Chapter Six

December 23, 1819

“Tell me the truth, Bright.”

Gabriel frowned, for Mary had cornered him in his study where he’d asked to meet Henry in a few moments to discuss Charlie. “About what?” She only referred to him by his surname when she wanted to tease, or she was annoyed. Clearly, in this instance, she was the latter, for thunderstorms brewed in the blue pools of her eyes and twin spots of color blazed on her pale cheeks.

“Your unexplained absences.” She stood in front of his desk with her arms crossed at her chest, and though she was quite adorable in her pique, he didn’t dare mention that. “You had originally told me these few weeks around the Christmastide holidays were for your family, yet you have been gone more than you have been here. Every time you’ve said you would do something with me and the family, you are late, and there have been times you’ve simply been away with no explanation or worse, excuses.”

So she’d noticed when he’d been gone, but that been because he’d checked in on Charlie and had spent time with the boy in the hopes he would feel more comfortable in the house. Some of those visits entailed him telling the child about his new sister as well as his new mother. When he could, Henry came by, too, to lend credence to the tales.

“I realize how it looks to you, but please trust me when I tell you there is nothing to worry about.” Though he wished with all his heart that he could reveal the secret, he wanted to keep it for Christmas, because he loved her and wanted the full impact of the surprise.

To his horror, tears welled in her eyes. “That still tells me nothing, and in some ways, I fear I’m losing you because you’ve been far too secretive.” The delicate tendons of her throat worked with a hard swallow. “If you have a mistress, just tell me. At least then I will cease to wonder and can make plans accordingly.”

“I beg your pardon?” Is that what she thought? After everything they’d been through together, after each time he’d pledged his love to her?

“Do you have a mistress? Is that why you have been so inconsistent lately and haven’t taken a case we can work together?” Her voice caught. “I miss that.”

“As do I.” While it was true most of the cases he’d been hired to investigate throughout the autumn had been straightforward and didn’t require much deduction or Mary’s assistance, that didn’t mean he hadn’t wished to have her aboard. And keeping the secret of Charlie had definitely been a strain on his relationship with Mary. “Please believe me when I tell you that I don’t have a mistress.” Slowly, he stood up from the desk. When he came around the large piece of furniture toward her, his wife backed away. “I have only loved you this past year, wanted to be with you, desired only you. There is no need for a mistress, for you keep me pleasantly occupied.”

For long moments, Mary rested her gaze on him. Finally, she nodded. “I hope to God you are telling me the truth, because I won’t take a betrayal from my second husband lightly.”

Bloody hell. This is a disaster.

“Sweeting, please. I’m telling you the truth.” When he closed the distance between them, he reached for her, hoped to take her in his arms, but she moved toward the door and away from him. He sighed and let his arm drop to his side. “I promised Cassandra we would decorate the drawing room together in about an hour. Will you be there?”

“Yes, for her, but I think perhaps I’ll sleep in her room tonight until I can make sense of your pulling away from me.” With the sound of a stifled sob, Mary left the study, and Gabriel bowed his head.

“How the hell is this happening?” he asked of the empty room. All he wanted to do was give her a Christmastide surprise that would make her exquisitely happy. Never did he think he would need to redeem and defend his marriage so soon after saying vows.

“Papa? I just passed Mary in the corridor, and she’d been crying. She said it was nothing when I asked, yet now I’m here and you seem as if your favorite dog just ran away.” Henry frowned as he peered at Gabriel. “What has happened?”

“Ah, Henry, everything is a mess.” He rubbed a hand along the side of his face. “In the course of trying to do something lovely for her, Mary now believes my secrets and absences are because I’ve taken a mistress.” An ache started around his heart and wouldn’t let up. “I am beside myself.” And after that scuffle with Sam Potts yesterday, he needed to be extra careful so that she didn’t pry into his affairs further.

“Stay the course, Papa. There are only two more days until Christmas.” Henry came forward and laid a hand on Gabriel’s shoulder in support. “I believe Mary will be quite excited once you have her meet Charlie. All these misunderstandings will vanish like dew before the sun.”

“I hope you’re right.” He blew out a breath of frustration. “Will you help decorate the drawing room with us this afternoon?”

“Of course. I even learned a few jokes off by heart to make Cassandra laugh.”

“Good man.” God, what a coil they’d both fallen into. “Did you just come from seeing Charlie?”

“I did.” Henry glanced toward the door then back at him. “He’s cute as a button now that he’s been cleaned up and his hair cut. And he’s very curious about the operations in the house beyond the kitchen. It’s a good thing Christmas is soon; otherwise, I think he’d escape.”

Despite the glum mood, Gabriel chuckled. “I’m sure. He’ll be a handful, but I think we can make a go of expanding the family.”

“I believe you can, and since I find the boy amusing, he will prove a lovely addition.” His grin didn’t dim as he looked at Gabriel. “You are so adorable caring for the boy and trying to keep this secret from Mary. Even a nodcock can see you are still tip over tail for her.”

“Let us hope she remembers that over the next forty-eight hours.” Being parted from her at night would strain the bounds of his ability to keep the secret, but his son didn’t need to know that. “Will you do me a favor before we’re due in the drawing room?”

“I will. What is it?”

“Please procure some hothouse flowers either from a shop or a handcart in Mayfair. Get enough for both Mary and Cassandra, as well as the housekeeper and cook as a distraction. Women always adore flowers, and I need to do something to appease Mary and have the staff keep my secret when Mary comes investigating.”

Henry grinned. “I’ll be back soon, but please don’t worry. All will be well enough soon.” Then he exited the room with a wink.

Feeling lower than he had in far too long, Gabriel went back around to his chair behind the desk and then collapsed into it. Was he doing the right thing by keeping this from Mary?

I hope so.

An hour later, Gabriel stood at the fireplace where cheerful flames danced in the hearth behind an ornate metal grate. When Mary and Cassandra came into the room, he gave them a wide grin and hoped that it would help put Mary at ease. Already, some of the snowflakes Cassandra had made had been hung over the windows, and truly the effect was quite lovely.

“Are you ladies ready for some decorating and mischief?”

“Decorating, perhaps, but mischief? No,” Mary said with a trace of sadness in her eyes that further deepened the ache around his heart. “But we should have a lovely time.”

Cassandra, on the other hand, was all smiles. She ran over to him and threw her arms about his waist. “Will you let me climb a ladder?”

“I’m not sure about that, poppet, but I can lift you up so you can help hang things higher than I am.” As he spoke, a couple of footmen entered the room bearing a tall wooden ladder between them. “However, just look at your snowflakes over the windows. Why, if I didn’t know better, I might think I was outside instead of in. You did a marvelous job.”

“Thank you, Papa.” A blush stained the girl’s cheeks, and she gazed up at him with another round of infatuation. “It was great fun making them with Mama.”

“That makes me so happy to hear.” He patted her head. “You have quite the talent in art. Perhaps we should pursue that with another tutor.”

“We can certainly nurture her talent and see what happens.” Remarkably, Mary smiled, and cold relief rushed down Gabriel’s spine. “Perhaps our daughter will become a painter or a sculptor.”

His heart squeezed for a completely different reason this time, for it was the first time he’d heard Mary refer to her as “our daughter,” and it was one of the most beautiful phrases that ever existed. “Shall we begin putting up evergreen boughs? Cassandra, you can be in charge of showing me where you want to put the glass balls and tin bells once we put the greenery on the mantel.”

“Yes!” The girl flew across the room where a box of newly acquired baubles rested on a chair. “These are so pretty, Papa. Where did you get them?”

“Uh, your mama bought them on one of her trips out. I think there are even some stuffed birds with fluffy feathers in the box as well.” Then he was distracted by Mary’s close proximity. In a low voice to her, he said, “I’m beyond elated we can give Cassandra this experience. Imagine finally being able to celebrate a holiday with a family and know you’ll remember it.”

She took one of his hands and squeezed his fingers before releasing it. “This will prove a wonderful afternoon for Cassandra. Thank you for it, Bright.”

It wasn’t exactly the closeness they’d had before, but he appreciated that his wife was still speaking to him. “You’re welcome.” Then he gestured to the footmen. “We’ll hang the wreath above the fireplace, and then place greenery on the mantel. I believe there is also a ball fashioned with holly leaves and berries you can hang between the windows.”

“We’ll do it up fine for you, Inspector,” one of the more eager footmen said with a grin that reminded him of a rambunctious puppy.

“I appreciate it, Luke.” While the footmen maneuvered the ladder as one of them held it and the other climbed, Gabriel glanced at the door, where Henry had just come into the room bearing the flowers they’d spoken about. “Ah, Henry. Lovely of you to join us.”

“I was delayed at the florist. It seems everyone wished for hothouse blooms during this time of year.” But the young man was not without theatrical flourish. “Mary, I picked this bouquet out especially for you, because you bring happiness into whatever room you enter. I thought that perhaps the yellow lilies and white roses might indicate such.” As he offered her the flowers, he gave her a cheeky wink. “Think of me fondly on Christmas.”

“These are lovely, Henry. Thank you.” With a smile, she bussed his cheek then promptly put her nose to the blooms. “I adore freshly cut flowers.”

“You should have them often,” Henry said with a speaking glance at Gabriel. “How rude of my father to neglect you so.”

“I quite agree,” she murmured in a quiet voice, and suddenly her smile faded. Was she back to thinking the worst of him?

“I, uh, I—”

Thankfully, he was spared finding words, for Henry loped over to Cassandra.

“And how could I forget my favorite princess?” It was a moniker he had recently taken to calling her, and the little girl lapped it up with aplomb. “I thought you might prefer a smaller bouquet, so I procured you a collection of pink rose buds mixed with some soft evergreen sprigs, and see how pretty the pink paper is that holds the flowers?”

The little girl’s eyes rounded with surprise and shock. “These are for me?”

“Yes, of course. Don’t you like them?” Henry shot her a grin.

“Very much. I ain’t never… er, I have never had flowers of my own before.” She raised her shining gaze to Henry’s. “Why?”

“Why what?”

“Why did you give them to me?” Her slender fingers curled around the tissue paper, and Gabriel knew in that moment she would never give those flowers up, not even when they were dried up and useless.

“Because you are my sister, and I’m fond of you.” Henry tweaked her nose, which left a blush in her cheeks, and she gazed at him with the same affection that she gave him.

“Thank you.” In a move that completely left Gabriel speechless, Cassandra gave Henry a hug before running over to Mary to show her the flowers.

Henry sauntered to Gabriel’s side. “That went well, hmm?” he asked in a whisper as the footmen hung the wreath over the fireplace.

“You chose wisely. How did Mrs. Pearson and Cook react?”

“About as Cassie did. Why do women adore flowers so much?”

“I haven’t figured that out yet, I just know that they do, and to keep in their good graces, you should always befriend a florist.”

Henry’s grin was as cheeky as his. “You are quite wise, Papa. Perhaps I should go back and purchase another before dinner on the twenty-seventh for Miss Davenport.”

“Absolutely, as well as for her mother. Don’t forget to charm the mother, dear boy,” Gabriel said beneath his breath. “It doesn’t hurt to start early.”

Barely had a ruddy flush taken possession of his son’s neck before Mary went over to the low table in the midst of a furniture grouping where a large bowl of oranges rested.

“Um, which one of you decorated the oranges with cloves? That was a lovely gesture,” she said as she took one in hand and raised it to her nose. “I hadn’t yet had time to helm the task.”

“Oh.” Well, damn. Gabriel shot a quick glance to Henry. He’d brought the bowl up with him without thinking up a story for Mary. Panic filled his son’s eyes, but as Gabriel opened his mouth to explain, Henry stepped forward.

“Right. I forgot to tell you, Mary. I did it.” He crossed the room and took Mary’s free hand. “You see, I knew how busy your schedule was this week and how much you would rather spend the time with Cassandra, so I asked Mrs. Pearson what I could do to help relieve your tasks.” Then, in a move Gabriel swore he learned from him, Henry raised Mary’s hand to his lips and kissed her middle knuckle. “I mean, I needed something to occupy my time and mind. I merely forgot to mention it. Are you cross?”

“Of course not. It’s lovely that you decided to help.” She patted his cheek. “Did you require a distraction because you are thinking about a young lady?”

“I am, actually. Miss Davenport.”

Gabriel cleared his throat. “The young lady and her parents are coming to our house for dinner the day after Boxing Day.”

“Which you forgot to tell me.” She sent him a hard glance. “But I’ll allow it because I’m anxious to entertain since we’re going to my brother’s home for Boxing Day dinner.”

He nodded. “Of course.” He hadn’t seen Mary’s ambassador brother since their wedding in October. “I assume Adelaide will attend?”

“She will. It’s been far too long since I’ve seen my niece, and I’m looking forward to it.” That brought out a grin. “No more finishing school for her. Soon she’ll be introduced to society.”

“That should be quite the adventure.”

“She’ll turn London on its head, I think.” With a sigh, she returned the orange to the bowl.

“Especially if she takes after you,” he rejoined in a soft voice.

His teasing provoked a smile, and his world tilted once more. While Henry and Cassandra joked and laughed together, his son took the initiative and lifted the girl onto his shoulder so she could decorate the greenery that had been laid upon the mantel.

“They are getting along so well,” Mary whispered and went so far as to squeeze Gabriel’s arm. “I’m honestly shocked Cassandra is relaxed enough for all that.”

“As am I.” The girl had been far too reserved since she’d come to live with them, but then, Henry was much like him. “Henry is charming, and flowers do work wonders.” He winked at Mary, and pleasure scudded through his chest in a warm wave when a faint blush went through her cheeks. “And he mentioned he wanted to spend more time with her since he is between terms.” He patted Mary’s hand. “Our family is really starting to come together, don’t you think?”

“Yes, so I hope you don’t do something to put it in jeopardy.”

Gabriel huffed out a breath. “I’m not. Truly.”

“You are keeping something from me, though. I can feel it,” she said with a quick glance his way.

Heat went up the back of his neck. “It is Christmastide, sweeting. There must be some mystery.” When she didn’t appear convinced, he sighed. “It is nothing more than that. I swear.” Had he ever given her reason to not trust him? Of course, her previous marriage had given her nothing but heartbreak as had her relationship with his brother, so she had good reason not to trust men, yet he’d shown again and again that he wasn’t like either of those men.

Hadn’t he?

Not knowing what else to do, Gabriel crossed the room to a small, round, ivory-inlaid table and retrieved the sprig of mistletoe they’d procured from Hyde Park. “I have mistletoe, ladies! That means I can steal a kiss from each of you.” Then he swooped over to Cassandra’s location and loudly kissed her cheek.

She giggled then asked what mistletoe was.

Obviously, he couldn’t tell her the origins of mistletoe that came from Norse mythology or even Greek history, since both of those were rooted in fertility, so he told a little white lie. “Mistletoe is said to be lucky and a bit rare, and whenever a lady finds herself beneath the plant, a gentleman has the chance to steal a kiss.”

Slowly, Cassandra nodded. “You should kiss Mama then.”

“Of course.” When he reached Mary’s location, he held the mistletoe over her head and then bussed her cheek.

“What a poor showing, Papa,” Henry called as he put Cassandra down from his shoulder. “You should kiss Mary properly. After all, you are the one who can’t wait to show her the depths of your regard.” Then he winked, and didn’t even try to hide the gesture.

“Right.” Gabriel rested his gaze on Mary with an eyebrow lifted in inquiry. “Might I have a proper kiss, since apparently Henry is being quite mischievous today?”

The emotions in her eyes were too clouded for him to read, but she nodded. “I would enjoy that.”

“Good.” Carefully, for he was unsure of his welcome, he put a curled finger beneath her chin, raised her head until their gazes once more connected, peered into her face for the space of a few heartbeats, and then he claimed her lips with his.

As they always did, those two petal-soft pieces of flesh cradled his, welcomed him with a banked enthusiasm as if she had been waiting for this moment all day. When she laid a palm on his chest, every instinct within him screamed to take her into his arms, but since his two children looked on, he couldn’t do that lest he shock them.

Instead, Gabriel contented himself with a few chaste kisses before he pulled away. “I hope you enjoy the remainder of the Christmastide season, Mary,” he whispered, and his voice was graveled by emotions lodged in his throat.

“Thank you,” she said back as Cassandra and Henry clapped. “I wish the same for you.”

And please forgive me for not telling you about this secret surprise.