Snowflakes and Scandals

Chapter 4

Chapter 4

Hugh’s entire body tightened at the sound of his name on Olivia’s lips. Did she realize that when she said it, her lips puckered in the most delightful way?

“You...you may call me Olivia, of course.” She sounded breathless, her eyes darting over him as if she wasn’t sure where to look.

He knew it was inappropriate to be without his jacket, cravat dangling, when with a lady. But he couldn’t bring himself to care.

“Olivia.” He said it slowly, loving how it felt, almost like a caress on his tongue.

Her eyes darkened as they held on him, and he could see her pulse quicken at the base of her throat. The urge to kiss that slight flutter was nearly overwhelming.

“What sort of books do you like, Olivia?” he asked, trying to calm the urge. Lord Ballard was right. This woman wasn’t for him, but he found her incredibly appealing all the same. So appealing that he brushed a strand of her hair behind her ear, allowing his fingers to linger on her soft skin.

“All sorts.” She lowered the book she held and took a deep breath. Desire pulsed through him as her nipples pressed against the taut linen of her robe. “Fictional stories, especially. I recently read Frankenstein .” She shivered. “That was quite the tale.”

“I shall have to read it. What of poetry or romantic books?” He thought for certain those would be her first choice.

“I enjoy them, too. What of you?”

“I haven’t had much time to read novels of late, but I hope to change that.”

“I adore books. They provide an escape of sorts and allow one to think of something other than their own circumstances.”

Her comment made him wonder from what circumstances she wanted to escape. Based on the conversation at dinner, he understood she lived with her mother and father not far from where he’d fallen. She didn’t see her Aunt Ester often but clearly adored her. Beyond that, he didn’t know much else as she had listened more than she’d spoken.

“I suppose I am able to do that when I’m riding.” He braced a hand on the wall just above her head which brought him even closer. He couldn’t resist testing the waters—and her—to see where this attraction might lead.

From experience, he knew it was often fleeting and quickly faded. Other times it burned hot but was quickly extinguished. Of what sort was this?

She nodded even as she stiffened in response. “Riding is quite refreshing.”

“Olivia?”

“Yes?” Her voice squeaked again. Damn if he didn’t enjoy that. He liked the idea of her on edge since he certainly was.

He touched her cheek, telling himself that he would be satisfied with the brief caress. After all, she had touched his face when she’d come upon him alongside the road, a moment he vividly remembered. This would make them even.

“I have a confession.” He whispered the words, ignoring the warning bells in his head as his gaze swept over her face.

A wary look darkened her eyes. “What might that be?”

“I find you incredibly attractive, and I should like to kiss you. Very much.”

Her eyes widened but she didn’t protest. Instead, her gaze dropped to his lips as if she’d had the same thought. Taking her silence for permission, he bent his head until their breath mingled, giving her time to become accustomed to him. To move away if that was her preference.

Innocence radiated from her, and he didn’t want to push too far. Never that.

She glanced down, much to his dismay, a silent refusal of sorts. “Perhaps that might be possible. At some future point in time.” She looked up again and met his gaze, chin lifted. “But I do not kiss strange men in darkened studies even if I am equally attracted to them.”

Her words felt like a test of sorts, one he didn’t want to fail. To know she found him appealing could be counted as a small win, but to wait for a kiss was not.

“Then I shall wait patiently until we have come to know one another better,” he murmured, allowing his focus to drop to those tempting lips once more. “I look forward to spending more time with you.”

The warmth of her palm on his chest through the thin linen of his shirt was a shock given her refusal, one he felt to his toes. “I look forward to it...Hugh.”

Then she dropped her hand from his chest. “I-I should go.”

“Yes, that might be best.” Before he lost his senses and plundered her sweet mouth. She wasn’t for him, and he wasn’t for her. Yet a voice deep inside him protested the thought.

Why not , it demanded.

Book in hand, she reached for the candleholder and turned to go. She was nearly to the door when she looked back, a hint of a smile on those appealing lips. “I truly am pleased you are well. You have been ever in my thoughts.”

Then he was alone in the study with only the faint sweet scent of her to keep him company.

Olivia stared out the drawing room window where she waited for her aunt the next morning, wondering what had possessed her to refuse Hugh’s request for a kiss. The flutters returned to her stomach as she relived those few minutes.

Precious minutes.

Part of her was nearly giddy with the realization that he found her attractive. Two days ago, she would’ve refused to believe seeing him again was possible, let alone engaging in a flirtatious encounter.

The other part of her was shocked and dismayed as she was certain that if he’d said even one more thing, she would’ve wound her arms around his neck and?—

She spun away from the window to press her cool hands on her hot cheeks. In her dreams, she had imagined kissing him many times over.

Should she have said yes?

She bit her lip as she pondered the question. If time with Hugh was to be short, why should she deny herself the pleasure of his company? Why shouldn’t she indulge in a bit of passion and create memories for the coming years?

“There you are, darling.” Aunt Ester entered the room, halting her spinning thoughts. “I wondered if you might have slept in. Did you already break your fast?”

“Not as of yet.” Mainly because she worried she might encounter Hugh, and that was something for which she wasn’t prepared.

“Shall we go down together?”

“That would be lovely.” Olivia followed her down the stairs, relieved to find the dining room empty. A sideboard offered various selections, and Olivia filled her plate with coddled eggs, sausage, and toast.

“The maid mentioned a significant amount of snow fell during the night,” her aunt said as the butler poured them tea.

“That doesn’t bode well for the house party.” Olivia felt terrible for their hosts. “Perhaps the weather will clear later in the day.”

“Good morning, ladies,” Lady Ballard said as she entered the room with her husband and Hugh, who also greeted them.

Olivia met Hugh’s gaze, her stomach dancing in response. She did her best to act nonchalant though she feared she failed utterly.

“We were just discussing plans for the day.” Lady Ballard selected a few items from the offering, as did Hugh and Lord Ballard before they all took a seat.

The lady frowned as she glanced out the tall, narrow windows. “Our options are limited given the snowfall. I worry our other guests who had farther to travel might not arrive as planned.”

“I sent one of the groomsmen out to see how the roads are.” Lord Ballard placed a napkin on his lap. “We shall await his report. There is nothing to be done if the weather doesn’t cooperate.”

“Do you think we will have to postpone the ball?” Lady Ballard asked, cup raised midway to her lips.

“We might, but the weather is beyond our control, dear,” her husband responded. “A few days won’t make any difference. Those who were invited from the surrounding area will still come.”

“I suppose that’s true.” Yet the lady’s brow furrowed as she took a sip.

Olivia shared a worried look with her aunt. If the guests were delayed, that also meant they wouldn’t be able to leave in two days’ time as planned. That meant her mother and father would be without her longer than expected. Worry diminished her appetite.

Aunt Ester sent her a sympathetic look, seeming to understand her concern. “I have no doubt Freda is taking excellent care of them,” she whispered.

Olivia nodded. Remembering that did help. It was likely snow was coming down there as well. They’d understand why Olivia and Aunt Ester didn’t return as planned.

The meal was soon over, and Lady Ballard rose. “Forgive me for stepping away for a time, but there are some last-minute details I need to attend to.”

“Is there anything we can assist with?” Aunt Ester asked. “We would be pleased to lend aid.” She glanced at Olivia who nodded in agreement.

“As would I,” Hugh added, setting aside his napkin.

Lady Ballard smiled. “How kind of you. The decorations in the ballroom need to be finalized. I would appreciate help with those.”

They followed her to the rear of the house where she opened the double doors to the ballroom.

Olivia thought it already looked wonderful. Tall windows lined one wall, framing the picturesque snow-covered countryside. Ornate mirrors hung on two walls with small tables below them for candles, which would help brighten the room with reflected light. A cheerful fire burned in the hearth.

The floor had already been chalked in an arabesque pattern to help prevent slipping and add beauty to the room, though it wouldn’t last long once the dancing started.

Yet she couldn’t help but note the opulence. How different this was from her own home. What might it be like to become accustomed to such rich trappings? She couldn’t imagine it, nor was she sure she wanted to.

Still, Olivia hoped the ball would be held as planned so she might wear her mother’s dress. She glanced at Hugh out of the corner of her eye. Could she hope for a dance with the handsome earl?

The butler, two footmen, and several maids entered with crates of items.

Lady Ballard directed the servants where to place the candles and candleholders then turned to Aunt Ester and Olivia. “Would you be so kind as to place these on the top of the pillars and tables throughout the room?” She gestured toward delicate lace doilies and small gold plates.

“Allow me to carry this.” Hugh reached for the crate she pointed to and raised a brow at Olivia and her aunt. “Where would you like to begin?”

The older lady led the way to the nearest table, and Olivia reached into the box Hugh held for a plate and doily, blushing as she did so. “These are beautiful.” The delicate lace would add an elegant touch, while the plate reflected the candlelight and protected it from dripping wax.

“They are indeed,” Hugh agreed, but his gaze held on her rather than the doilies.

She hid a smile and then stepped back after placing the doily under the plate, positioning it so a large portion of the lace showed. “How is this?”

“Perfect,” Aunt Ester declared, seemingly oblivious to the flirtation her niece was having.

Soon afterward, her aunt was called away by Lady Ballard, leaving Hugh and Olivia to continue their work.

“What is your favorite color?” he asked as he watched her place another doily and plate.

She frowned as she glanced at him. “Why?”

“If we’re to come to know one another better, we should share such things.” His charming smile sent her pulse skittering.

“Blue.” Exactly the color of his eyes.

“What shade of blue?” He narrowed those eyes as he studied her.

“Lapis blue. Are you familiar with that shade?” Her cheeks heated from the boldness of her response.

“I am.” His smile was equally bold.

“What of you?” She glanced at him as they continued to place the decorations.

“You must guess.” His teasing tone further heated her cheeks.

“Why, when I was kind enough to tell you mine?” she countered, hardly able to believe the banter. She hadn’t known she was capable of this behavior, but something about this man made her want to be.

“Guess.” The way he said the word was somehow seductive, or perhaps it was the look on his handsome face.

“Blue.” The color slipped out before she could stop it. For some reason, she wanted it to be the same as hers.

He grinned. “Yes.”

Now it was her turn to consider him with narrowed eyes. “Truly? Or are you just saying that because it is mine?”

“Truly.”

“Hmm.” She moved to the next pillar. “What is your favorite food?”

“Ham.” His smile faded as he stared into the distance as if suddenly transported elsewhere. “Ham with a slice of freshly baked bread.” The faraway look fell away as he briefly met her gaze. “We had that quite often in my youth.”

The remark made her wonder about his upbringing since he had only recently inherited.

“What of you?” he asked.

“The goose we roast every Christmas.” She allowed memories to wash over her as she recalled her anticipation as the scent filled their home, promising good times to come. “The delicious aroma in the house is heavenly and says Christmas like nothing else.”

“What a shame to only enjoy your favorite food once a year.” His brow furrowed at the thought.

“That is what makes it special. But I also have a fondness for iced cake.”

“On that, we can agree.” He glanced at the others across the room then leaned close as if to share a confidence. “Do you think there’s a chance for any this afternoon?”

“Let us hope so.”

The morning passed quickly, and Olivia thoroughly enjoyed herself as much of it was spent in Hugh’s company. After a light luncheon of cold meats, including slices of ham and freshly baked bread, which allowed her and Hugh to share a smile, the men donned their greatcoats and stepped out of doors to survey the grounds.

The groom had reported that the roads were in a poor state, and it was doubtful any of the guests would arrive that day. Hopefully, they were tucked in an inn, safe and comfortable, until conditions improved.

Left to her own devices and knowing the men were out on the grounds, Olivia returned to the study to choose another book since she’d been interrupted the previous night.

As she returned to the shelf where she’d found several that piqued her interest, she couldn’t help thinking of Hugh’s request for a kiss. The idea that he found her attractive was a thrill, especially since she thought the same of him.

After a selection, she exited the study only to come upon Hugh in the corridor.

“There you are.” He still wore his coat, hat, and gloves, as well as a grin on his face.

She returned the smile, certain her cheeks were equally as red given that she’d just been thinking of him. “How is it out there?”

“The snow has eased. Unfortunately, a tree has fallen across the bridge that leads to Ballard House. It will take some time to remove it.”

“Oh, no.” Worry filled her as she thought of her mother and father. “Do you have any idea how long?”

“At least a day or two. It is a large tree and will need to be cut into manageable sections before it can be hauled away.”

That was a relief. Though she worried about her parents, knowing they had extra help in the form of Aunt Ester’s maid was reassuring.

“I know you were planning to return home soon,” he added with a sympathetic look. “I hope the delay doesn’t cause issues.”

“As do I. My mother’s fragile health is a concern.” The thought of her mother declining further because she wasn’t there worried her. “But there is nothing to be done except make the best of it.” She had to hope a few days wouldn’t make such a difference.

“True. That is why I was looking for you.”

“Oh?” Her stomach danced at the excitement sparkling in his eyes.

“Would you care to join me for a sleigh ride?”