His Christmas Match (A Gentleman's Guide to Once Upon a Time) Read Free Page A

must be prepared for all activities
and events,” Lady Sandlin instructed. “It isn’t as if I will be wearing them,”
she insisted as she patted her protruding belly.   “You might as well get good use out of the
clothing.”
    The garments were made of the finest
material and nicer than anything Rosalind had ever worn.  
    Lady Phoebe spent the day having her try
on one outfit after another and called in two maids who were handy with a
needle to make any necessary adjustments, not that there were many.   In her normal state of health, she and Lady
Sandlin were much the same size, and it wasn’t long before the trunk was
packed.  
    Lady Penelope arrived two evenings later
in a large town coach and settled into the Sandlin home.   Her intention was to visit with Lady Sandlin
for a few days before they traveled onto the Meadows Country Home.   Lady Penelope was five years younger than
Rosalind, but they had played together as children as the vicarage bordered the
Felding Estate.   It wasn’t until Rosalind
was older, too old to have an interest in those so much younger than she, that
Rosalind became aware of how the families were of different stations in life.
With such knowledge, Rosalind distanced herself from Lord Felding’s siblings
because it was best.   The sisters were
ladies. She was the poor relation of a vicar.   Yet, during all of those years they were growing from childhood, not
once did Lady Sandlin’s parents give any indication that the Valentine children
were beneath their children but welcomed them as playmates.  
    Rosalind fingered the soft pelisse as
the coach rumbled along the road. Though the clothing was finer than anything
she had in the past, she kept reminding herself during this journey that she
was not a guest but a companion and chaperone for Lady Penelope. She was
fulfilling a duty, nothing else, despite how well she was dressed.
    “We should be there soon,” Lady Penelope
grinned after she pulled back the curtain and looked out at the
countryside.   “I am so glad you have come
with me. We will have a grand time.”
    “I hope you will enjoy your stay, and I
will do my best not to be a hindrance.”
    Lady Penelope rolled her eyes. “I don’t
need a companion or a chaperone,” she insisted. “I want you to enjoy yourself
as well.”
    Rosaline stifled a sigh.   Lady Sandlin and Lady Penelope had the idea
that Rosalind would be attending as any invited guest, and that simply wasn’t
the case.   When Lady Penelope was with
others, Rosalind intended to make herself scarce and attend Lady Penelope when
needed. “My duty is to see to you,” Rosalind reminded the young woman.
    “Noah worries too much,” Lady Penelope
dismissed.   “I have yet to do anything
that would cause him concern, nor am I as impetuous as Phoebe.”   She let the curtain fall back into place.  
    The coach rolled to a stop and
Rosalind’s stomach tightened.   She had
been worried about this house party since it was decided she was going.   It wasn’t that she feared the house party;
she just wasn’t sure she could watch as Lord Felding courted a real lady.
    She shook the thought from her mind.
Rosalind always knew he would marry a fine lady who was his equal.   A lord of his stature would not ever consider
the niece of a vicar with a questionable background. Not that anyone had any
idea exactly how questionable. That would remain a secret forever.   Society believed she and her siblings were
the orphans of a missionary and his wife who had died, and that was how they
came to live with their uncle by marriage.   Nothing was further from the truth.

 
    * * *

 
    Noah stood at the back of the parlor not
really speaking with anyone.   He was
waiting for Lady Jillian.   He had arrived
a day early to visit with his good friend, Lord Meadows, and the rest of the
guests began arriving this morning.   Though Lady Jillian had been out for two Seasons, he had not taken
notice of her until this