Page 10 of A Lovely White Christmastide
“That is ungenerous, Julianna.”
“But true.”
Beth’s traitorous lips pulled up. It really was an accurate summation of Mrs. Barker. Her complaints had been ample enough over the last few years. If her husband had not left her in such dire straits at his death, she never would have taken the position as their companion. She would have much preferred an advantageous marriage.
“I see you agree.” Julianna pulled back the bed covers and snuggled under them. “Now come lay down. It’s late and we have an early morning.”
“What you are really saying is the bed is cold and it will be warmer with two of us.”
“Well, it is drafty in here.”
Beth shook her head. “No, you are simply always cold, but it is late.”
She slipped under the covers and Julianna turned to look at her. “He really is quite handsome, you know. I am glad you can see it too.”
A sputtering laugh escaped. “You are not going to let this go, are you?”
“What?” Julianna’s wide innocent eyes were too contrived. “I was only pointing out what you already stated.”
“And making certain my mind did not wander far from the gentleman.” Beth turned on her side to face her sister. “Jule, I am not blind. I saw your matchmaking face at dinner and you are not being subtle in the least.”
Julianna sighed. “I just want you to be happy again. You know this is possibly the only time Father will let us out of his sight in a long time; we need to take this opportunity for what it is.”
“And what is that?”
“A chance to secure husbands.”
“We do not need husbands, Julianna. Father has set aside plenty for our keeping if he should pass. There is no need to throw ourselves at the first handsome man who comes our way. Then we would be as untenable as Mrs. Barker.”
Julianna grinned. “I knew you agreed with me about the old dragon.”
“She is not that old,” Beth said.
“Always looking for the kind thing to say, but I see you did not deny her being a dragon.”
“She can be a bit rough and scaly, I suppose.” A smile slipped past her defenses.
Julianna giggled. “And she breathes fire anytime she is grumpy.”
“And she smells like garlic and old turnips.” Beth felt a bit guilty for speaking unkindly of their companion.
“That’s a good girl, I knew you had it in you.”
“To be mean spirited?”
“No, to tell the truth. You do not have to see the good side in everything.”
“Yes, but some truths need not be spoken, especially if it will hurt a person without providing any improvement. What good would it do to talk about how Mrs. Barker smells when you and I know she cannot help it?”
Julianna’s smile fell. They both knew the smell came from the liniment for Mrs. Barker’s bad knees.
“I suppose that is true. Even so, it is better to see what is before you and not try to excuse it away. Like the providence ofhaving two handsome gentlemen stop at the same inn where we happened to be, and going to the same house party. Can you not see how this might be written in our stars?”
“Two?” Beth scooted closer. Julianna glanced at her, her cheeks growing pink in the dim light from the fire. “Me thinks the lady is harboring her own tendre.”
Julianna giggled. “Perhaps a little.”
“A little?”
