Chapter Ten
Despite the lateness and energetic physical experiences of the previous evening, both Perry and Grace were up and dressed in time to share breakfast with the Muirs. Perry rose first and was almost out of the bedroom door before Grace stirred.
A quick kiss and he was gone. She sighed, but knew their outrageous idyll had to end at some point.
So she prepared herself for the day and found herself drawn to the parlour by the scent of bacon and toast.
It was Christmas Eve, and the Muir children were clearly aware of that fact, since the number of bounces in their chairs had increased considerably since yesterday.
Perry had ventured outdoors to check the conditions and walked into the room to greet the others with a smile on his face. “It’s melting,” he announced. “I believe it will be safe for us all to travel today.”
Cheers erupted, especially from the youngest at the table.
“That is excellent news indeed,” smiled Mrs. Muir. “It is passable enough to drive all the way home, do you think?”
Perry helped himself to the modest breakfast, mentally awarding everyone in the household staff a Christmas bonus, since they’d provided for unexpected needs efficiently and quietly. One could ask no more of servants. He had been most impressed.
“I would guess that within the hour the ice will have loosened its hold on everything,” he said, returning to the table and taking his place. “It’s already dripping off the trees.”
Grace had glanced outside to see clouds, but had yet to spy a break. “So it warmed up overnight then?”
“I would say so, yes.” He shot her a wicked look, reminding her that they had warmed up the night quite considerably.
She fought down her blushes. “And yet the sun has not made an appearance.”
“I’m confident it will,” answered Perry. “The sky seems brighter to the west. Always a good sign, I’m told.” He took a bite of toast.
“We only have a few miles to cover, and it would be lovely to get home at last.” Mrs. Muir sighed, then looked at Grace. “Not that we haven’t been made very comfortable and welcome here, of course…”
Grace waved her words aside. “We are very happy we could help. And it’s been a pleasure to make your acquaintance.” She smiled at the children. “All of you. So we’ll hear no more thanks. We have all enjoyed an unexpected little holiday. Let’s just leave it at that?”
Elizabeth slid from her chair and ran to Grace’s side. “Thank you for pwaying the piano fow us, Missus Chaney. I liked it. I want to pway too, and Mama says I may learn when I am seven.” She held up the appropriate number of fingers carefully.
“How wonderful, Elizabeth. And how good of your Mama to let you have lessons.” She touched the soft hair in a tiny caress. “I shall look forward to hearing you play one day.”
“You can come to my house and visit,” Elizabeth’s eyes were those of a kitten begging to be petted.
Grace’s lips twitched and she glanced at Mrs. Muir. “This one’s going to be a handful, isn’t she?”
Mrs. Muir shook her head. “Without a doubt.”
“Well, Elizabeth, since there is still some time to go before you are seven, I shall hold your invitation in reserve. When you are ready to play for me, just send me a message and I will be happy to visit.”
The little girl clapped her hands with glee and ran to tell her Mama, in case she’d missed any of the conversation.
“We’re going to need a piano, aren’t we?” said Mr. Muir mournfully.
“I can’t learn to pway without one, Papa,” frowned his daughter.
She turned as the others laughed, a puzzled expression on her face. “It’s twue, isn’t it?”
“It is indeed, sweetheart.” Her father leaned over and picked her up, setting her on his knee. “I also support your lessons. If you can play as beautifully as Mrs. Chaney someday, I shall be well pleased.”
“Oh no. I shall pwaymuchbetter,” announced Elizabeth confidently.
Grace ached from laughing. “I hope so, Elizabeth. I really do.” She wiped her eyes on her napkin.
“Right then, children. We are going to leave shortly, so I would like you all to return to our room and make sure you haven’t left anything there. Nurse will have your coats and hats and mufflers ready when you come down again.” Mr. Muir rose and pointed the way for his offspring, who trooped dutifully out of the parlour.
