Page 54 of The Trouble With Her Duke
“What about the frogs and toads?” Mandy asked.
“Very well,” Damon said, tapping his daughter’s nose. “But they can be happy in the pond.”
“We’ll visit them every day,” Lydia said with a giggle.
“Every day?” Damon groaned.
“We can discuss it later,” Lydia said.
“Much later,” Damon said leaning over his children’s heads to kiss his wife-to-be.
Epilogue
December 23, 1816 Danforth Manor Somerset, England
“Feet off the settee, you two!” Lydia said, playfully swatting the legs of her two children as she entered the drawing room. Jeffrey followed, carrying a large box, and Rosie trotted behind him.
Both children giggled and apologized. “We’re sorry, Mother,” Michael said.
“Place it there, please, Jeffrey,” Lydia said, pointing to the floor next to the large picture window.
“Rosie insisted on dragging the boughs of holly to the box, so try to ignore the teeth marks, Your Grace,” Jeffrey said, patting Rosie.
“She’s such a cheerful dog and sees every trip outside as a chance to run and play. I don’t think mistletoe is good for her, so don’t let her carry any of that.” Lydia laughed.
“I promise, Your Grace.”
She turned to the children. “Your aunt, the Duchesses, and my family will be here tomorrow for the Yule Log celebration. I could use your input on where to place the holly and the garland. I’d like the house to be festive, as it will be the first time my family has been here.”
“We’d love to help,” Mandy said, grabbing her sketch pad. “Afterwards, I plan to draw it.”
“Your drawings are fabulous, darling. I especially love the ones of the frogs and lily pads. Did you decide which one you wanted to frame for your father’s Christmas gift?”
“I did better than that, Mother. On my last trip to Bath, Annabelle helped me select a frame,” Mandy said proudly. “It’s wrapped and in my room.”
“That’s wonderful. And you, Michael. Have you finished with your present for your father?”
“I found Father a pair of leather bedroom slippers. Now, he can walk Rosie with me at night,” Michael said.
Lydia laughed. “He will love that. It all sounds wonderful. Let’s get this finished,” she said, handing Michael a bough of holly to hang. “He should be home soon.”
Lydia, Michael, and Jeffrey kept working while Mandy drew. She spent all her spare time drawing or painting lately. Lydia was happy to see her developing her talent.
Stepping back with Jeffrey, they admired their work. “What do you think?”
“We’ve never decorated the manor for Christmas. We have always gone to Scotland. I cannot wait to hunt for the log tomorrow!” Michael said.
“Everything looks beautiful!” Damon said, entering the room, waving a note in his hand. “Mother will join us for Christmas. She arrives in the morning. I’ve alerted Mrs. Jenkins, who will ready her room.”
“Children, I think you should take Rosie out for her walk. Maybe Jeffrey can stand watch for you. I’ve some important things to discuss with your mother.”
“Yes, Father. Come on, Rosie,” the children said together.
“Right away, Your Grace,” Jeffrey said, following the children from the room.
When the door closed, Damon turned to Lydia. “First, let’s have that kiss, wife! I’ve thought of little else all day,” he said, holding a piece of mistletoe over her head. “How’s that for getting into the spirit?”
“Mmm. . . it sounds wonderful.” She pulled him close and kissed him again. “Do you have any news?”
