Page 104 of Stolen By the Duke of Ice
“Biddy, please enjoy the gift. It will make me very happy if you accept it.”
“Then I shall, Your Grace.”
The morning encounter with Biddy left Dahlia in the brightest of moods. Indeed, with the beautiful day outside, she was prepared to welcome Christmas with a happy heart.
Breakfast was indeed a lively affair. So determined was Dahlia to enjoy the day that she greeted everyone, including Peter, with the biggest of smile.
She refused to think of last night; she refused to think of tomorrow. She would think only of today, of now.
They attended the Christmas service, Claire giving Dahlia a knowing look as the vicar, Mr. Lennox, launched into his sermon.
They had returned to Icedale Castle with hot chocolate and tea awaiting them. Delicious smells from the kitchens drifted out into hallways. At one point, Dahlia found Mary and Claire standing at the end of the hall that led to the kitchens.
“Hungry so soon?” Dahlia said with a laugh.
“No, not yet, but we very soon will be,” Claire said.
“We are trying to distinguish from the scent what Cook has in store for us for Christmas dinner.”
“Oh, what a fun game! Allow me to join,” Dahlia sad.
“But you already know; you planned the meal with Mrs. Baker. You have the advantage,” Claire accused her.
“I am quite offended, young lady.” Dahlia pinched her nose. “To be sure, I asked Mrs. Baker to surprise me with tonight’s menu. I am quite as clueless as you.”
“Oh, then if that be the case, you may join us.” Claire laughed.
It was five minutes into the game when they found themselves stumped by a new aroma which filtered out.
“Everlasting Syllabub.”
Peter stood behind them, smiling.
“Oh! I know of that. But we have never had it before now.” Mary was clearly excited.
“You were never old enough to have some before,” Peter said.
“Whyever not?” asked Claire.
“Spirits are used to make it,” Dahlia explained.
“I see. That makes me look forward to it more now,” Claire chuckled.
Peter reached out to ruffle Claire’s hair, but the young lady evaded with a laugh.
Claire took Dahlia’s hand and together they rushed off before their brother could think of more irritating brotherly things to do.
“I shall see you at dinner, Your Grace,” Dahlia said with a smile.
“Dahlia, if—” Peter hesitated. Shaking his head, he continued, “If there is anything I can help you with for tomorrow… you will let me know?”
“I thank you, I shall.” With another smile and a curtsy, Dahlia reminded herself that she would enjoy the day if it killed her.
Christmas dinner was indeed a marvelous affair: rich with roasted goose, tender venison, and of course plum pudding. Cook had outdone herself. Well, Peter thought, there really was not much to compare from the last Christmas dinners.
Picking up from the decorations in the great hall and the sitting room, Mrs. Baker had the staff match the dining room as well. A smaller, but no less beautiful tree stood in one corner of the dining room. The flowers and pinecones perfectly copying the ones found on the sitting room tree.
“I love everlasting syllabub!” Claire declared.
