Christmas Delights by Heather Hiestand Page B

seemed to be lit by a soft glow. A fireplace was lit at one end. The man pushed her down onto a cushioned bench. She attempted to compose herself and looked up into a sea of eyes.
    She cried out, hunching against the wall, and felt a cold, smooth surface against her bare shoulders. Opening her eyes wider, she realized she was staring into a wall of mirrors. The man next to her had strangely striated reddish brown and amber eyes reminiscent of tiger’s-eye gemstones.
    “Dear God,” she said, putting a hand to her heart.
    The man moved slightly, and he came into fuller relief. Either that or her vision was clearer. She had nearly swooned.
    “Lord Judah Shield,” she blurted, recognizing him.
    He bowed slightly. “At your service, madam.”
    “All those eyes,” she murmured. “I was quite taken aback for a moment.”
    “I understand. In the firelight, the effect is unnerving.”
    She made an effort to compose her breathing. “I am Lady Allen-Hill.”
    He inclined his head. “You may not remember meeting me, but you showed me a cake once at a party.”
    “Oh, yes,” she recalled. “I wore a dress not dissimilar to the cake.”
    He smiled. “Fashion.”
    “You ended up marrying the girl who came in after us, no?”
    “That is correct. My wife Magdalene. You married as well?”
    “And was widowed.” She sighed.
    “I am sorry.”
    “It is no matter. It feels more like a dream than an actual part of my past. Sir Humphrey became seriously ill so suddenly.”
    “I had not put Victoria Courtnay and Lady Allen-Hill together until just now. You met Lewis Noble on the road, I believe. He mentioned you when I saw him earlier.”
    “Yes. His motorized conveyance had broken down.” Why had Lewis spoken of her? Was he investigating her intentions?
    “Not surprising,” Lord Judah said with a chuckle. “He never stops playing. Instead of perfecting one machine, he moves on to the next. Therefore, they are all perpetually in need of repair.”
    “He’s a restless soul?”
    “I don’t think he knows how to set down any roots. I sympathize with that, but I wish, well . . .” Lord Judah shifted from side to side. “Any man who is happy wants the same for his friends.”
    “And Lewis Noble is unhappy,” she said. “I agree with you.”
    “You like him?” Lord Judah asked.
    Victoria chuckled. “Such an improper question, sir.”
    “You seem unusually interested in the topic of Lewis. I’d like it if a good woman took an interest in him. He needs to settle down.”
    “I don’t plan to be a good woman,” she murmured.
    Lord Judah laughed. “I’m sure you won’t be able to help yourself. I have never heard any outrageous gossip about you. Your father is a bit mysterious, though.”
    “He keeps everything close to his chest.” She thought of Penelope again. “But I think he’s a good man, and probably as lonely as Mr. Noble.”
    “It’s good that you are both at this house party. You can drag him away from that blasted submarine.”
    She glanced at him, amused. “You think this is a good occupation for a lady?”
    “I think your patience would be rewarded. You’re just the kind of lady Lewis needs.” He bowed again and walked away, his shoes clicking on the parquet floor.
    Victoria sat back and closed her eyes. Lewis’s friend had all but given her carte blanche to pursue him. But his friend didn’t speak for him. He was simply a happily married man who wished for his pleasure in marriage to spread in his social circle.
    Still, he gave her the confidence to give Lewis one more go before trying to find an alternate lover. He had spoken about her, after all.
     
    Smoke drifted around the men as they departed the dining room on their way to the ladies in the drawing room, reminding Lewis of his machine shop. He hung back as card games were arranged and the Gill sisters bickered over who would play the piano first and who would sing. Maids brought in trays, staring resentfully at the relaxed guests