Page 13 of A Christmas Miracle for the Frosty Marquess
Julian laughed, the darkness that had hovered over him dissolving instantly at the sight of his sister, brother-in-law, niece, and nephew. He embraced the children, lifting them gently from his lap so that he could in turn hug his sister. As he did so, the children tackled Thomas. They saw him as a second uncle, and they were only too happy to show him affection, as well. Lastly, Julian greeted Stephen, offering him a firm pat on the back.
“It is good to see the lot of you again,” he said.
Stephen smiled, glancing at the children, who were talking excitedly over each other to Thomas.
“We are glad to be here, for certain,” he said. “We are thrilled to see you and your father, of course. But those two would not cease with their enthusiasm about seeing you and Thomas.”
Julian laughed.
“Well, some of that enthusiasm is much needed around here,” he said, surprising himself by meaning the words.
Elizabeth walked over to her children, pulling them away from Thomas.
“Well, show him what you’ve brought,” Elizabeth said gently.
Edward dug in his pocket for a moment, pulling out a small piece of wood. Upon closer inspection, Julian could see that it had been fashioned into a small wooden sword. Edward beamed up at him proudly.
“I made that myself,” he said. “Papa has been teaching me how to make things out of wood.”
Julian studied the small sword approvingly. It was very clearly crafted by a child, but a very talented one. It seemed that Edward would have an affinity for woodcarving.
“It is just splendid, Edward,” he said, reaching out to ruffle his nephew’s hair. “Thank you, my boy.”
Edward grinned again, looking at his sister.
“Told you he would like that better than a silly doll,” he said.
Sarah stuck her tongue out at her brother.
“Then I will make Cousin Thomas a doll,” she said. “My doll will be better than your sword.”
Elizabeth stepped between her children, giving them a loving but firm look.
“That’s enough bickering,” she said. “I want the two of you to play nicely with one another. Thomas and Julian do not wish to hear you fighting, especially not during the holiday.”
Julian smiled to himself. Elizabeth and he had bickered in just the same way plenty of times. He was sure that the children were likely just tired from the long journey from Bath. And he couldn’t help admiring how wonderful of a mother Elizabeth was. He knew that their mother would be proud of her. He knew he certainly was.
The room was filled with laughter and a warmth that should have been comforting. Yet to Julian, it was just another reminder of holidays celebrated with unadulterated joy. Their voices soon became far too loud and the exuberance they all exhibited was too overwhelming. It wasn’t long before Julian’s temporary reprieve from his dark mood ended, and he became brooding and withdrawn once more.
Elizabeth gave Julian a scrutinous stare, her bright eyes, so much like their mother’s, catching the shadows lurking in his own. But rather than address him directly, she gave him a sweet smile.
“I have some wonderful news, Brother,” she said. “We’ve decided to stay through Christmastide and uphold all the old family traditions.”
Julian’s heart clenched. The news should have been wonderful, to be sure. But his sister hadn’t been present for the holidays in a few years, and it was yet another unexpected turn of events. Still, he tried to smile, giving his sister a small nod.
“That is wonderful,” he echoed, his stomach twisting as he spoke.
Stephen, sensing the emotional turn the atmosphere was taking, tried to interject with lightness.
“Yes, it’s high time the children experienced a Hawthorne Christmastide season in all its glory,” he said.
Elizabeth nodded, her enthusiasm undimmed.
“Imagine,” she said, gesturing around the room. “All of us decorating the house just as Mother used to do, with holly and ivy, and the grand feast she so loved planning.”
Each word was like a physical blow to Julian. As with the conversation with his father, the room began to feel suffocating, as though the walls were closing in.
“I need some air,” he said, darting past his sister. “Excuse me.” His sudden movement startled the room, but before anyone could react, Julian had retreated, leaving behind a trail of puzzled faces.
