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

Winifred that Penelope would be there. When she arrived, not only was she with William, but she managed to “accidentally” dump a glass of merlot into Jared’s lap. Even though she apologized profusely, he saw the glint in her eyes and knew she was sending him the clearest message she could.
    And after talking to Winifred, he understood why Penelope made the choices she did. Women were so limited in their ability to decide their own fate. Marriage was the only institution by which they could gain economically, and they had to hope against hope to find something more in the process. While most of his male acquaintances didn’t share his views, happy with the status quo since it gave them all the power, he found the notion distasteful.
    A folder lying on the corner of his desk caught his attention. His secretary must have placed it there hours ago, knowing that at some point he would stop in and pick up his work. Jared retrieved the file, opened it, and within seconds, a slow, satisfied smile came across his face.
    Well, well, well
. He closed the brief, not really surprised at its contents. If he’d learned one thing in his years of legal work, it was that everyone had something to hide. And a man like William Sweeney, who’d made a bloody fortune, would of course have secrets in his past he wished to go unnoticed.
    And as he’d promised Winifred, his only hope was that Penelope would assess all of the available information and make an informed decision.

    Penelope yawned as William Sweeney helped himself to another cake. “These are delicious, my dear,” he said, wiping his mouth with a napkin. “I think I’ll have a little more of that brandy …”
    “Ahem.” Aunt Eve stepped into the room, apparently occupied with turning up the gaslight. “Why, Penelope, you seem rather tired. The hour is getting late.”
    In so many words, she made it plain that it was time for the man to take his leave. William glanced at Penelope, who smothered another yawn even as she valiantly attempted to appear enthusiastic. He missed the grateful look she sent her aunt.
    “You will walk me to the door?” he asked hopefully.
    Penelope grimaced behind her hand. It was clear he was hoping for a kiss, and the thought made her stomach tighten. Dutifully she rose and accompanied the man to the door, but when he slid his arm around her waist to pull her close, she pushed him back against the door.
    “You mustn’t! My aunt—”
    “I’m sure Eve is aware that as your favored suitor, I am entitled to some liberties.” He dipped his head to claim her lips for his own.
    “I’m sorry.” Penelope managed to sidestep him. The thought of his lips and whiskey breath making contact with her mouth was repulsive. Thankfully, she’d beenpracticing this maneuver for years and before Sweeney knew it, she was backed inside the door and he was out. “But you must know that a woman’s reputation is the dearest thing she can possess. I cannot risk that, enticing as a kiss might be.”
    “I see.” William withdrew, obviously disappointed, but impressed all the same.
    “I will see you at church tomorrow?” Penelope asked sweetly.
    William forgot to be annoyed. “Why yes, of course, my dear.” He blew her a kiss as he made his way out into the snow. “I will be dreaming of you all night!”
    Eve closed the door behind him and Penelope slumped into the couch, exhausted. “My word, Auntie! This courting thing is very tiring, is it not? He wants me for tea with his family, lunch with the senator. Then there are drives, walks, cards with some friends, holiday parties … I daresay, I could sleep for a month!”
    “I see,” Eve said wisely, though she kept her opinions to herself. “Mr. Sweeney’s company doesn’t seem overly … stimulating to you, does it, dear?”
    Penelope started to object when they heard the sound of singing outside. “What is that?” Peeking through the curtains, she could barely make out through the falling