Merry Christmas, My Love
“Indeed.”
“Papa, I believe we spoke of this before.” Elise patted her mouth with her serviette and laid it alongside her plate. “Marigold and Juliet are well suited to marriage, but I thought we agreed I would continue on here with you. You know I do an excellent job of managing your house.”
“And my life as well, my dear.” He gave her a well-rehearsed fatherly smile.
“What did you have in mind, Papa? The Season is just starting, and I hope to find my true love this year.” Juliet, at nine and ten years, brought sunshine and happiness to his life. Along with a pile of bills for jewelry and shoes. Lord, the girl loved shoes and dance slippers. She must dance every dance at every ball since she went through two pairs at each event.
“I believe the best way to assure each of you has what every woman dreams of is a sensible method I have spent many a night deciding on.”
Two of his daughters stared at him with excitement since it sounded as though this was a plan to help them obtain their wishes and hopes. Alas, Elise apparently found the conversation disturbing. She did not look in his eyes when he gazed at her. He was aware his normal look of adoration had a bit of determination in it.
“What have you decided, Papa? Since I have no interest in marriage—as you well know—this plan is most likely for my sisters. I want to be sure it will be the best idea for them.” She wagged her finger at him. “You do come up with a scheme that is less than ideal on occasion, in which case I have needed to direct you toward another avenue.”
Yes the love of my heart, you spend a great deal of time directing.
The moment had arrived. “It seemed fair to me that you should all find your husbands in order.” He sat back and beamed as if he’d discovered the secret of longevity.
His beloved Elise frowned. “In order of what?”
“Birth.”
Elise continued to stare at him, her mouth agape.
Juliet asked, “Birth?”
“Yes, my dear hearts. We will spend the next weeks seeing that our darling Elise finds her perfect match, as she is the firstborn of my delightful progeny.”
Juliet and Marigold gasped in horror and looked at their sister. Elise had made it known quite loudly, and often, that she had no intention of marrying. Ever.
Elise cleared her throat. “Papa, I assume you are joking with us.”
He turned his attention to her, forcing his steely determination to overwhelm the adoration. “No, my precious. It came to me in a dream where I saw your beloved mother who took me to task for allowing you to flounder when I should be guiding you.”
“Flounder? Guiding?” His poor girl’s face was pale, her breathing rapid.
She seemed to steady herself and put forth her brightest smile. “Oh, Papa. While I appreciate your concern for my future, I believe we can turn our efforts and attention to Juliet.” Her lips tightened, and she glared at her sister, apparently looking for support.
“I agree, Papa. I would love to have help from all of you in securing my future.” His sweet second eldest nudged Marigold with her elbow.
“Ouch. Yes, Papa, I think Juliet is definitely the one we should be focused on. My turn will be next year.” Marigold rubbed her side and cast a reproving glance at her sister.
“Oh, my enchanting offspring, how I love you so. However, my mind is
made up. We will see Elise a happy bride this year.” He beamed at them, looking from one cherished daughter to the next. ’Twas time for others—with hefty bank rolls—to cherish them as well.
“Papa, suppose I refuse?” Elise had never gone against his wishes in her entire life. She had always been able to persuade him to see things her way. Which was another advantage to his plan. She would be directing someone else’s life.
“Then, my dear, I am afraid it will take longer for your sisters to find their own true loves. You see, I will be unable to accept suitors for them until you are safely settled in your own little love nest.” With that pronouncement he stood and gave them a slight bow. ”Now if you will excuse me, I will retire to my library and enjoy a brandy before bed.”
Three girls sat opened-mouth as he smiled at them and left the room. He strode down the corridor, lighthearted. He’d put his plan into action, and soon he would be free of bills. Not that he begrudged his treasured daughters their fribbles, but a man could not watch his fortune dwindle every day without concern.
Although he had no son to whom he would pass along his title and money, it still disturbed him to watch his balance shrink monthly.
Grinning to himself, he poured a brandy and sat by the fireplace, raising a toast to freedom.
Chapter One
Elise stood in front of the full length mirror in her bedchamber and stared at herself. The deep green silk gown with gold trim looked stunning on her. Charlene, the lady’s maid she shared with her sisters, had managed to fix her usual unruly hair and arranged it in some sort of topknot type thing.