Mistletoe and Magic (Novella): A Loveswept Historical Romance Read Free Page B

her to faint? From what he’d heard, Penelope wasn’t the sort of girl given to the vapors. She hadn’t indicated that her stays were too tight, that she was upset, or that she needed some air after dancing.
    He remembered the moment when she’d grown silent and her face had turned as pale as the white marble floor. What thoughts came to her that were so upsetting as to cause her to pass out? What secrets haunted the most beautiful of the notorious Appleton sisters?
    Determination filled him. He wanted this woman, not only with all his heart, but his soul. He would not fail in his quest to win her, and he would protect her from now until eternity.
    Whatever dragon haunted Penelope Appleton, he would slay it and put it to rest. Or die trying.

    Jennifer and Winifred anxiously approached their friend as he returned from the dance floor. “Mr. Marton, what happened? Where is Penelope?” Winifred asked.
    “I don’t know,” he admitted, shaking his head in consternation. “We had just finished a waltz, and the next thing I knew, she seemed to lose consciousness.”
    “What?” Jennifer gasped. “Penelope never faints! Why, she can dance all night!” She turned decisively to her sister. “I will go to her. Winnie, will you take Aunt Eve home? I’ll ask Gabriel to fetch our carriage.”
    “Certainly,” Winifred agreed, and Jennifer made her way to her husband.
    Jared turned to Winifred, lifting his hands helplessly. “I really wish I had an explanation. I had barely taken her hand when she swooned. She recovered rather quickly but refused to allow me to escort her home. Perhaps I should go to her.” He looked at Winifred in agitation. “Maybe she needs assistance, a doctor—”
    “That’s very kind, but my sister and her husband will take good care of her. I’m sure Penelope will be fine. It was probably just too much excitement.” Winifred gave Jared a reassuring smile and hid the teasing sparkle in her eyes. “Although I must say, Mr. Marton, you sound very … invested.”
    Jared looked startled, but then laughed, his handsome face chagrined. “Am I really that transparent? I must admit, Miss Appleton, I find your sister enchanting. I am a fool for saying this, but ‘smitten’ does not begin to cover what I am feeling. I am determined to win her, and I just want to assure you I will do everything in my power to make her happy.”
    Winifred’s brows rose, although she didn’t appear entirely surprised. “I know you will, Mr. Marton. And I will assist you in any manner that I can, provided it is in Penelope’s best interest. I must warn you, though, you will face fierce competition, for my little sister has been turning men’s heads since the day she was born.”
    Jared smiled and rubbed his hands together confidently. “That doesn’t frighten me in the least. As a fellow attorney you must credit me; I know how to make a case. And this is one I intend to win.”

    When she got home, Penelope raced up the steps to her room and slammed the door behind her. Her heart pounding, she stood with her back pressed against it as if keeping out the ghosts and felt as if she’d made a narrow escape. Every time she thought of that fatal headline a cold chill passed over her …
    Jared Marton shot dead!
She tried to erase the words from her mind, but they seemed to repeat themselves over and over. Worse was the realization that there was nothing she could do to prevent him from being shot. If she tried to warn him, Jared would simply laugh at her and think her premonition ridiculous. Yet if things proceeded as she’d envisioned, she would allow him to court her and would fall desperately in love, only to lose him.
    Penelope paced the room, her breath quickening in agitation. She remembered how grief stricken she had been when she learned that her parents had been killed, a tragedy that still haunted her. And even a few months ago, she’d lost a gentleman friend to yellow fever. Although she hadn’t loved