“I think I saw that Mr Blackstone with his Lordship as I came upstairs,” she replied. “Haven’t seen Mr Hawkesbury yet.” She grinned. “Handsome gentleman, ain’t he, Miss?”
Holly fought down a blush. “He is indeed.”
And with that, she turned and left the room, heading downstairs to the large parlour, where breakfast would be served, her mind reviewing the matters that would be dealt with very soon.
Firstly, of course, there was the business of Blackstone, the map, and Sir Duncan.
As if her thoughts had summoned him, he appeared just as she stepped down into the hall.
“Good morning, Miss Trease. I trust you slept well? And what a festive beauty you are today.”
She chuckled. “You are far too kind, Sir Duncan, but I’ll happily accept your compliments and your arm if you’re going in to breakfast?”
“I am indeed.” He leaned a little closer to her. “I take it all is in readiness?”
Nodding, Holly lowered her voice. “As far as I know, yes. Papa has told you of the plan?”
“He has. In fact, I am so pleased with the idea that my health took a sudden turn for the better,” he grinned. “Can’t you tell?”
“Your excellent spirits are fully in evidence, sir. Keep that warm smile going, and you’ll surprise almost everyone.”
“I only need to surprise one,” he murmured, as a servant opened the door to the parlour and bowed. “And here we are.” His voice rumbled around the room. “I declare I could devour almost everything, since the smells are making my mouth water already.”
“Ah, good morning, Sir Duncan. And you found my daughter on your way. Come join us. Ferguson will provision a plate for you.” Lord Hawthorn seated Sir Duncan at his right hand.
Holly watched the other man at the breakfast table.
Mr Blackstone had risen, bowed, done all the right things, but it wasn’t difficult to notice his slightly puzzled expression as he observed Sir Duncan’s vastly “improved” health.
“Good morning, everyone,” Lady Hazel appeared in the doorway, escorted by Richard. “I’m glad to see you’re all engaged in a good breakfast. Nothing like a snowy winter’s Christmas Eve to spur the appetite, wouldn’t you say?”
The conversation became general, and Holly was pleased to be the recipient of a quick warm smile from Richard, who spent some time filling his plate and then found his way to the empty seat beside her.
“You slept well, I hope, Miss Trease?”
“I did, sir, thank you. And you?”
“I don’t even recall my head hitting the pillow,” he chuckled.
The conversation around the table became general, with comments on the snow, inquiries as to the state of the roads, and much discussion as to whether the rest of the Trease family would arrive in time for Christmas Eve dinner.
Just a normal family breakfast, in a normal nobleman’s household, on the day before Christmas.
At least that’s how it appeared to the one man who had no idea it wasn’t going to be a normal day for him at all.
Chapter Thirteen
In Which Nefarious Schemes are Finally Thwarted, and Forest Grange Welcomes Christmas Guests
“Well, since it appears we have concluded the meal, I’d like to ask if you, Mr Blackstone, would join me in my study for a few moments? I believe Sir Duncan and Mr Hawkesbury should be present as well.”
Blackstone looked puzzled at the Viscount’s invitation for a moment, but quickly recovered his countenance. “Of course, my Lord. I confess myself surprised at the inclusion of Mr Hawkesbury, but I will not cavil at his presence.”
The gentlemen rose, and Richard shot a quick glance at Lord Hawthorn. The brief nod was enough to let him know that he should bring the document with him.
He nodded back, and hurried to collect it, returning in moments with it rolled and under his arm, to find Ferguson ready to escort him in.
The other men were settling themselves; apparently there had been some discussion of the state of the roads, the depth of the snow, and all the other weather-related matters that are an intrinsic part of every Englishman’s discourse.
