Read Online Mistletoe and Magic (Novella): A Loveswept Historical Romance by Katie Rose - Free Book Online

his voice. “I know I have changed so much. War is never easy on a man. But I would know you anywhere. You are as lovely as the day we met. It was at the Asburys’ garden party, was it not?”
    “The very same!” Eve, to Penelope’s astonishment, was blushing. The music began, but the two older people laughed together as if in their own little world. The years seemed to fall away as her aunt, tears sparkling in her blue eyes, whispered confidences to the man beside her. By the time intermission was announced, Rupert had his arm around Eve and it was clear that time had not changed the depth of feeling between them.
    Penelope’s eyes met Jared’s and he shrugged, as if to say he had little to do with all this. And yet …
    It suddenly all became clear. Jared had found a beau for Eve! Penelope had thought she’d given him an insurmountable reason he couldn’t court her, but it appeared she had once more underestimated him.
    She should be furious, but somehow she couldn’t muster that emotion with her aunt giggling like she was sixteen all over again. For the first time, she realized that in spite of her company, Eve was lonely. And Jared, for his own reasons of course, had given her aunt a gift that might prove priceless.
    When she glanced at Jared again, he was watching her with a warmth and sincerity that made her look quickly away. What in God’s name was she to do with him? How had he even managed to find this man, Mr. Darling, who’d obviously once been very important to Eve? And why … why would he go to such lengths?
    She couldn’t think about the answer. Forcing her attention back to the music, she became aware that they were beginning to play “Silent Night.” When she peeked at Jared, he was shaking with laughter.

Chapter Seven
    When the concert ended, Penelope and her aunt joined the company at the Billingses’ party. The house was gaily decorated for Christmas, and Jane and Elizabeth were both resplendent in their holiday velvets. Eve and Rupert were in the corner sipping mulled wine from crystal cups, enjoying the opportunity to rekindle a romance, while Jennifer and Winifred waltzed with their spouses.
    “They make quite a nice couple, don’t you think?” Jared came up behind her as Penelope accepted a cup from one of the servants. He indicated her aunt and the elderly gent.
    “How did you find him? I didn’t know that Eve was ever … involved with someone!”
    Jared grinned, pouring the wine into her cup. “Mildred Adams was a close friend of Eve’s.” He indicated the matriarch seated across the room. “She remembered that your aunt had a beau who’d gone to war. By the time he returned, she had moved and they’d lost touch. I asked my office clerk to do some research, and he located Mr. Darling.”
    “Amazing.” Penelope shook her head in wonder. “To see them reconnect now is so sweet.” She gave him a warm smile. “Thank you, Jared! Eve looks so happy. What a wonderful Christmas present!”
    “I am very glad you think so.” He glanced once more in Eve’s direction. “So I don’t think you need to worry about her being lonely anymore.” He turned his gaze back to Penelope, his voice rich with meaning.
    “Mr. Marton …” Penelope backed away from him and found herself in the doorway leading to the library. “This really doesn’t change anything! I hope you didn’t help my aunt simply as an excuse to pursue me!”
    “That wasn’t entirely the reason,” Jared said. When she stepped backward into the room, he kicked the door closed behind them. “I was glad to do something that made your aunt happy. She is a wonderful woman. But it does take away your last defense.”
    “Jared …” Penelope swallowed hard when he placed his hands on the wall oneither side of her, effectively holding her captive. “How can I convince you? I just don’t … feel that way about you.”
    “What way?”
    She saw laughter in his eyes as he dared her to say it. Penelope