Page 34 of A Shop Girl’s Christmas (Pennington’s Department Store #3)

Cornelia entered the magnificent lobby of The Phoenix Hotel on the night of the ball and stared around in wonder. Lawrence had been here most of the day and, even though she’d arrived alone, the happy, smiling faces boosted her confidence.

The lobby shone with festivity. Garlands of holly and ivy were strewn around the reception desk and along the mantelpiece of the enormous fireplace, giving a sparkling glamour to the prestigious hotel. Cornelia lifted her gaze to the chandeliers, the lights glinting and illuminating every bauble and bell hanging on the branches of a huge Christmas tree in the centre of the lobby.

‘What do you think?’

The smile in her brother’s voice as he spoke close to her ear enhanced her happiness. His blue eyes were bright with an excitement she hadn’t seen since before Esther had taken to her bed.

She laughed. ‘Well, don’t you look pleased with yourself?’

‘Pleased with myself and my staff.’ He surveyed the chattering and laughing patrons around them. ‘I’m convinced we have more people here than the number of invitations we issued. The entry fee has been increased at the door, but it seems that hasn’t deterred anyone.’

‘There are always last-minute arrivals, once people begin to think they might be missing out on something.’

‘Which is why we prepared for just that. Although, if the rumour I heard earlier is anything to go by, some people could be here for other reasons.’

Cornelia frowned. ‘Oh?’

Lawrence sighed. ‘Apparently, Lloyd George was assaulted today, while leaving a meeting of suffrage supporters. An incident like that will only provoke further interest in the Cause amongst the gossipmongers.’

‘Lloyd George? But what happened?’

‘I’ve no idea. At least not yet. I’m sure it will be in tomorrow’s papers. Anyway, the last thing I want is to turn people away when we’re hoping to raise plenty of money for Esther’s suffrage group as well as Bath’s suffragettes. Tonight means everything to her and I want to be able to take good news home.’

Cornelia gently touched his arm. ‘She’s going to be just fine, you know. Once tonight is over, we can concentrate on enjoying Christmas as a family. Doctor Rubinstein has given her permission to travel to Culford, hasn’t he?’

‘Only if she rests as much as possible, between now and then.’

‘Which she will. Esther is too devoted to you and the children to risk anything happening to her or the baby.’

His brow furrowed as he surveyed the crowded lobby. ‘Yes, but she’s also devoted to Elizabeth Pennington.’

‘Maybe so, but I wouldn’t have thought Elizabeth would take precedence over the baby. I know what she and her husband are dealing with is awful, but Esther knows there’s only so much any of us can do to help.’

‘Exactly. Which is why she insisted I invite Elizabeth and Joseph to Culford for Christmas.’ He faced her, concern still clear in his eyes. ‘She said it will help take their minds off things for a few days.’

Cornelia struggled to keep her smile in place. ‘They’ve accepted?’

‘Yes.’ Lawrence frowned. ‘Do you think it’s a bad idea?’

‘No, not at all.’

Relief showed in his eyes and his shoulders lowered. ‘I’m glad you think so because, if having the Carters spend Christmas with us pleases Esther, that’s what I want, too.’

She tucked her hand into his elbow. ‘Come on. I think it’s time you found me a glass of champagne and escorted me to the ballroom.’

The dancing was in full swing as they entered the ballroom, and Cornelia gasped. If she’d thought the lobby breathtaking, it dulled against the vivid decoration of the ballroom.

‘My goodness, Lawrence, you’ve excelled yourself.’

His blue eyes crinkled at the corners as he smiled. ‘Not me. I have three young women in my employ who took the ball on as a challenge and surpassed my expectations in everything.’

‘Ah, yes. Esther told me about them. You gave them this project to keep them out of trouble, if I remember correctly.’

‘Something like that.’ He squeezed her fingers and lifted a glass of champagne from a passing waiter’s tray. ‘Here. Now, come with me. I believe there’s somebody who has been impatiently awaiting your arrival.’

The teasing tone of his voice and his self-satisfied expression told Cornelia that the person was a man. A man Lawrence clearly approved of.

Her heart sank. Did Lawrence mean to introduce her to someone he hoped she might become romantically interested in? She sent up a silent prayer that her suspicions were wrong. The only man who had been on her mind for the past few days was Stephen. There was no room for anyone else.

Lawrence led her forward, pausing for introductions and greetings, or to talk with people to whom he wanted to extend a personal welcome. Pride cooled a little of her trepidation as Lawrence circulated the vast room with a host’s expertise she would have once thought impossible, considering the abuse he’d suffered at their father’s hands.

James Culford seeped unwanted into her mind.

Time and again, their father had raised his belt to Lawrence, or pushed him into a downstairs cupboard in one of the many dark recesses of their manor house, sometimes leaving him there for hours. Threats had rained down on Cornelia every time she’d ran to Lawrence’s aid, before she’d retreated, fearful for her body… her own fragile soul.

She’d once been weak. Had once feared her father’s wrath. Yet, these days, courage and strength burned in her blood.

She pulled back her shoulders. Never would she weaken again.

The music from the quartet on the stage at the back of the room grew in volume.

Where on earth was Lawrence taking her?

She looked around the room and froze.

Stephen stood refined and handsome in a black tailcoat and trousers, a silver and black striped waistcoat and a pristine wing-tipped shirt, complete with bow tie.

A rush of self-consciousness shot through her. She had no idea how she’d expected Stephen to be dressed tonight… or even if he would come at all. The closer she walked, the more she recognised the desire in his dark eyes as he inspected her from head to toe.

She’d chosen to wear a cream Grecian-inspired dress, with a crossover bodice and long, flowing skirt. Suddenly, she was all too aware of the luxurious crepe de chine petticoat and silk chemise covering her nakedness beneath.

Sensuality washed through her as Stephen continued to study her, as though he might ease the dress from her person without touching her at all.

Lawrence bowed. ‘Mr Gower. A pleasure to see you, sir.’

Stephen’s eyes never left hers. ‘Miss Culford. Mr Culford.’

Lawrence’s gaze burned into her, yet she couldn’t drag her focus away from Stephen. Somehow, this man – this ex-sergeant – had her ensnared in an invisible trap. A trap she didn’t want to be free of.

Stephen finally blinked and turned to Lawrence. ‘Congratulations on this evening, Mr Culford. The cause is one I wholeheartedly support, and I was pleased to accept the invitation Miss Pennington extended to a number of Pennington’s staff, myself included.’

‘Well, I’m glad you’re here. My sister speaks most highly of you, sir.’ He eased his arm from Cornelia’s grasp. ‘And, on that note, I’ll leave you in her company. I have much to do, as you can imagine. Please, help yourself to champagne and enjoy the dancing.’ He turned to Cornelia. ‘Cornelia.’

Heat infused her cheeks. What on earth was Lawrence doing? Was Stephen the man he’d said impatiently awaited her arrival? It made no sense. Lawrence had seemed so against her talking with Stephen in the beginning; had not been best pleased by his presence at the courthouse.

Undoubtedly, she had Esther to thank for his change of feeling. Her sister-in-law was one of the most insightful people Cornelia had ever known.

She met Stephen’s eyes. He really did look unnervingly handsome. ‘I’m so glad you came. I wasn’t entirely convinced you would.’

‘You look beautiful.’

Her heart kicked, and she dipped her head, delighted by the almost hungry way in which he appraised her. ‘Thank you.’ She swallowed, the deep pull low in her stomach reminding her of a sexual longing she hadn’t felt in years.

‘Would you like to dance?’

Surprise rippled through her. Stephen was such a serious man. Yet, he was asking her to dance. She really didn’t know him at all, and a frisson of excitement burned, knowing she still might have many layers of him to uncover.

‘I’d love to.’ She put her glass on a small table beside her and took his arm.

He led her to the dance floor just as the band struck up a waltz.

Cornelia’s heart beat faster, knowing the dance would mean intimate contact. That Stephen would take her into his arms and hold her close. It had been so long since she and David danced. Her legs slightly trembled, fearful she might have forgotten how to execute the steps.

If Stephen sensed her hesitation, his relaxed expression as he eased her body closer to the hardness of his chased away her concerns. As he held her, his chest pressed against her breasts, Cornelia looked into his eyes and any residual insecurity vanished.

He gazed at her with a gentleness that took her breath away, yet deep in the dark brown depths of his eyes, she saw wanting. Desire and admiration.

Neither of them spoke as they dutifully followed the steps of the dance, Stephen effortlessly leading her around the floor, light and confident on his feet. Cornelia relaxed in his arms, feeling as though she’d be safe, wherever he might lead her from now on.

‘I’ve missed seeing you at the store,’ he said gently against her hair. ‘Are you all right?’

His care for her softened something inside her. ‘Mrs Hampton asked that I work in the orders room this week, so I haven’t been at the counter very often. Also…’ she grimaced. ‘I’ve asked permission to leave earlier for a while so I can collect the boys from school.’

‘Oh?’

‘Francis… is walking a rather fine line. I didn’t want Lawrence’s maid to collect him as she has been and be faced with any awkwardness.’

‘I see.’

She looked into his kind eyes. ‘But let’s not talk about me. How are you? It’s been so hard not to speak with you about… you know.’

‘Pulteney Bridge?’

‘Yes.’

His gaze lingered over her face and lips. ‘Let us not talk about such things tonight. I will tell you all another time.’

Although desperate to know how his visit to Pulteney Bridge had played out, she also didn’t want this romantic moment to end. His fingers tightened at her waist and he pulled her closer. The warmth of his breath teased her, igniting an overwhelming urge to kiss him.

They danced for a few moments longer before he spoke again. ‘Shall we go for a walk?’

She nodded as he led her from the dance floor. Cornelia stared straight ahead, her chin lifted, afraid that people, Lawrence included, might witness her leaving the ballroom to seek a quiet corner with a man no one knew.

Stephen had admitted he wasn’t acquainted with anyone in the city, but he’d chosen to come here tonight. Chosen to be with her, rather than anywhere else. The notion filled her with a happiness she hadn’t felt for years. Of course, there was every chance he was here purely for the Cause, but, deep inside, she sensed he’d come because he known how much she wanted him there.

She stood a little taller, confident she could walk beside him unjudged. Allow him to hold her. Allow him to kiss her…

He led her through the lobby and into another room that opened to a huge glasshouse. Lit and decorated in beautiful festive green and sparkling gold, the space was empty but for two or three couples who also appeared to be in search of privacy.

They walked to the windows at the back. The black sky, spangled with stars and a full, round moon, peered in on them, shrouding them like lovers at midnight.

Trying to get control of her silly, romantic heart, Cornelia took a deep breath and faced him. ‘Did you change your mind about telling me what happened at the bridge?’

He shook his head, his gaze gentle. ‘No. For all the foolishness of it, I just… wanted a moment alone with you. Cornelia…’ He exhaled. ‘When I saw you emerge through the crowds tonight…’

Her heart picked up speed, a dangerous hope burning inside her. ‘Yes?’

‘I wanted to kiss you. No matter how reckless that might turn out to be.’

Happiness and raw desire swept over her, provoking an arousal she wanted to cling onto, lest she lose her confidence and courage. Dragging her eyes from his, she turned to look around them.

They were alone. She hadn’t even noticed the other couples leave.

‘Then kiss me.’ She faced him. ‘Here. Now.’