Read Online Letters at Christmas by Amber Lin - Free Book Online

know,” he said, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. Which it was , but Geoffrey didn’t know that. Or…
    “I beg your pardon?”
    “I know that you’re in love with Sidony. If I’m not mistaken, she returns your affection.”
    Hale cleared his throat, trying to catch up. “Why didn’t you ever say anything?”
    “I assumed that’s why you went to sea. To establish yourself for marriage.”
    Was there anything he hadn’t figured out? “Yes, that’s right.”
    Geoffrey raised an eyebrow. “And to explore the world before settling down.”
    “No.” He was talking about women. “I’ve never had any desire to explore. If I travel later, I want it to be with Sidony. I’m asking for your permission to marry her.”
    Geoffrey leaned back in his chair, looking thoughtful.
    Hale forged on. “I have already let a townhouse in London, but we can search for something permanent when she arrives. I have also put out inquiries for land here in Lancashire, close to Harbeck Hall, so we can enjoy the country pursuits nearby.”
    “She is still young.”
    “Not too young.”
    Geoffrey’s glance was sharp. “I’ve trusted you here.”
    Hale met his gaze levelly. Neither of them were saints. Geoffrey’d had Catherine under this roof plenty a time. If he wanted to call Hale out for the same thing, so be it.
    After a tense moment, Geoffrey blew out a breath. “I suppose your wedding should be sooner rather than later, then.”
    Hale pulled the special license from his pocket. “This should be fast enough.”
    Geoffrey examined it with surprise. “You were confident.”
    More like desperate. So desperate he’d almost bungled things with Sidony, but thankfully she was forgiving. She was, as Geoffrey had once said, sensitive—but in the best and most admirable of ways. He narrowed his eyes at his friend, who clearly saw more than he let on.
    “Do you ever plan on telling me what happened when your parents passed away?” Hale asked.
    To his shock, Geoffrey answered. With a clear gaze, he said, “No, but I think you understand now. How just seeing certain things can change a man. Or be the making of one.”
    Yes, Hale understood. He hadn’t wanted to taint Sidony with his tale so he’d omitted the gruesome details—but they were the important ones. The absolute shock as he’d watched a man slip overboard, as if he were just a drop in the ocean. Hale still heard his scream mingling with the waves and the wind. Hale’s desolation when his cat Bailey was missing too, another body on the growing pile. The dread when he’d assumed command, realizing that more men would surely die, and it would be his responsibility, his fault.
    At eighteen years old and in love, he’d thought he was a man. He’d been wrong. All that had changed in a matter of hours, when all his childish promises turned to ash in the face of impossible odds. The only way he could win Sidony was to accept certain death, to give up that youthful, hopeful part of himself.
    He leaned forward. “How does one move on? How does one keep living?”
    “I’m the wrong person to ask. You’ve said yourself, I’m not the same.” He stared at the snowy white windows. “But if I had to guess, I’d say it’s this. Spending time with family.”
    “At Christmas,” Hale added, thinking of Sidony’s delight when she’d seen the sleighs. In town there were barely any signs of the holiday season. He’d disembarked to find everyone with their head down against the cold, expressions brittle. Only out in the country he’d seen the celebrations. Only here he’d found Sidony and her joy with the trappings of yuletide.
    “And in the care of a good woman.” Geoffrey seemed to be on the same line of thought. “Don’t be afraid to lean on Sidony. She’s stronger than she looks.”
    “Well, she looks quite strong.”
    “I regret I wasn’t there for her when she was younger, and that our parents weren’t either, but she’s grown up well