Masked Love (A Christmas Regency Novella) by Nicole Zoltack Read Free Book Online Page B

not linger but immediately turned out.
    Adam caught her elbow. “I have too many duties to attend to so you’ll have to do it. Take Hector and go to the market. You won’t have much time. We’ll need—”
    “Do what?” Her heart sank. More work? She was hoping her lady would retire soon, so she could cower in her bed the rest of the night, trying to forget every memory of Adrian, every glance, every touch, the desire to kiss his sensual lips …
    “You have not heard? Lord Haywood has decided against having a fox hunt on Boxing Day. Instead, he’s going to invite everyone here, to celebrate the engagement.”
    “Oh.” Isabelle tightened her jaw.
    “Apparently it was Lord Wingrave’s idea, or so I’m told.” He rattled off a list of ingredients they would need for the party for more food would be required than they had anticipated for the hunt.
    Ten minutes later, Isabelle was sitting in the carriage with the servant Hector driving. She had never been inside one prior to yesterday, and today already was her second ride. They would never reach the market before it closed without it.
    Her hair blew in the breeze from the open window, and she readjusted her white bonnet. She never cared for her appearance before, but today especially, her plain gray dress had never looked drearier compared to the soft tones of even the simplest of Lady Theodosia’s dresses.
    Adrian—she really must stop thinking of him like that—Lord Adrian’s decision to have a celebration instead of fox hunting was most curious. Was he doing so in an act of solidarity since he knew his future wife’s opinion on the sport? Or, as her heart longed to believe, was he hoping a certain brown-eyed man would make his appearance sans his mask?
    All but one shop had closed for the upcoming holiday, and even they were in the act of taking down their wares as Isabelle and Hector approached. They weren’t able to purchase every item on Adam’s list, but they got what they could and returned to the Haywood Manor.
    At one time, Isabelle had loved the white house. Now the sight growing closer every passing second brought her nothing but misery. She had a feeling Lady Theodosia would rescind her offer and certainly would not be offering a recommendation. But if, for some reason, Lady Theodosia still wanted Isabelle to come with her, she would decline. The cheese tray had clearly demonstrated she could not be in the same room as Lord Adrian and Lady Theodosia. As much as she wanted them to be happy, their happiness meant a lifetime of misery for her.
    The temperature was colder than normal. Were her eyes playing tricks or was that a speck of snow? She captured the flake in her palm. Her mother had once told her no two flakes looked exactly alike, but the snowflake melted before she could see its design.
    Hector carried in most of their packages; she brought in only two. As she placed them on the kitchen counter, Olga informed her that another handmaid had helped Lady Theodosia into bed, so Isabelle retired for the night. She climbed into bed and expected tears to come. Instead, a song stirred within her heart, and she sang so softly her voice was hardly audible. She sang of love and hope and life. Tomorrow was Christmas and no matter the circumstances, she would not allow herself to become a shell of her former self. She was proud of her position. She was grateful to have a job. She might not have riches or gowns or a carriage, or a lord, but she had air to breathe and food to eat and hope that tomorrow would be a better day.

 
     
     
     

     
    Christmas service had come and gone, and still Adrian had not seen Isabelle. His heart ached. As much as he tried not to think of her, his thoughts were drawn to her all the more.
    Lady Theodosia seemed to be in slightly improved spirits this day, more likely as a result of the day rather than his company. Still, he enjoyed her much more when she was smiling and talking instead of pouting and refusing to answer