“So what happened after that?” asked Tabby, gazing at Harriet in fascination. “It must have been quite a Christmas morning for you all…”
“It was indeed,” chuckled Paul. “Suddenly everyone was trying to work out who took precedence over whom, and if it was all right to ask the butler who was now a Viscount if they could have breakfast.”
The laughter around the table rippled over the empty plates.
“When it came to asking a Viscountess about linens…well, even Lady Aphrodite was in a quandary.” Harriet shook her head. “Finally, we just decided that it was time to delegate housekeeper and butler responsibilities to Cook’s daughter Iris, and the first footman, respectively.”
“They were utterly terrified for five minutes, but when I told them of the raise in their wages, they took to the notion like ducks to water.” Paul wrinkled his nose. “In fact, I think young Douglas is going to be a far better butler than I ever was.”
“And you joined the party at the table?”
Harriet glanced at Paul and shared a smile. “Let’s just say that Christmas Dinner that day was nothing if not memorable.”
“I can’t begin to imagine,” grinned Tabby. “But you were awfully lucky to have Vernwood in residence. D’you think that was coincidence?”
“I couldn’t begin to guess,” answered Paul. “That man is one of the quiet ones, who actually wields more power than most of the government, I believe.” He looked over at Tabby. “He knows you.”
“And I know him,” she nodded. “Well enough to agree with your assessment.”
“And nobody shot anything,” grinned Rosaline. “Wasn’t it supposed to be a shooting party?”
“If you’d met any of them, sister, you’d do anything you could tonotlet them near a firearm.” Paul gave a dramatic shudder. “I can’t begin to imagine the chaos they might have unleashed upon Pineneedle Drift.”
“And given Lady Aphrodite’s condition, which tended to waver from joyous to tearful—within a minute—I agree with Paul. Guns were not mentioned. There was enough violence on Christmas day as it was. What with that, and the changes in our status…”
Paul nodded. “I have to say bless the Tisdale twins. They accepted it all with the most casual aplomb. Our elevation didn’t really cause much of a stir in their world.”
“I rather liked them, at the end,” said Harriet. “Their attack on Uncle Selkirk gave me a great deal of vicarious satisfaction. I wonder now why I never thought of whacking him with his own cane.”
“Because you wouldn’t like it if you did,” said Hecate, her eyes on Harriet. “You’re a woman of kindness, not anger or pain.”
“Thank you, Hecate,” blushed the new Viscountess.
“And you, Paul, you need your wife.” A hush fell on the table as everyone realized Hecate was “seeing” what they often couldn’t. “She’ll guide you, temper your anger and help your decisions be those of wisdom not impulse.” Hecate blinked and sighed. “You’ll be happy. Both of you. And you’ll also be good parents.” A little grin curved her rose pink lips. “Before too long, I think…”
Paul choked over his tea and Harriet’s jaw dropped. “Oh God, not yet?” She grabbed Paul’s arm as everyone laughed.
“No, not yet. But soon.” Hecate just smiled.
“That’s a relief,” Paul exhaled. “We don’t even know where we’ll be living yet. Although…” he looked around, “we’d like you all to know that we’ve set steps in motion to purchase the hunting box from Inchworthy. I had put out feelers before Christmas to see if he might be willing to sell, on the off chance that there might be some funds available with the DeVoreaux business settled. As luck would have it, that all turned out better than I could have hoped and Inchworthy was very willing to let me take it off his hands. It will be ours as soon as the paperwork is completed.”
His hand reached out and grasped his wife’s, and they exchange equally loving grins.
“So it has really been a very Happy Christmas, hasn’t it?” She looked around the table at her family. “One wonders what the new year will hold.”
“I’m wishing for more fun in London with my friends. Only the best parties and the most popular gallants on my arm.” Kitty held up her teacup in a mock toast.
“And I wish for a winning nag at Newmarket.” Richard grinned and clinked his cup against his twin’s.
“What about you, Hecate?” Edmund looked affectionately at his youngest sister. “What are your wishes for this coming year?”
She shook her head. “Just one thing. To survive.”
*~~*~~*
“That was an odd comment from Hecate,” said Paul, as he and his bride returned to the hunting box in their small carriage. It had been hastily fixed up by one of the stable lads, and they were grateful to have it on this afternoon as the weather appeared threatening.
“It was,” agreed Harriet. “I understand she has a gift of sight, some would say. Or that she occasionally touches places others cannot.”
