Read Online His Mistletoe Bride by Vanessa Kelly - Free Book Online

Lucas came up to her.
    â€œDid I do something wrong?” she whispered anxiously.
    He sighed. “Of course not, my dear girl. It’s just some old Stanton history, best forgotten. Come sit down. Meredith has rung for tea, and I’m sure you could use a cup.”
    She peered at him, startled both by the affectionate term and the bleak glance he cast in Silverton’s direction. Obviously, the old history had not been forgotten—at least not by the two cousins—and she could not help but be curious. For now, though, it seemed as if everyone had decided to ignore the incident, so she had no choice but to follow suit.
    Aunt Georgie, seated on the luxuriously stuffed yellow sofa, patted the space next to her in invitation. Phoebe gingerly lowered herself, painfully aware of the delicate and expensive silk fabric. Much as she had in the carriage, she had to resist the temptation to stroke it. She knew it would feel cool and smoothly textured beneath her fingers, and she mentally winced with guilt at what her brother or Mrs. Tanner might think to see her in such rich surroundings.
    Actually, she knew exactly what George would say, and none of it would be good.
    â€œPhoebe,” her aunt said, “tell us about your journey. You must have been very nervous to leave your family and embark on such a voyage.”
    â€œDamned irregular,” muttered Uncle Arthur, and his wife cast him a warning glance. The old man subsided into his chair, but that didn’t stop him from scowling when Phoebe related the difficulties of the passage and how so many had fallen sick.
    â€œOh, dear,” exclaimed Meredith. “There’s nothing worse than nausea for weeks on end. I suffered that for several months earlier this year when I was with child. And to be trapped for weeks on a ship with no respite . . .” She shuddered. “How awful.”
    Phoebe smiled, already drawn to her cousin’s warmth and sympathetic nature. “I was fortunate not to succumb until a week before we arrived in England. The worst was watching the children fall ill. We worried that several would not survive the voyage.”
    Everyone made the appropriate noises of concern, and the conversation continued until the butler and a footman arrived with a tea service. That seemed to be her uncle’s cue to rise to his feet.
    â€œWell,” he said in a hearty voice, “I expect you ladies will want to talk about my new niece’s move to Stanton House, as well as shopping and all the other silly details you’ll need to decide upon for her coming-out.”
    Phoebe’s anxiety spiked. “We will?” Her voice cracked on a high note.
    Lucas gave her an encouraging smile. “Don’t worry, Phoebe. You’re in good hands with Aunt Georgie and Meredith. Just let them take care of everything. Life will be much easier if you do, I promise.”
    â€œBut . . . but,” she spluttered.
    â€œCapital,” boomed Uncle Arthur. “I think the lads and I should repair to my library for a brandy. You ladies certainly won’t want us underfoot while you perfect your battle plans.”
    Phoebe’s alarm turned to panic when Lucas stood as well. She had no desire to talk about clothes or her move or her coming-out, nor did she feel ready to face any Stanton, no matter how kind, without Lucas there to lend support. She had barely made up her mind to stay in London, much less make such detailed plans.
    â€œLucas, I do not think . . .” Well, she did not know what to think, and her features must have shown it.
    His voice gentled. “It’s all right, Phoebe. I need to run a few errands, and then I’ll return to take you home.” He looked at his aunt. “In about an hour, shall we say?”
    â€œNo need for you to leave,” said his uncle. “The girl obviously doesn’t want you to go, either.”
    That brought a hot blush to Phoebe’s cheeks. She was not a