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

never speak her name as your acquaintance again.”
    William stood puffing, the color beginning to drain from his face as Jared spoke sternly. “Why, you young pup …”
    “I suggest you take your leave while you still can,” he continued. “I refuse to hear any more of your threats, verbally or otherwise. And if I hear you utter a word about my relationship with Miss Appleton again, I will take a horsewhip to you. You are correct; I have been given permission to court her. And I very much hope by Christmas to persuade her to be my wife.”
    Jonathan dropped his brandy glass on the table, but no one moved. Charles, who didn’t seem at all surprised, maintained his stance just in case the man became belligerent.
    “You had no right to interfere!” William shook his fist. “I could have won her …”
    “You and I both know you had no right to pursue her to begin with,” Jared continued smoothly, his voice rich with meaning. “Do not test my patience again.” He handed the man his stick.
    Flustered, William’s eyes went from one man to the next. They presented a unified front in defense of Jared. Outside, he heard the constable’s whistle. Understanding that all was lost, he bolted from the room almost as quickly as he’d entered it.
    Jared sat back down, picked up
The New York Times
, and continued his previous occupation while Jonathan Wisely chuckled.
    Amusement at last.

    Once Sweeney had gone, Charles handed Jared a cup of coffee liberally laced with brandy. “I daresay, old chap, you handled yourself quite well there.”
    “I appreciate the support.” Jared shrugged. “But I know why he’s mad. I would feel the same way if someone tried to take Penelope from me. It’s funny—I received a letter warning me to leave town. I can only assume it was from him or some other disappointed suitor.”
    Charles appeared startled as he sipped his drink. “Funny you should say that,” he said, leaning back into the leather chair. “I had a visit from my sister-in-law Jennifer yesterday. She came to the office and requested a private meeting. You know she has the reputation of being … a seer.”
    “Yes, I know,” Jared said impatiently. “And I know high society doesn’t think much of the Appletons, but I—”
    “Jared, she wanted me to warn you.” Charles shrugged as his friend’s words died in confusion. “Apparently, she feels rather strongly that someone might try and take your life. At first, I wasn’t sure if I should say something, but given what just happened …”
    “You don’t really think—”
    “No,” Charles said quickly. “Even Winnie indicated to me that the sisters were more counselors for the grieving than truly mystics. But there is such a thing as feminine intuition. Keep an eye out, old man. Please. Even if it is all nonsense, I’ll sleep better.”

    Sunday morning, Penelope accompanied her aunt to Saint Patrick’s for mass. As she took a seat on the pew, she was aware of several eyes staring at her. When she glanced across the room, Catherine Parks was sending daggers her way, while the Billings girls looked at her enviously.
    Perplexed, she opened her hymnal and began the first song. Again she had that feeling of being watched, but whenever she turned her head, eyes would quickly look away.
    The priest gave a sermon about the chastity of women and decrying flirtations that led to violence. Penelope stifled a yawn, then rose with her aunt, grateful to take herleave when the service ended.
    They’d barely made it outside when a woman approached. “Excuse me, are you Miss Appleton?”
    Penelope looked at her aunt, but Eve seemed equally taken aback. The woman who confronted her was obviously well-to-do. Dressed in a black velvet cloak with white ermine trim, she gazed at Penelope as if condescending to even speak to her.
    “Yes,” Penelope responded. “I am she. But who—”
    “I am Mrs. Agnes Marton. Jared’s mother.” Penelope noticed she did not extend