Christmas
Two years later
Ambrose lifted hisson into his arms, plucked the doll from his chubby little hands, and returned it to Noelle. “Lucien, it’s not nice to steal Noelle’s doll.” The boy had just started to walk and believed everything went into one’s mouth.
The little girl hugged her doll, then stuck her tongue out at Lucien, and darted into the crowded ballroom.
Ambrose had hired workers to restore much of Greyhaven. Work had been completed only a month prior, and Eve wanted to celebrate. They’d invited friends to join them for Christmas, and nearly all accepted. The manor was full for the first time in a century and had never looked better.
He shook his head at the little girl. His cousin Patience’s daughter was exactly like she’d been at the same age.
“I don’t think they grow out of that for twenty years or so,” Gabriel Hawthorne said, coming to stand beside him.
“Delightful,” Ambrose replied. His old friend from Eton looked happier than he’d ever seen him. His wife, Lily, and her sister had both grown very fond of Eve since they met at the Christmas following that fateful snowstorm.
He and Eve had married within a week, without her father’s blessing. The man had been furious and unwilling to listen toanything that Ambrose could offer as recompense. He swore he’d disinherit her, but Eve wasn’t swayed. She loved Ambrose, and happily married him. Her father came to his senses a month later, and with time, their relationship was being restored.
Gabriel chuckled and put his hand on Ambrose’s shoulder. “I never said it, but I’m glad you responded to my invitation for Christmas that year. I thought certain you’d refuse as you always had.”
“If it weren’t for Eve, I would have.” After they’d married, he finally sat at his desk and responded to the invitations from Patience and Gabriel. They’d decided to spend Christmas with Gabriel, then visited with Patience and her husband, Noah, after.
“Then I shall thank her instead.”
“Who are we thanking?” Zeph Lael asked, joining them. He’d attended Eton with Ambrose, Gabriel, and several other boys. Together, they’d fought off a brutal gang of bullies who had terrorized the weaker among them. It had cemented their friendship, which seemed to last even through family curses.
Zeph held Alfred like a baby in his arms and was petting the cat’s belly. The tabby was nearly drooling.
“He’s thanking Eve.” Ambrose pointed to the cat. “Alfred hates to be carried by anyone, even my wife.”
Zeph grinned. “I tricked him into it. He’s now under my spell.”
“Poor creature,” Gabriel muttered.
Lucien began to squirm in Ambrose’s arms. He adjusted his hold on his son and said, “Lucien wants to be with people, but in this crush, they’d trample him.”
“Allow me,” Gabriel said. “I believe your wife would like a dance.” He nodded toward Eve who walked toward them. “I’ll take this one up to play with his cousins in the nursery.”
Gabriel gently lifted Lucien into his arms and tucked him close. Lucien grabbed a handful of Gabriel’s dark hair and yanked it, giving a gurgling laugh when Gabriel winced.
“Poor creature.” Zeph’s silver eyes sparked with mischief.
Ambrose left them to bicker and met his wife. Eve was beautiful tonight in her dark green velvet gown with the Grey family emeralds around her neck. “You are bewitching, darling,” he whispered in her ear.
“And you are the most handsome man here.” She pressed a kiss to his cheek.
“Would you grant me a dance, love?”
“I’d like that very much.”
Ambrose guided her to the dance floor, delighted when a waltz began. He’d never been much for dancing, but everything was better with Eve.
When the tune ended, he tucked her hand in the crook of his arm and led her toward the door.
“Where are we going?” she asked, breathless. Her eyes glittered with excitement.
“Gabriel has taken Lucien up to the nursery. I thought we might take advantage of the opportunity afforded to us.”
“What opportunity?”
