Mistletoe and Mayhem - Cheryl Bolen Page 0,332

you well.” She reminded herself to hold tight to her defenses and shoved away her awareness of him.

“Indeed.”

“Please continue with your meal,” she requested and turned to the sideboard to help herself to the offerings. After selecting coddled eggs and sausage, she took a seat two places down from Hugh on the opposite side. Far enough to protect herself but not so far as to be rude.

A footman brought her a cup of warm chocolate, a treat to which she was becoming accustomed. Aunt Edith only drank tea and saw no need to have anything else.

“The snow will make our outing this morning quite the challenge,” Hugh said before sipping his coffee, his attire impeccable as always.

“We’ll take the sleighs to the woods.” Lucy couldn’t stop her smile.

“The cold doesn’t seem to bother you.”

“I wouldn’t want to stay outside the entire day, but there’s something fresh that comes with the snow.”

“My favorite part is when we return to enjoy a warm fire.”

Lucy chuckled. “I like that as well.”

If only he wasn’t so easy to converse with. Viscount Jameson was nice, but he didn’t go out of his way to amuse her the way Hugh did. Mr. Barnes’ shy manner might appeal to Emma, but Lucy found talking to him required too much effort.

Emma had yet to express a preference for a specific suitor. Mayhap that was why she was determined to kiss them all. Thank goodness Emma hadn’t kissed Hugh...at least not yet.

More guests joined them for breakfast and soon everyone finished. They returned to their rooms to don their warm outer garments, including Lucy. She also checked on Aunt Edith, finding her sitting up in bed with a breakfast tray.

“Good morning, Lucy. It will be a snowy outing for you.”

“It’s still falling and so pretty.”

“Pretty but cold.” Aunt Edith smiled. “I don’t envy you, though I have no doubt the young people will enjoy it.”

“You have everything you need? I’m not sure how long we’ll be.”

“Have no worries. Your Aunt Jane and I are going to visit. Enjoy yourself.”

Relieved, Lucy returned to the entryway where the other guests were gathered as three sleighs arrived, pulled by horses. She held back to see who Emma chose to sit beside. Her heart gave a tug when Emma looped her arm through Hugh’s, and they walked toward the front sleigh.

That was for the best, Lucy told herself. She needed a little distance from the handsome gentleman. Miss Barnes stood near the back of the group, and Lucy moved toward her.

“Won’t this be fun?” she asked as she gestured for the lady to walk with her to the last sleigh.

“It will be a new experience,” Miss Barnes said warily.

The ride was delightful. The drivers took the long route to the woods, travelling over hill and vale. With so many guests piled into each conveyance, everyone was warm and in high spirits. Eventually, they arrived at the area where they’d gather greenery.

“I’ve never done this,” Miss Barnes said. “I’m not certain what I’m looking for.”

“We’ll go together, shall we?” Lucy suggested as they alighted. “I believe I remember where to find what we’re looking for.”

“Do you do this every Christmas, Miss Gray?”

“Please, call me Lucy. And no. I haven’t been here during the holidays for several years. It’s normally just my aunt and me.” Why did remembering the past often hurt so much?

“You must call me Prudence.” She pulled her hand from her muff to pat Lucy’s arm. “I’m sorry if I said something wrong.” The look of sympathy on her face made Lucy realize memories had filled her with melancholy.

“Not at all.” She shook her head. “The last time I was here for Christmas my parents were alive. I still miss them.”

“Of course you do,” the woman exclaimed. “And here I am bringing up the subject. My apologies.”

“For what are you apologizing, dear sister?” Mr. Barnes joined them, having ridden in another sleigh.

“I’ve placed my foot in my mouth once again.”

“Please,” Lucy said as she forced a smile, wishing to change the subject. “Pay me no mind. Allow me to guide us to the greenery.”

With a gallant bow, Mr. Barnes offered his arm to each of them. “Please do.”

They waded through the snow with a few others. The rest of the group was led in a different direction by Emma who still walked with Hugh. Laughter and carols filled the air, lifting everyone’s spirits.

One of the gentlemen in her group carried a saw from the sleigh and soon they were cutting boughs of