Mistletoe and Mayhem - Cheryl Bolen Page 0,324

shoulder.

“Raybourne, are you enjoying yourself?” the older man asked.

Hugh turned with a smile. “Indeed, sir. The meal was delicious and the conversation lively.”

“Excellent. We’ll be playing billiards and a few hands of cards shortly if you have a mind to join us.”

“I’d be pleased to do so.” Hugh hid a satisfied smile as best he could. Gaining the man’s approval was nearly as important as gaining his daughter’s.

Yet as Mr. Waverly stepped away and Hugh joined his daughter and Barnes to converse, his gaze followed Miss Gray. She moved slowly about the room, speaking with the few people who seemed ill at ease.

She bent low to place a hand on Mrs. Robard’s arm where the elderly woman sat on the settee with a grim expression and soon had the woman chuckling. Then she moved on to a young man Hugh had yet to meet but who continually tugged at his cravat as if it were too tight. The look of gratitude on the man’s face was nearly comical. She even took the time to introduce a young lady with a plump form and a friendly smile to the man and stayed to converse with the two of them for several minutes before moving on. Based on the way the pair continued to speak, Miss Gray had found a common interest for them to share.

“Isn’t that right, Mr. Raybourne?” Miss Waverly’s question took him by surprise.

“My apologies. I was woolgathering.”

She frowned as she glanced over to see who he’d been watching. Luckily, Miss Gray had moved on to visit with someone else and no longer stood in his line of vision.

“I suggested we wait until mid-day before we go skating with the hope the temperature warms.”

“A wise idea,” he agreed. “Do you enjoy skating?”

Her pleased smile suggested she appreciated his interest. “I adore it. I hope you do as well?”

“I haven’t had the pleasure in several years, but I skated frequently in my youth.”

“What of you, Mr. Barnes?”

The conversation continued, but Miss Waverly didn’t bother to include Miss Barnes. The other lady appeared distressed based on her frown.

Did Miss Waverly truly not realize she’d left out the woman or did she not care? He didn’t like to think she was purposely rude.

“Lucy?” Miss Waverly called out to her cousin who was passing by. “Do you remember what fun we used to have on the ice?”

“Such fun.” Miss Gray smiled as she took in each member of the conversation, her gaze holding on Miss Barnes. “What of you, Miss Barnes? Do you skate?”

“I do, though I might need a partner for the first round or two on the ice. It’s been some time since I’ve done so.”

Hugh smiled at Miss Gray, amazed at how quickly she smoothed Miss Barnes’s ruffled feathers. Her thoughtfulness warmed him though he couldn’t say why as that was a trait he rarely considered. He gave himself a mental shake. Why was he allowing a pair of lovely brown eyes and kindness to shift his focus? With a stern reminder to himself, he moved his attention back to Miss Waverly.

Chapter Three

Lucy rose early the next morning, eager to start the day before Aunt Edith woke. This was Lucy’s favorite part of the day as her aunt normally slept late. Once she woke, she took most of Lucy’s time, but these few precious hours were a gift.

Emma’s decision to delay the skating until mid-day had been disappointing. By then, Lucy would be with Aunt Edith, reading, or writing letters, or whatever task her aunt wished.

But for now, her time was her own.

One look out the window confirmed exactly what Lucy had hoped—the wind had died down and the weather was perfect for skating.

After washing her face and tidying her hair, she dressed in several layers followed by her warmest wool gown. Then she put on her cloak and grabbed her muff, scarf, gloves, and the skates that strapped onto her half-boots and headed out the door with a friendly greeting to the surprised footman on duty.

The ice-skating area was within walking distance, and she looked forward to gliding over the ice in the peaceful quiet.

The evening had been enjoyable, but she’d forgotten how exhausting it was to make conversation. She hadn’t been able to keep from helping the other guests to enjoy themselves. Some needed a nudge in the right direction.

The air was crisp and removed the last dregs of tiredness that nipped at her as did excitement at having the ice all to herself. She walked briskly, pleased