Page 13 of Holly and the Viscount
He shook his head. “Ash told me the servants found me wandering the halls.” A scrap of memory tugged at him—her face, very close to his, gold flecks in her hazel eyes. “Were you there, Lady Holly?”
“Briefly.” She dropped her gaze to the quilted coverlet. “The commotion woke me.”
“Then I must I apologize.” He smiled wryly. “I assure you, I don’t make a habit of wandering about in a delirium.”
“I’m glad to hear it, sir.” She flicked her eyes up to his, then away.
Speaking of habits, this was a perfect time for him to pursue his investigation into Lady Holly’s penchant for gambling. But subtly—Ash’s sister had shown she was quick-witted.
“I’m supposed to stay off my ankle,” he said, nodding at the offending limb. “To pass the time, would you join me in a hand of cards? Perhaps we might also bring your siblings into a game of whist.”
She tilted her head, suspicion flashing through her eyes. “Do you enjoy the tables then, sir?”
“Moderately. Growing up, we wagered for almonds. I must say, my sister Viola is quite cutthroat at cards.”
She didn’t rise to the bait, as he’d hoped, only giving him a demure smile.
“If you’d like to play, Lord Thornton, then I will endeavor to indulge you. You’re our guest for Christmas, after all.”
“No matter how unintended.” He shot her a rueful look.
“Yet welcome all the same.” The faintest blush rose on her cheeks. “But that reminds me—if you’ll give me the name of the cartman, I’ll see about getting your tree up to Dovington Hall.”
“Kind of you, but unnecessary. Sadly, my family will have to weather its loss this year.”
Her brows drew together in a faint frown. “Are you quite certain?”
“Yes. The poor driver shouldn’t have to miss his own Christmas to fulfill my whims. And therearetrees on the Dovington grounds. Not as splendid, of course, but the entire drive is lined with evergreens. If my sister desires a tree, she can procure one for herself.”
“If you say so.” Lady Holly smoothed her skirts and rose. “I’ll leave you to rest now.”
“Thank you for the visit,” he said. “Don’t forget your promise.”
She startled and gave him a quick glance.
“To play cards with me,” he clarified, her reaction making his suspicions flare anew.
“Of course. I will see you later this afternoon, if that suits.”
He gestured to the bedroom and his own bedridden form. “I’ll be here, whenever you find it convenient.”
With a quick nod, she slipped out the door, shutting it gently behind her, and Theo let out a sigh. At least he’d talked her into a hand of cards. No matter how clever she might be, surely she’d give herself away once they commenced to play.
CHAPTER 7
Holly returned to Lord Thornton’s room that afternoon, only to find him sound asleep. She had to admit to some relief as she closed the door and retreated to her own bedroom. Every indication was that the viscount was an inveterate gambler—which confirmed the suspicions she’d had after encountering him in the not-quite-respectable neighborhood where she’d gone to hear Caroline Norton speak.
She supposed there wasn’t any harm in indulging him by playing cards to pass the time. He’d mentioned wagering almonds with his siblings, so she’d brought some up from the kitchens and grabbed a box of cards from the billiards room. Whenever their guest awoke and was ready, she would do her duty as a hostess.
Spending time in his company had nothing to do with the treacherous thoughts that kept popping up in her head regarding their kiss in the midnight hallway. Clearly he didn’t recall it at all, and she was relieved at the fact. Truly she was.
Despite the slight hollowness beneath her heart that suggested otherwise.
She set the cards and almonds on her dressing table and decided to go see how the tree was coming along. After Lord Thornton had decided it didn’t need to travel up to North Yorkshire, Rose had gotten their parent’s permission to install it in the grand hall.
Holly paused on the upper landing and leaned on the railing, viewing the hubbub below. A flurry of maids and footmen swirled about the tree, draping ribbons along the boughs, positioning bright splashes of holly berries here and there, along with snowflakes cleverly cut from paper. It was astonishing how quickly the evergreen was being transformed into something magical.
“What do you think?” Rose called up to her. “Isn’t it lovely?”
