She leapt the last few feet and landed with athwumpand a rush of satisfaction.
A moment later, Colin’s arms were around her in a fierce hug. “You foolish, headstrong girl. You scared the life out of me.”
Georgie blinked in surprise at the unexpected embrace but did not push him away.
“What are you doing?” Cora’s voice called from behind them.
The two quickly parted.
Colin recovered first. “The question is, What are you doing here?”
“I followed you. Had to see what you needed a knife for.”
Georgie feigned composure she did not feel and pointed to the green vines on the ground. “For mistletoe, of course. Tomorrow is Christmas Eve.”
“Is it? I did not realize.”
Colin’s usual good humor returned, and he grinned at the girl. “And will there be any festive doings at the vicarage, Cora?”
“Yes, sir. For the vicar and his wife. I think they are having some people in. Not for me, though. Except maybe a little something on Boxing Day.”
Colin’s grin faded.
“Well,” Cora said, “I’d better get back before I’m missed.”
Mistletoe in hand, they turned and walked back with her.
As they neared the vicarage, the sharp-featured cook, Mrs. Browland, met them, hands on hips. “There you are, Cora! I was about to send the constable after you. Thought you’d run off, and with my best knife!”
Colin strode forward, oozing gentlemanly charm. “Now, now, my dear madam. I take all the blame. Young Cora here was only being neighborly by helping us when I asked to borrow a knife. A thousand apologies if Cora’s brief absence proved an inconvenience. And here is your knife.” Never removing his focus from the woman’s face, he extended a palm toward Georgiana. She paused only a moment to wipe the blade clean on her sleeve, then dutifully laid it in his hand.
“Here you are. Good as new. We sincerely appreciate your generosity and understanding. And may we wish you a happy and blessed Christmastide.” He bowed to her, and the woman fairly blushed!
“Thank you, sir. Very obliging, I’m sure.”
With a hidden wink at Cora, Colin walked away, Georgiana hurrying to catch up.
When they were out of earshot, she said, “Good heavens, you’rea smooth-boots when you want to be. ‘Very obliging, I’m sure ...’ One would think you’d given her the crown jewels instead of her own knife back.”
Georgiana expected a teasing jibe in return, but Colin appeared pensive.
As if he’d not heard her, he said, “So no Christmas for Cora, then? No plum pudding or roasted chestnuts or mince pies? No carols around the fireplace?”
“I don’t know,” Georgie allowed. “I suppose it depends on the household and the generosity of the family. And not just for Cora but for everyone in service.”
“But she’s so young. It’s not fair.”
“No, Colin. It’s not. Yet life isn’t always fair, is it? I have been praying for her and will keep praying. What else can we do?”
“I don’t know. I shall pray as well.”
Later that afternoon Mr. Henshall found Sarah in the library-office. “It’s a beautiful day,” he said. “Might we go for a ride? Effie and I hired two decent mounts from the local livery when last we were here.”
“I remember.” He had cut a fine figure in his riding attire too, as she recalled. “Do you ride year-round at home?”
He nodded. “Except when icy conditions might endanger my horse. If we rode only on warm, dry days, we’d ride very rarely indeed, so we simply dress for the weather. We Scots are a hardy breed—our horses too. But even English horses need exercise.” He grinned at her. “English ladies too.”
She raised her chin. “I take plenty of exercise, with my duties around the house. Though admittedly less in the winter, since there is little gardening to do.”
