Surprised, she met his gaze, a hint of confusion in them as she searched his face.
Wesley swallowed. “You still haven’t given me an answer.”
As her gaze dropped from his, she took a deep breath, and a slight tremble shook her body. “Wesley, I…I…”
As the last notes of the waltz evaporated into thin air, Christine lifted her head and met his gaze…before she stepped back and turned her attention to the centre of the room.
For a moment, Wesley closed his eyes as exhaustion washed over him. Was this truly a futile attempt? Was there any way for him to win her hand? Or was he simply fooling himself?
Then excited murmurs drew his attention from his inner turmoil, and following Christine’s line of view, he found his brother standing under the mistletoe in the centre of the large ballroom…Catherine by his side−the way it ought to be.
For a moment, they seemed lost in each other’s eyes, and Wesley wondered if the love that existed between them could ever exist between Christine and himself. Had she ever looked at him like that? Had he? He honestly could not say. His heart, however, ached for it, and he knew, just like Catherine, he could not give up.
Glancing at the surrounding audience a bit uneasily, William pulled Catherine closer before he leaned down and kissed her the way a husband would kiss his wife. However, their audience at large had no idea that they were in fact husband and wife, and so it was not long before whispers of outrage echoed through the vaulted room. Eyes narrowed, and frowns appeared on a number of faces. Glancing at Christine, whose eyes also took in the change in the air, Wesley swallowed as the atmosphere slowly shifted from jolly delight to hostile accusation.
“What now?” he whispered to her.
Without answering him, she took a few steps closer to the couple under the mistletoe.
When they finally broke their kiss and a sense of shocked reality returned to their eyes, Christine strode forward without a moment's hesitation. “Isn’t this a marvellous night?” she beamed as confused eyes turned to her…after all, as far as the rest of the assembly was concerned, she was William’s wife.
Unimpressed, Christine raised her hands and removed her mask…and just as quickly, open hostility was replaced by stunned silence before delighted laughter echoed through the room.
Then Christine turned and looked at Catherine, gesturing for her to remove her mask as well, and with a hesitant look at William, she did so.
Instantly, the room erupted in smiles and laughter, compliments and praise.
“Wonderful!”
“What a marvellous idea!”
“Did anyone notice they’d switched places?”
Eyes fixed on his brother, Wesley swallowed as William’s eyes narrowed and his face turned pale. Had he already understood the full meaning of what had just been revealed to him? Wesley wished he knew what his brother thought in that very moment. He could only hope that one day he would be able to look back at this day and laugh as well.
***
Suddenly the centre of attention, Christine saw the strain on her sister’s as well as brother-in-law’s face as the other guests crowded around them, eager to exchange a word or offer their congratulations on such a marvellous idea.
Trying her best to shield them, Christine was beyond grateful when Wesley called for the carriage and directed them out the door with a sure hand.
And yet, after the loud hustle-bustle at the earl’s ball, the silence that fell over them in the small confines of the carriage felt even heavier. Although Christine and Wesley tried to explain, William barely paid them any attention.
Looking at her sister, Christine found her almost shivering in her seat, fear clearly edged in her eyes as she uneasily glanced at her husband.
At a loss for the first time in her life, Christine walked over the threshold into the front hall of Harrington Park, her mind frantically searching for a way to make William understand that it had never been their intention to deceive him. Would he ever forgive her sister? Would Catherine ever forgive her?
Spinning on her heel, Christine looked from William to Catherine. “Let us sit and talk about this,” she suggested, panic in her voice as the full meaning of what she had done finally dawned on her.
Then she stepped into the parlour, raking her mind for the right words to explain that… Again, she shook her head. What else could she possibly say? How could she make William understand and ensure that her sister’s heart would not be broken for the second time since her husband’s accident?
“Maybe we should leave them alone,” Wesley suggested as he stepped into the parlour behind Catherine and William.
“But−”
“We should go,” he insisted, his eyes gentle as he took her by the elbow and led her out of the room. “They need time alone.”
Christine cast one last look at her sister’s miserable face before the door closed and Wesley led her up the stairs. “What if he cannot forgive her?”
“He loves her.”
“Yes, but what if he cannot forgive her?” Christine insisted, leaning heavily on Wesley’s arm as all strength seemed to leave her. “What if−?”
“Even if he does not forgive her right now,” Wesley interrupted, turning down the corridor toward Christine’s room, “he will eventually. Sometimes, things take time. We’ll need to be patient.”
Gnawing on her lower lip, Christine grumbled, “I hate that. I’ve never been patient. Waiting is like torture.”
A soft smile came to Wesley’s face as they stopped in front of her door. “Then you know how I feel.”
Holding his gaze for a moment, Christine swallowed, knowing only too well what he was referring to. “Maybe we should go downstairs and see what’s going on,” she suggested, desperate to return to their former topic of conversation. After all, it was much safer. “Maybe they need us. Maybe−”
Shaking his head, Wesley stepped in her way as she started down the corridor. “They need time alone, and you need rest.”
“Don’t be ridiculous!” Christine snapped, trying to brush by him. “It was my plan, my doing, I cannot just go to bed and leave my sister alone to answer for all of this.” With every word, her voice was growing more panicky, and Wesley’s hands tightened on her arms to keep her from running off. “She needs me. I’m her sister. We’ve always done everything together. I cannot leave her alone now. She needs me. I−”
Determination hardened his features, and in the next instant, his mouth came down on hers, silencing her.
Lost in her rambling, Christine had not seen it coming, but it had been the very thing she’d needed. Her arms rose to his shoulders, then snaked around his neck, pulling her closer against him as she kissed him with the same passion that echoed in his heart.
Her mind instantly abandoned all thoughts of her sister and brother-in-law, and all she could think about was the last time they’d kissed. It had been too long since then. Why had they waited this long?
Wesley’s arms held her tightly as he walked her backwards until her back came to rest against the door to her bedchamber. Heat burned in her body as his hands touched her and his mouth devoured hers.
Gasping for breath, Christine clung to him. “Have you changed your mind?” she whispered as her lips sought his once more.
Instantly, his hands stilled, and he pulled back, his jaw tense as he held her gaze. Then he swallowed, regret clearly edged in his eyes, and took a step back, his hands releasing their hold on her. “I have not,” he said, drawing in a slow breath. “Have you?”
Feeling the same emotions well up in her chest that she could so plainly read on his face, Christine shook her head. “I can’t marry you, Wesley.”
“Why not?” He gritted his teeth as his eyes burned into hers. “Do you not…care for me?”
Christine swallowed, knowing that she cared for him a lot more than she would ever allow herself to admit. “I never wanted to get married because I know it would not make me happy.” She shrugged apologetically
as the look on his face slowly broke her heart. “It’s not part of the plan. It never was,” she whispered, forcing back the tears that threatened.
Although she had expected regret, confusion or even anger, Christine was not surprised to see a gentle smile come to his face as he took a step toward her. “Maybe you need a new plan,” he said, softly taking her hands in his. “Things change, Chris,” involuntarily, her heart skipped a beat as he called her by the nickname that had always made her feel special, “life changes. Do not reject me simply because I’m not part of your plan.” He held her gaze, and his hands closed more tightly around hers. “Reject me if you do not want me.” He swallowed, then took a step back and released her hands. “Think about it.” Reaching around her, he opened the door to her chamber. “Good night,” he whispered, taking another step backwards, “and I swear I’ll drag you back up here on your hair if I find you anywhere near the parlour.”
Christine laughed, and her heart instantly felt lighter. “I promise I’ll not venture downstairs. There. Satisfied?”
A gleam in his eyes, he shook his head. “Far from it, but it’s a start.”
Chapter Fourteen − A Brother's Advice
Although Christine had not accepted his proposal, she had not declined it, either…at least, not in the strictest sense, and so Wesley found himself sitting across from her at the breakfast table the next morning with a hopeful heart.
And yet, despite every encouragement he had whispered to himself in the dark of night, the early morning light brought back all the doubts and confusion that he couldn’t seem to banish. Where would they go from there? Especially now, that their charade was over.
No matter what the future held for William and Catherine, Wesley would soon return to his townhouse and Christine, he presumed, would return to her parents’ house. Soon, their ways would part. What then? What would she do? Would she…?
Wesley gritted his teeth as he eyed Christine, who seemed to have shaken off the previous night without difficulty. In that moment, he envied her ability to recover from whatever plagued her in a matter of hours.
Even though last night she had seemed on the brink of tears, afraid to admit that she did in fact care for him, this morning found her smiling, her eyes aglow with delight as she glanced at him. Was she enjoying the tortured expression that undoubtedly shone on his face? Was she only biding her time until he would finally give in?
Would he?
Hanging his head, Wesley couldn’t be certain. If she made good on her threat, would he ultimately accept her proposal in order to ensure that no one else received an invitation into her bed?
By the time his brother and Catherine finally came down to breakfast, Wesley was no closer to an answer. To his delight, though, one look at the smiling couple, who couldn’t seem to keep their hands off each other, told them that he had been right. William loved Catherine, and no matter how hurt he had been by their charade, he had had no choice but to forgive her.
If only Wesley could be certain that Christine loved him! There had been signs, and yet, he was far from certain. Was that how Catherine had felt with regard to her husband’s love? If it was, he felt for her even more than before for this was pure agony!
After breakfast, while the ladies once more discussed the Christmas Ball, William approached his brother. “Since I don’t remember, I need to ask.” He glanced at Christine. “Has there ever been anything between the two of you?”
Wesley cleared his throat. Apparently, his brother could read him as well as Wesley had read William’s feelings for Catherine.
“When I thought she was my wife,” his brother continued, “I would occasionally come upon the two of you and wonder why I didn’t feel jealous because considering the way you looked at each other, any husband should.” A compassionate look in his eyes, his brother leaned closer. “If you care for her, then fight for her.”
Feeling exhausted, Wesley shook his head. “She is determined not to marry.”
“Maybe,” William said, an encouraging smile on his face. “But look at me, there is nothing that is not possible where love is concerned.”
Wesley nodded. If only he knew if she loved him. However, he didn’t dare ask, afraid the answer would shatter him.
And so he kept his distance, hoping and wondering, but ultimately realising that there was very little if anything at all that he could do. If she was determined not to marry, then there was no future for the two of them.
Although he had known that both of them would leave Harrington Park soon, Wesley was stunned to come downstairs a few days after the Christmas Ball and find her luggage in the hall.
Pulling on her coat, Christine smiled at her sister, then hugged her fiercely, whispering something in her ear.
The hint of tears stood in Catherine’s eyes, and she blinked rapidly as she returned her sister’s embrace.
“She decided to return to London,” William said, coming to stand beside his brother.
As his heart thudded painfully in his chest, Wesley gritted his teeth. “Why?” he almost growled as the meaning of her departure hit him with full force.
William shrugged, his eyes carefully watching Wesley’s face. “She said she wanted to give us space to reacquaint yourselves with each other.”
Feeling his brother’s watchful gaze on him, Wesley swallowed. “Well, I suppose she’s right.” He forced his eyes from Christine and turned to face his brother. “Maybe I should head back to Town as well.”
A slow smile came to William’s face. “Are you going after her?”
“No.” Shaking his head, Wesley glanced at the woman who held his heart. “She’s made her feelings perfectly clear.”
William sighed. “Trust me. You will never forgive yourself if you give up now. Even if it seems hopeless, anyone could tell that she cares for you.”
Wesley’s head snapped up.
“Did you not know?” William asked, nodding his head, a smile on his face. “I suppose people are difficult to read when you’re personally involved, is that not so?”
Wesley nodded, wishing he could see what was right in front of him without his own fears and doubts clouding the image.
“You should at least bid her farewell,” his brother suggested before he walked over to his wife, drawing her aside.
Swallowing, Wesley did as suggested. He drew in a slow breath, forcing his features not to betray the turmoil that he felt inside as he approached the rather disinterested woman pulling on her gloves. “You’re leaving.”
Slowly, her head rose, and yet, another second passed before she met his eyes. “I am,” she confirmed, a slight quiver in her lip as she spoke. “There’s no point in prolonging the inevitable.”
Frowning, Wesley searched her face.
As she saw him looking, a big smile spread over her face, covering the sadness that rested in her dark green eyes. “It always saddens me to part ways with my sister,” she rushed to explain, “however, I suppose they need time alone right now. And I have to admit I long to return to London. After all, the new season is soon to start, and I have yet to choose a new wardrobe.”
A soft smile came to Wesley’s face as he realised the effort it took her to speak as cheerfully as she did, and although she blamed her emotions on bidding her sister goodbye, Wesley felt certain that at least part of the tears that threatened were meant for him. “Thank you for all you did,” he said, taking a step closer, his eyes holding hers. “William and Catherine are happy again, and although I hate to admit it, it wouldn’t have happened if it hadn’t been for your…ludicrous plan.”
Her eyes narrowed. “Ludicrous plan?”
Ignoring her, Wesley smiled. “I’ll miss you,” he whispered, and her brows went up in surprise. “Without you, life will seem dull. How will I ever fill my days without being pressured into lending a hand with a variety of insane ideas?”
“Insane ideas?”
“Call on me,” Wesley said, “if you ever need help leading another couple to their
happily-ever-after.”
Christine nodded. “I shall.” She took a slow breath. “Goodbye, Wes. It’s been a pleasure,” she whispered, a mischievous twinkle in her eyes.
Wesley smiled. “It has been indeed.”
Then she turned and stepped over the threshold into the cold winter air toward the waiting carriage that would take her back to London and away from him.
Chapter Fifteen − A New Season
Only a fortnight into the new year with the Season just beginning, Christine found herself bored beyond all measure. Although assembling a new wardrobe had been mildly entertaining, it had still been overshadowed by a highly inconvenient sense of loss.
At every outing, be it a play, a ball or merely a stroll in the park, Christine did not primarily pay attention to those who attended, but instead markedly noted the one man who did not. Was he still at Harrington Park? She wondered, unable to concentrate on the Earl of Carrington’s rather boring narration of his travels to the continent.
“On the voyage back, the ship was hit by a terrible storm,” he recounted, his eyes sparkling with triumph as though he had just returned from battle, “and for most of the night, it seemed as though it would not be able to withstand such forces.”
“Goodness,” Christine exclaimed as her eyes inconspicuously scanned the ballroom for anyone remotely interesting. “You must have been terrified.”
The earl shrugged. “I suppose I was a bit alarmed, but mostly for the delay it would cause with regard to our arrival in London. After all, I had commitments I did not wish to go back on.”
“What a marvellous tale,” Christine said, hoping she didn’t sound as bored as she was. “I’m certain my parents would long to hear it.” She gestured to the left where her parents stood, a glass of wine in their hands, observing their daughter with interest.
“Certainly,” the earl exclaimed and willingly followed her, greeting her parents with exuberant delight that had Mrs. Dansby look at her daughter with questioning eyes.
Seeing her mother’s line of thinking, Christine unobtrusively shook her head, and the glow in her mother’s eyes vanished. Even if the fate of the world hung in the balance, she would never agree to marry the Earl of Carrington of all people!