Free Mistletoe and Magic (Novella): A Loveswept Historical Romance by Katie Rose Page A

agree.”
    “Are you sure, dear?” Eve looked at her closely. “For although it is a wonderful match for you, I am not certain you have always desired his company.”
    Penelope laughed. “I know. But I can’t help it, for you see … I think I love him.”
    “That was all I needed to hear.” Eve squeezed her hand affectionately. “I don’t have much, just some old jewelry and furniture, but I want to put together a dowry …”
    As her aunt spoke, her hand still clasping Penelope’s, the room began to darken. It was happening again. The vision. Helplessly she heard her aunt’s voice die out until she couldn’t hear her at all. The grayness came, sweeping away the sight of the cozy room, the warm fire, and her beloved relative.
    They were in a church. To her surprise, she saw Eve at the altar, taking a man’s hand in marriage. Her aunt was dressed in a silver lace gown, and she looked radiant as Rupert Darling slid a ring on her finger. They exchanged a shy kiss, and applause broke out
.
    Gradually, the scene faded and the fire burned once more. Eve turned to her, still patting her hand, and then reached for the teacup. “Let me serve you, my dear. Now that we have all the business out of the way, it is time to celebrate!”
    Penelope looked at her aunt and smiled, pleased by what she had seen. “Yes, it certainly is! Auntie, have you heard from Mr. Darling?”
    “Why yes! He sent a card this morning. Mr. Marton has included him in his invitation to Sunday supper tomorrow. Why do you ask, my dear?”
    “No reason,” Penelope said, a little surprised by the news. “No reason at all.”

Chapter Eight
    “Where is Mr. Jared Marton! I demand to see him!”
    Jared put down his newspaper, surprised at the ruckus he heard outside, beyond the steps of the Union Club. Charles glanced at him in confusion, and their fellow members gazed up from their cigars in surprise while the butler poured coffee into a silver urn.
    A few moments later, a middle-aged man burst into the room, brandishing a walking stick as if it were a weapon. “Which one of you is Jared Marton?” he demanded, his florid face turning from one elegant gentleman to the next.
    “I am Marton.” He got to his feet, aware that the butler had gone to ring for the police and that Charles was right behind him. “And who might you be?” he asked knowingly.
    “William Sweeney. Hah, I see you know my name!” the man puffed, still waving his cane furiously as Jared’s brows raised in recognition.
    “Pray take a seat, Mr. Sweeney,” Jared said cordially, indicating a soft leather chair. “Would you care for a brandy?”
    “I would not!” the man spat, advancing with his stick. “It’s my understanding that it is you who came between myself and Miss Appleton. Dare you deny it? I heard from her aunt myself that you are now courting her!”
    “I don’t deny it at all,” Jared replied, unperturbed by the man’s bullying manner. It was clear that William was the worse for drink and had obviously taken leave of his senses when Eve informed him that he’d lost Penelope for good.
    “How dare you! She was mine! Why, I could outspend you from now to next Christmas if I wanted!” His black eyes shone with hate. “Do you know who I am? I’ve made myself a fortune in shipping cotton, while you, you beggar of the law …” He swung the cane at Jared as if to strike him.
    “That will be enough!” Charles grabbed the cane, startling the man into a choked sputter, while Jonathan Wisely stepped forward, brandishing a poker.
    “I think it is high time you took your leave,” Jonathan warned. “While we still allow Confederates in this club, we don’t abide drunken louts!”
    “It’s all right,” Jared said calmly. “Mr. Sweeney, I have listened to your nonsense only because I understand the pain you must feel from your loss. Miss Appleton is a wonderful woman, so I sympathize with what you are going through. However, I must demand that you