Page 36 of The Heart of Bennet Hollow
Lady Light lowered her head and sniffed at the raspberry drop in William’s hand. “I need to stop spoiling you with sweets,” he whispered. “But it is Christmas after all.”
The thoroughbred chomped the treat and sniffed for more.
William stood in the aisle of his stables with ten stalls looming on both sides, filled with his horses, save the two that were being hitched to the sleigh outside.
Along with his sister, Anna, who’d come home on school holiday, William was scheduled to arrive at the Brydolfs’ this evening.
He needed to get back to the house and change, but first, a few more minutes here where the earthiness of the stables reminded him of a different farm entirely.
In the space of his mind—his heart—he imagined Lizbeth in a faraway barn, giving her own Christmas treats to her mules. Chest throbbing, William started for the house.
He tried not to think of what she might be doing this night as he climbed the stairs to his room and donned a tuxedo and bow tie. William slung a cashmere scarf around his shoulders, nabbed a glossy top hat, and headed into the hallway, where Anna met him.
“How handsome you look!” His sister wore a gold-colored skirt that shimmered like a glass ornament. Her high-collared blouse would have made her appear grown-up if it weren’t for her hair, which she wore down and pulled back with a velvet ribbon.
“And you look magnificent.”
She beamed a sunny smile at him and adjusted the new fur shrug he’d had tailored for her.
As was tradition, his servants lined up in the front foyer, uniforms neat and tidy.
Maids wore black dresses and white caps, and the footmen wore liveries.
Though everyone faced forward, William noticed a sparkle or two in the younger staff’s eyes at what festivities the night would hold.
The same sparkle that Anna shared. Another reason to visit the Brydolfs’ estate since it would allow his staff the night off.
He’d only requested his butler leave a fire going in the occupied bedrooms. William could add wood to the flames on his own.
A notion the butler had scoffed at, but Anna had joined in insisting they were quite capable.
William gave the very butler a friendly nod as he lowered an envelope to his gloved palm. “Merry Christmas.” William went down the line, offering such a gift to each of his staff members.
At the end, he lifted his top hat to them all. “A merry Christmas to each of you.” His voice echoed in the polished foyer.
“A merry Christmas to you, Mr. Drake! And Miss Drake!” rang their voices.
“They’ll have such a grand time. I hear Cook made cider and doughnuts,” Anna said as they descended the front steps. Snow dusted her hair, and sleigh bells chimed as the driver called to the horses to remain steady.
William thanked the driver and helped Anna in. He joined her on the seat, careful not to jostle the presents he’d procured for his friends. The closest thing to Christmas cheer he could summon.
In his pocket rested a telegram he needed to discuss with Callum. News from New River that could change everything.
“William,” came Anna’s soft voice. “You are a mile away in your mind.”
He offered a smile as the sleigh glided into motion. “Merry Christmas.”
She scrunched her nose. “You’ve said that. Three times already now.”
He chuckled. “Fair. How about you pick the topic?”
With scarcely a breath, Anna unboxed stories of her year at school. Of the girls she roomed with, her least favorite instructors, and how Aunt Catherine had even visited and taken her out to tea.
William listened, soaking in her humor and life as the sleigh glided down the lane beneath the first blinking stars.
The gates were decorated with garland. His request for Anna’s sake.
Some semblance of beauty that they desperately needed this winter.
His property spread for forty acres all around the nineteen-room house.
All blanketed in snow but despite the three Christmas trees beneath his roof, and the celebratory breakfast they’d share with their aunt tomorrow, the home felt empty.
Another reason he intended to spend Christmas Eve somewhere else to help escape his own mind.
Anna filled the mile ride with joy, and soon, the driver angled the sleigh up to the Brydolfs’ estate.
“Shall we?” William climbed out and, taking Anna’s arm, led her up the grand entrance and into the Brydolfs’ home. Servants buzzed in the foyer, carrying trays and gifts alike. Anna dashed toward the tree with its electric lights. Just as William made to follow, a berry-red dress caught his eye.
Caroline Brydolf descended the stairs. “William.” Her regal voice floated from above. “Such a pleasure you could make it.” She smiled.
He removed his coat and hat. “Caroline.”
With a lithe figure and a delicate face, Caroline Brydolf had a knack for turning heads.
As usual, it seemed his head alone that she wished to turn.
Her gloved hand trailed down the polished banister and the neckline of her gown capped delicate shoulders.
Her hair, a wintery blonde, was swept up in fashionable frills, displaying her slender neck.
Between their two fortunes, they could conquer the world, and yet he saw no joy in such a future.
Not wanting to be left alone with her, William looked around for Callum.
The man entered from the adjacent room. “William! Just in time. Dinner is ready.” He wore a simple shirt and waistcoat.
William lowered his attention to his tuxedo. “I seem to be overdressed.”
“Nonsense. I can head back upstairs and change.”
“No need.” William offered his hat and coat to a maid.
“Shall we?” At his side, Caroline slid her slender hand through William’s arm. “We’ve a few other guests.” She led the way toward the dining rom. “Some of Callum’s old friends from university are here along with a neighbor or two, but you’re seated by me.”
William gave a brief nod.
“Do make sure to sit with Anna,” Caroline instructed Callum, who didn’t seem to hear. “I believe my brother is taken with your sister,” Caroline whispered.
“I’m not so sure—”
“A marriage that would suit everyone, I think.” Her voice was smug as Callum knelt and showed sixteen-year-old Anna how the newest ornaments glinted in the electric strand of lights.
“You may find yourself surprised, then,” William said.
Caroline ignored him.
The dining room opened up before them and William pulled out a chair for Caroline.
As the chair legs glided against the polished floor, he was struck by what it would be like to pull out a chair for Lizbeth.
What it would be like to introduce her to the room and for her company to be what carried him through the evening and beyond.
William cleared his throat at a painful tightening, scarcely hearing Caroline speak beside him.
“Will you be racing your horse at the new track this spring?” She reached for a glass of wine as a footman unfolded her napkin. “I hear Belmont Park is scheduled to open soon. They say it’s the finest track New York has ever seen. Perhaps the nation.”
“In May.” William overturned his own glass so it wouldn’t be filled. “I’ve been in discussion over the prospect. And her name is Lady Light.”
Caroline averted her eyes at the reminder of a name she knew perfectly well.
She simply didn’t care for animals. “I don’t know how your aunt approved such a nonsensical name.
” The electric chandelier lent Caroline’s face a healthy glow as she turned William’s crystal glass back over and snapped her fingers for the footman to return with the bottle. “So Lady Light will run, then?”
“She will.” William offered space for another footman to place a bowl of steaming soup in front of him.
“Then Callum will have to secure a box!”
“No need, I’ve already secured one. You’re both invited, of course.
” William dipped his spoon into the soup, preferring to keep his gaze there rather than on the woman beside him.
“Lady Light has been invited to practice on the track at her earliest convenience. As a preview of sorts. I believe the landscapers are still sorting out the pitch of the ground.”
“No doubt the added practice will improve her odds.”
“I doubt it.” He was anxious if she’d clear the preliminary. Since horse racing was illegal in Vermont, he stabled Lady Light on his estate but she travelled by rail for any races including the upcoming opening in New York.
“It will be one of the finest tracks this nation has ever seen. Do you know how many guests it holds?” she asked.
“Forty thousand.” While he wasn’t as interested in rubbing elbows with the upper class as Caroline, he wouldn’t miss the opening for the simple experience of seeing the facility.
Few thoroughbreds were qualified for the elite circuit.
Still, a full calendar felt empty without deeper purpose.
Something William tried to ignore day in and day out lately.
Ever since he’d spilled his soul to Lizbeth and she’d refused him.
Rightfully so. He’d no more demonstrated that she could rest in his assurances than in those of any other man she’d known for a month’s time.
More courses arrived—roasted meats, sauteed vegetables, and buttery dinner rolls.
William wondered what she would be feasting on this night.
Likely stewed apples with cream from their farm, or roasted chestnuts from the woods.
Perhaps pies would be on the menu, seasoned with cinnamon.
When dessert was served, William dipped his fork into a chocolate ganache decorated with gold leaf, longing instead for a sense of home. Whatever that meant.
“The ladies are retiring to the parlor,” he finally heard Callum say over the hum of memories and lost hopes. “Port’s being served in the study. Figured I’d let you know since you’re a mile away.”
William rose and followed his friend from the nearly empty dining hall.