Page 79 of The Virtues of Christmas
“In the front hall, miss. The same as always. Are you well?”
“I am… I am… I am about to provide the professor a holiday greeting he will never forget.”
“But you haven’t had anything to eat!”
“I’ll get something at the chophouse. Why don’t we ever decorate for the holidays, Mrs. Dingleterry?”
“Because you say it’s a silly, sentimental expense?”
“And you listen to me?”
“The professor says you’re wise and kind and all that other. Shall I buy some greenery, miss?”
Patience fished in a pocket and produced some coins. “Yes, and invite all the other ladies over to help you decorate. You might bake some lemon cake too, because the scent is divine.”
And if Patience could not find a way to make peace with Dougal, she’d need at least a consolatory slice or two—or three—of lemon cake. And hearty servings of stollen, crumpets, and tarts too.
