Andthatwas when all hell broke loose.
*~~*~~*
The mistletoe branches in the wreath were a little scratchy, but Reid ignored it as he walked to the large chair which had been uncovered and prepared for his arrival. It was green, of course, and more mistletoe, along with holly and ivy, had been twined around the ornate carvings.
He had to watch how he sat on it, since the abundance of greenery might end up under his breeches if he wasn’t careful. That wouldn’t have mattered much unless it was holly—an experience he’d prefer not to have on this particular evening.
Aware of his duties, he felt more than a little frustration at not being able to return to Prudence and remain at her side. But that was not the place for the Mistletoe Marquess.
The children made that fact quite clear as they lined up in a ragged queue waiting for him.
Beside the chair was a large chest filled with prettily wrapped packages, sporting bows and ribbons and the occasional piece of sparkly paper. Miss Wellworthy stood guard, an ancient but formidable protector of the Christmas Treasure Chest.
She greeted him in her customary no-nonsense fashion. “Sit down, Reid Chillendale. There’s children waiting for their presents and to them that’s a lot more important than who is where in the Hall.”
Realizing he’d been looking for Prudence, he sat, abashed and slightly embarrassed. “Of course. My apologies.” He took the first gift.
“For Nancy Harking.” Miss Wellworthy began intoning the names of the children.
They hurried to stand in front of Reid and then smiled or grinned as he handed them their presents with a “Happy Christmas”.
Most of them returned a polite thank you, and a few of the girls even curtsied, earning an approving nod from Miss Wellworthy.
It seemed to take forever, thought Reid, as he handed out package after package, trying his best to be a good Mistletoe Marquess while furtively glancing over the room to see where Prudence was.
There were many adults on their feet now, mingling in knots here and there, some at the ale table, others handing out sweetmeats to the children.
It was a busy hubbub within which Reid had difficulty finding Prudence. He caught a glimpse of her with Brent, chatting to someone, and then he thought he saw her with his parents.
That gave him pause. Would they comment on his interest in her name only the night before? He didn’t know.
Recalled to his duties, he sighed, smiled and wished Johnny a Happy Christmas, complimenting him on his performance.
“Thankee, sir.” The lad touched his forelock respectfully. “That beard itched summat fierce though.”
Reid grinned sympathetically. “It’s better when you can grow your own. Give it a few years.”
Johnny was pushed out of the way by an eager young lass, and so the process continued, until all the children present had received their holiday presents.
At last Reid was free to rise, groan a little as he straightened his spine, and find the target of his attentions—Lady Prudence.
He spied her at the ale table, next to Lord Southwick, who was staring at her with a very strange expression on his face. If Reid had been pressed to describe it, he would have said it was not far from horror, but that seemed highly unlikely.
Nevertheless, it would seem that something untoward had occurred, since Lord Southwick gave a brief bow to Prudence and then hurried out of the Church Hall, not even stopping to speak with his wife and daughter.
Reid frowned as he made his way toward the ale table, only to have his arm seized in a grip of iron by his mother. “Darling. Stop right there. We need to talk.”
“Um, I was going to the ale table…”
“I know exactly where you were going, which is why you’ll take a moment to attend your poor old mother.”
Reid rolled his eyes, but allowed her to lead him aside.
“You asked about Eldridge last night. And today I’m introduced to a stunning young widow who apparently has the same name.” She narrowed her eyes. “Coincidence? I think not.”
“I…er…”
“Exactly.” His mother looked smug. “You’ve met her already.”
