O Night Divine A Holiday Collection of Spirited Christmas Tales - Kathryn Le Veque Page 0,221

will be heartbroken if you refuse her invitation to dinner,” Alex replied.

Anna had a look on her face reminiscent of a mouse trapped by a cat. “I do not understand why you are doing this, but it hardly seems fair to use Lucy against me.”

“Do you not?” he replied coyly. “’Tis the season for sharing our blessings and enjoying one another’s company.”

She murmured indiscernibly and looked out at the heavy snowfall before climbing the stairs.

“I believe we should be on our way,” Alex said to the children before Anna could change her mind.

“Does that mean we can go?” Lucy asked with a wide gap-toothed grin.

“It would seem so. I need to fetch our cloaks, scrub the table and put away the baking.”

“I will bank the fire,” Alex said promptly, setting to. The children cheered and helped to clean the kitchen.

Anna found herself swept up into a whirlwind and she wanted to be angry with Alex, but seeing the pure joy on Lucy’s face kept her silent. The four of them squeezed into the curricle with the hood pulled up, but it provided little protection from the heavy snow. Johnny sat on the other side of Alex, holding the ribbons, and Lucy sat in Anna’s lap. She was acutely conscious of Alex’s warm, strong body next to hers and she trembled. She told herself it was from the cold and certainly not old feelings rekindled! How young and naïve she had been all those years ago. Blindly, her youthful heart had fallen in love and she feared it had never obeyed when told to fall out of that emotion.

Alex leaned over and whispered in her ear. “I know you are displeased with me, but I hope you will be able to enjoy yourself, nevertheless.”

“It was a low trick to bring another child, Your Grace,” she replied quietly, though Johnny and Lucy were chatting happily and would not notice the undercurrent of their conversation.

“Yes it was…” He chuckled. “… But you said no when Isabella asked in the proper fashion.”

She turned to look up at him and their eyes met. It was as though all the years had fallen away. His stormy eyes were close enough that she could see the deep blue rims around the light gray in the center. They had always mesmerized her and she knew she was staring. His breath hitched and brought her back to the present. She turned sharply away.

Despite the heavy snow, they were soon back at Hartmere.

Johnny jumped down; Anna had not even asked to whom the child belonged, so caught up had she been by Alex’s return it had slipped her mind. He was a charming child, and truly seemed to want to be Lucy’s friend. He came around the other side of the carriage and helped her little girl down.

“Such a gentleman you are,” Anna praised.

“Yes, my lady.” He beamed as he moved to Lucy’s good side and offered her his arm. Tucking her hand in the crook of his elbow, she hobbled beside him with her crutch in the other. She looked so small next to him, but he did not seem to mind either that she was younger or crippled.

Anna watched the pair, her heart near to bursting, and did not even notice that Alex was waiting to hand her down.

“I do not think you need to worry about Lucy. Johnny will take care of her,” he murmured.

They walked into the house, which instantly brought back memories of the Christmas she had fallen in love with Alex. It even smelled the same. Greenery, mainly of pine, bay and holly, was entwined around the banister with bright red ribbons, while candles lit the hall. Delicious smells of baking, spices and roasted meats wafted through the house, causing her mouth to water. Johnny and Lucy were speaking to Isabella and her husband, who were explaining the tradition of mistletoe.

“Gracious heavens,” Anna whispered as she looked up.

“Heaven indeed,” Alex said with amusement.

After an initial reluctance and some encouragement, Johnny gave Lucy an innocent peck on the cheek and Isabella’s husband lifted him to pluck one of the white berries from the hanging plant of doom. Anna knew what was coming, yet she could not stop it and, were she being honest, did not want to. She was afraid the next minutes would betray her fully.

“Go on, Uncle!” The little boy shouted encouragement. “Girls smell much nicer than boys.”

Apparently, Alex needed none, for his lips descended to hers. The familiar warmth and softness of