Page 84 of Snowbound Surrender

“Who knows? If they aren’t, then I’m sure they would prefer us to look the other way.” His mother scooted her chair even closer. “I lost track of your sister for a time. At least, I think I did.”

The unexpected twist had his eyes going wide. “Did she not share your room?”

“She was beside me this morning, but…” His mother bit her lower lip. “My memories are muddled.”

“Did you ask her?” Callum studied his sister with a closer eye.

Nora’s color was high, and her mood was almost giddy. She had a healthy, if dry, sense of humor and was rarely glum, but she did seem infested with a bright anticipation that was unusual for her. Her gaze kept straying to the door. Was she waiting for someone in particular?

All of a sudden, he saw his sister not as an amusing but annoying little pest, but a young woman. A young woman who had grown into her coltish figure and was beautiful in a way that would attract more men than Callum was comfortable considering. Was it too late to send her to a nunnery? Or at least lock her in her room?

“I wanted to ask, but she’s been so touchy lately.” Her mother was wringing her hands. “It’s been difficult between losing your father and…” She didn’t have to finish her thought. The look she sent him under her lashes was enough.

He drained his tea, set the cup aside, and slumped into the settee, rubbing a hand down his face. A month ago, his life had been simple. Sad and boring, but simple. He hadn’t concerned himself with anything or anyone besides his own guilt and shame. Now he felt guilt and shame for another reason entirely.

He had abandoned his family when they had needed him the most. His mother had been left a widow, and instead of supporting one another and sharing their grief, he had closed himself off.

“I’ll discuss it with her,” he said.

His mother looked surprised, which only made his regrets keener. “That would be welcome. Nora and I have been too much in one another’s pockets of late.”

His mother relaxed, but Callum didn’t. “How would you feel if I began courting a lady?”

The question came out in a nervous rush. His mother had been close to Amelia and her family. He wasn’t sure how she might feel about him possibly wedding someone else.

He needn’t have worried. Even though her eyes brimmed with sudden tears, she smiled and patted his hand which was clutching his knee in a grip so tight his knuckles were white.

“Amelia wouldn’t want you to be alone forever, Callum. You deserve to be happy.”

Callum wasn’t sure if he truly believed that, but he recognized happiness was rare and within his grasp. He wouldn’t let it slip through his fingers.

“Do you have someone in mind already?” she asked.

Eleanor stepped into the drawing room arm in arm with her sister. He stood and stared. Her hair had been re-coiled and pinned and her dress freshened. Their gazes locked. His mother had turned in her seat to see who had entered.

“Ah! Mrs. MacGrath’s sister. Will you introduce us?” Amusement brightened his mother’s voice.

He performed the requisite introductions, and Charlotte and Eleanor joined him and his mother. Niceties followed. Small talk about the weather and upcoming yuletide season.

“I hope you won’t be leaving anytime soon, Mrs. Denholm,” his mother said so obviously that Callum’s cheeks heated to match the blush suffusing Eleanor’s face.

“I have no plans to depart,” Eleanor said.

“Would you like to take a turn about the room?” Callum stood and held out his arm for Eleanor. She tripped in her haste to join him, and he covered her hand on his arm to steady her. As they ambled around the edge of the room, he did not let go.

“Were you seen this morning on your return?” he asked in hushed tones.

“Only by a scullery maid to point me in the direction of my sister’s room.”

“It seems as though chaos abounded, and no one noted our absence.”

“Or perhaps no one else wants to draw attention to their own behavior by calling out ours.” She cast him a telling look from the corner of her eye. “Charlotte is certainly being quite mysterious.”

“Apparently, there is some question as to my sister’s whereabouts as well.”

Their shared laugh was tinged with curiosity and a smidge of worry.

He cleared his throat and stopped where there was no one to overhear them. “I want to make my intentions clear, Eleanor. I plan to court you for as long as it takes to win your heart. I will be the perfect gentleman and wait until wedding night to touch you again. I am a patient man.”