Page 100 of The Best-Kept Secrets
“Perfect.”
There really was something bordering on perfect in the way the teams had divided themselves. Toss and Daria had joined the Greenberry team, as had Tobias. He was Daria’s brother, and he and Colm had become particular friends very swiftly during the Season. Newton and Ellie had joined with the Fortiers, a good fit for Lisette’s quieter demeanor. Fennel had been accepted by their team, and while he could absolutely be as riotous as the rest of the Pack, he could also be perfectly sedate.
And Mater had assembled a team that allowed her to spend time with her son, with Scott, whom she considered a son, and with Eve, who had been most recently brought into the circle of Mater’s loving embrace. And the rest of the team were the people who deeply loved her children and honorary children. Duke hadn’t the first idea if they’d any chance of winning the competition, but he found he wasn’t overly bothered by the possibility either way.
“If we hurry,” Charlie said, “we can select the best team and wagon for ourselves.”
As they walked through the door, Duke said, “Every vehicle, whether serviceable or fashionable, is excessively well maintained at Fairfield, and every horse is beyond compare. We’ll not claim any advantage that way.”
“Then, we must choose the best driver among us,” Artemis said.
“That’s likely Duke or Eve,” Scott said.
“Excellent.” Charlie pulled his features into a melodramatic expression of relief. “They can sit up on the driver’s bench and gaze longingly into each other’s eyes as much as they wish, and the rest of us won’t have to watch it.”
“I hope at least one of them plans to gaze longingly atthe road,” Scott said dryly.
Gillian and Artemis exchanged quick glances before bursting immediately into laughter. Mater looked sorely tempted to join them.
Duke didn’t mind, and he suspected Eve didn’t either. Everyone who remained at the house party was happy for them. Even their teasing was done in the spirit of love and friendship.
They were soon situated, with Duke and Eve on the bench, a warm blanket spread over their laps. Eve didn’t particularly want to drive, so Duke took the reins. The others sat in the back of the wagon, watching the trees and hedges for signs of Christmas greenery. Duke felt certain that he knew which area of Fairfield his aunt, uncle, and cousin would aim for in their search. He had a different location in mind.
“This has been such a lovely house party,” Artemis said from the back of the wagon. “I am so pleased thatallthe Huntresses and the Pack are here.”
Charlie added, “And that Mme Dupuis isnothere. She would have made this absolute lark utterly miserable.”
“I only hope Lisette isn’t chastened by her parents for her chaperone’s dismissal,” Gillian said.
“She won’t be.” Mater spoke too firmly and with too much confidence for her response to be a mere guess.
“Lisette prefers not to talk in any detail about this,” Artemis said. “At first, I was simply curious, but I’m lately finding myself a little worried, primarily becauseLisettesometimes looks a little worried.”
“Set your mind at ease,” Mater said. “You will, in time, know what it is your friend isn’t telling you and why she and her aunt and uncle are being so close-lipped about it.”
“You are telling me to be patient?” Artemis asked with what sounded like a laugh.
With the same amusement, Mater answered, “I wouldn’t dare.”
Duke had often, over the years, wished his family were as loving as Charlie’s. Eve was being brought into the Jonquils’ warm embrace. He couldn’t possibly be more grateful for that.
“Draw up, Duke,” Artemis said. “There’s mistletoe in that tree.”
Duke brought the graceful team of horses to a stop.
“She’s correct,” Eve said, looking up into the nearby tree.
“Brilliant, Artie,” Charlie proclaimed.
They all began climbing out.
“That looks to be holly in the hedgerow.” Gillian motioned a bit farther ahead.
“Let’s go gather some.” Artemis rushed off with her, a basket at the ready.
Scott and Charlie pulled from the back of the wagon the stepladder and garden shears placed inside for just this purpose, then eagerly crossed to the tall tree.
Duke remained on the bench, keeping watch over the team.
