Mistletoe and Mayhem - Cheryl Bolen Page 0,366

never struck me as being very clever. Beautiful—but not clever.”

Before she could reply, the door burst open and Trello and Blade entered. Oh my, Blade was freshly bathed with his jet-black hair not completely dry. One wisp had curled high on his chiseled cheek bone, somehow softening his usually stern countenance. Why did her heart have to beat faster the minute Blade approached? She was sure it beat so loud he’d hear it. Luckily, her brother took the lead.

“Lady Ariane. How lovely to see you?” And Trello bowed over her hand. “Harriet, I told Blade you’d accompany him on a trip into the village tomorrow.”

Blade flashed her one of his devastating smiles as he greeted Ariane and then said to her, “If it is not too much trouble?”

Ariane spoke before she could reply. “I’m sorry, Your Grace, but Lady Harriet and I will be engaged all day. We have the tenants and their children arriving to decorate the tree.”

Blade and Trello noted the coldness in Ariane’s voice, for they both threw a glance at each other.

Trello grimaced. “My apologies. It slipped my mind. It will be a very busy day for you.”

“I’d like to help. What could we men do?”

The offer surprised Harriet. Usually her father and brother’s left the day to her and Diane since her mother’s death. They greeted the tenants and then disappeared as fast as foxes when the hunt bugle blew. “I would be much obliged if you could oversee the tree positioning. We are having two. One in the drawing room and one in the ballroom. The tenants' children will help decorate the one in the ballroom. The servants will decorate the one in the drawing room later with their special supper.”

“Have they been cut yet?” Blade asked while Trello looked glum at having been roped into helping.

“No. I was hoping Trello would organize the men early tomorrow morning, so the tree was ready to decorate at three.” She had already organized for the men to go early in the morning, but she wanted her brother to take more interest in the day. He would be the earl one day and these tenants would be his to care for.

Blade turned to Trello. “Right. We will oversee the tree cutting, delivery and erecting. Let’s make a list of what we will need.”

Under her breath Ariane whispered, “Yes. I’ve heard you make lists for everything.”

What had Lady Ariane said about his lists? What was the ladies sudden fascination with lists? His lists. He had to admit he often made lists. They ordered his thoughts, and with all his responsibilities he often forgot things if they were not written down. His mind always raced with ideas and plans.

“Has the stand been set up in the ballroom?” he heard Trello ask Harriet.

“Of course.”

Trello sat up, rubbing his hands together. “I don’t mind being in an empty ballroom. It’s the society ballrooms with muddling mothers I avoid. All that dancing. I lost weight this season from all the dancing. Didn’t you, Blade?”

Harriett looked directly at him. “I don’t recall seeing His Grace on the dance floor much over the season. In fact, I barely saw him at all.”

Ariane nodded. “I agree. The only time I remember seeing you, Your Grace, was whenever Lady Jane was present.”

Silence engulfed the room until Ariane added, “Lord Punting will certainly be happy to fill your dance card, Harriet. He’s still pinning for you, if rumors are to be believed.”

Blade stilled his hands, not allowing them to form fists at his side. Lord Punting could pine all he liked. Harriet was his. And blast Lady Ariane. Now he understood why he was receiving such a frosty reception. The two young ladies seated in this room had heard the rumors. He needed a private word with Harriet, to put her straight.

“Lord Punting. Goodness. He’s a mere second son. Not good enough for an earl’s daughter. He’s likely after you to lift his social standing.”

Blade’s shoulders relaxed at Trello’s words. It seemed Lord Hearthstone would never allow Harriet to marry such a man.

Harriet’s face had turned an ugly shade of red, and Lady Ariane looked horrified.

“I’m sure your beauty blinded lord Punting, Lady Harriet.” Blade could afford to be gracious. His offer had the backing of the men who guided Harriet.

But his words merely saw her eyes narrow and her nostrils flare.

Just then a plaintive meow broke the air and a grey bundle of fur came flying past his legs. The cat jumped into Harriet’s outstretched arms