Mistletoe and Magic (Novella): A Loveswept Historical Romance Read Online Free PDF

by her, the sound of their blades scraping on the ice mingling with laughter andgay repartee as she gracefully stepped onto the frozen lake. She’d barely moved away from the bank when she was surrounded by male admirers.
    “Miss Appleton! Allow me!” Jonas Weathermere gallantly offered an arm to assist her.
    “Miss Penelope, I’ll fetch you a warm drink!” Rudolph Wisely sped off to get her a hot cup of cider, while his brother Jonathan skated backward, showing off his skill. His reward was finding himself devoured by a snow bank, bottom first, his skates pointing skyward as his feet flew out from under him.
    Penelope smothered a giggle as Rudolph rolled his eyes and went to his brother’s aid. Gratefully, she accepted Jonas’s arm and took a turn around the pond, enjoying the frosty air, the scenery, and the exhilarating exercise.
    “Thank you, Miss Appleton,” Jonas beamed when they returned to the bench. “Perhaps later you’ll honor me by joining us for tea? I know my sister would love to see you!”
    “Perhaps.” Penelope gave him a flirtatious wink as Elizabeth Billings waved her over.
    “Come, let’s skate by the fire and get warm,” Elizabeth said, looking pretty in her red velvet cloak and fur muff. “I daresay I see Nicholas Biddle there, along with Charles Howe and his sister.”
    The fire roared beneath the bridge and both women eagerly drew near the hot flickering logs. Rudolph appeared with cups of cider, and the women gratefully sipped the warm liquid. Winifred joined them, warming her hands around her mug. Her sister seemed so happy married to Charles, Penelope realized, pleased at the notion as Winnie blew the steam from her mug and returned her smile.
    The cold finally began to leave her as she finished the toddy. When Penelope was able to wiggle her toes inside her skates once more, she heard a familiar voice behind them.
    “Good afternoon, Miss Winifred. Miss Jane and Elizabeth. And of course Miss Penelope!”
    Penelope’s eyes widened and she whirled around. Jared Marton approached, looking very handsome in a charcoal-gray coat and silk hat. He was beginning to grow amoustache in keeping with the male fashion of the day, and she noticed that it accentuated his sensual mouth and the curve of his smile.
    So he was still here. Penelope frowned in annoyance. She had penned her note days ago, advising him to leave town. He should have received the letter by now; she’d paid the post boy handsomely to keep her identity anonymous, and to make sure only Jared himself was the recipient. Obviously he’d chosen to ignore her warning.
    “Hello, Mr. Marton,” Winifred said, shaking his hand, obviously pleased to see her friend. “What a surprise!”
    “Yes, it is,” Penelope said in an unwelcoming tone. “What are you doing here?”
    “Penelope!” Winifred said, astonished at her rudeness.
    Jared simply laughed. “Skating,” he responded as politely as if she’d complimented him. “I believe it is an enjoyable pastime in the holiday season. Don’t you agree?”
    “I’ve never seen you here before.”
    “A minor detail.” He laughed. One brow rose wickedly. “Why? Do you think I have other motivations for being here?”
    Penelope sniffed. “I just find it very odd that you should suddenly appear. We’ve been coming every Tuesday since the lake froze in November, and I don’t recall ever …”
    “Hello, old man!” Charles approached and warmly shook Jared’s hand. “Penelope! Don’t you look pretty!” He bent down and kissed her cheek in a brotherly fashion, admiring her navy cloak.
    “Miss Appleton, I understand the tiles in the Bethesda Arcade are quite beautiful. Would you mind showing me? As you’ve noted, I am not a frequent visitor.”
    Penelope frowned. She couldn’t refuse without Charles thinking her rude, so when Jared extended his arm, Penelope slid her mittened hand on his bicep and tried to ignore the effect his closeness had on her. The wind blew as