A New Holiday Season

A NEW HOLIDAY SEASON

CHAPTER 1

Gregory Moordale stared at the high walls that surrounded the hall. They were covered in caper lilies, like he had requested. He looked down from the stairs and assessed the hall. The staff had done it justice. Its entire ambience was befitting of Christmas, the duke’s favorite time of the year. There were popcorn strings, stockings over a beautiful fireplace, a giant gingered cookie house and even an attention commanding tree right in the middle of the hall. If there was one thing the Duke of Birmingham knew how to do, it was throw a ball. Not just any ball, the one that would be the talk of the ton for many a night.

The orchestra played famous Christmas carols that had been composed by only the greatest minds. The room smelled a mixture of great meals. Like every ball he threw, he had made sure to invite only the most important individuals among the ton. Far be it from him to make a Moordale ball open to all.

For many, this was just one of his famous balls. Like he did every year, he would up the ante. To Gregory however, this was more than just a ball. It was the ball that would determine his future. Many years had passed now, and all he had ever done was to enjoy life with many mistresses by his side. Now, he was much older and could see how lonely life was. He wanted much more than bodies to keep him warm at night. He wanted a room full of children, a woman who would hold him truly and treat him like a king. He wanted the one thing he had never really enjoyed – a family.

His mother had died when he was ten and his most vivid memories of her had been here, right in this very hall, after she had concluded one ball after several others that season. It was the major reasons why he loved balls. He would always stay in his room and hear the orchestra. They made him feel closer to her. His father had stayed on till he had clocked eighteen but they had never really been so close. He had been a rigid man, who ate, drank and breathed his work. It was one of the reasons Gregory had made it a point to live life fully.

He stared as people began to troop in. As usual, the guests were mostly ladies who were being introduced to the ton in hopes of finding suitors. The women looked so beautiful. He was not surprised; Birmingham had never suffered from scarcity of beautiful women. However, none stood out to him. In his life he had traveled the world and had been faced with some of the most beautiful women countries could boast of. He liked to fancy himself a great catch. Other people seemed to think so too, as women always flocked to him like flies to a carcass. Most times, he thought it was his title. Other times, he hoped his look earned him more than the title.

He continued to stare at the ladies from the top of the stairs, as he was yet to present himself to the guests. One of the knowledge his mother had imparted before her death was the importance of presentation and timing. He had almost given up on his lazy search when he saw her.

She was stunning. That was the only word he thought befitting. She had an elegant yellow frock on, with white gloves. Her dress’ neckline gave him a sneak peak of her silky white skin. Her face was angelic. Gregory could not think of another word to describe this. Only a moment ago, he had prided in his encountering many beautiful women, this however, was like no one he had set his eyes on.

Although her eyes were arguably large, they fitted her face perfectly. Her nose was straight and pointed. While her mouth was bow shaped. From the stairs, he could see that her eyes were not a regular color but he wondered if it was because of the light and the fact that he was staring from afar. Her hair was a creamy blonde. Although she cut it short, unlike many ladies did, it did not take anything away from her beauty. It rather even added to it.

Gregory knew a great number of all the prominent families in Birmingham and even far beyond, almost all women in the English society, but could not quite recognize this woman. He wondered if she had only just moved to Birmingham. He decided it was finally time to go down to the hall. He signaled for a servant to bring him a wine cup. When he got it, he began to walk down. This was the moment he usually enjoyed the most; the moment where all eyes in the entire room was fixated at him. The orchestra began to play a high crescendo to announce his arrival. By the time he got to the stairs, he spoke, “Welcome to the annual Christmas ball. ‘Tis nothing short of pleasure to have you all gathered here. ‘Tis my greatest hope that you have a great evening and carry with you, memories of this ball.”

The crowd cheered.

Gregory tried to locate the lady. However, he was once again clouded by many women. The only option he had had was to make small talk and accept a few dance insinuations.

By the time he’d danced his third waltz, his feet hurt. Most of the ladies he had danced with had ended up stepping in his toes. It was such an irony because the country was usually abuzz with dancing experts. He assumed that it could also be intimidating for them to have the Duke dance with them.

He finally decided it was time to take some fresh air. He walked to his outdoor garden and took a deep breath of the cool and crisp air. It was such a beautiful night. The stars were out and shining. Asides the hall, this was his favorite part of the castle. He loved how alive and nurturing nature looked under the moonlit sky. It was usually one of his best sights to behold whenever he could.

However tonight, he had more than the garden to admire. The woman he had seen earlier was in the garden. She looked even more beautiful standing under the direct glow of the moon. He had never imagined meeting a woman this enthralling. In fact, he had assumed he had all but seen it; from the curvy brunettes to the wispy blondes. He had all of them at his beck and call. Now, it was not just that she was the most beautiful woman in the room, something about her was different. He could not say exactly what it was. She sat alone on one of the benches. She looked more bored than delighted. He took it as bis cue to talk to her.

He walked up to her. “Might I inquire why a fine lady such as yourself is out missing out on the ball of the season?”

She smiled. He could tell it was more polite than genuine. “Balls do not particularly interest me,” she replied in an American accent.

The American accent proved everything he had been thinking previously. She was not from these parts. However, her statement surprised him still. It was the very last statement he had been expecting. All the women he had ever come in contact with loved balls. They looked forward to them and usually practically lobbied for spots. He had assumed the same held true for all women. He found get even more intriguing.

He sat beside her. “Pray tell, what interests you?”

“Oh well, books, riding, archery, many more that would possibly make that look on your face become more evident.”

He laughed. She was right. He did have a look of shock on his face. Most women loved knitting, baking, gardening, those sorts of things. Not the things she mentioned. Was it because she was from the dreaded Americas? Was that why she was different? He knew the answer to that question. He had traveled to America a number of times and even there, he had not met a woman with such manly interests.

“What look?” He asked.

She smiled. “Not to worry, you are not the only one who finds my interests a bit uhm,” she paused. “Unlikely,” she finished.

“Aye, I reckon you do not even know other lasses such as yourself.”

She nodded.

“I must confess, ‘tis the first time I am meeting a woman with such interests. I reckon I rather like it. ‘‘Tis refreshing to see. You are from America, aye?”

She nodded. “I reckon I do not blend in as I hoped. I am English. My father is from England but we have lived in America all my life. My family only just moved here a fortnight ago. My father is Brandon James. ‘Tis the only reason I am forced to be here.”

Gregory now understood it fully. He nodded. “Your father is the Baron of ...”

“Primrose,” she supplied dryly. “Aye, you know him. What do people do at these things anyway? Look beautiful, Chin up, dance and just prance around to be plucked like mere flowers by men? ‘Tis so vain.”

“I think not. They are usually much more than that. ‘Tis a place where people can connect. Human beings just want to communicate with one another. ‘Tis something to look forward to and enjoy fully.”

She sighed. “Surely you must see that women are treated as objects at these things. ‘Tis one of the reasons I could not bare to stay a minute longer in there.”

“It has never crossed my mind. I see women only as beautiful and believe they should be cherished. ‘Tis the belief many a man has about women.”

She shook her head. “Therein lies the problem. A woman is far more than just beautiful. Take a look at lads, for example. You get to choose what you want to be. How you want to do it. ‘Tis a different story for women. We ripen and are shipped off to the highest bidder. Women should be cherished however, that I agree with.”

“I have always thought ‘twas maidens who got the better end of the deal. They sit at home, take care of the home and children and attend balls. ‘Tis how it is. ‘Tis how it has always been.”

She scoffed. “You would think so. You are a man. Some of us want more out of life.”

He had never thought of it that way. All his life he had never once questioned why things were the way they were. He had also never met anyone, least of all a woman, who questioned societal norms so much. He had also never been talked to the way she was talking to him. So unafraid to disagree with him. Most women he met did not dare to go against him. They always agreed to every statement he made. He found it exhilarating to finally meet someone who was on his level. Someone brave enough to stand by her ground.

“Aye, you have a point. I never did see it from that angle,” he conceded.

She stood. “Mother will be searching for me by now. I must return to the hall. ‘Twas lovely to make a man concede to my beliefs for once.”

He smiled, grateful she felt their conversation had been lovely. “‘Twas a delight to converse with you, as well, I shall walk with you.”

Annalise shook her head. “‘Tis a good offer. However, ‘tis one that would put our names in a scandal seeing as I, a unmarried lass should not be with a chaperone, especially at a time like this. While I do not care much for society’s reports, my mother does and she shall have my head if I were to be involved in a scandal so soon.”

Gregory nodded and laughed. He had totally forgotten about the ton’s desperate attempts to create scandals where there was none. “Aye, I shall watch you go in then.”

He watched her walk into the hall and was intoxicated by the sight of her hips swaying. Gregory had never felt so completely intrigued by a person before. Once again, he was assured that he had found his match. A few minutes later, he walked in through a different entrance for extra measure. By the time he got in, many fair maidens had been waiting to get the chance to dance with him. He was snatched almost immediately.

It was when he was in the arms of Amelia McKnight, the daughter of the Baron, he realized he had not asked for his true match’s name.

CHAPTER 2

Annalise James was not like everyone. She was different. She had known this since the very first day she could think on her own. Her mother had wasted no time reminding her of it either. She had scolded her too many times for her to count. In the very beginning, Annalise had wanted nothing more than to be like all the women she was surrounded by. She had wanted to live and think like they did but she had found it far too difficult to see things their way. Now, she was older and much wiser. The only thing she knew to do was be herself. She had never even met anyone who heard her views and had not cried blasphemy on her or at best looked at her with disdain. All that had changed the night before.

She had met someone who tried to see things from her point of view. It seemed like it was not much when she said it out loud but she felt otherwise. It had been a short conversation but it was the first time someone had listened to her and conceded to her beliefs. What surprised her even more was the fact that it had been a man.

She sighed wistfully, suddenly feeling something similar to what other women had felt for the first time in her life. She felt a sensation in her stomach. They were just like the books she read predicted. She thought of him, his beautiful brown eyes, chiseled chin and straight nose. He was a fine specimen of man but that was the least appealing thing about him. She like how soft spoken he seemed. He seemed like a man who was ready to see the world through other people’s eyes.

Her mother had been forcing her to accept any of the man suitors that had come calling for her. She had vehemently refused. None had intrigued her neither did any try to converse with her about anything more than children and her ‘wifely duties’. Even when she had tried, the conversation had either ended abruptly or they had talked over her. She had grown frustrated and had been almost certain that she was not to find her match anytime soon. She did not mind however. One thing Annalise James knew how to do was be a company of herself. She had been doing it for years. And she did not mind continuing.

For the first time since she had been presented to the ton for possible marriage, she had never felt interested in any man. All that had changed the night before. She smiled yet again, grateful that the person she had connected with was unmarried and possibly unmatched. No self-respecting man would talk to an unmarried lady in the garden alone at night. She hoped he was as interested in her as she was him. If he was, he just might call for her.

She groaned. This was yet another reason she felt upset at society. It was unheard that a maiden called for a lad. If it were not, she just might have taken it upon herself to find him and pursue him. She laughed at the impossibility of her thoughts. Her mother would have her head if she even as much as knew such thought had crossed her mind. Annalise felt she was definitely centuries ahead of her time.

Her thoughts were interrupted by a knock in the door.

“You may come in,” she invited.

Her personal maid, Cassandra walked in. She bowed her head in greeting. “Milady, there is something outside for you.”

Annalise groaned. She was sure it was yet another gift from a suitor. She had seen so many flowers this season. Far more than she had in all her time in America. It was rather weird because she had only just moved to the city. It was also probably because the men here did not know her too well like those in America had. They had even tagged her ‘manly’ back in America for refusing all her suitors. It was most likely one of the reasons father had moved them to Birmingham–to ensure Annalise had a fresh start. Although, he denied it vehemently.

“Another gift from a suitor, I presume?”

Cassandra nodded. “‘It would seem as though this one is from a fresh suitor. ‘Tis signed by a name we have yet to receive before.”

Annalise was about to speak when her mother barged into the room. She instantly hugged Annalise. “Oh my dear child, you have gone and caught the eye of the most eligible bachelor in the ton.”

Annalise was confused.

Her mother released her. “Cassandra, bring me the bouquet of flowers. They are caperlilies. Annalise’s favorite too. ‘‘Tis already a match made in heaven.”

Cassandra left the room. Annalise finally spoke. “Mother, I am afraid I do not know who you are referring to.”

Her mother shook her head. “Of course. You never do. The man whose ball we attended last night.”

Her mother raised her hands up, smiling, “The Duke of Birmingham. You shall make your father ever so happy.”

“I have not agreed to marry him nor receive his call, mother.”

Cassandra returned with a large bouquet of flowers. She placed them on Annalise’s dressing table.

Annalise’s mother tapped a hand on her forehead. “Hush child! ‘Tis not a bargain. This is the best you will ever do. No other maiden in the entire city will turn such an offer down.”

Annalise groaned. She thought of the man she had spoken to. She wished he had been the one to send the flowers. “I have a man who interests me.”

Her mother raised a brow. “A joke perhaps?”

Annalise shook her head. “‘Tis a man I met last night.”

Her mother suddenly looked interested. “If you met him at the ball, surely, he is a man of status. What is his name?”

She suddenly felt a rush of sadness, realizing that she had not even gotten his name before leaving the ball. It was Annalise’s turn to tap her head. “I am afraid, I did not get his name, mother.”

Her mother sighed and rolled her eyes. “Oh child, you will not be the death of me. At least the Duke is real and has a name, Gregory Moordale. ‘Tis that man I shall be witness to you wedding.”

Annalise groaned inwardly. It was a great mistake she had made, one that she would pay very dearly for.

“We must take you to the dress shop. You must find a dress befitting of a duchess before the Duke calls.”

Annalise raised a brow in question. She had a full trunk of clothes, many of whom had been sewn for her travel to England. Her mother had gushed then about the need to blend in with the ladies of Birmingham and had cried that the simple dresses she wore in America just would not work. She had taken her to a dress shop immediately they had arrived England and had specifically asked for the latest styles most common among the ladies of the ton. Annalise had quite liked some of them. However, some had been too much for her. Her mother had not cared about her opinion however and had bought most of the clothes anyway. Now, she wanted her to get a new dress.

Annalise gestured at the trunk. “Mother, ‘tis a full trunk filled with clothes I have not worn I have here.”

“Oh child, ‘tis no time for your unruly jokes. Aye, you may have new dresses but none are befitting of the new Duchess of Birmingham.”

Annalise shook her head. “‘Tis not a joke, mother. I have perfectly enchanting dresses. The Duke and I also have not spoken to one another before. Surely, he must be far more interested in my personality than my looks.”

Her mother stared at her in utter shock, as though she had spoken of something blasphemous. “Annalise! You shall follow me to the dress shop for a new fitting. This child, ‘tis your fault I have gray hairs on my head.”

CHAPTER 3

Gregory was a man on a mission, one that was clear as day. He had found out who his mystery woman was, Annalise James. He had sent flowers to that very effect. Annalise was a beautiful woman and he was sure by now, almost all the men in the ton were interested in pursuing her. She had not seemed the kind to be interested in affairs like this so it gave him a little hope that she might not pay mind to any of her suitors. He could not sit, however, for fear of his true match being snatched from him.

Now, after receiving an invitation for dinner from the Baroness, he was one step closer to his ultimate goal, having Annalise James as his Duchess. It was a role that suited her so. She was smart, beautiful and by all counts different from other ladies in the ton. She was a woman who would add so much value to Birmingham and he could not wait to gift the city such a gem as a duchess.

He’d had his bath, which had been drawn for him before he got up, as he had requested, and then started getting dressed by a servant. George was a fashionable man. He had always been attuned with the trends of the ton but today, he was a confused man. Before settling on a waistcoat, he had gone from a tailcoat to a waistcoat and back several times. His hair was slicked backwards. For this, he needed to look his best. It was, without a doubt, one of the most pivotal events of his life.

He went to his beloved garden. It was filled with so many lovely flowers, many of whom he had tended to himself. Like with almost everything in his life, he had gone all out to ensure the flowers grew well. He had watched over them like a hawk and had cared for them as he would care for humans. He thought of what flowers best suited for the occasion - the ones that were befitting of an enigma such as Annalise. The only flowers he could think of were white roses. They were elegant and stood out in a crowd, just like Annalise. He picked enough for a bouquet, and he picked some daises too. One bouquet for Annalise and the other for her mother. His mother might have left him far too early but she had left him with good manners.

He walked to the carriage and his coach man began the journey. Soon, they were in Primrose estate. Gregory took in a huge breath before alighting the carriage. He usually not the kind of man anyone could ever accuse of being a nervous person. However, today was different. He felt his feet wobble so much that he was afraid they would carry him. He reminded himself constantly that there was no cause to be nervous but when a man was pursuing the woman of his dreams, there was no telling how he would react.

The chauffeur opened the gates. He bowed in greeting, “Welcome Milord, Lady James graciously awaits you.”

Gregory nodded in acknowledgement. He entered the magnificent brick castle and immediately became a little less nervous. The castle was a beautiful inside as it was outside. There were Christmas decorations everywhere in the house. He had always liked the fine things of life so seeing this eased him a little. It was not soon after, a slim tall woman, who looked like the older version of Annalise enveloped him in a bear hug. She had come into the room with a burly looking man, whom Gregory recognized as the Baron, from his many travels. The Baron tapped her lightly and she caught herself immediately and her face took on red hues.

“Forgive my wife, ‘tis how we greet back in America, the Baron supplied.

Gregory laughed, feeling even more at ease. “‘Tis not a greeting I mind. Good morrow Milady and Milord. ‘Tis a great honor to be invited to your home. ‘Tis truly a honor to be here. Your home is truly beautiful.”

“Welcome Milord, ‘tis our greatest pleasure to host you,” Annalise’s mother stated.

Gregory stretched the bouquet of daises and handed them over to the Baroness. “These are for you, milady.”

The baroness was visibly shocked. She began to grin from ear to ear.

“I see you have come in pursuit of the two women in my life.”

Gregory laughed. “‘Tis not my intention Sire but if my fate is designed so, who am I to refuse it?”

The Baron and Baroness laughed. “Heed not to my husband’s joke.” The Baroness sniffed the flowers. “These are lovely and I shall cherish them so.”

***

Annalise could hear the laughter all the way from the hall in her room. She already did not like this man. He was not her mystery man. She could imagine what he would be like already. He would be one of the many people who saw women as mere objects and would not listen to her. He would probably banish her from the library, if he had one.

She thought again about her mystery man. They had only talked for a few minutes but she had felt more heard than she had ever felt in her life. She wondered if she would ever meet someone like him again. It seemed weird to be so enchanted by a person so fast but she could not help herself. She wondered how much easier life would be if it were to be him she was having this dinner with.

Her maid walked in, she bowed her head in greeting. “Milady, the Duke has arrived,” she informed.

Annalise sighed. The moment she had been dreading was finally here. She took in a very deep breath and expelled it. She had no choice but to smile and look pretty like mother expected of her. She plastered on a smile and hoped the dinner would be very brief.

Together with Cassandra, she walked down to the dining hall. Annalise bowed in greeting . “Mother, father,” she looked up to see the man she had been dressed for. Nothing could have prepared her for what she saw. It was her mystery man. He was here in the flesh, staring at her, with a bright smile on his face. His face , still as handsome as it had been the day they had met. The look in his eyes spoke volumes. He had felt what she had that night. That was why he was here. He had deliberately come for her. He was not at all surprised at her sight, like she was by his. She felt her knees wobble. She held unto a chair. He stood and pulled the chair out for her.

“ Now this is a gentleman,” her father quipped.

When she was comfortably seated, he left and sat opposite her. They shared n intense look for what seemed like an hour to Annalise. It was the most intently anyone had ever stared at her but she could not bring herself to look away. In that look, it felt like they needed no words. They communicated well enough with them. It was only when Annalise’s mother tapped a spoon on her cup that they both looked away from one another.

“ Shall we eat?” She asked.

“Aye,” the Baron supplied.

The servants began to serve the meals, by the time her parents were eating; Annalise had barely had a bite. She had always been like this. Anytime she was excessively excited, she would lose her appetite. She still managed a few bites, it was the polite thing to do. Mrs. Bloom had workers tirelessly on it, she was sure. Annalise peeked at the Duke. He took a bite of the meal and groaned.

“The meal is divine. Thank you again for hosting me,” he stated.

“Annalise loves traveling, much like I hear you do,” her father stated.

The duke nodded. “That I do. I am enamored by countries.”

They continued to make conversation and Annalise just listened. She learnt a lot about the Duke, how intelligent he was and finally, his name, Gregory Moordale. However, she could not wait to be done with eating. They still had so much to converse about alone. Thankfully, soon, everyone except her was done eating. She opted to leave the leftovers. The plates were soon packed.

Her mother stood. “We must excuse ourselves. There is a matter of urgency, we shall have to oversee.”

Her father raised a brow in question . “Urgent matters?” Her mother nodded. Annalise saw sudden comprehension flash in her father’s eyes and laugh inwardly. She had seen it far too many times to not recognize it. Her mother wanted to give them some time talk without them present.

“Aye Aye, we must leave now. We apologize. However, may use this time to converse with Annalise,” her father stated.

They left and Annalise was alone with the Duke and the servants.

“You found me,” she said simply.

He smiled. “When a man meets the woman of his dreams, it is pertinent that he find ways to remain in her sight.”

She stood and stretched a hand. He did the same, until her arm was safely locked in his. “Shall we talk the first of many walks?” She inquired.

Gregory nodded.

She smiled so much, she feared her mouth was not created to stretch that far but could not help herself. She never could have imagined what would have come out from one Christmas ball.

The End