Snowflakes and Scandals

Chapter 5

Chapter 5

“I haven’t been on a sleigh ride before.” Olivia snuggled under the furs piled over them, the warming bricks at their feet. However, the heat pulsing through Hugh seemed to emanate from deep within him at having Olivia all to himself for the afternoon.

Never in his life had he expected to partake in a sleigh ride in the wilds of Yorkshire. And certainly not with the lovely lady who had knocked him sideways with her kindness, sweet spirit, and fresh beauty.

He couldn’t think of anything more enjoyable than gaining a smile from her, and he was sure the ride would do just that.

“Nor have I. Lord Ballard advised that it was simple enough to drive the sleigh.” He glanced at Olivia, who looked even prettier with her pinkened cheeks and a healthy glow caused by the cold air. Dare he hope that also had a little to do with them being together?

Lord Ballard was the one who’d suggested Hugh take the ladies for a ride in the sleigh. Hugh had found Mrs. Stamper first and asked if she and Olivia would like to go, but the older lady had declined. Yet a twinkle came to her eyes when she suggested he ask Olivia.

While he knew Ballard would disapprove since he had already discouraged Hugh from forming an attachment, Hugh couldn’t resist. The last few months had been filled with hard work and long hours as he attempted to comb through his uncle’s estate and holdings.

It was a gift to take a few hours away from his new role as earl. A gift to be no one other than a man who was attracted to a lady, enjoying a sleigh ride together in the countryside.

“It’s so beautiful.” Olivia glanced around the snow-covered rolling hills and woods in the distance. “Quiet and peaceful, as if we have the world to ourselves.”

“It is,” he agreed as he took his attention from the horses long enough to study her again.

A red wool bonnet framed her face and made her hazel eyes, which sparkled with happiness, look even larger. Her thick black wool coat looked warm, reminding him to return hers. He wasn’t sure why he hadn’t yet, but the cloak remained draped over the chair in his room where he could see it before he fell asleep and again when he woke.

Snow continued to fall but at a much slower rate. Just enough to coat the horses’ backs as they pulled away from the house.

It only took a few minutes for him to become accustomed to driving the conveyance. The horses seemed eager for the outing, tossing their heads as they trotted through the field west of the house.

Their host had advised him to cross the field and follow the road through the woods. Of course, no path was visible, but already Hugh could see the split through the trees so knew they were going in the right direction. The landscape wasn’t that different than his own country estate and made him think again about what future holidays would be like when he had a family of his own.

The sleigh glided over the snow, making for a smooth ride. The jingle of the horses’ harnesses added to the festive feel, and for the first time, Hugh was pleased he had made the journey if only to enjoy this moment.

“It feels like we’re in a painting,” Olivia murmured as she continued to look around.

“Doesn’t it?” Once again, Hugh followed her gaze, taking in the scenery. “I had no idea a sleigh ride would be quite this entertaining.” He turned to look at her again. “Though I think it has more to do with the current company.”

She smiled, one of the ones that started with a sparkle in her golden hazel eyes before her tempting lips curled. “On that, we agree.”

Her admission sent a thrill through him. Perhaps there would be a place to pause to admire the scenery and see where their mutual attraction might lead. He respected her wish to come to know one another better but couldn’t manage to tamp down his desire when around her.

He considered all he’d learned about her this morning and was eager to hear more. With her, the smallest detail fascinated him.

“Have you and your family always lived in Yorkshire?” he asked.

“Yes. Father never liked London, though he and my mother met there. What of your family? Have they always lived in London?”

He nodded. “My father was a banker for many years. I was following in his footsteps, at least professionally, until the accident that took my uncle and cousin.”

She kept her silence for a long moment, and he wondered if it bothered her that he had intended to have a career before inheriting.

“It must be odd to have your future turned upside down by tragedy,” she said at last, sympathy in her gaze.

“Yes. I’m still adjusting as I feel guilty for benefiting from their deaths.”

She pressed a gloved hand on his arm. “You shouldn’t. I am certain your uncle is looking down upon you and pleased to know the title and holdings are in good hands.”

“Thank you.” Her reassurance touched him. Few others understood his guilt, and when he tried to explain it, they quickly dismissed it.

Inheriting the title and wealth had placed a distance between him and his friends. They looked at him differently now. And perhaps he did feel different, even if he was the same person on the inside.

“It has been a challenging time,” he said. “I am lucky to have Lord Ballard to guide me.”

“He was friends with your uncle?” she asked.

“Yes, they were quite close. I met him several times over the years, and when he offered to answer any questions I might have, I was more than relieved.”

Their conversation continued but Hugh soon shifted the topic to her life. He didn’t care to share more about his own or the worry he held that he was more like his father than his uncle and would never do the title justice.

Olivia spoke of her mother’s failing health and her father’s interest in anything but their small holding. But it was the tone of her voice that caught him as if she were resigned to a life not of her choosing. Of course, few ladies were afforded such a luxury, but several of her remarks suggested she had set aside her dreams to focus on caring for her parents.

“What traditions do you enjoy at Christmas?” he asked, unwilling to allow them to discuss the unsettling topic of their futures for long when it didn’t bring either of them joy.

She smiled, just as he’d hoped. “Caroling in the village is one of my favorites. What of you?”

He was at a loss for any to share when his memories were filled with his father making everyone uncomfortable the more spirits he consumed. He, his mother, and sisters had done their best to stay out of his way so as not to become a target for his barbs. “I don’t have many,” he said at last. “I suppose that is something I hope to remedy going forward.”

He hoped the wife he chose would help start new traditions they would cherish, especially after they had children. He studied Olivia, thinking she would make someone a wonderful wife and mother, and hoping she had the chance to do so. Yet he wouldn’t deny the pang of longing that filled him at the thought of her in anyone else’s arms.

Was it wrong of him to enjoy time with her when their futures would take them on divergent paths? Surely bringing them both a little happiness was a well-deserved gift, something they were clearly missing in their lives thus far.

Holding that in mind, Hugh drew the sleigh to a halt in a small clearing amidst a stand of evergreens. He wanted a little time alone with her and this seemed like the perfect place.

He turned to her after setting the brake. “I thought we might take advantage of a few minutes of privacy.”

She raised a brow, a cautious look in her eyes. “What do you have in mind?”

“More time to speak with one another without anyone watching.” Though he could imagine the disapproval on Ballard’s face if he knew what Hugh was about.

Was it his imagination or did a flicker of disappointment cross her face? He hid a smile at the thought even as his heart lightened.

He placed an arm on the back of the bench. “Are you warm enough?”

She shifted her shoulders as if to check. “For now. Are you?”

“Actually, I am rather chilled.” He frowned as he looked at her. “Do you mind if we better share our warmth?”

He nearly grimaced at the inane question. Who did he hope to fool? Olivia might be innocent, but she was no empty-headed miss.

Her laughter caught him by surprise. A light sound that was sweet and endearing, inviting him to join in her mirth. “I suppose I should’ve said I was chilled.” She scooted closer to his side.

“I hoped you might take the opportunity I offered.” He grinned. “What could I do but try it myself?”

She fit perfectly along his side. Once again, his gaze dropped to her lips, the temptation they presented nearly more than he could bear.

As if sensing his thoughts, she licked her lips, and he clenched his jaw as desire rose.

“Olivia?”

“Yes?”

“Have you thought further upon my request for a kiss?” He held his breath as she considered how to answer.

“I have.” She sounded almost breathless.

“And?”

“I think I should like that.”

“I see.” He eased closer, turning as she did the same. “Now?”

Again, she seemed to give the question thought before nodding. “Yes. Now.”

“Perfect.” He cupped her jaw with his gloved hand, drawing out the moment to better enjoy it. “I am in complete agreement.”

“Good.” She tilted her mouth toward his, an invitation that he should proceed.

He captured her lips, trying to convey how much he treasured her and the gift she’d given him. Her mouth was firm and willing beneath his, eagerness overtaking innocence. The spark he felt shouldn’t come as a surprise, yet it did.

He’d done his share of kissing but nothing he’d experienced had felt like this. He couldn’t resist deepening it, molding his mouth to hers. She seemed to agree and reached up to place her gloved hand along his neck, linking them in a way that somehow involved his heart.

Though kissing wasn’t easy with so many layers between them, heat quickly built.

He eased back to look into her eyes, needing to know if she felt the same passion he did. Her eyes had darkened with desire, her lids heavy, and her mouth a deeper red from their kiss. His lower body stiffened with desire at the sight.

“My,” she whispered as she continued to look into his eyes.

“Indeed.” Though tempted to kiss her again, he needed to step back and consider the emotions coursing through him.

This woman seemed to have the power to undo him without even trying. That wasn’t something he could allow, could he?

“Here we are,” Hugh said as they pulled up before Ballard House nearly an hour later.

“Thank you.” Olivia forced a smile. “That was a delightful ride.”

He had been quiet on the return, and she wondered if he regretted their kiss. She supposed he remembered the differences between them. For all she knew, he might need to find an heiress to marry, and he surely knew she wasn’t one.

A groom hurried forward to lend assistance as Hugh hopped down from the sleigh. He offered his hand to help her alight, his expression unreadable.

Olivia was so distracted by her dour thoughts that she barely registered the numerous tracks in the snow or the ice that had formed from them.

She released his hand and took a step forward only to cry out as she slipped, arms flailing in an attempt to catch her balance.

“Olivia!” Hugh quickly scooped her into his arms. “Are you all right?”

She blinked. “I-I am.” Her heart raced from the near fall as well as from their proximity. “Thank you.”

“Of course.” He tightened his hold on her. “Allow me to assist you.” He made his way to the steps, continuing up them as he smiled down at her.

The sound of the front door opening had them both looking to see the butler holding it. But the sight of Lord and Lady Ballard, along with three others, all of whom paused their conversation to stare, had Olivia stiffening in dismay.

Her stomach clenched at the questioning looks they received.

“Darnworth?” Lord Ballard frowned as he came forward. “Whatever are you doing?”

“Miss Downing slipped.” Hugh shifted awkwardly with Olivia still in his arms. “I was helping her.”

Clearly Lord Ballard didn’t like what he saw. Olivia placed a hand on Hugh’s chest, wishing he would put her down. She glanced at the others, recognizing Lady Ellen Pitney and her parents, the Earl and Countess of Stratton.

Olivia’s face flamed at Lady Ellen’s amused expression. She had known the lady since their youth. While friendly on the surface, she always managed to make Olivia feel less than.

Her comments sounded warm and friendly but always held a subtle dig. “That’s a pretty gown, Olivia. Didn’t you wear that during our last visit together?” Or “How nice that your hair is so thick and straight, though I am relieved to have curls.”

Lady Ellen was everything Olivia was not—poised, confident, beautiful, titled, and wealthy. She’d already received several offers though she had not accepted any according to gossip.

Olivia should’ve realized that Lord and Lady Stratton would be invited to the house party as they also lived in Yorkshire, though some distance from here, but she wished they hadn’t.

Hugh finally set her down but did so too quickly, and she nearly lost her balance again. The speed of his action suggested he couldn’t wait to be rid of her.

“Didn’t Mrs. Stamper accompany you?” Lord Ballard asked as he looked between them, obviously displeased.

“She declined but suggested I ask Oliv—rather, Miss Downing—anyway.” Hugh cleared his throat and then gestured toward the sleigh, which the groom was taking away. “We’ve only just returned,” he added awkwardly.

Lady Ellen stepped forward. Her green silk gown perfectly matched her eyes, making them all the more striking. “Olivia, how good to see you again. It has been an age, has it not?” She placed a gloved hand over her mouth and giggled. “How like you to make such an awkward entrance.”

Embarrassment flooded Olivia, stinging her cheeks and tying her tongue. Her gaze fell to the floor as she tried to think of a response.

“Why don’t you step in so we can close the door,” Lady Ballard suggested, lips pursed with displeasure.

Olivia did as she bid, aware of Hugh directly behind her as the butler closed the door.

“A sleigh ride?” Lady Stratton smiled. “How quaint. I suppose there are some benefits to the snow.”

Lady Ballard introduced Hugh to the guests, and Olivia had the urge to slip away. She lifted her chin, reminding herself that she had been invited to the gathering. There was no need to feel unwanted because of the unfortunate encounter or Lady Ellen.

“How did you find the roads?” she forced herself to politely ask when the conversation paused.

“A challenge,” Lord Stratton answered. “Thank goodness the fallen tree was cleared sooner than expected.”

The news lifted Olivia’s spirits. Perhaps she and Aunt Ester would be able to depart closer to when they planned after all.

“I’m so pleased you decided to postpone the ball,” Lady Stratton advised Lady Ballard. “Surely more guests will be able to attend now that the snow has eased.”

“I do hope so.” She gestured toward the stairs. “Let us enjoy some tea. I’m sure you’re chilled from the journey.”

Olivia remained where she was, uncertain if she was included in the invitation even as the men drifted toward the rear of the house. How could a lovely sleigh ride and a heated kiss have ended so poorly? She supposed it was a good reminder that despite their physical connection, she and Hugh didn’t belong in the same world. Wishing for Christmas miracles would end in a broken heart for the holidays if she wasn’t careful.