The Hope of Love - Meara Platt Page 0,23

Oh, I was supposed to return The Book of Love to you this evening. It’s right there, on my bureau. I’m so sorry.”

Poppy glided into her bedchamber, her dark woolen cloak swirling about her booted ankles as she came to Felicity’s side and plunked herself down at the edge of the bed. Her smile was as incandescent as the fire glowing in the hearth. “I’m not here because of the book, but I hope you had the chance to read it.”

“I did. Several times over.”

Olivia and Penelope traipsed in soon after, their noses and cheeks pink from the cold. Pip, who was Penelope’s impish cousin, was with them. Despite his penchant for mischief, he was a sweet boy, and Felicity liked him very much.

Olivia took off her bonnet and set aside her muff before taking the chair near her bed. Penelope shrugged out of her cloak and sat on the other side of her bed.

Pip hopped over her three friends and knelt beside Felicity, resting his arms on the mattress, his big eyes peering over it as he looked at her with a big grin on his face.

Poppy took her hand, her touch warm and gentle. “We’ve reshuffled.”

Felicity blinked. “What do you mean?”

Olivia’s smile was also angelic as she spoke up. “It was to be a small Christmas gathering anyway. And our husbands could do with a night away from us. So the aunts, Lavinia and Matilda, will serve as hostesses at Sherbourne while we dine here with you.”

Felicity gasped. “You can’t!”

“We can and just did,” Penelope said with a nod. “You won’t be rid of us so easily. Olivia’s staff is setting out our meal on the long table in your bookshop. You needn’t fret, we have it all in hand. Can you walk? You look terribly banged up.”

“She is,” Angus said from the doorway. “I’ll carry her in. She isn’t steady on her feet yet. She’ll just topple if she tries to walk.”

Felicity’s eyes were bright and gleaming. “Why would you do this? Leave all your important guests to come to me?”

Penelope arched an eyebrow. “Wouldn’t you do the same for any of us?”

“Yes, of course. But I’m no one of importance.” She looked up at Angus as he approached her bedside.

His eyes were glinting with affection as he approached and bent on one knee beside her. “Seems your friends hold a different opinion.”

Olivia withdrew a little packet from her cloak. “We’ve brought you some gifts. We’d planned on exchanging them tomorrow, but I think Beast, Nathaniel, and Thad will howl if we abandon them on Christmas day as well.” She handed Felicity the packet. “Here, open it now if you like.”

She took it with a whispered ‘thank you’ and unwrapped it. “They’re beautiful,” she said, holding up a set of embroidered, lace handkerchiefs.

Penelope dipped into her cloak and withdrew her own packet. “This is from me and Lavinia. We were in Oxford and came across the loveliest perfume shop. This scent is frankincense, it’s a little pine and lemon and fragrant wood. And this one is myrrh.”

Smiling, Felicity opened the decorative bottle and inhaled lightly. “This one reminds me of black licorice. My favorite!”

Poppy reached into her muff and withdrew her own packet. “This is from me and Nathaniel.”

Felicity opened it and gasped. “A locket! Oh, Poppy, it’s beautiful.” It was too much, a gold locket in the shape of a heart. She held it up to show the vicar who had just come into the room and was now staring at them all with a look of utter confusion on his face.

“Blessed saints,” he said hoarsely, continuing to stare, now with his mouth agape.

Felicity smiled at him. “Vicar, isn’t it wonderful? I think this shall be my best Christmas ever.” She held up the locket, smiling as it shone brilliantly when caught in the glow of firelight. She showed him the other gifts, then opened up the locket. Tears welled in her eyes, for painted inside were miniature portraits of the three ladies.

“Blessed saints,” the vicar repeated in a breathless whisper, still staring at them so oddly, Felicity was beginning to worry that he’d bumped his head and was now dazed.

Angus frowned. “Adam, what’s wrong? You’re pale as the snow and your hands are trembling. You’re starting to worry all of us. Say something.”

He shook his head. “Do you not see what I see?”

They all glanced at each other before turning back to him, still at a loss. Angus cleared his throat. “Apparently, we don’t. Care