Page 15 of Magic in the Music (Magic and Mysteries #4)

After his audience with Eugenia, Cassian’s spirits had lifted and while there were still concerns for his future, they did not weigh so heavily upon him.

He should have said something long before now because even though nothing had changed, the burden had been lifted once he explained to Eugenia, as a son would to a mother.

Any plans and concerns could also wait until after Christmas and Chedworth’s wedding.

He had also left the parlor far more settled than when he had entered, ready to enjoy the holiday, only to be told to help gather everyone after they had eaten and the reason.

When Samantha was not in the dining room, he went to the music room because he knew that he had to collect her so that they could enjoy the outing together, with the rest of his friends.

What had possessed him to take Samantha’s hand though? It certainly wasn’t proper, yet it was instinctive. Was it because he’d been overcome with…holiday spirit?

It did not matter. He apologized and it would not happen again.

As they neared the entrance to the forest, Samantha’s steps slowed.

“It is safe, Samantha,” Petra assured her. “The animals seem to know the day we visit.”

“How do you know?”

“Because we have never seen any. I assume they always heard our approach and hid. I had even wondered why we were to stay away except for one day out of the year until a few months ago when Antonia met a wolf.”

That had been a surprise to everyone since wolves were supposedly extinct in England, but some had found a haven in the forest of Nightshade Manor at least a century ago and never left so that they wouldn’t be hunted.

“Besides, Antonia has already gone on ahead to tell them of our arrival and our purpose.”

Samantha bit her bottom lip and stared warily at the path ahead. Cassian had never seen her so indecisive. Was she really so afraid of entering?

“I can remain back with you if you do not want to go in,” he offered.

Concern filled her blue eyes as she looked at him, then down the path the others were following then back to him.

“So long as you are with me, you are not wandering,” he reminded her.

Her only response was to take a deep breath as if she were gaining the courage to go forward. He did not want to force Samantha to do something that frightened her because then she would not enjoy herself and spend the time worrying.

“We shall stay and wait,” Cassian decided.

Samantha drew in a breath and straightened her shoulders. “No! We will join the others.” She took a step forward. “Just stay close,” she added quietly.

Cassian bit back a smile. “I promise not to leave your side.”

* * *

This was Nightshade Manor, where no danger lurked, and now Samantha had seen all of it.

However, she would heed Iza’s warning about wandering once she returned home but the warning was likely for when she was next in London, where dangers did often lurk.

She’d been foolish to think that she needed to concern herself while here.

After they cut the mistletoe, ivy and holly, they carried the bunches back to the house in sacks while the men followed with the yule log that they had chosen.

They then went about placing the greenery upon mantels and the balustrade and added gay ribbons while a few of the women separated the leaves and sprigs of white berries of the mistletoe and tied bright ribbons around each.

They were then hung in every doorway on the ground floor of Nightshade Manor.

There was nowhere a person could pass without walking beneath mistletoe.

Further, the married and betrothed couples did not hesitate to stop and kiss each time they found themselves standing beneath the sprigs.

Samantha was envious of their freedom of affection and the love each held for the other. She longed to experience the same for herself, which she tried to push aside.

It was also impossible not to be infected with the happiness that spilled from the residents. Even her brother was laughing and joined them in a game of charades after the yule log had been set to blaze, no longer glaring at Cassian with each opportunity to do so.

Maybe he realized that there was no cause for concern.

Her brother also spent most of his time with Simon. The two were the same age, attended school together, and were friends so it wasn’t as if he was a stranger to the Cardwell family, and likely not a stranger to Cassian either.

“We need more tea,” Maia announced.

“No more tea!” Simon replied. “Ale, brandy and wine.”

And before anyone could object, glasses were being filled from the sideboard and passed around. And the more everyone drank the louder the laughter, which filled her soul with joy because it was genuine happiness that each person had in their music.

As she relaxed in her chair and observed the merriment around her, Samantha was at peace. This was truly a special night and not just because it was Yule and the longest night of the year. It was just as special as the night before, but for different reasons.

Even Cassian was smiling and laughing, something she had not often seen him do.

He also remained close to her, not that there was any fear in her wandering off, but it was nice and she enjoyed how he teased the siblings that he had been raised with.

If someone did not know better, they would assume that he had been born into the family.

It was very late before anyone decided that it was time to seek their bed.

Cassian had already retired, or so she assumed because he had left not long ago.

Stifling a yawn, she stood, already knowing that given the lateness of the hour it was likely she would not rise early enough to see the sunrise, and she did not mind.

As she bid everyone good night and stepped through the open door, Cassian rounded the corner, nearly knocking her over.

He brought his hands up and gently grasped her arms to help steady her.

Samantha gasped at his touch, which nearly burned her skin, even through the sleeves of her dress, and looked up into his startled grey eyes.

For a moment she had almost forgotten how to speak because all that she was aware of was the heat of his hands and the nearness of Cassian’s body.

So close that it was difficult to breathe.

It was only then, as she stared into his eyes, that she realized that the room had gone silent.

Sometimes there could be music when nobody was speaking and the occupants sat with curiosity and anticipation, their attention on her and Cassian.

Samantha’s face burned as she realized that the two of them were also standing directly beneath the mistletoe and had not moved. Nor had he spoken.

He just stared at her. Was he startled, uncertain…Oh, she wished she understood the male species better, but the one thing that he was not doing was kissing her.

Cassian cleared his throat. “I apologize.” He let his hands drop and stepped away, much to her disappointment.

“Apology accepted, Cassian. Goodnight.” Only then did she turn away and practically run up the stairs to her chamber.

Oh, if only he would have kissed her, but she knew that he wouldn’t. Only those who were married, betrothed or courting were allowed to show such affection and she and Cassian were only friends.