“I know you’re quick to anger,” he drawled.
“I am not! I’m a very patient elf the majority of the time, unless someone makes me mad, someone who thinks they know everything,” she insisted pointedly.
He ignored her outburst and continued.
“I know you’re lonely. Despite how hard you try to portray yourself as independent, you miss your parents and perhaps your husband.”
“Bernard!” she gasped in outrage. “I don’t miss that lying, cheating weasel at all! In fact, I’m glad he’s gone and out of my life for good,” she snapped rising to her feet so fast she nearly spilled her drink. Bending over she placed the mug on the tray so hard she thought she heard a crack.
“Merry,” he said gently. “It’s okay to be sad. I know he broke your heart.”
“He didn’t break my heart,” she hissed, her violet eyes flashing. “He humiliated me! I only married him in the first place so my parents could leave The North Pole without worrying about me. I never loved him, but I was faithful and I expected the same loyalty from him. Now I realize that most males are slugs, looking only to further their social standing or flip a female’s skirts up for a little amusement. Well, I hope for Ginger’s sake that he still finds her amusing once she’s round as a butterball. I don’t like her, but even she deserves better than him. And their child deserves to be brought up in a home where there is love.”
“Perhaps they are truly in love,” Bartlett suggested as he rose to stand before her.
Merry hid her shaking hands in her full skirt.
“He doesn’t know what love is,” she insisted with a bitter laugh.
“And you do?”
She froze, unwilling to meet his eyes until he gently tipped her chin up with one finger. For a few moments she stared at him. Why did he think he could intrude, pry into her private affairs and feelings? What was he after? Finally she answered him, honestly.
“No, I don’t. I thought I did, but clearly I was mistaken. I doubt I’ll put much effort into finding out either. It doesn’t seem worth it.”
“Ah, that’s where you’re wrong, little elf and I might add that you have a pretty harsh opinion of the male species in general. Love is the most worthwhile thing in the world. One day you will see that,” he chided softly.
Merry stepped back and he dropped his hand.
“I’m ready to go home now,” she said stiffly.
“I’ll call for a sleigh,” he stated walking to the phone.
“That’s not necessary,” she answered, already slipping on her coat and moving toward the steps that led to the foyer.
“Merry!” he barked, stopping her in her tracks.
She turned to face him a bit warily.
“I said you’ll go home in a sleigh and I meant it.”
She waited while he spoke into the receiver, pulling the fur closer around her. Once he hung up he walked to the foyer closet and pulled on his own coat.
“Where are you going?”
“I’m seeing you home,” he replied, pulling on thick gloves.
“Mr. Bright,” she began, speaking slowly as though he were half witted. “I’ve already told you that is not necessary. I’ve walked these lanes all of my life.”
“You are my guest,” he stated clearly and slowly, giving back as good as he’d gotten. “I will see you home. It’s the proper thing to do.”
Merry once again rolled her eyes.
“Do that one more time, fairy girl, and I’ll teach you a thing or two about respecting your elders,” he warned.
She laughed then.
“I’m nearly two hundred years old,” she informed him with her eyes sparkling. “I’m pretty sure I’m the eldest here.”
