselves to be happy, Lady Amelia. We all carry burdens. Some we can share with others, and some we can’t,” he said.
Amelia wondered if he meant his own past. Maybe he was questioning the lineage of his mother and father. She could not imagine what it would be like not to know such things, to feel like an impostor, a stranger to oneself. He was right. Every person had their cross to bear, but those burdens could be lessened when accompanied by the kindness of another.
“But I’m certainly happy here. I don’t want you to think I’m not,” she said, and offered her his arm.
“Come. Let’s count the sparks and roast chestnuts in the embers. We’ve still got the whole night ahead of us. We’ll eat and drink and be merry. The yule log means new light and new hope. It’s the sign of Christmas and joy coming into the world,” he said. The two of them hurried across the lawn in the direction of the house.
Amelia could see her mother and the others standing at the drawing room window, and the footmen now hurried out to assist in the triumphant return of the log.
“And now to count the sparks,” the viscount called out, as the log was heaved into the house, and Amelia and Nicholas followed.
