The Girl is Not For Christmas - Emma V Leech Page 0,102
his account. “No, don’t… You ought not have to…”
“We don’t have to,” Livvy said firmly. It was her obey or suffer the consequences voice and he knew better than to argue with her. “We are choosing to. None of us are great drinkers so it is no vast sacrifice, I assure you. We will be far happier knowing you are comfortable than making you restless for the sake of a few sips of wine.”
“I… Thank you.” King held her gaze, not knowing quite what to say. He’d never felt so entirely at home, so very welcomed as he had in this rather unconventional household. For a moment he imagined his father’s reaction if he’d ever come across him peeling sprouts in the kitchen. Good God, he’d have an apoplexy on the spot. Yet King was happy. True, he would not wish to do it every day, nor did he imagine Gelly would welcome him. As it was, she kept giving him sceptical glances and inspecting the sprouts to see if he was making a mess of it. But today was Christmas, and it seemed truly to be full of gladness in a way he had never experienced it before. The holiday had meant nothing to him other than a day of suffering through his parent’s company and trying his best to be visibly grateful for a lavish gift that he never seemed to be grateful enough for. Not enough to please his father, at least.
Once preparations were well advanced and the increasingly over excited children were on the point of bursting, they ate a hurried breakfast and then it was declared to be time for presents. Everyone gathered in the parlour and Charlie began distributing gifts to the children.
“They were already bought,” he whispered to his sister, an apologetic glimmer in his eyes.
Livvy only gave a slightly exasperated laugh and shook her head, kissing Charlie’s cheek. “Merry Christmas, Charlie.”
Everything was unwrapped and exclaimed over, and Charlie thoroughly scolded for having bought George a drum.
“Look, Ing,” George said, proudly striding up and down with the drum on a string about his neck. He hit it with great enthusiasm until all the girls were holding their ears.
“Marvellous,” King said, relieved he was no longer drinking. That would have been a hellish noise for a man with a hangover. It was quite trying enough sober. “I tell you what though, George. I have a little something for you too, but… you must put the drum down to unwrap it.”
George pursed his lips, considering this, before casting the drum to one side. Everyone let out a breath of relief.
“Present, Ing?” George said, bouncing eagerly on his toes.
“Only a very little present,” King warned him, anxious now in case he’d over egged the pudding and the child was disappointed. After all, it wasn’t an exciting gift for a small boy.
King handed it over to him, watching nervously as George unwrapped it with surprising care.
“Oh!” George said, staring at it. “Argos?”
King nodded, pleased he’d made the connection. “Yes. I’m no great artist, but I think it’s a fair likeness.”
“Look! Look, Libby. Argos.” He ran to his aunt, waving the little pencil drawing.
Livvy looked at it and King’s heart ached at the look she sent him, so very happy and proud. “Why, how modest you are, my lord. It’s beautiful. He looks a very fine fellow indeed, doesn’t he, George?”
George nodded and sat staring at the picture for a moment before remembering his drum. “Take Argos for me, Lib Lib,” he said, thrusting the picture at her and rushing off to commence bursting everyone’s eardrums again.
“Oh, George, do take it into the hallway,” Ceci wailed, clutching at her ears.
Thankfully he did, and the sound muted somewhat as he strode up and down the length of the house. Everyone laughed with relief.
“Right, er… Susan, Lydia and Rebecca, Jane and Birdie.” King handed over small parcels containing a variety of colourful ribbons that Mrs Cardy in the haberdasher’s had assured him would find favour with the girls. He was relieved to discover she was correct. Ceci exclaimed happily over Birdie’s pink ribbon and insisted on making a bow on top of the baby’s head with her little golden curls. She looked so adorably silly that everyone had to kiss her, which made Birdie giggle and coo. The largest parcel King gave to Harry, who exclaimed with delight to discover five of King’s best cravats.
“Oh, King, I… but you won’t have anything left to wear,” Harry protested.