“It’s Christmas Day!” people cried out, and, “Merry Christmas!”
Everyone mingled, kissing cheeks and offering good wishes, and then they were all swept out and down to the hall where the great Yule log awaited. Genova watched from Ash’s side. Another pearl.
Within moments, a dignified, gray-haired servant marched out from the back of the house with a burning tinder in his hand. “The Yule light, milord!”
It was the fragment of last year’s log, preserved until now to provide continuity of light and warmth. Rothgar took it and applied it to the tinder. The tinder caught, then flames began to lick at the dry bark. Soon the great fire roared. Christmas had arrived.
Genova saw Ash observing the flames with an unreadable expression and knew he was thinking of vigor, still torn between allegiances. She took his hand. After a moment, his fingers wove with hers.
That gave her courage to say, “Peace is always the best choice.”
“If it can be achieved with honor,” he said.
She swallowed an ache caused by his doubts, but said, “You’re right. That is essential. Some wars are justified.”
She didn’t add the obvious coda—Is yours?He was already struggling with that question.
Chapter Thirty-two
“Genova, dear.”
Thalia was by her side, bright-eyed. “Isn’t it time forpresepe?”
How could she have forgotten? “Yes, of course. We must go up right now to do it.”
Genova hoped to slip away, but Thalia called out, “Beowulf, dear, Genova has a mostcharmingNativity in our room. We are off to give birth to the baby Jesus!”
Laughter rippled around the room.
Before Thalia could invite everyone along, Genova linked arms with her. “Come, then, Thalia. It won’t take a moment.”
“Miss Smith.”
Genova turned with foreboding to Lord Rothgar.
“Lady Thalia has described yourpresepe, and I remember seeing such collections in Italy. Alas, I lacked the foresight to bring one home with me, but I would be honored if you’d allow us to display yours here. It should, I think, be in pride of place.”
Panic churned inside. “It’s a simple thing, my lord, and…and has traveled.”
She would not use the wordshabby.
“So have you, and so have I. So have we all in our various ways. None of us are the less for it.”
Genova realized that Hester’s words had etched deeper than she’d thought. She wouldnotbe ashamed of thepresepe.
“Very well, my lord, and thank you. I’ll need some extra hands to carry down the parts.”
“I’ll go,” said Lady Arradale, and Portia came over with her.
Thalia agreed to remain below when promised that she would put the baby Jesus in the manger.
Genova and the two other women hurried upstairs and into the room where the empty stable sat waiting. Genova was wound tight with anxiety over her companions’ reaction. She still feared wrinkled noses.
“Oh, how lovely!” Portia exclaimed.
Lady Arradale touched the stable gently. “Isn’t it? We must obtain one of our own. Now, how best to move it?”
“I can carry the stable in one piece,” Genova said, smiling with relief, “but perhaps the rest should go back in the box.”
