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

see your way to letting me court you, I desire your companionship. For I meant what I said to you the night of the ball. And when I walked into this place and saw you with the children, I knew that I was right. You are an angel.”
    Penelope was speechless as he turned and walked out of the room.

    It was a week until Christmas. Penelope was excited, and she rustled down the stairs to join her aunt in the carriage. They were on their way to the Hitchcock Theater for a Christmas concert, followed by a gathering at the Billingses’. Penelope was wearing a new dress, red plaid silk with a square-cut neckline and black lace mitts. Aunt Eve had lent her a pair of ruby teardrop earrings that sparkled in the dim light and her good black velvet cloak. For a moment, she thought of how nice the outfit would look with Jared’s collar, but she quickly dismissed the idea, aware that by now the mink was probably gracing the throat of some wealthy woman.
    As she entered the coach, she glanced fondly at her aunt. Eve looked very pretty in a dark blue gown with matching cloak and bonnet. She thought of the story she’d told Jared, that she couldn’t marry and leave her aunt alone, and realized that she had put an obstacle in place that even the clever lawyer couldn’t overcome. She should be pleased that she had thwarted him once and for all, but somehow her victory felt hollow.
    It seemed all of New York had turned out for the concert. Penelope saw almosteveryone she knew: Jennifer and Winifred, of course with their spouses, the Billingses, the Weathermeres, the Wiselys … truly almost everyone.
    She realized there was one person she sought out the most, and chided herself. Jared. Of course he would not attend something as mundane as a Christmas concert, especially now that she’d made it clear they would never be together. He had probably already moved on to his next conquest. The thought troubled her more than it should.
    “Why, Pen, is that new? It’s beautiful!” Jennifer approached with Winifred and gave her a look of sincere appreciation as she admired the plaid silk gown. “And Aunt Eve, your outfit is very nice!”
    “I helped pick the fabric,” Penelope beamed, indicating Eve’s blue silk. “Doesn’t that color look wonderful with her hair?”
    Eve put up her hand, forestalling the compliments. “It is you young ladies who steal the spotlight tonight.”
    It was true, for Winifred appeared very elegant in an off-the-shoulder silver gown, while Jennifer was festive in a candy-cane-striped silk. Gabriel and Charles joined them, glasses of Champagne in hand as they looked for their seats in the crowd.
    “I think we are right there.” Charles indicated the row. “Auntie, would you mind taking the center seat?”
    “Why no.” Eve took the chair he indicated and accepted the sparkling wine with a smile. “My, it appears the orchestra has sold out all of the tickets this evening. We should have quite the crowd.”
    Penelope followed Eve into the aisle and sat next to her aunt. Charles and Winifred joined next, and lastly, Gabriel and Jennifer. Penelope glanced at the two empty seats beside her aunt, wondering who their companions would be for the concert.
    She didn’t have long to wait. A few minutes later, just before the music started, Jared Marton entered the hall with an elderly gentleman.
    Penelope gasped when she saw him take the aisle chair and indicated that his companion sit beside Eve. As the man made his way to the velvet-ribbed chair, Penelope saw his white whiskers, his worn coat that was obviously well made and cared for, and his ivory-topped walking cane. He sank down into the seat and a moment later, glanced up at Eve and started in surprise.
    “Is that you? Eve Appleton?”
    Penelope’s aunt turned toward him and she placed her hand on her heart. “Oh my word … it can’t be! Is it truly Mr. Rupert Darling?”
    “I am surprised you recognized me,” the man said gruffly, emotion thick in