Mistletoe and Mayhem - Cheryl Bolen Page 0,243

Who knew babies were fun?”

Ammie touched the tip of Graham’s nose.

“Dah!” The baby’s screech turned into more peals of laughter.

“If you think he’s fun now”—Julius’s sister raised her voice to be heard—“return at midnight when he is ready for a night on the town. I’ve forgotten what it means to go to sleep at a decent hour.”

Her husband Phillip entered the room after having let out the dogs. He gathered his squirming son from her lap and tucked him into the crook of his arm. The baby gurgled with delight and grasped a handful of his father’s dark curls.

“Ambrosia is an attentive mama,” Phillip said with admiration. “If our son is awake, so is she.”

“I cannot have Graham thinking his mama won’t be watching his every step whenever he is old enough to be out on the town. I have brothers.” Ammie shot a wry smile in Julius’s direction. “I know what type of trouble they can get into when one isn’t looking.”

“Poor Graham.” Julius came to sit on the arm of Bess’s chair and rested his hand on her shoulder. His fingertips grazed the back of her neck, sending a tantalizing shudder up her spine. “He will never be allowed a misstep with six Everly ladies around to keep him on the strait and narrow.”

“Seven,” Bess interjected, including herself. “Lord knows with even an ounce of Everly blood, he will need as many eyes watching him as possible.”

Julius winked at her. “You mean if he is roguish like his uncle, but I learned my lesson. That is what happens when one tangles with a she-devil.”

Her face heated whenever she recalled how terribly she’d misjudged him. Her apologies were always waved away. Julius found the situation humorous and often said he loved her boldness more than any of her other good qualities.

She laid her hand on her husband’s knee, her heart expanding again when she gazed into his hazel eyes. She’d grown comfortable with Julius’s sister and brother-in-law and felt no need to hide her affection, as brazen as it might be.

Graham wiggled in his father’s arms, growing fussy. “How are the workmen coming along?” Phillip began bouncing with his son. Graham settled. “I’ve not had cause to ride that direction lately.”

Bess and Julius had stopped to inspect the site of the new racecourse on their way back from London.

A few days after the wedding, Lord Seabrook summoned Bess and Julius to his study; Lady Seabrook was waiting as well. Without ceremony, the marquess announced his decision to allow Julius to use a swath of land west of Everly Manor to establish his carriage racing club.

I will grant the request upon one condition, Lord Seabrook said. You must build a house on the land.

Bess had been overwhelmed by the generous offer.

Julius’s mother, realizing Bess brought property to the union, had been fretting over seeing her son as often as she wanted and implored her husband to find a solution. As was his habit, Lord Seabrook catered to his lady’s wishes. Julius’s mother had failed to comprehend the depth of Julius’s love for his family. He might seek adventure from time to time, but he would always return home.

“The house is near completion,” Julius said, “and the men have broken ground for the stables. With any luck, we could have our first race next year, assuming I am able to drum up interest in the club.”

Bess doubted it would be a challenge. She and Julius had recently observed their first Season in London, and the constant interruptions at the theatre, balls, and even on morning walks through the park tried her patience. Young men loved nattering on about their horses and carriages. Julius, however, was adept at disengaging from lengthy conversations without offending anyone, much to her relief.

“Our mother hen does not allow us chicks to wander far from the nest,” Ammie said with a teasing smile, “but I am happy you will be close.”

As was Bess. She would be close enough to her cousin to see her often. Davensworth Cottage was staffed now, and under Julius’s tutelage, Gemma had gained a better understanding of the brewery’s finances and operations. She no longer needed Bess’s or Julius’s help, but Bess liked knowing they would only be half an hour away.

“We should be on our way.” Julius stood and offered his hand to Bess. “Father and Mother are expecting us.”

Ammie and Phillip walked with them to the entry hall. When their manservant opened the door, two spaniels trotted inside. Driver Ted was