Free His Christmas Nymph by Marly Mathews Page B

Pond,” Caroline said, completely flustered. She had to admit, seeing her Aunt Georgia’s warm twinkling blue eyes so much like her dear mama’s made her feel as if everything was going to be alright. 
    “Oh, dear, I made the ocean voyage two months ago—I did send a letter ahead to tell you I was coming and bringing the brood with me, I suppose it got lost. Robert wanted to visit his family in Scotland first, but I insisted we spend Christmastide with you. We even bought an Estate, Cleeve Hall—not far from here. It’s simply charming. The best part? I’ve had my eye on it since I was a young girl. The last Baron went bankrupt and had to sell it lock stock and barrel. My beloved Robbie bought it for me as an anniversary gift.
    He’s such a sentimental fool. Oh how I adore him. I made the right decision when I married him against my Papa’s wishes, he couldn’t abide the thought of having a brash Yankee in the family,” Georgia grinned widely. “So, I’ve come to fetch you all! You’re going to spend Christmas with us! We have plenty of rooms and we’ll have such a gay time! I want a Christmas the way it used to be when I was girl! I also want to see your face light up on Christmas morning, Caroline. I’ve been robbed of ever seeing you receive a gift on Christmas. I should like to see it this year. I’ve spoiled all of my children once again this year. Robbie says I bought way too much. I disagree, my lads are such good boys, and they deserve a happy Christmas morning to remember for the rest of their lives.”
    “I don’t know how joyous I’ll be this Christmas, Aunt. I’m feeling quite shattered at the moment.”
    “I see you how white you look. I don’t like seeing it. I had hoped you were born with my constitution. In fact, my sister told me you were a lot like me as you blossomed into a woman. I see you favour our side of the family, looks wise. It’s fortunate you do. Have you seen the women in Benjamin’s family?” she said, laughing. 
    “I am overjoyed to see you, Aunt Georgia.” She moved to embrace her aunt and felt the steely strength in her aunt. She was right, her aunt was a strong woman, and someone not to be trifled with!
    “I should go inside and get some rest,” she said moving toward Banbury House.
    “No. I was serious when I said we were leaving tomorrow morning, Caroline. I want you to start packing your things.”
    “What’s this? I obviously have a lot of catch up to do. What is your father talking about Caroline?” Georgia demanded.
    “We are leaving Banbury House and going to live with my brother, until we can move to Wales,” her father declared. 
    “You are honestly thinking about taking Caroline to live with that old miser? He was a persnickety personality even when he was a young man. You shall not put Caroline in that hostile environment. If you must leave Banbury House than you shall come to live with us, at Cleeve Hall. At some point, Robbie will want to return to his beloved America and while we are not in residence, I am certain he will have no problem if you remain in residence, and he shall happily cover the cost of doing so.” Her eyes lit up with excitement. “Oh,” she exclaimed, “When we return to the city of Boston in the spring you shall come with us, Caroline! Ah, there are so many wealthy young men that would be chomping at the bit to have a chance to court you. You are so pretty. Lovelier than I ever was in my youth.”
    “I do think I need to sit down soon,” Caroline whispered. 
    “And you need to eat. Your skin and bones, your father hasn’t been taking proper care of you. Why, he should be given a good thrashing!”
    “I’ve been taking good care of Caroline, Georgia. Don’t you dare insult me! I put everything I had into being a good father!”
    “Then I shall blame Gertrude. She sounds a terrible beast. I shall make very short work of her if she attempts to cross me.”
    Caroline believed her. Georgia seemed very well