Regency Romp - Happy Christmas Mr Jones (Regency Romps) (3 page)

             
‘Thankee very kindly, sir,’ Mr Jones said and laughed.  ‘It has been a pleasure for me.  I never did want to retire but they wanted younger folk at the Manor and told me I must move to the cottage for pensioners.’

             
‘How foolish some people can be,’ Tomas said.  ‘There is nothing like experience and Mr Harvey tells me that he will be able to produce some exotic fruits for our table now that you have given him a few hints.  I should like you to continue in the role of advisor – and to potter in the greenhouses, as you will.’

             
‘You are very kind, sir.’  Mr Jones had a suspicion of tears in his eyes.  ‘I thank you on behalf of myself and my son for all you have offered us.’

             
‘Nonsense.  I have told you that I should have died had it not been for Harry.’  Tomas nodded his head, a pleasing thought coming to mind.  ‘I shall take you home tomorrow, if that will suit you?  Shall I bring you back immediately – or after Christmas?’

             
‘If it is no trouble to your lordship, I would prefer after Christmas.  I have to say goodbye to a few folk…but it means two journeys for you…’

             
‘No, I think not,’ Tomas said and a smile of mischief touched his lips.  ‘At least only a short one.  I have been invited to stay with some friends nearby and I think I shall take up their very kind invitation.’

             
His sister was going to be very cross with him, Tomas knew.  He felt a little guilty for spoiling her arrangements for Christmas, but he really could not spend such a wonderful time of year with Miranda staring at him hopefully from under the mistletoe.

             
When he returned from his visit then he would know…

*

Lydia had decided that she might as well wear her bonnet with the scarlet ribbons for the walk to Mr Jones’s cottage, and her red leather gloves.  She did love the colour so much and there was only one more day to the ball.  That was the day they were officially out of mourning, but she did not think her darling mama would mind her wearing scarlet ribbons a day sooner.

             
She walked with Jane and her sister to the village.  They had divided the boxes between them, each of them having four boxes to deliver, except for Lydia who had three.  However, two of her boxes were to deliver to the hamlet outside the village and a longer walk.  When they reached the village, she delivered her first box to Mrs Shirley, a widow of some years.  The lady was delighted with the gifts and thanked her profusely, insisting that she drink a glass of her homemade wine.

             
Lydia sipped it and then excused herself, explaining that she had to visit Nanny and Mr Jones.

             
‘I am not sure that Mr Jones is at home,’ Mrs Shirley said.  ‘You may leave the box with me, Miss Lydia.  I will see that he gets it when he returns.’

             
‘How kind of you,’ Lydia said, ‘but I have to visit Nanny and I will just see if Mr Jones has returned – and she is next door so it would be easier for her.  You would have a long walk.’

             
Leaving the widow’s house, she walked briskly.  It was a cold bright morning and she found her spirits lifting.  Tomorrow was the day of the ball and she was looking forward to it, even though the gentleman she most wished to see could not possibly be there.

             
Reaching the little group of cottages, she saw that Mr Jones’s cottage looked closed up and sighed.  She had hoped to see him and wish him a Happy Christmas, but perhaps he would return after the holiday.

             
Nanny was in her garden picking some holly for her decorations.  She waved her hand and looked pleased when she saw Lydia, inviting her in to the warmth of her kitchen.  It was a nice size and as neat as a new pin, with a big oak dresser, a scrubbed pine table and four chairs.  On the dresser was a display of blue and white china, some fairings and various jars.  Nanny took down one of the jars of cookies and put it on the table.

             
‘I’ve made some cinnamon twists for Christmas,’ she said.  ‘Will you have a cup of tea with me, Miss Lydia?’

             
‘Yes, please, Nanny,’ Lydia said and kissed her soft cheek.  ‘It is so lovely to see you.  I’ve brought you a Christmas box.  The gifts inside are from all of us: Jane, Annabel, Mary, my uncle – and me.  They were made with love and we hope you will enjoy them.’

             
‘Oh, how kind you all are to remember me,’ Nanny said, her eyes moist.  ‘I sometimes think of the old times and wish I was back with you in the nursery – though I know I am too old for the work these days.’

             
‘If I had a nursery I should ask you to come if only to advise,’ Lydia said and hugged her.  ‘I miss you too, Nanny – but at least I can visit sometimes.’

             
‘You were always my favourite, though I shouldn’t say.’  Nanny poured boiling water into the big brown pot.  ‘I appreciate your visits, Miss Lydia – even more than the gifts you bring me.’

             
‘Well, I usually bring only one gift,’ Lydia said and laughed softly.  ‘But we have all worked hard to give you more this year.  I had hoped that Mr Jones would be here but it seems…’

             
Nanny was at the window.  She gave a little cry of surprise.  ‘Well, there – what a coincidence!  Here’s Mr Jones arrived with that nice Captain Milliband.  He spoke to me when he came for Mr Jones – such a pleasant gentleman as he is too.’

             
‘Where…’ Lydia got up and went to the window.  She saw the carriage pulled up outside Mr Jones’s cottage and then Mr Jones was getting out and shaking hands with Captain Milliband.  She waved at them from the window but they didn’t notice her.  ‘Oh, I am pleased…’

             
Lydia itched to go out and say something that would make Captain Milliband see her but politeness restrained her.  Nanny had made the tea and was waiting for her to return to the table.  She did so, sitting down as if her heart wasn’t urging her to run next door and speak to the handsome captain.

             
However, she was too fond of Nanny to leave before the visit reached its natural conclusion.  Having drunk two cups of tea and eaten three cinnamon twists, she took her leave, kissing Nanny and wishing her  Happy Christmas.

             
‘I shall visit you soon – and one day, if I marry, you can come and live with me,’ she said, kissed her on the cheek and left.

             
The carriage had gone.  Lydia felt a wave of disappointment, but perhaps it was just as well.  She could not have forced herself on the captain’s notice for it would have seemed too forward.  A sigh left her lips because she had hoped that somehow she would meet him again and to have missed him…her disappointment was sharp but she forced it from her mind as she went up the path to Mr Jones’s cottage.

             
He opened it almost as soon as she knocked.  His face lit with a smile and he invited her in to his cottage at once.

             
‘I’m that pleased to see you, Miss Lydia,’ he said.  ‘I’ve lit the stove, though it will take a while to get going – but I can offer you a drop of sherry.  It was Captain Milliband’s gift to me and it’s a good one.  Come and sit down and tell me what you’re doing here, miss.’

             
‘I have brought you a Christmas box from all of us at the Manor,’ Lydia told him, ‘but I’ve been wanting to visit you for an age.  Please, you must tell me how Harry is.  I do hope he is better?’

             
‘Coming along nicely thanks to the captain and his sister,’ Mr Jones said.  ‘He lost a leg over there in the line of duty – quite a hero, Captain Milliband tells me.  I’m proud of my boy.  The captain says he is clever and intends to employ him in his agent’s office – and there’s a place for me, too.  I shall be leaving here after Christmas.  I just came back to pack my things and say goodbye to people  care for.’

             
‘Oh…’ Lydia had mixed feelings.  She was pleased that things had turned out well for his son, but sad that she would not see him again.  ‘I shall miss you – but I am truly pleased that Harry is recovering.’

             
‘Aye, I knew you would be, Miss Lydia.  It was you and one other I wanted to say goodbye to.  Your uncle and his family have been good to me in the past – but I’ve a special feeling for you, Miss Lydia.  I shall miss you, too.’

             
‘Perhaps I can write – or even visit you one day?’

             
‘I should appreciate a letter if you have time, but I dare say it would be too far for you to visit me.’  He looked a little sad.  ‘I am glad to be going in a way but…’ he shook his head.  ‘I was mouldering away here, miss… just waiting for…but now I shall have a job and I’ll be with Harry.’

             
‘Then you must be happy.  I shall be happy for you.  You need to be with those you love, and your son needs you with him.’

             
‘Yes, he does, miss – and that is why I made up my mind to go, but there are two people I shall miss very much.’

             
It was on the tip of her tongue to ask whom else he meant, but then she knew.  She had noticed how well they got on together and it would be just the thing…but would either of them be prepared to change their lives?

             
‘Why do you not ask her to marry you?’ she said.  ‘I’ve just been visiting next door…and she was telling me she was lonely…’

             
‘Was she now?’  Mr Jones looked at her with eyes that twinkled and looked much younger than their seventy years.  ‘Bless my soul, Miss Lydia.  Trust you to know my secret!  I would ask her in a minute if I thought she might accept.’

             
‘Why don’t you ask and see?’ Lydia said and laughed softly as she saw the look in his eyes.  ‘Be sure to take some mistletoe with you…and kiss her underneath it.  It is Christmas so you have the excuse, and if you’re suited you’ll see it in her face.’

             
‘Bless you, I shall,’ he said and laughed.  ‘You’re a rare one, Miss Lydia, bothering over us old folk the way you do.  I should be much happier if Amabel would come with me…if only I can convince her we could be happy together.’

             
‘You may find she has missed you more than you think,’ Lydia said and kissed him on the cheek.  ‘I must go now, but I wish you luck.’

             
‘Thankee kindly, Miss Lydia – and for the gifts.’

             
‘The red scarf is from me,’ she said.  ‘I hope you will have a very happy time this Christmas – and all your Christmases to come.’

             
‘And you, miss.  God bless you for your kindness.’

             
Lydia gave him a hug impulsively and then left him.  She was singing to herself as she walked away from his cottage.  All the hard work she and the others had put into their gifts was well worth it, but if Mr Jones was able to convince Nanny that she should be his wife…well, that would be just the best Christmas gift of all.

             
She wished that she might have spoken to Captain Milliband, but it had not been possible and perhaps she was a silly girl to hope for it.  She must put him out of her mind and think about the ball tomorrow…

*

‘I hope your invitation was given in earnest and not just a convivial wish,’ Tomas said and he saw the astonishment in his friend’s face.  ‘If I am in the way I can take myself off elsewhere.’

             
‘Good grief, no,’ Michael Bentley said and laughed.  ‘I am delighted to have you here – and my family will feel the same.’

             
‘You are sure they will not wish me to the devil?’

             
‘No, indeed not.  My mother is always delighted to have more guests.  I was surprised, because I thought you fixed at home – but I am delighted to have you home.  I know the Savage family will be happy to welcome you to their ball tomorrow evening.  In the country there is often a shortage of eligible men and another is always a pleasure and a delight – I can promise you several very pretty young ladies.’

             
‘Did you say Savage?’  Tomas asked, feeling a start of surprise.  ‘I seem to know the name…?’

             
‘Lord Simeon lives at the Manor with his two daughters and his nieces, Miss Jane and Miss Lydia – both very pretty girls.  I rather like the elder myself, but the younger is perhaps the beauty of the family.  Unfortunately, they have nothing more than a hundred a year.  Their uncle took them in…but that would not trouble you.  For myself…I need a fortune.’  Michael sighed.  ‘Me father would not approve if I courted Jane, though I am tempted.’

             
‘You should follow your heart, old fellow.  Your uncle may leave you his fortune one day – but you could always make a career in the army.’

             
‘It is a thought,’ Michael said.  ‘My uncle is hale and I have few hopes there but I could always ask her and face me father down…’