Yuletide Treasure Read Online Free PDF

Grandfather, not at Farrington.”
    â€œYes, I know. But what caused her to flee again? What if it truly was fear? What if the earl does have a temper as dangerous as the servants claim? What if that temper did, in fact, provoke Liza’s flight and, ultimately, her death?”
    â€œI don’t believe that. Lord Farrington would never hurt Liza. Didn’t you see the pain on his face just now when he looked at Noelle? That wasn’t guilt, Grandfather, that was anguish—anguish that makes it unbearable for him to have her near. Why? Because she’s the image of her mother. He’s never gotten over losing Liza.”
    â€œEven if that’s so, Noelle is the one now being hurt.”
    â€œI agree. Noelle sees only her uncle’s rejection, not the pain beneath it. She’s far too young to understand. But I do understand. I want to help. Please, Grandfather, let me do this. I know in my heart it’s the right thing. And, at the same time, I’ll be offering our parish the funds it needs to survive. Not only now, but always.”
    The vicar smoothed Brigitte’s hair from her brow. “Child, even if I disregard my qualms about Lord Farrington, I’m still not at ease. You have no idea what it means to be a wife. I’ve never prepared you …”
    â€œI know what’s entailed,” Brigitte interrupted softly. “However, your worry is most likely unfounded. Lord Farrington gave us no indication that he wants anything more than a governess—someone to share his name, not his bed.”
    â€œStill, you’re a beautiful young woman. And the earl is a man.” Curran frowned. “I should have anticipated this day and better planned for it. But somehow the years dashed by without my notice. One moment you were a shy little girl. The next, you’re a woman grown, eighteen and ready to begin your own life.” He shook his head in wonder. “Did I fail to see the signs? Have there been gentlemen who’ve shown interest?”
    â€œNo,” Brigitte returned adamantly. “At least none whose interest I’ve returned.”
    â€œBecause of Lord Farrington?”
    Utter candor shone in her eyes. “Yes.”
    The vicar fell silent, wondering why all his supposedwisdom wasn’t sufficient to provide him with the insight he needed right now. Torn between reason and affection, he sought a higher voice, beseeching Him for advice.
    In the end, he wasn’t sure which was more compelling, God’s will or the appeal on Brigitte’s face.
    â€œAll right, child,” he relented. “I’ll marry you to Lord Farrington. I only pray I’m doing the right thing—for you and for Noelle.”
    â€œYou are.” Brigitte gave him a fierce hug. “Thank you, Grandfather. I’ll hurry and finish packing. I have only three students left to visit. Then I’ll be ready.”
    â€œI’ll await your arrival in the church.” A hint of a smile appeared. “That is, if it’s still standing. The earl and Noëlle have been there for hours. By now the entire structure may be reduced to a pile of debris.”
    Brigitte grinned. “Then we’ll rebuild it.”
    â€œStructures are far easier to rebuild than lives.”
    â€œTrue. But the results are not nearly as rewarding.” Gently, Brigitte kissed her grandfather’s cheek. “Don’t worry,” she whispered. “I shan’t be going to Farrington alone. I’ll take with me your most precious gifts: love, determination, and an abundance of faith. Armed with those tools, how can I fail?”

four
    T WO HOURS LATER, B RIGITTE’S CONFIDENCE WAS SUBJECTED TO its first test.
    Before her loomed the tangible evidence of her onerous challenge: Farrington Manor.
    Slipping off her coat, she took a long look about her new home. The entry hall was barren, devoid of furnishings or objects, other than one upset chair that