Georgiana had not considered that he might mind the game. His burns had come from an explosion, but she supposed any reminder might be painful. She resolved not to suggest playing this game in future.
Refocusing on Cora, she said, “As long as you are quick and put the raisins in your mouth straightaway, it won’t hurt.”
“Cora, you need not play if you don’t wish,” Mamma said as she poured brandy over the raisins. “You can watch.”
The girl swallowed hard. “Good idea.”
The elder Mr. Hutton grumbled, “I can’t believe this game has not been outlawed.”
“What are we waitin’ for?” Effie urged.
Georgie began the traditional chant, and the others joined in:
“Here he comes with flaming bowl,
Don’t he mean to take his toll,
Snip! Snap! Dragon!
Take care you don’t take too much,
Be not greedy in your clutch,
Snip! Snap! Dragon!”
“Ready?” Georgie asked.
Heads nodded and at Mamma’s signal, Mr. Gwilt lit a long match in the fireplace and used it to ignite the brandy. Blue flames lit up the room.
Little Mira watched the proceedings with round eyes. Her father picked her up in his arms, saying, “How about we wait a few years before you try this game, ey, my pumpion?”
Mira nodded.
Across the fire’s flickering glow, Colin said, “Show us how it’s done, Miss Georgiana.”
Georgie darted her hand in without hesitation, pinched a raisin, and popped it into her mouth.
“Amazing!” he exclaimed. “A regular fire-eater!”
Squeals and laughter followed as one by one the players—James, Emily, and Effie—reached in and grabbed raisins, putting them into their mouths.
Mr. Gwilt stood nearby, a basin of cold water at the ready, should anyone be burned.
Taking his turn, Colin flinched and shook his hand. “Ow!” Mr. Gwilt stepped over, and the young man dipped his fingers into the soothing water.
“Too slow,” Effie teased him. She turned to her stepfather. “Your turn.”
He grinned in reply and snatched out a raisin.
Sarah hung back, watching the game. No one looked her way or challenged her to play. No one expected her to take part in anything as frivolous as a game.
As a girl, she had liked snapdragon and been good at it. When had she stopped playing games, joining in? When had she become a spoilsport? She might have more responsibilities now, but that did not mean she could not enjoy herself now and again—especially during the holidays when surrounded by loved ones.
Sarah walked forward with determination and joined the other players around the table.
Georgiana’s eyes widened. “Are you going to play, Sarah?”
“Why not?”
