Page 53 of The Widow’s Christmas Surprise

Stretching out his long legs in the cramped space, Lord Kinellan looked like nothing so much as a colt unfolding its unruly legs. “First, you must accept the fact that your life has been forever changed. You are an heiress, Lady Kersey, and as such you will have great freedom. The freedom to live anywhere you wish, entertain lavishly, travel on the Continent, hire the best nursemaids and governesses for your child. All of this and more is now possible and is your decision to make.”

Unbelievable. To be able to do all of that, to decide her own course, when previously she’d been allowed to decide almost nothing, was exhilarating. She and little Jane could live a life almost without care. Her parents could have a new house, servants, her father the best care possible. “It sounds too good to be true.”

“Well, but there is another side to such good fortune.”

The carriage hit an icy patch and slithered to the side of the road.

Maria grabbed the seat to keep from being pitched into Kinellan’s lap. “What do you mean?”

The marquess shrugged and glanced at Jane, fast asleep on the seat beside her, her head propped on her hand, unaffected by the jostling of the ride. A smile tugged at his lips, a tenderness in his face she’d never seen before. He reached over and gathered her cousin in his arms, bringing her to sit alongside him, and moved her head to his shoulder. At once she nestled into him, a smile on her lips, and continued to sleep.

“Where were we, my lady?”

“I think perhaps we can dispense with the titles, if it is all the same to you, my lord. Please call me Maria.” She nodded to the sleeping Jane. “You are likely to be my kinsman soon in any case.”

He peered at the sleeping woman in his arms. “That is, unfortunately, not a foregone conclusion. Your cousin is an obstinate woman, brought on, I believe in part, by the financial security of her widowhood. Her ability to do as she pleases has made her so independent she doesn’t always think of what may or may not be the best course for her.”

“Has she refused to marry you then?”

“She has avoided the question, I suspect, because she has a true fondness for me. Or at least I hope that is the reason.” He settled Jane more securely in his arms. “Do you still wish to marry Mr. Granger after receiving your newfound wealth? You now have the means to live the rest of your life unencumbered by a husband.”

“Of course I wish to marry him.” What an odd question for Kinellan to pose. “Now we do not have to wait for his brother’s . . . demise.” That would be a godsend in itself. She’d hated to think they’d just been waiting, like a pair of vultures, for the elder Mr. Granger to die. “We will be able to marry and start our lives anew, together, immediately.”

“Then you must have proper settlements drawn up this time. I suspect Mr. Granger will insist upon it, as whatever is not stipulated as yours will, upon your marriage, revert to him.”

“You said before that there was another side to good fortune. Is that one of them? That I must guard it at every turn?”

“If you wish to keep it, my dear, then yes. You will have people, complete strangers, suddenly cozying up to you, begging your assistance. If you are to keep your fortune, you must learn to say no to them.”

“But there is so much . . .” She could do so many things with her newfound wealth.

“There won’t be if you do not set rules on the spending of it. Given his current occupation, I suspect your future husband will be very good at that.” Kinellan glanced out the window. “We are slowing, probably at Braintree to change the horses.” He smiled at her. “Not much farther.”

Perhaps another hour or so and she’d see Hugh again. She’d missed him dreadfully and it had only been two days. But now they need not part, ever again. As the carriage pulled into the coaching inn, light flakes of snow began to fall, a reminder that the holiday season would soon be upon them.

Despite the sorrows of the past year, this coming Christmas would be the best she’d ever known. With a new husband and newfound means with which to celebrate, the coming season of peace on earth and joy to all mankind would be one she would likely never forget.

Chapter Twenty-Two

Lights were blazing in Kersey Hall when Kinellan’s carriage pulled up to the front door. Figures bobbed and twirled in one of the upstairs rooms. The Christmas house party had begun the day before and seemed to be progressing well. Maria doubted it would continue so.

Kinellan handed her and Jane down from the carriage. “Will you go find Hatley and Nurse, please, Jane. Tell them to pack our things immediately. I don’t care if they have to stuff them in a flour sack, by the time I finish my talk with Lord Kersey, I want us to be able to leave.”

“I will take care of it, my dear.” Jane looked wistfully at her. “I only wish I could witness your conference with Lord Kersey.”

Kinellan lifted the knocker and let it fall. “I promise to give you a full report, my dear.”

Chambers opened the door. “Lady Kersey, Lady John, Lord Kinellan. His lordship will be pleased.”

“I highly doubt that,” Kinellan muttered as they entered.

After handing her pelisse to the butler, Jane headed directly for the stairs.

“Where is Lord Kersey?” Maria pulled off her coat and gave it to a nearby footman. “With his guests?”

“Yes, my lady. In the family drawing room.”

“Ask him to please attend me in the blue receiving room. Tell him . . .” She shot a look at Kinellan, who nodded. “Tell him it is a matter of grave importance that I speak with him.”