Christmas Bliss Read Online Free Page A

become inappropriate, the two of them watch Oliver eat. He hummed a
little tune as he stuffed his mouth full of meat. The entire process was filled
with joy, and John could not help smiling. He looked up and saw his mother was
also enjoying the boy.
    Emma dashed into the room. She looked refreshed, and he
hoped that meant she had been able to sleep. Her hair was pulled up and tied in
a bun and he immediately missed the cascade of ruby locks of the night before.
Even the thought of seeing her in the dimly lit library caused the tightness in
his chest to return.
    A wash of relief spread across her face when she entered the
room and saw her brother eating as if he was a starving dog.
    “I checked the nursery,” Emma said, explaining why she
charged into the dining room as if there were invaders at her heels.
    The countess smiled. “Yes. It seems that your brother was
not satisfied with the condition of that space. He requested a cleaner, more
functional place to eat. Of course, we have been delighted since his arrival.
Though as you can see, he is quite famished and has said little for some time.”
    “Thank you for your indulgence, your ladyship. I afraid
meats have been limited at March House since my uncle took residence. He feels
it is an unnecessary and expensive extravagance.”
    John’s mother waved off the thanks. “That explains quite a
lot.” She nodded toward Oliver, who continued to stuff sausage into his
overflowing mouth. “Did you sleep well, my dear?”
    Emma nodded. “As well as can be expected. I have a lot on my
mind. I must find a way to get to Plymouth as soon as possible. My aunt will be
worried when she hears of our disappearance. I’m sure Uncle Drake will go there
first to try to discover our whereabouts.”
    John watched her expressions go from concern to fear. His
breakfast threatened to return. He could not stand the idea of her being
afraid, any more than he could tolerate the notion of her leaving so soon.
“Then it is best you not go there immediately. I suggest, if I might, that you write
to your aunt and tell her only that you and Oliver are safe and with friends. I
can have the letter delivered quickly.”
    Emma’s eyes widened. “My lord, I must find a way to stop my
uncle from making off with Oliver’s money. My aunt will assist. She has many
friends who can help us.”
    “There is another way,” John insisted.
    “What way is that, my lord?”
    John looked at his mother. Margaret did not say a word but
watched the interaction with a raised eyebrow. He could almost hear her
repeating Emma’s question. He then looked over at the boy, and he too was
watching and listening to the conversation.
    “You could marry,” John announced.
    A bark of laughter escaped Emma’s lips. She immediately
brought herself under control and gaped at him. “Marry?”
    The laugh didn’t bode well. He had hoped she would be
thrilled at the notion of marrying him. Evidently, she found it amusing in the
extreme. He’d spent his adult life avoiding just this situation, thwarting his
mother at every attempt to marry him off. He supposed it was a fitting
punishment that when he finally found someone who moved him, she though him
ridiculous. It served him right. Still, he would make his case. “A properly
situated husband would be able to take care of both you and Oliver. If he were
well connected, he could also resolve the problem of your thieving uncle.”
    “I’m afraid I missed that opportunity several years ago, my
lord. I made my debut and had several offers. In my youthful ignorance, I
thought to not rush into marriage. I wanted another season of dancing and
theater. But then Father became ill and then he died and Uncle arrived, and in
the following season I did not have the time or the inclination to hunt for a
proper husband. Now I am on the shelf and who would have me?”
    He had blundered the entire thing. “I would,” John said
firmly.
    “You would what?” Emma’s eyes were wide and