Regency Romp - Happy Christmas Mr Jones (Regency Romps) Read Free Page A

accept so much all at once.  It was a matter that needed delicate handling.
                  He nodded his head, contenting himself with looking out of the window, his thoughts dwelling on the pretty young woman who had so kindly directed him here.  It was good of her to have gone out of her way, especially as she had been obliged to put her trust in a man she did not know.
                  Tomas smiled.  Both she and her sister were attractive young ladies, though not in the first stare of fashion.  He thought Miss Lydia the prettiest of the two, though both would make a stir in London society given their chance.
                  Now why had he thought that?  He could not know their circumstances, though something told him they were not wealthy young women.  Obviously of gentle birth, they had perhaps fallen on hard times now that they had no parents.
                  Tomas did not know why the thought of Miss Lydia having to live with someone other than family should disturb him but it did…
                  ‘I’m ready now, sir.’
                  Turning as Mr Jones spoke, he put the errant thoughts away.  He doubted that he would ever see the young woman again, and perhaps that was for the best.
                  Tomas had obligations.  His father had begun negotiations for a marriage some years ago.  As far as he knew they had come to nothing for the young lady in question was no more than fourteen at the time, but, since he’d returned from the wars, it had been forced upon his notice that a certain young lady was expecting a proposal of marriage from him.
                  He had no desire to marry Miranda Jenkins but according to his sister, she expected a proposal daily.  Tomas did not know how he was to avoid it - if indeed his father had made the promise for him…
    *
    Lydia was thoughtful as she accompanied her sister home to the Manor.  She hoped the news about Harry Jones had not been too dire and had made up her mind that she would visit his father at her first opportunity.  The thought that he might have lost his son was too lowering and quite cast her spirits down.
                  ‘Is something troubling you, Lydia?’ Jane asked as they came in sight of the Manor.  ‘That man…he did not harm you in any way?’
                  ‘What? Oh no,’ Lydia laughed.  ‘Nothing of the sort, sister.  He was the perfect gentleman.  I was concerned for Mr Jones.  Captain Milliband came to bring news of Harry and I fear it may be bad news.’
                  ‘That is unfortunate,’ Jane said.  ‘We shall ask Millie to inquire when she visits her granny this weekend, unless we hear sooner.  If something has happened I am sure my uncle will visit and do what he can.’
                  ‘Yes, of course.’  Uncle Simeon could do more to help his former employee than Lydia, of course – but she would go herself as soon as she could.  With all the work she had taken on for the Christmas gifts her time was not her own, for if she neglected it the handkerchiefs and the scarf for Mr Jones would not get made.  ‘I do hope the news was not the worst.’
                  Lydia wished that Captain Milliband had confided in her, but of course he had thought it proper to tell Mr Jones first.  She could in any case do very little, but she would continue with her gifts just the same.
                  Her thoughts turned to Captain Milliband himself.  He was very handsome, so charming and thoughtful…and it was unlikely she would meet him again.
                  Sighing deeply as they entered the house, Lydia thrust her thoughts from her mind.  She would meet someone she could like enough to marry one day, perhaps at the Christmas Ball…
                  Yet she could not help thinking of how blue the captain’s