“Yes, of course,” Petra laughed. “But I would rather not test that theory.”
Cassian did not enter the dining room until nearly everyone was finished eating. From there, the day was spent quietly, the women working on stitching or in conversations. Some included plans for the wedding, Haloa and the lunar eclipse. The men retreated to the billiards room. If not for the greenery, burning yule log, and that they had attended services the night before, one would not even know that it was Christmas.
Except, Christmas at her own home was always spent quietly. Samantha assumed that it would be livelier with such a large gathering. Between the three older Drakos siblings, there were not only their spouses here, but fifteen children, four wives, Cassian, three grandchildren, along with Samantha’s parents and brother, as well as Antonia’s parents and brother. She had attended house parties with fewer guests.
While it was a pleasant day, it was disconcerting that Cassian had not even spoken to her when he’d had an opportunity to do so.
He was also rather withdrawn and not as boisterous at the morning meal as others. Quiet and almost brooding.
She had wanted to go to him and ask if all was well, but he was surrounded by his friends, the men he had been raised with, so she too, kept her distance from him.
When dinner was finally announced Samantha was beyond hungry and her mouth watered when she entered the dining room to see the feast of roast goose and venison, potatoes and carrots, breads, mince pies, and fruits served with wassail and mulled wine.
She found a seat at the table and was once again between Petra and Maia and the other women while the men filled a different section of the table. Unfortunately, Cassian sat on the same side of the table as herself so Samantha was unable to observe him, much to her disappointment. However, she had noticed that when he entered, he was not as jovial as the others.
Was something bothering him? Had something happened to cause him concern?
Except, when she looked around at the other guests, everyone was joyful and teased one another.
By the time that the meal was concluded she was fairly bursting from having eaten too much, especially the plum pudding, but her spirits were not as high as the others.
She missed having spoken with Cassian today and hadn’t realized how much she counted on and enjoyed spending time with him. Clearly, he did not feel the same about her or he would have approached.
“Shall we all adjourn to the music room for carols?” Lady St. Alban asked of those seated at the table. “Samantha has agreed to play while we sing.”
It was something that she had been looking forward to, but some of that enthusiasm had dissipated. However, she buried her disquiet and forced a smile as she followed the others to the music room and then took her place behind the piano.
As they gathered, Samantha let her chin drop to her chest, closed her eyes and steadied her breathing. She needed to be mindful so that her disquiet did not bleed through her music and affect those in the room. They were all so happy, well, except for Cassian, but as she could not hear his music, she really had no idea what he was feeling, but she would not let her mood affect those who wanted to celebrate the birth of Christ in song.
Once she believed she had control, she took a deep breath, smiled and looked up. “Is everyone ready?”
“Yes,” they cried.
“The first song will be Here We Come a-Wassailing.”
And so the night continued with the singing of We Wish You a Merry Christmas, The Twelve Days of Christmas, While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks at Night, Deck the Halls, Adeste Fideles, Joy to the World and finally The First Noel.
Her mood was also much improved once they’d finished singing and everyone returned to the drawing room where it had been discussed that they would enjoy wine or brandy and play games. Except, the room had been transformed. Most of the furniture had been pushed back and dining room chairs brought in and placed in a circle.
“I shall stand in the center, the rest of you, except my brother, sister and spouses of course, will play Move-all,” Lady St. Alban announced.
“What shall forfeits be?” Orion asked.
“Whatever is appropriate for the circumstances,” she answered.
It was rather vague but Samantha assumed that there would be little kissing and mainly because the majority of those taking part were siblings or cousins, unlike when this game was played at house parties arranged to encourage matchmaking.
Samantha enjoyed this game and always had. But she had also never played it with someone for whom she held an attraction…an infatuation and both worried and hoped that one of them would have to pay a forfeit to the other.
They each took a place outside of the circle of chairs that were evenly spaced so that the participants could slip between them to the center.
“Move all,” Lady St. Alban called. There was a rush of every player to find a seat. The first to claim a forfeit was Nina when her husband sat on her lap. He paid with a kiss.
Samantha’s face heated. If she found herself in similar circumstances, would she be so bold, or Cassian?
The next to fall was Larisa who landed on her older brother, Ajax’s lap. Her forfeit was a compliment. “You are the very best brother, and my favorite.”
He raised a skeptical eyebrow and looked at Samantha. “Is she telling the truth?”
