Mistletoe Kisses and Yuletide Joy by Jo Beverley

action an expert at getting along with strangers.
    Casually, lightly, he talked of a range of subjects that, required only the occasional, "Yes, my lord," or "I don't think so, my lord," from the uncomfortable maid. As soon as he found one that sparked a touch of interest, however, he settled to develop it.
    With surprised admiration, Kitty saw him draw Pol out to talk about the state of some nearby roads and the unreliability of the supply of fresh fish in the city. Soon the maid was easy enough to let loose a few pithy comments about some business in Parliament.
    Kitty's parents had always encouraged their servants to read the newspapers and journals that came into the house, and Kitty had continued that tradition. She hadn't been aware, however, of how much use Pol was making of them.
    By the time Ned came back -- and he had clearly hurried -- the object of his affections was leaning forward and giving his employer her firm opinions on the electoral system, and the exclusion of women from it.
    "I agree," Lord Chatterton said, unruffled. "There does seem little logic in excluding women from the vote. However, it wouldn't help you, Pol. There's a property qualification."
    " But if I were to become a property owner, I would have as much interest in good government as any similar man, wouldn't I, my lord?"
    " Do you have ambitions to become a property owner?"
    Pol leaned back slightly. "I have ambitions," she said. "What person does not?"
    " Oh, many. Perhaps most, if ambition includes the real intent to work toward a goal. But here is the tea."
    Once they were settled to tea and cake, he managed the talk again, finding childhood accounts for everyone to share. After a while, whether by his management or natural forces, Ned and Pol were talking together, and he turned to Kitty.
    "Would you care to take a stroll around the room, Miss Mayhew?"
    In her own small house, the suggestion would be ridiculous, but this room was large enough to provide a circuit of sorts. His main purpose, clearly, was to give Ned and Pol more privacy while maintaining the chaperonage.
    Kitty was thawing. Really, he was acting with wonderful kindness. She had clearly misjudged him, and she agreed willingly to his suggestion.
    They rose and began to stroll down one side of the room. "You were raised entirely in London, Miss Mayhew?"
    " Yes, my lord. We visited the sea every year, however."
    " Brighton?"
    " Good heavens, no! Far too racy. Eastbourne. It is still little more than a village, but very pretty. I suppose you grew up in the country."
    " At Oakhurst. Park, woods, lake, trout stream. I admit it was splendid."
    As they turned to cross in front of the long windows, Kitty took a rash step. "Then why are you not there now?"
    Distinctly, he cooled. "It's hardly fishing season."
    " It is, however, the season for gathering bay and holly, and hosting the tenants in Christmas festivities." It struck her for the first time that there was not a trace of Christmas decoration in this house.
    There was none in hers, either, but that was because of mourning. Perhaps he was in mourning. Men often gave up outward signs quite quickly.
    "My parents have such things in hand," he said.
    " Then should you not be there?" How impertinent. "I mean, is it not a time to be with family, my lord?"
    " Then why are you alone, Miss Mayhew?" It was clearly intended as a silencing attack.
    " Alas, my lord, I have no family."
    It struck home and he stopped to face her. They were now in the corner behind the courting couple, whose heads were close as they talked softly. "Everyone has family of some sort."
    " I suppose it does depend how far out into the family tree one wants to cast, my lord. But I have no siblings, no aunts and uncles, no cousins, and no grandparents alive."
    " Miss Mayhew, you'll have me in tears."
    It was a joking comment, but she could see he was genuinely struck by her situation. If he valued family, however, why was he here alone while his family celebrated at