He skidded to a stop and gently placed her on her feet. Her legs went in opposite directions as soon as the skate blades touched the ice, but he grabbed around her waist and held her upright. She cried out and laughed when her legs twisted. She had no control over them any longer, but Mr. McTaggart kept his promise and didn’t allow her to fall.
After a while, she was able to keep her balance—mostly—and make short shuffling movements with Mr. McTaggart half supporting her weight. He gave quiet directions and words of encouragement as her confidence and ability improved. By the end of the hour, she couldn’t claim to be any good at the activity, but she was having fun. He didn’t leave her side the remainder of the day.
When it was time to return to Aldmist Fell, he helped her from the ice and knelt at her feet again to remove her skates. “You did weel, lass. Next time you willna need as much help.”
She snorted. “Next time?”
“Aye.” He looked up from releasing the strap on her skate. “I predict many more next times for ye, Edith Gallagher.”
She didn’t argue, because it didn’t matter if he was right or wrong. She had enjoyed herself, and the prospect of another lovely day like today pleased her.
He removed the second skate, but did not get off his knee. “My mother said you helped her in the kitchen yesterday. She was in dire straights, and you were there to save her bacon.”
Edith smiled and lowered her head shyly. “That is overstating my contributions, I believe, but I was happy to be of assistance. I like your mother very much.”
“And you’ve won her admiration, which is quite an accomplishment for a Sassenach. She wants me to invite ye to the McTaggart Christmas Eve celebration.”
Edith’s head popped up. “Me? But I am not family. I couldn’t.”
“You cannae decline, lass. My mother has threatened to banish me from the supper table if I cannae persuade you to attend, and I’m no’ verra fond of hunger.”
Edith’s breathy chuckle filled the space between them. “Well, I refuse to be responsible for a man going hungry. Please tell your mother I accept.”
Seven
The wheelsof the Thornes’ carriage splashed through a mud puddle as the driver turned onto the lane leading back to Aldmist Fell. Finally, Edith had been granted a moment alone with Lavinia without the possibility of Lord St. Ambrose interrupting or Gracie dragging everyone off to the next holiday activity. Yesterday alone the girl had charged the group with building a snow family, lobbing snowballs at one another, and singing carols until well past midnight. Edith had never been so tired in her life, but she was having a wonderful time also.
Edith chuckled as she recalled the scene at breakfast. “I didn’t think it was possible, but I swear Gracie has become even more dramatic these past few months. I thought you said she would outgrow it.”
Lavinia slumped on the carriage bench and laid the back of her hand against her forehead in mock distress as Gracie had done. “I’m afraid I cannot see to everyone’s entertainment today,” she mimicked. “I’m done in to a cow’s thumb, and I plan to spend the day reading.”
“The men were positively gleeful to be given a reprieve, I think.” Lords Thorne and St. Ambrose had quickly made plans to hunt with Mr. McTaggart.
“I think we are all happy for a reprieve,” Lavinia said.
She and Edith chose to spend the day shopping in the village, while Lady Thorne, her sister Pearl, and Pearl’s husband had agreed reading sounded like a delightful way to pass the morning.
Lavinia gestured to the snowy white linen draped across Edith’s lap. “What are you planning to make?”
“Gracie spilled chocolate on Mr. McTaggart’s shirt last week, and I wasn’t able to remove the stain. I thought it only proper to provide a replacement.”
Mentally, she went through the steps of drawing a pattern for a man’s shirt. If she began as soon as the carriage arrived back at the castle, she could have the pieces cut and pinned before dinner. It would be ready in plenty of time for the McTaggart’s Christmas Eve celebration in two days.
Lavinia reached for her reticule. “There is no need for you to replace Mr. McTaggart’s shirt. How much was the fabric? I will reimburse you.”
Edith held up a hand to refuse the offer. “Iwantto make it for him. After he taught me to skate and showed me around Aldmist Fell, it’s the least I can do.”
“I see.” Lavinia closed her reticule and returned it to the bench before lounging against the seat cushion. “When do you intend to give it to him?”
Edith shrugged, her face growing warm. “I will see him at the McTaggarts’ Christmas gathering. I suppose that is as good a time as any.”
“Indeed,” Lavinia said with a coy smile. “Have you thought about what you’ll wear to the party?”
Edith bit her lip, considering what garments hung in her wardrobe. Nothing she owned was fit for a party. “I don’t know. I suppose I will figure out something.”
“I brought several gowns I likely won’t have any occasion to wear. I’m happy to loan you one.”
A small jolt of pleasure passed through her. Lavinia’s gowns were exquisite, for Lord St. Ambrose demanded only original designs of the best quality for her. “If you are certain you wouldn’t mind.”
