A Christmas Surprise by Lindsay Downs Read Free Book Online Page A

have some private celebrating to do.”
    Later, where Aleece returned to her suite she was met by Debbi who commented on the condition of her gown and the leaves in her hair.

Chapter Nine
     
    Lady Aleece sat by the fire brushing out her hair after the rushed bath she’d taken. Of all her evening dresses for formal occasions, her pale pink ball gown was the most daring, and one she knew her father would disapprove of, given a chance. Becca was downstairs making sure the wrinkles were out.
    “So, my charge for the week, who seems to slip away at every possible opportunity, how was your ride with your dashing Mr. Thomas?” Debbi inquired.
    Aleece glanced over to her and smiled. “Very enjoyable. I’m sorry we return home tomorrow.”
    “Considering the state of your hair and the back of your habit, I’m sure you had an enjoyable time, just not all of it spent astride your horse.”
    Aleece’s smile shifted into a scowl as she continued to run the brush through her long brown hair. “He surprised me with a little farewell picnic. We certainly couldn’t have partaken of the cold chicken, bread, cheeses and such on our horses. Now could we?”
    She saw Debbi gasp at the mention of farewell. “No, Debbi, not farewell as in goodbye, but because we are parting on the morrow. He has to return north to the estate and make ready for the harvesting, which will be starting soon.”
    “I’m glad then. Have you made plans to see each other?” she asked as she reached for Aleece’s hairbrush.
    “No.” She paused when Debbi started to take a seat and with a staying hand said, “You’ll get your dress all wrinkled. My hair’s about dry, and you know it’s easier to put up when it’s barely damp.”
    Just then Becca entered carrying the freshly pressed gown over her arm.
    “Ah, m’ lady, I see your hair is dry enough, now we can get you set to rights,” she said, draping the dress on the bed.
    Aleece rose and glided over to take the seat in front of the dressing table. As with past evenings’ preparations, she couldn’t help but note the concentration in Debbi’s eyes as Becca would sculpt her tresses in varied and fanciful styles.
    Dressed in her most daring gown, Aleece with Debbi, who had chosen a slightly more unrevealing gown, made their way to the grand staircase. As they approached the landing, Aleece wasn’t surprised to see her Mr. Thomas waiting.
    The sight of him in his deep blue evening coat forced her to grasp the banister as she felt her knees weaken at the sight of him standing there. She loved how the cut emphasized his broad shoulders and chest. His pants, of the same color, showed off his strong muscular legs. Tonight she vowed they would dance, even if for only a few steps. To be held in his arms was all she wanted.
    “My dear Aleece, you take my breath away with your beauty,” he said as he bowed over her hand.
    “Why thank you, kind sir,” she replied, recovering from her curtsey. She then added, noticing someone missing, “And where is Lord Sidbury? You two seem to always be together when we appear.”
    “Right behind you.”
    Aleece turned and would have tripped over the gown’s hem had it not been for the quick hands of Mr. Thomas grasping her around the waist.
    Crushed against his powerful chest, she breathed in the heavenly scent of sandalwood soap, which was quickly becoming her favorite fragrance. She knew, or at least suspected, the rose-hinted perfume of hers was his preference.
    “Not that I want to release you, but I must, for it seems several people have started to stare at us,” he whispered, setting her on her feet.
    “If you must.” Even she heard the disappointment in her voice, causing her face to warm.
    Settling her hand on his forearm, he then covered it with his other, and they descended the last of the stairs.
    As they stood in line waiting to be announced to the assembled crush of guests, of which many were from the surrounding estates, neither could keep their