Page 49 of The Earl Takes All
“I’m not going to spend any more time abed.”
He turned in the chair so he could see her more easily. “Julia—”
“I’m fine, Albert.”
Reaching out, he took her hand, his expression deadly serious. “I don’t want anything to happen to you.”
“I feel best when I’m up and about. Now that I’m no longer nursing, my body doesn’t need all the rest.”
“I don’t suppose there’s any real harm in it. I did once see a woman in Africa give birth and then immediately return to skinning hides.”
“You didn’t think that was worth mentioning before?”
“I’m not going to give you ammunition for your arguments.”
She slapped playfully at his arm, glad to see his eyes twinkling with humor. “I should be cross with you.”
“Not on Christmas Eve.”
“No, not on Christmas Eve.”
He leaned toward her. “So what present did you get me?”
She wrinkled her nose at him. “I’m not telling, but it should be arriving any time now.”
His brow furrowed. “You’re having something delivered here today for me?”
“In a manner of speaking, yes.”
He pursed his lips together. “What is it?”
“Patience, my husband. I’ve been planning this for a while. I’m not going to ruin the surprise now by telling you what it is.” Taking his hand, she settled back against the chair. He finished off his scotch, set the glass aside, stared at the tree.
“It’s so quiet,” he said solemnly.
“I know you miss him.”
“More than I can say. It would be a difficult Christmas indeed, if not for Allie.”
“Then I’m glad she came early, even if she is a bit small.”
“She’s growing. She’s getting heavier in my arms. Next Christmas she’ll be climbing all over that tree.”
Julia heard the front door opening, voices in the entryway, and fought not to change her expression, not to give anything away.
“Who’s that?” Albert asked, coming to his feet. “Carolers, do you think?”
Julia rose as well. “Perhaps. Should probably go see.”
He offered his arm. They’d taken only two steps when the Duke and Duchess of Ashebury and Viscount Locksley crossed the threshold.
“Happy Christmas!” they all said in unison.
“What the devil are you doing here?” Albert asked.
“We were invited,” Ashebury announced.
Clearly confused, Albert looked at her. She smiled. “Your gift arrives at last. Merry Christmas, my love.”
