A Wallflower Christmas by Lisa Kleypas

to stay with him at least three or four days, and then come directly to Hampshire.” Although she tried to sound matter-of-fact, there was a shadow of melancholy in her voice. Of all the former wallflowers and their mates, Evie’s connection with St. Vincent had been the least likely, and the most difficult to fathom. They were not publicly demonstrative, but one had the sense that their private life was intimate beyond ordinary measures.
    â€œOh, who needs husbands?” Annabelle said brightly, sliding an arm around Evie’s shoulders. “Clearly we have more than enough to keep us very busy until they arrive.”

Eight
    It was Hannah’s particular torture to have been cast as chaperone, and therefore be forced to sit beside Natalie during the musical soirée that evening, while Rafe Bowman took Natalie’s other side. The entwined harmonies of two sopranos, a baritone, and a tenor were accompanied by piano, flute, and violins. Many of the older children had been allowed to sit in rows at the back of the room. Dressed in their best clothes, the children sat straight and did their best not to fidget, whisper, or wiggle.
    Hannah thought wryly that the children were behaving far better than their parents. There was a great deal of gossiping going on among the adults, especially in the lulls between each musical presentation.
    She observed that Rafe Bowman was treating Natalie with impeccable courtesy. They seemed charmed by each other. They discussed the differences between New York and London, discovered they had similartastes in books and music, and they both passionately loved riding. Bowman’s manner with Natalie was so  engaging that if Hannah had never encountered him before, she would have said he was the perfect gentleman.
    But she knew better.
    And Hannah perceived that she was one of many in the room who took an interest in the interactions between Bowman and Natalie. There were the Blandfords, of course, and the Bowman parents, and even Lord Westcliff occasionally glanced at the pair with subtle speculation, a slight smile on his lips. But the person who paid the most attention was Lord Travers, his expression stoic and his blue eyes troubled. It made Hannah’s heart ache a little to realize that here was a man who cared very much about Natalie, and with very little encouragement would love her passionately. And yet all indications pointed to the fact that she would probably choose Bowman instead.
    Natalie, you’re not nearly as wise as you think you are, she thought wistfully. Take the man who would make sacrifices for you, who would love you for who you are and not for what he would gain by marrying you.
    The worst part of Hannah’s evening came after the entertainment had concluded, when the large crowd was dispersing and various groups were arranging to meet in one location or another. Natalie pulled Hannah to the side, her blue eyes gleaming with excitement. “In a few minutes, I’m going to sneak away with Mr. Bowman,” she whispered. “We’re going to meet privately on the lower terrace. So make yourself scarce, and ifanyone asks where I am, give them some excuse and—”
    â€œNo,” Hannah said softly, her eyes turning round. “If you’re seen with him, it will cause a scandal.”
    Natalie laughed. “What does it matter? I’m probably going to marry him anyway.”
    Hannah gave a stubborn shake of her head. Her experiences with Bowman had left no doubt in her mind that he would take full advantage of Natalie. And it would be Hannah’s fault for allowing it to happen. “You may meet him on the lower terrace, but I’m going with you.”
    Natalie’s grin faded. “ Now you’ve decided to be a vigilant chaperone? No. I’m putting my foot down, Hannah. I’ve always been kind to you, and you know you’re in my debt. So go off somewhere and do not make a