Miss Compton's Christmas Romance Read online

  Miss Compton’s Christmas Romance

  This is a work of fiction. Similarities to real people, places, or events are entirely coincidental.

  MISS COMPTON'S CHRISTMAS ROMANCE

  First edition. December 18, 2018.

  Copyright © 2018 Sophie Barnes.

  Written by Sophie Barnes.

  Table of Contents

  Title Page

  Copyright Page

  By Sophie Barnes | Novels

  Novellas

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Acknowledgments

  About The Author

  Sign up for Sophie Barnes's Mailing List

  Further Reading: No Ordinary Duke

  Also By Sophie Barnes

  By Sophie Barnes

  Novels

  No Ordinary Duke

  The Illegitimate Duke

  The Girl Who Stepped Into The Past

  The Duke of Her Desire

  Christmas at Thorncliff Manor

  A Most Unlikely Duke

  His Scandalous Kiss

  The Earl’s Complete Surrender

  Lady Sarah’s Sinful Desires

  The Danger in Tempting an Earl

  The Scandal in Kissing an Heir

  The Trouble with Being a Duke

  The Secret Life of Lady Lucinda

  There’s Something About Lady Mary

  Lady Alexandra’s Excellent Adventure

  How Miss Rutherford Got Her Groove Back

  Novellas

  Miss Compton’s Christmas Romance

  The Duke Who Came To Town

  The Earl Who Loved Her

  The Governess Who Captured His Heart

  Mistletoe Magic (from Five Golden Rings: A Christmas Collection)

  Chapter One

  SNOWFLAKES DRIFTED lazily past Leonora's bedroom window and onto the pavement bellow, softening the hard London contours. She'd pulled back the curtains moments earlier to admit a pale purple hue of early morning light and was now in the process of combing her hair. Tying it up in a knot at the nape of her neck, she dressed, wrapped a thick woolen shawl around her shoulders, and exited her bedchamber.

  Her days were different now from what they’d once been. But at four and twenty she’d long since given up on marriage and had therefore asked her father if he would permit her to use her dowry to open a shop instead.

  Having her younger sister already settled and married to a viscount had definitely helped persuade him. The family line was secure. But she was still a gentleman’s daughter intent on going into trade, and this had given her father pause until she’d pointed out the alternative: her eventual dependence on her sister and inevitable unhappiness since she had always been the more self-reliant of the two.

  She’d made a solid argument for her case, stating that her independence would allow her parents to travel since they would no longer be required to stay in London for the sake of ensuring her future. Last but not least, she’d brought up Madame Clicquot, who presently ran the famous champagne house in France. When her father had pointed out that Madame Clicquot was French and that her liberties could not be measured against those of a proper Englishwoman, Leonora had been ready to tell him about widow Berry – the founder of the famous wine merchant, Berry Bros. and Rudd, whose primary shop was located on St. James Street.

  At the end of this discussion, Leonora’s father had spent a full week considering his daughter’s request, after which he’d been forced to acknowledge defeat. Leonora’s mother had made a small protest when she’d been informed of her daughter’s plans, but had swiftly forgotten her reason for arguing when her husband had said they were off to see the pyramids. As soon as her parents left on their travels, Leonora had forged ahead with her plans, undaunted by any potential obstacles in her path.

  Leonora descended the stairs and followed the delicious smell of cooking until she entered the kitchen. “You're up earlier than usual,” she told her friend Kathy who was standing by the stove. They’d known each other since childhood, ever since Kathy’s father had set up his grocer’s shop down the street from Leonora’s home. When Leonora had told Kathy about her plan to open a shop, Kathy’s excitement had almost exceeded Leonora’s and she’d immediately insisted on coming to work for her.

  Kathy turned to her with a smile. “I thought it might be nice if breakfast was ready when you woke since you don’t have much time to spare this morning.”

  Leonora thanked her and poured them both a cup of tea before taking her seat at the table. She’d been invited to visit her sister and brother-in-law for Christmas at their spacious home in Yorkshire. The coach she planned on catching was due to depart at eight, allowing her only a couple of hours in which to eat, go over a few last minute details with Kathy, and reach the coaching inn on time.

  “Are you sure you will be all right here by yourself?” she asked Kathy as a plate filled with steaming hot eggs, bacon, and toast was set before her. After moving into the living quarters the shop had to offer, they’d decided they had no need for the dining room at the back of the building. So they’d knocked out a wall and transformed the space into a hothouse instead, taking their meals in the kitchen ever since.

  “Of course.” Kathy sat opposite Leonora and took a sip of her tea. “Unlike you, I have family here in London. I'll be spending Christmas Eve with my parents and siblings, so you needn't worry.”

  “I was actually thinking of the shop. Keeping the fire going in the hothouse so the plants don't die is—”

  “Time consuming, I know. But Mildred is here to help, so I shan't have to manage alone.” Kathy jutted her chin toward Leonora's plate. “Now eat your food before it gets cold.”

  Leonora knitted her brow and took a bite of her eggs while considering Kathy's words. She'd hired Mildred a month ago in preparation for this, but... “What if she gives the pineapple too much water?” As nice and helpful as Mildred was, she had an unfortunate tendency to drench all the plants, which had been nearly disastrous on two occasions.

  “I will take care of the pineapple, Leonora. Mildred won't be allowed anywhere near it. I promise.”

  With that assurance, Leonora started feeling slightly more comfortable with the prospect of leaving her business in someone else's care.

  Until a gentleman came to call at precisely seven o' clock. He entered the front part of the house where the shop was located, glanced about with an assessing eye, and approached the counter where Leonora stood. She was writing some last minute prices for Kathy and Mildred to adhere to once the mistletoe arrived and the garlands and wreaths were ready for sale.

  “May I help you?” she asked, adding a smile in spite of the man's stark expression. “We've tomatoes, beans, some carrots, and a small selection of flowers.”

  “Not interested.” He dipped his head and stared down his angular nose at her. “Are you Miss Compton?”

  His cold demeanor and sharp tone caused apprehension to snake its way down Leonora's spine. She instinctively took a step back. “I am.”

  The stranger's mouth lifted ever so slightly at one corner. “I am Mr. Becker, the new owner of this,” he glanced around again, allowing his gaze to travel across each wall before returning it to Leonora, “building.”

  Leonora sucked in a breath. “Has something happened to Mr. Raynolds? Is he not well?” Dear heaven, she'd spoken to him only last week, and he seemed to be in perfect health then.

  Mr. Becker stared back at her for a long moment, and Leonora realized she was holding her breath. He licked his lips, affected a bored expression, and said, “When a man risks everything in a high
stakes game of cards, one cannot exactly say he is well, can one?”

  “Dear god.” Mr. Raynolds had gambled away his property and Mr. Becker had won. Which meant... Leonora swallowed hard and straightened her back before broaching the topic she sensed would affect her the most from this moment on. “As you probably know, my lease is due on the first of every month and—”

  “Yes. I am apprised of your situation, Miss Compton, which is why I am here. To inform you of your new rent.”

  “New rent?” No. This could not be happening.

  “Unlike Mr. Raynolds, I am not running a charity. I believe twenty-five pounds would be the right number and—”

  She gasped. “But that is more than twice of what I am currently paying.”

  “As unfortunate as that may be for you, this is a prime location. I’m sure I can find someone else willing to pay twenty-five pounds per month for it if you’re not willing to do so.”

  “It is not that I’m not willing, but you must understand, this is a new business for me. It has taken some time to figure out the logistics, especially after the fire went out in October and the temperatures dropped lower than expected for that time of year. My income is not yet stable enough to afford such a drastic change in circumstance.”

  Mr. Becker raised a scornful eyebrow. “That is your problem, Miss Compton. Not mine.”

  “Please. I—”

  The door behind Leonora opened, and Kathy stepped into the room. Leonora stared at her for a moment while desperation crawled up her throat. What on earth was she to do? If she couldn’t pay, she’d have to move to a different location, and that would mean starting over from scratch. Not to mention that her current location was perfect. Situated on Bond Street, the shop received more foot traffic than was likely anywhere else.

  “We’re already more than a week into this month, so surely you don’t mean to tell me I owe you an additional thirteen pounds?”

  Mr. Becker did not reply immediately. Instead, he seemed to consider. He tilted his head, and his eyes suddenly sharpened. “I am going out of Town today and won’t be back until January first. You have until then to make a decision, but it will require two full months’ payment plus an additional thirty percent for my troubles.”

  “Thirty percent?” Leonora stared at him, incredulous. “But that’s—”

  “Or I can toss you out now, if you prefer. I have every right to do so.”

  Leonora closed her eyes briefly before nodding in surrender. “Very well. I agree to your terms.”

  Mr. Becker grinned. “Are you quite sure?” He leaned toward her, all humor vanishing from his face. “You could end up in debtor’s prison.”

  A hand settled firmly against Leonora’s arm. “This is madness,” Kathy murmured. “You cannot do this.”

  “I fear it is already done.” Numbness settled in Leonora’s bones. “The bargain has been struck.”

  “Indeed it has.” Mr. Becker glanced at them both in turn before touching his hand to the brim of his hat. “Good day, ladies.” He went to the door and opened it, allowing a gust of wind to sweep through the room. Pausing there, he smirked as he added, “I wish you both a wonderful holiday season,” before disappearing out into the grey London street.

  The door swung shut behind him, and Leonora expelled a quivering breath.

  “What an awful man,” Kathy said. “I wish him a horrid holiday season and I hope he—”

  “Kathy. He could have asked for more. The location is certainly worth it.” Leonora sighed and slumped against the counter. “Mr. Raynolds has been too lenient with me because we were friends, but the truth is, this is a business, and if I cannot afford to keep it going, then perhaps I ought to accept that I’m not cut out for the job.”

  Kathy frowned. “Nonsense. This is your dream, Leonora. No one loves plants more than you or knows how to pick the right ones and make them grow. You proved that when you were little, or have you forgotten the corner your parents allotted to you at the back of their garden?”

  Leonora grinned. “No. I learnt a great deal about flowers and vegetables there.” Many of the things she’d planted were still there, though she hadn’t been to visit the house lately. Not since her parents had departed on their world tour.

  A sigh escaped her. The money her father had given her had been spent on acquiring seedlings, paying the rent, and hiring Kathy and Mildred. Little of it remained and with her parents now away, she could not ask them for help. Not that she would. They’d already done enough.

  “Perhaps you ought to put some of the orchids up for sale?”

  Leonora considered the suggestion. She’d been saving the orchids until they were all in bloom, believing they’d fetch more money if customers saw the exotic flowers they were able to produce, but doing so was probably not an option any more.

  “I have to cancel my trip.”

  Kathy’s eyes widened. “Nonsense! You’ve been planning this ever since your sister announced her daughter’s birth.”

  “I know, but going away now would be completely irresponsible of me. I have to stay here and help with the sales. I have to—”

  “I’m just as good at selling as you are. The problem doesn’t lie there but with the products we’re able to offer. People in this part of town want flowers and fruit, not vegetables. So I suggest making all our flowers available for sale along with the lemon tree.”

  “I wanted to sell the lemons, Kathy, not the tree.”

  “True. But I think it’s time to make some difficult decisions. Don’t you?”

  Leonora nodded. “Very well. We’ll offer up the lemon tree and the flowers, then figure out how to procure more later.”

  “Good. I’ll make the necessary arrangements.” Kathy retrieved her pocket watch from her apron pocket. “Time for you to go now or you’ll miss your coach.”

  “I really shouldn’t.”

  “You really should.”

  Leonora hesitated. She desperately wanted to see her sister and niece, but leaving her struggling business for someone else to manage felt wrong, no matter what Kathy said. “I won’t stay as long as I initially planned. I’ll be back in a couple of weeks.”

  Kathy gave her a strict look of warning. “Don’t you dare. Mildred and I will manage everything splendidly.” She put her hands on her hips and raised her eyebrows. “Or don’t you trust us?”

  “It’s not that. It’s—”

  “Go.” Kathy took Leonora by the elbow and steered her back into the kitchen, where her outer clothing and valise were waiting. “Enjoy your visit with your sister. If anything drastic happens, I’ll send word for you to hasten back, but I daresay that will not be necessary.”

  Leonora gave her luggage a wary glance. She then looked at her friend. The determination in her eyes convinced Leonora that Kathy was right. She was more than capable of managing the shop by herself. “Very well. I’ll let you handle it, but as soon as I return, you and Mildred will be taking holidays while I stay here and work.”

  Kathy smiled. “You have yourself a deal. Now grab your things and be off, will you? You’re already running late.”

  Doing as her friend suggested, Leonora shoved her arms through the sleeves of her pelisse, wrapped a scarf around her neck, plopped her bonnet on her head, and tied a hasty bow. She then put on her gloves, gave Kathy a quick hug, grabbed her valise and her reticule, and strode out into the blistering cold.

  THE BULL AND MOUTH coaching house was bustling with travelers buying tickets and preparing for departure while others climbed out of newly arrived coaches. Horses neighed and people shouted, pushing and shoving their way past each other, the loud noise occasionally drowned out by the sound of a horn.

  Her mother would likely have a fit if she ever found out that her daughter had chosen to travel alone on public transportation. In the past, Leonora had always taken a hired carriage, but that was before she’d become aware of the need to save every penny – back when her parents had paid the expense. In hindsight, she shou
ld perhaps have asked one of her parents’ maids to accompany her as chaperone. Except she’d been leading an independent life for the past eight months and had little desire to suffer the constant presence of someone insistent on making her follow a long list of rules.

  So Leonora clasped her belongings and wove her way through the crowd on her own. She’d purchased her ticket a week earlier just to be sure she would get one. “Where’s the coach for Sheffield?” she asked a team of hostlers who were in the process of switching out horses.

  One of the men pointed toward a coach on the opposite side of the courtyard, and Leonora thanked him before hurrying toward it. Her breath misted in the chill morning air as she stepped around the vehicle and prepared to show the coachman her ticket. But then she spotted him, and her entire body froze in place. Mr. Becker was here, and he was standing next to her coach, which only made Leonora’s heart beat harder. Because if there was one person she did not wish to spend one more second with, it was him. Least of all if they were to be confined to a place from which there could be no escape.

  Her chest tightened and she realized then that she was holding her breath. She expelled it and hesitated briefly, torn between choosing to face him and walking away. He was speaking with a younger and much taller gentleman with dark brown hair. Mr. Becker smiled, his countenance far more pleasant than when he’d come to call on her earlier. The younger gentleman nodded politely and offered his hand which Mr. Becker promptly shook before tipping his hat, adding a comment, and walking away. The younger man watched him go before turning toward the coachman. The two exchanged a few words, and the younger man pulled out his pocket watch to check on the time.

  Leonora stepped forward. Thankfully, it did not seem as though she would have to endure Mr. Becker’s company. Just that of his friend. Determined to ignore him, she walked straight past the spot where he stood, her entire focus on the coachman. Reaching him, she set down her valise and retrieved her ticket from her reticule.