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

they skated toward the arcade, and Penelope shivered as ice crystals stung her face and neck.
    “Why, Miss Penelope, you are cold.” Gallantly, Jared removed his muffler as they sat on a bench and removed their skates.
    “I’m fine!” Penelope insisted, but then sneezed three times in a row, shivering inthe chill.
    “You are not fine. Allow me.” His voice was firm as he placed his scarf around her neck and shoulders, his hands lingering a moment longer than necessary.
    “Thank you.” Penelope leaned away from him, once again aware of the effect he had on her. What was it about him that made her feel like some giddy schoolgirl? She had always been in control when it came to men and couldn’t understand the excitement his presence generated. What was wrong with her?
    They entered the beautiful arched doorway of the arcade. “There are the tiles.” She indicated the ceiling, grateful for the distraction. “I believe you wanted to see them?”
    “Yes. I read that they were made by the Minton factory in England, where normally they are used for cathedral floors. But here on the ceiling, you can really appreciate them. There are actually different colors of clay fired onto the tile to create that effect.”
    She paused for a moment, her eyes lingering on the lovely blue and brick patterned squares, aware of her roiling emotions. Jared’s muffler carried his scent, and Penelope couldn’t ignore the smell of spice, wool, and male. She would have taken it off, but it really was cold and she was grateful for the added warmth.
    “So,” Jared continued after a moment. “Have you recovered completely from the ball? I was concerned about you, with the way you ran out.”
    “I …” How could she possibly explain her hasty exit? That she foresaw his death in less than a month’s time? “I believe it was just all the stimulation. I am not usually given to the vapors.”
    “I see.” Jared couldn’t hide a smile. “Dare I hope the excitement had something to do with me?”
    Her eyes flew wide open as she realized how he’d interpreted her actions. The time for subtlety had passed, she decided. Removing his scarf with a flourish, she stuffed it into his hands.
    “Mr. Marton, I am sorry to have to come out and say this, but I do not seek your company,” Penelope said firmly. “And I apologize if I led you to believe otherwise. Now if you will excuse me, I must return to my family. I’m sure they are wondering where I am.”
    Instead of being dismayed, Jared sounded amused. “You did not find me repulsive at the ball,” he pointed out. “If I honestly believed that you did, I wouldn’t trouble you again.”
    As if to prove his words, he came so close to her that she was practically in his arms. Penelope felt her pulse leap at his nearness, and her heart beat so hard she swore he could feel it.
    “So there must be an explanation,” he continued, his smile deepening as she took a step backward. “Is there another man?”
    “Yes!” She seized his suggestion and looked down as if full of regret, letting her lashes flutter at him. “An old friend has asked to court me. I haven’t told my aunt yet, but I have decided to accept.”
    “I see. And may I ask who my competition might be?”
    She thought quickly. “Mr. Sweeney. William Sweeney.”
    “Ah.” Jared recognized the name of the wealthy merchant. He gave her a strange look. “He is a much older man, is he not? I think at least fifty years.”
    “So?” Penelope said with a shrug. “He is also fabulously rich! And he finds me beautiful. I met him a few years ago and recently received a lovely letter from him. He wants to renew our acquaintance, and he made it quite clear that his intentions are honorable.”
    Everything she said was true, but she didn’t bother to mention that she had no interest in the older man. So while he had written to her entreating for her hand, she had no intention of marrying him. She would eventually make that clear to