Read Online Mistletoe & Michaelmas by Rose Gordon - Free Book Online Page A

poking his handsome face into the open door of the parlor where Daphne had been waiting all morning for their arrival.
    “All right, Janie,” Daphne said, scooping up her eldest daughter who, unbeknownst to her would have a brother or sister any day now—though Daphne hoped he or she would wait at least another day to make their grand entrance into this world. Ever since that first year, Daphne and Aaron had always made a trip back to Danby Castle to stand—and kiss—under the large bough of mistletoe that hung near the front door and tonight would be no exception. “It's time for you to meet your namesake.”
    “Now don't you forget our promise,” Aaron said, playfully wagging his finger at Daphne. “If that baby—” he pointed toward Daphne's abdomen— “is a boy, we are not naming him Gareth.”
    Daphne leaned forward and kissed Aaron's outstretched finger. “We'll see.”
    His groan made her smile all the more. Truthfully, she had no desire to name any more children for Jane and Gareth, even if they were partially responsible for Daphne and Aaron's lasting happiness.
    Just then a red-faced little boy came bounding around the corner, carrying a stick in one hand and a snowball in the other.
    “And do you plan to throw that snowball on your aunt, young man?” Aaron teased as Daphne carefully bent to hug the young lad who she assumed was Jane and Gareth's eldest son.
    “No, he brought it to hurl at his uncle,” came the very familiar voice of the Duke of Danby.
    Aaron whirled around. “And what do we owe this visit to?”
    “Someone at my house is planning to marry.”
    “Oh, it's about time you married again,” Aaron said with ease.
    “Believe me, had I discovered her before the first footman, it'd be my bed she'd be warming,” he muttered.
    Daphne blushed, an endless flow of memories of her and Aaron warming the bed cycled through her mind.
    The duke's harsh laughter pulled her present.
    “Excuse me—Oh, Jane!” She ran to her sister and threw her free arm around Jane who had a much younger child in her arms. “I am so glad to see you.” She touched the baby's cheek. “And you.”
    “What about me?” Gareth teased from where he stood behind Jane's chair, poking out his lower lip.
    “Eh, you, too, I suppose.” She gave her brother-in-law a quick hug, then turned her attention back to Jane while Aaron and Gareth, and presumably the duke, had their gentleman's chatter. She sat on the blue and white striped chair nearest Jane and repositioned her little girl on her lap. “Jane, I'd like for you to meet Janie.”
    Jane's smile could have lit the room. “Hello, sweet girl. I see you're going to be a big sister soon.”
    “You're welcome,” Danby said.
    Aaron coughed and Daphne flushed with embarrassment. “For what, Your Grace.”
    “I told you how to snag this fine specimen,” Danby said plainly. He turned toward Aaron, “And I made it possible for you to woo her so you may thank me, too.”
    “Thank you, Your Grace,” he said dutifully.
    Danby did not look satisfied. He turned toward Gareth and Jane. “And you two can thank me as well. If not for my mechanisms—”
    “Your mechanisms,” Gareth interrupted with a snort. “You just invited us and had a few awkward conversations with these two. I am the one who is owed thanks. If not for my— oooof! ” Gareth's hand flew to his side. “What was that for?”
    “You're talking too much,” Jane said. She favored the room with her bright smile. “All that matters is that Daphne and Aaron are blissfully happy together. How it all came to be isn't so important.”
    Danby pursed his lips. “Says the lady who is credited with the matchmaking.”
    Four snorts rang out. “Nobody is doubting your involvement,” Aaron said. “In fact—”
    “Aaaah! ” A sharp pain pierced Daphne's back. She clutched her stomach. “I think it's time!”
    Around her, the room swirled as Aaron called for Mrs. Neville, their housekeeper and cook, to