By half-past nine, the tables were almost bare, and the entire party seemed happily relaxed. The gentlemen, happy to see that the Yule log hadn’t drunk the last of their brandy, were settled with their after-dinner liquor, and the ladies had a tea tray available to them. Lady Aphrodite was grateful for that, even though the Tisdales begged for a wee drop of brandy for themselves.
Harriet nodded at the footmen, who began to clear away the dishes. Once that was done, they’d be off for the evening.
The valets and maids would remain, of course. But the Inchworthy household staff had their own plans. They saw no reason why a small group of grown-ups shouldn’t be able to manage on their own for a few hours.
The Earl, who had enjoyed the meal as much as anyone, strolled to Harriet’s side. “Well, you’ve provided a fascinating Christmas Eve for us, Mrs. Harry. What else do you have in store?”
She dipped a little curtsey of thanks. “You are most kind, my Lord. As you know, our staff will be taking this evening to be with their families, so I have organized a few games that I believe you all would enjoy.”
“Ah yes,” he answered. “I remember…Spillikins for the children?” His eyebrow rose in amusement as he eyed Hestia and Phoebe.
“Er…” Harriet tried to suppress a giggle but didn’t quite make it. “I believe they might enjoy it. And for some additional amusement, there will be some Charades. We took the liberty of creating a few to begin the game, but we hope that you will all contribute your own as well, of course.”
The Earl nodded. “And will you and Mr. Paul be remaining here?”
Harriet took a breath. “Actually we had hoped to attend the Christmas Eve service at Pineneedle Drift. It should not take us more than an hour or so.” She smiled with what she hoped was smooth aplomb. “We rely on your kind permission, of course, and with luck none of you will notice our brief absence.”
A burst of laughter from Sir Geoffrey, echoed by Sir Ambrose, brought a humorous twist to the Earl’s lips. “I believe you’re correct.” He turned to her. “Go to church, my dear. I think they will do quite well without you and Mr. Paul for a couple of hours.”
And with that, Harriet heaved a massive sigh of relief. “That is very good to know, my Lord.”
He grinned, an impish look of what she might have described as sheer naughtiness. “I agree.”
Not having any idea of what he meant by that, Harriet merely dropped another small curtsey and hurried away to organize the games.
The hall clock struck nine. It would soon be time to leave.
