December, 1827
A LIGHT SNOWfell and the air had a wintery nip to it as Tulip eagerly awaited their guests for the yuletide feast she and Alex were hosting for their friends, neighbors, her Hester family and several members of the Farthingale family who had made the trip to Thornwycke Hall to celebrate with them.
Alex had insisted they splurge on the finest beeswax candles, a full orchestra, French champagne, Viennese desserts, and a six course meal fashioned by the incomparable Mrs.Crabbe.
It was an extravagance, but one Alex insisted they could afford.
They probably couldn’t, but Tulip was not going to question him about it because Alexneededthis celebration.It was his way of moving on from a past filled with sorrows and regrets.This night would create new memories he could ponder with joy in later years.It was also his way of restoring pride to the Davenport title.
As for her, Tulip had never felt happier because she was surrounded by loved ones.Rupert, Marigold and Leo, and Dillie and Ian were here with them to represent the Farthingale clan.
Thornwycke Hall had been decorated with boughs of holly, sprigs of ivy, and strategically placed mistletoe along the halls and over the doorways.Alex had assisted her in putting up the mistletoe and testing each out by kissing her with glorious heat under each one, much to the delight of their staff who thought it quite refreshing to have a Davenport duke who loved his wife and was faithful to her.
Tulip lost count of how many balls of mistletoe she had put up.
All in the line of duty, of course.
She loved the devouring way Alex kissed her after each one was set in its proper place.Honestly, this man was as hot as molten lava and could set fire to the place with his scorching kisses.
They now stood together by the entrance of their grand home to receive their guests as they arrived.Alex looked divine in his formal attire, the black of his coat bringing out his gorgeous, dark eyes and irresistibly masculine physique.
Tulip had sewn herself a gown of deepest blue velvet trimmed throughout with silver threads.It was a magnificent Farthingale fabric, of course.
“You look beautiful, love,” Alex whispered, lightly brushing her neck with his lips.“I’d rather devour you than feast on the repast Mrs.Crabbe has prepared.”
She smiled up at him.“I love you, Alex.”
Her Farthingale family stood beside her on the receiving line, and she was so proud to introduce them to her Burnham friends and family.They were greeted warmly and in return had warm welcomes for the magistrate and his wife, the doctor and his wife and daughters, her Aunt Perty and Uncle William, and scads of Hester relatives who had arrived with them.There were country squires, a neighboring viscount, several baronets, and other local gentry eager to make their acquaintance.
Tulip had also invited the local shopkeepers, bankers, the local bookshop owner, and the Davenport farmers.
All were welcome and Tulip greeted everyone with gracious enthusiasm.
However, her heart was happiest upon seeing Mr.Carver and Mrs.Granger arrive.They had recently married, just as she had predicted, so their long-suffering housekeeper was now to be known as Mrs.Carver.Both had continued in their roles at Thornwycke and the house ran smoothly because of it.
Tulip nudged her husband.
“What, love?”
“They look so happy, Alex,” she whispered.
He grinned.“Yes, it is obvious.I am delighted for them.”
“So am I.But I wonder…” She began to scan the crowd.
“Who are you looking for now?”
“No one in particular.However, I think there could be several matches made here tonight.Love is in the air.Don’t you feel it?”
“Sure,” he said with a shrug and a smile.
“It is,” Tulip insisted.“Do you see the way Dougal is eyeing the doctor’s daughter?Oh, but she is so shy.We ought to give them a nudge.”
Alex eyed the pair and laughed as Dougal started toward the girl.“I don’t think he needs a nudge.If anything, he needs a leash to restrain him.I recognize that wolf look.Mine.She is mine to love and protect.I am claiming her.Poor fellow, he’ll be married by next yuletide.”
Tulip laughed.“Oh, that is wonderful.Let’s see who else we–”
“How about we set aside the matchmaking for now.Dance with me, love.I’m sure everyone is eager to have the entertainment start.I’ve instructed the orchestra to lead off with a waltz.”
