Page 26 of The Earl's Christmas Deal
“Thank you.”
“It is quite like a small box room in our home at the estate. Very quaint.”
Sophia kept her voice just low enough for the rest of the company not to hear it. But Charlotte heard it, and Emilia quickly pulled her away before she could respond.
“She is utterly insufferable,” Charlotte exclaimed as Emilia pushed her gently into a chair.
“Pray, do not create a stir,” Emilia pleaded. “That would be the last thing we need after everything.”
“Of course, I shan't cause a stir,” Charlotte replied, narrowing her eyes at the three women who sat down not too far from them. “Though perhaps I shall put salt in her tea, instead.”
Their conversation was cut short as Emilia’s mother sailed into the room, greeting her guests happily. The Pinkertons had gone for a walk with Lady Seraphina’s parents, but the remaining occupants of the room were lively and eager for the activity of the afternoon.
“I thought it might be good fun to share your stories of Christmas traditions today!” Lady Sternwood proclaimed.
Adam, who had just taken his seat behind those already settled, held back a groan, his worst nightmare becoming a reality.
Everyone who cared for traditions in my life is dead,he thought miserably.Unless sitting alone in my study, drinking whisky is a tradition.
“I would happily begin the game,” the duke piped up, and Adam watched him pompously plump up his chest.
On second thoughts, maybe I shall invent a few,he thought with determination.
“As you know, my late wife was a lover of Christmas,” the duke said loudly as his daughters nodded enthusiastically. “I have many traditions I could choose from.”
He pretended to think, stroking his beard dramatically, and Emilia heard Charlotte tut beside her as he clicked his fingers as though in remembrance.
“The Yule Log!” he cried suddenly, and Penelope clapped her hands.
“Oh Mama, always brought in the largest yule log in the country,” she exclaimed. “She decked it with the most beautiful greenery. It would burn for days.”
“Quite right,” the duke added testily, giving his daughter a warning glare. Penelope was silenced by it immediately. “The yule log was Hilary’s favourite part of Christmas,” his eyes shifted to Emilia’s, “the hearths in the estate are so vast she could afford to have two burning at once.” He nodded at thecompany. “She was a very charitable woman and always would invite members of the church congregation to tea to sit about and admire it.”
“How wonderful!” Lady Sternwood said. To Emilia’s mind, her enthusiasm was entirely misplaced, but her mother was looking at the duke as though he could spin gold. Emilia had to be careful to keep the irritation from her expression.
“I am told,” the duke continued, “that Lady Emilia is a great lover of Christmas and has often made some quite beautiful decorations in this very house!”
Emilia shrank away as many eyes turned to her, and several people clapped even as Sophia Easton scoffed loudly.
“Oh, my daughter is talented at many things,” Lady Sternwood added, looking proudly down at Emilia.
Adam observed the mother and daughter from the back of the room, conscious that Lady Sternwood’s gaze appeared overly affectionate, even false, as though affected for the duke’s benefit. His fists clenched in his lap, and he glanced warily at Emilia, watching the flush rise up her neck.
“Why, Emilia, you should play for us all,” Lady Sternwood said swiftly.
There was much enthusiasm for that idea, and, given no choice, Emilia rose and walked slowly to the piano.
If my mother gets her way, I will be married to him before Christmas Eve,she thought bitterly.
Adam took the opportunity to examine the duke. He was not unattractive, with a square jawline and amicable expression, but his eyes were shrewd. Adam had barely had a chance to get to know Lady Emilia, but even he could see that they were total opposites. She was creative and gifted, whereas Adam had met enough businessmen to understand that the duke had a fortune for a reason—he likely kept his money close; many men like him were known to be spendthrifts.
Adam looked at the Elderbridge girls. They were all pretty enough but haughty and sneering. He had seen how they had treated Emilia at the ball and had overheard more than one unkind comment from them—not to mention their behaviour at the breakfast table.
No, that was not a family he would want to get to know in more intimate terms. A wave of protectiveness engulfed him again as he looked back at Emilia. She was all soft linesand intelligence. The Elderbridge’s seemed tightly wound, like a spring ready to burst. He could not think of a worse match and looked over at Lord and Lady Sternwood, his teeth grinding together that they would allow it.
Emilia was now seated at the piano, and Adam felt a burst of anticipation as he waited for what she would play. It was clear that she had memorised more music than he had everheardin his life, and his hands rubbed absently at the edges of his chair, waiting for the first notes. He caught Lionel’s eye, who was watching him curiously, and Adam affected a more relaxed air, leaning back in his chair.
As the music began, however, his eyes closed as if guided by some unseen force. It was Handel’s Passacaglia in G Minor. Recognising the piece she had chosen sent a wave of pride through him. He listened to it and let the music wrap around him, quite conscious that the rest of the company was not as enthralled as he. Some of them were even talking over the music, and he gripped the handle of his chair to prevent him from telling them to be quiet.
