Mistletoe and Magic (Novella): A Loveswept Historical Romance by Katie Rose Page A

the midst of story hour, but I can at least offer some tea to dispel the chill.”
    “That sounds great.” To Penelope’s astonishment, Jared sat down as if prepared to enjoy himself. He opened the sack and then looked to the nuns for permission. “My parents took up a collection and bought some presents for the children. I’d like to distribute them now if that is all right with you.”
    The Reverend Mother nodded and the children clapped their hands with pleasure. Penelope stared, slack-jawed, as each girl received a doll and each boy a toy soldier. At the bottom of the sack was a stack of children’s books. These Jared handed out as he dropped to the floor to show the boys a thaumatrope, a disc with pictures on either side and attached to a string. When he pulled the twine, the disc twirled and the pictures seemed to move and combine into one.
    Penelope put her books away, glad to have something to do in order to hide her feelings. Deep emotion swelled inside her as she surveyed the gifts. Even if Jared had done this to impress her, his generosity with the children touched her in a way no man had ever managed before. Indeed, gentlemen usually thought charity was a woman’swork, and they left it up to their wives and mothers to take care of the less fortunate. But Jared had not only taken the time out of his day to help, but had enlisted others in the cause as well.
    “Mr. Marton,” Penelope began, but her voice was much less stern than she intended. “May I speak to you in the dining hall for a moment?”
    “Of course.” He ruffled a little boy’s hair as the urchin giggled in glee while he challenged a toy soldier to battle.
    Penelope partially closed the door and then faced her adversary. “What are you doing here?”
    “Why, helping the children to have a nice Christmas.” He grinned as if the answer were obvious.
    “Did someone tell you I come here on Fridays?” she asked suspiciously.
    “I did happen to learn that you donated your time on a regular basis,” he said, and his dark green eyes grew warm. “I must admit, I was impressed by your spirit. It moved me to ask my parents for help. I think the children will have a wonderful holiday this year, don’t you?”
    She fought the knot that choked her throat. “Mr. Marton—”
    “Jared,” he insisted.
    “Jared.” She took a deep breath and looked directly at him. “I appreciate your help and I know the children do, too. It was very kind. And please thank your parents as well. But I have to inform you that I cannot allow you to court me, if that is why you are doing all this. Not now, or ever.”
    “And why not?” he asked, cocking his head. He gave her a wicked smile. “Don’t tell me you’re engaged to another man already?”
    “No!” Penelope said, appalled. “No, it’s just …” She struggled for an excuse, and her thoughts went back to her aunt. “I cannot marry and leave my aunt alone.”
    Jared looked surprised, as if this was something he hadn’t at all considered. “I certainly wouldn’t object to Eve living with us, if that’s the case,” he stated. “I can understand why you wouldn’t want her in that old house by herself.”
    “She wouldn’t do it.” Penelope sighed. “She’s too proud and wouldn’t want to intrude. I know, because Jennifer and Winifred have both indicated such a possibility,and she refuses them each time.”
    This was a setback with no easy solution. “But surely your aunt wouldn’t want you to sacrifice your own happiness for her?”
    “No, she wouldn’t, which is why I am asking you never to tell her. I don’t want her to feel bad.”
    “I see.” Jared did understand. As he looked at the poor children in their patched-up clothes, all of them appearing hungry even as they played with the toys, he knew that Penelope herself had been an orphan. She of course would feel indebted to the relative who took them in.
    “I still want to be your friend, Miss Appleton. Even if you can’t