One Perfect Christmas (Short Story) Read Online Free Page A

“if.” Two letters, without which there was no hope. Jane stifled
     a sigh and forced her gaze away from Lucas to fasten on her mother and the duo as
     they drew near.
    Lady Merriweather led the pack, subtly gesturing for Jane to stand up straight and
     smile as she came reached them and halted.
    “My dear Jane, there is someone I would like you to meet,” her mother began.
    Jane attempted to look surprised and hoped her eyes held friendly interest. “How lovely,
     Mother.”
    As the highest-ranking individual amongst them, the dowager bore the honor of making
     the introductions.
    Both Jane and her mother turned to the portly woman. Jane thought they must have positively
     radiated expectancy since Lady Pearson appeared distinctively startled by the attention.
    “Oh,” she exclaimed, her thin lips pursing with confusion. She looked bemused before
     comprehension dawned. “Yes, well, Lord Cavanaugh, may I introduce my nephew, Lord
     Needles.”
    Jane watched as the two men bowed in unison, Lord Needles’s striking resemblance to
     Lucas continuing to astonish her.
    “And Miss Jane Merriweather, nephew,” the cheery dowager finished, smiling kindly
     at Jane. “Lady Merriweather’s daughter, though I suppose you’d already deduced such.”
    Jane dipped into a graceful curtsy and rose, offering her hand to the man.
    “He’s a very clever man, my nephew,” the dowager added, pride filling her voice.
    Lord Needles took Jane’s hand in his, his large fingers grasping hers ever so gently
     as he kissed her knuckles.
    “Oh, but I’m sure he is,” Jane said, watching Lord Needles as he released her hand
     and straightened. “An arborist, is that correct, Lord Needles?”
    Jane’s mother speared her with a nervous look.
    “I meant botany. That is, you’re a botanist,” Jane recovered, smiling brightly at
     Lord Needles. “Plants, not trees.”
    Her mother’s lips twisted with exasperation.
    Lord Needles laughed, his low chuckle making Jane grin.
    “It is a true pleasure to meet you, Miss Merriweather. And yes, I study plants, not
     trees, though I like trees well enough. What about you?”
    Jane thought for a moment before answering. “Do you know, I believe I like both equally.
     Not knowing all that much about either outside of their beauty, both supply ample
     opportunity for reflection. Wouldn’t you agree?”
    Lord Needles considered her answer—as did the rest of their party. Learning whether
     the man was marriageable would be impossible as long as they entertained an invested
     crowd.
    “You’re quite clever, Miss Merriweather. And correct,” Lord Needles replied, a twinkle
     of amusement in his eyes.
    “It is true enough, Lord Needles,” Jane’s mother offered. “Her tutors all claimed
     she was by far the brightest pupil they’d ever had the good fortune to teach.”
    Lady Merriweather gestured at Jane, much as Farmer Doyle had done with his prized
     pig at last year’s Autumn Fair.
    “And thirsty,” Jane blurted out, belatedly smiling in apology. “That is to say, Lord
     Needles, would you be so kind as to accompany me to the refreshments?”
    Jane’s mother didn’t bother with subtlety. Instead, she grasped her daughter’s wrist
     and held on. “Jane, dear, we’ve only just met Lord Needles. Do you mean to drag him
     away already?”
    Jane loved her mother. Even adored her at times. But the woman had very little confidence
     in Jane’s ability to attract and retain a suitor. Rightly so, some would say. But
     still, it grated on Jane’s nerves.
    As did Lucas’s silence. He had yet to say a word to recommend Jane—in a subtle yet
     effective way, of course. He was rather good at that type of thing, and she was relying
     on him, as unfortunately it was a skill Lady Merriweather would never perfect. Jane
     supposed the short span of time between now and when they’d made Lord Needle’s acquaintance—a
     mere two minutes ago—should be considered.
    Even allowing for that,