Mistletoe and Magic (Novella): A Loveswept Historical Romance by Katie Rose Read Free Book Online

snow a male image on the lawn.
    “Why, carol singers, I believe!” Eve was delighted at the thought, and her voice betrayed her excitement. “Let’s go and listen, for it’s been a few years since they made their way to this part of town!”
    Penelope nodded her head in agreement, and then opened the door so Eve could enjoy the music. There seemed to be but one singer, a male standing in the falling snow. He appeared oddly familiar, yet was covered from head to foot in a dark coat, hat, and scarf, so she couldn’t see his face. He held a music book and a candle, and when he began one of the most beloved Christmas carols ever, Penelope, too, was entranced by his song.
    “Silent night!” The voice was a rich, deep baritone in the still evening, and the words rang out over the snow.
    “Holy night!
    “William Sweeney …
    “Has a wife!”
    Penelope’s eyes flew open in shock. Surely she couldn’t have heard … surely itcouldn’t be …
    “Jared!” Penelope flew out into the snow and dragged the man by his coat sleeve into the house even as he began the next verse. His candle toppled into the snow, but she would not let him retrieve it. Curtains wiggled at the mansion across the street as she pushed him inside and slammed the door behind her.
    “How could you!”
    Penelope was breathing heavily from her efforts, but she looked like she was ready to attack the man before her. Eve cautiously stepped between the two of them, concerned for their visitor’s welfare. Her niece, who a second ago was a charming young lady, hissed like an irate kitten.
    “How dare you stand out on our lawn and sing such lies! Have you no shame?”
    The object of her wrath stood upon the threshold, hiding behind the songbook as if to seek protection from physical harm. His laughter didn’t help as Penelope tried to swat him around her aunt.
    “Come now, Miss Appleton, you must hear me out! It was the only way to get your attention!”
    “Sir, I have had enough of this!” Penelope spat. “I made it plain to you that I have no interest in your … company, and yet you go so far as to make a laughingstock of my suitor! What are the neighbors to think?”
    “I apologize,” Jared said, and his eyes conveyed his sincerity. “Honestly, if I could have thought of another way to tell you, I would have. But you won’t receive me, and I could hardly convey this kind of information at a public gathering.”
    “What are you talking about?” Penelope demanded indignantly, but she seemed to calm down enough to listen.
    “I’ll go fetch some tea.” Assured that her niece was not about to claw the man to shreds, Eve left the room so they could talk.
    “William Sweeney is already married. Don’t take my word for it.” Jared, knowing how to work a jury, put the evidence before her. “See for yourself.”
    Penelope glared at him with disgust, but curiosity got the better of her and she glanced over the files he’d retrieved from his songbook.
    Bile rose in her throat as she surveyed the paperwork. She had to hand it to Jared,his research was impeccable. There it was: all the details of the poor Irish girl in Philadelphia that William had impregnated. She was a cook, and the family she worked for had means enough to force him to the altar. But evidently, that’s where it began and ended. If William Sweeney paid any notice to the son who bore his name, it wasn’t apparent.
    Sickened, she tossed the file onto the table. Jared’s eyes met hers.
    “I really am sorry,” he repeated. “I just thought you should know the kind of man you are dealing with.”
    “You talk very prettily, Mr. Marton,” Penelope said coolly, aware that her aunt was somewhere within earshot. “But I am aware you have your own motives.”
    “I don’t argue that, or that I want you for myself.” Jared’s gaze met hers and for a briefest moment it was naked, one human being conveying something important to another, even though it might be to his