A Christmas In Bath by Cheryl Bolen Read Free Book Online Page A

better time than Christmas for a conciliation between Blanks and Aurora. It would make for the truest validation of the Christmas spirit. "
    "I had hoped you and Blanks would see it that way."
    "Please understand I don't speak for Blanks. What I propose is that we not tell him she is coming. I believe my husband is possessed of a generous enough nature that he will see her presence as a peace offering and will then welcome her."
    She was probably right. Gregory was one of the kindest-hearted persons Jonathan had ever known. Still, not consulting his brother troubled Jonathan. Was there a possibility Gregory would be cold to Mama? Jonathan would feel wretched if that happened since the family's Christmas reunification was all his idea. "I would feel better if Gregory had the opportunity to approve the plan."
    "It will be better this way. Just think, Jonathan, how heartwarming it will be to see each of them affirm a new beginning. Just like Christmas celebrates a new birth."
    "Are you sure?"
    "I will not lie. I don't know how Blanks will react to Aurora's visit. Clearly, she's changing, and I believe he will be touched that she has made that first step toward a truce."
    "She has truly become a changed person."
    "Oh, Jonathan, it will be the best Christmas ever. I felt it as soon as I learned you desired to spend it with us. Now it will be even better. I'm also bursting with the good news that my brother is coming for Christmas. It will be the first time all three of us siblings have been together on December 25 since before the three of us were married."
    His brows lowered. "Your house will be far too crowded---Mama and I- - -"
    She held up her palm. "My brother and Sally are not going to be staying here, Silly! You forget Thomas Moreland owns the largest home within in thirty miles of Bath. We'll all be gathering there at Winston Hall on Christmas Day."
    He hoped to God that if Gregory meant to turn a blind eye to Mama's overture, he would bloody well do so before all their families gathered at Winston Hall.
    For some unaccountable reason, as Glee reached for her correspondence, his thoughts turned to her initial statement about him coming to realize that Miss Arbuckle would make him a perfect wife. Of course she would, but nothing could be in greater opposition to his desires.
    Jonathan did not want a wife. True, if he were the marrying kind—which he most certainly was not—no one could be more perfect for him than the dear lady.
    Just thinking of her wedded to an undeserving rake like Appleton, though, made Jonathan feel as if he could wield a sword in defense of her honor.
    He had a very good mind to locate the reprobate and warn him off.
    The door to Glee's study eased open, and his brother entered the chamber. Gregory nodded to Jonathan, then moved to his wife and tenderly planted a soft kiss at her neck. "How is my love?"
    She whirled around, circled her arms about her still-bent-over husband, and kissed him. "I am excessively happy, if you must know."
    He straightened up. "Why is that, dearest?"
    "George and Sally are coming to Winston Hall for Christmas!"
    "Your brother's leaving Hornsby Manor? I say, that is not in the least indicative of the old stick he's become."
    "Fortuitously, he has the devil of a time refusing Felicity any request. She begged that he come to us for Christmas."
    Gregory's brows lowered. "Will they bring the twins?"
    "You have to ask? You know what besotted parents those two are."
    "Are the babes not awfully young for such a journey?"
    "Oh, fi! The motion of the coach will have the little darlings sleeping the entire time."
    "I suppose you're right. Speaking of little darlings, where is my son?"
    " Our son is sleeping, but I believe Joy has heard her Papa's voice."
    Her little footsteps sounded in the corridor, then she stood at the opened door. "Papa's home!" She raced to launch herself into his arms, then once in her father's embrace, she eyed her uncle and squirmed away. "Uncle