Page 46 of The Earl's Christmas Deal
“To new beginnings.”
Adam looked across at Miss Fairfax, who had raised her glass before her in a toast, staring at her friend intently.
The Pinkertons, who seemed to be two of the most enthusiastic people he had ever met, raised their glasses, too. Soon, the toast had spread around the entire table as everyone clinked their glasses, but Adam felt that something more had passed between them than a simple toast.
As he looked at Emilia’s profile as she sipped her wine, he felt a sense of contentment and safety in her presence that was as surprising as it was unexpected.
The line between convenience and genuine feeling was beginning to blur, and he felt powerless to stop it. He was not even sure he wanted to.
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
The following day, the skies were clear. Clouds that had been heavily banked with snow had moved on, and bright sunshine streamed through Adam’s window.
He rose, shivering with the chill, but his chest was light, his head clear and ready to start the day.
As he looked down into the bright gardens, the snow reflecting the sunshine back against the house, he marvelled at how profoundly his life had changed in the three years since Anastasia's passing. He scratched his jaw, feeling the prickle of stubble scrape against his thumb, and glanced at the door, anxious for Villiers to come and get him dressed for the day.
When Anastasia had died, any semblance of a routine had disappeared entirely. Adam had barely eaten anything in those first few months and hadn’t slept more than an hour a night.
Villiers would stand quietly behind him, razor in hand, waiting for a command that never came. Adam had been a shadow of himself, hollow-eyed and miserable.
He walked to the mirror, taking in his complexion and the shadows that still remained beneath his eyes, brushing his thumb lightly over the puffed skin. Turning his head from side to side, he examined his profile, the stubble dark against his pale jaw.
The door clicked open as Villiers entered, shoulders taut, his back straight as always. Adam watched him cross the room, floorboards creaking in his wake.
“Good morning, my Lord.”
“Good morning, Villiers,” Adam said, his voice tight. There was a long silence as his man began to gather hisshaving equipment. “I require colour today,” Adam said with determination.
Villiers hesitated, his brow knitting together as he poured hot water into the basin. “Colour, my Lord?”
“Mm. I look like a corpse.”
Villiers huffed a laugh. “A little pale perhaps, my Lord.”
“Did we bring anything other than my black coats? I feel as though that is all I have worn for years.”
Villiers cleared his throat. “I believe that is correct, sir. But I brought the green and the blue with us, should you need them.”
Adam smiled at the twinkle in his eye. He thought that this might be a day Villiers had been waiting on for some time.
“Go to it then. Try to make me look less like I have been exhumed from the earth if you possibly can.”
Villiers actually laughed then as he got to work, and it occurred to Adam that he had not heard him do that for many years.
***
Lionel’s gaze lingered on Adam as he sat opposite him at the breakfast table. He chewed his scrambled eggs, the buttery mixture melting against his tongue as he contemplated his friend.
“You look very smart this morning,” he said as Adam glanced up at him and then down at himself in consternation. “Villiers appears to have persuaded you against black; however, did he manage it?”
“It is festive, is it not?”
“Indeed,” Lionel said, his lips quirking, “and when has Adam Bentley cared for theseasonin recent years?”
Adam rolled his eyes at him as he took a large bite of his toast, and Lionel chuckled. He reached for another portion of eggs, wanting to make sure he had enough energy for the day.
They would be skating on the lake within the Sternwood estate, and Lionel was excited to spend more time with Miss Fairfax.
