“Miss Melbourne?” He leaned closer to look into her eyes. “Are you well?”
“Y-yes.” She jerked her gaze away and smoothed her hands along her skirts. What on earth was wrong with her? Her reaction was ridiculous. They were here to make gifts for the children. The afternoon was certainly not about her or her feelings. “Quite well.”
Except for the part where her body tingled from head to toe. This felt different from her usual shyness. The urge to fan her face was nearly overwhelming.
“I believe we are making crackers first.” She gestured toward the supplies on the table. “We’ll each learn one step of the process then pass it on to the next person to complete theirs.” She smiled at him. “We will be experts on our portion in short order.”
“As long as I am allowed to sit beside you, I will be pleased to do whatever step is assigned to me.” Thomas looked at her again, those blue eyes seeming to truly see her in a way that no one else did.
“I-I would like that as well.” Her heart raced at his words. Perhaps there was hope that something was building between them. Dare she believe it?
She was saved from trying to say anything further by Phoebe, who asked everyone to take a seat and explained their first task. Three short paper tubes would be wrapped in festive paper to form a long row, separated by ribbons. When the cracker was pulled open, the tubes would make a snapping sound, and inside one of the tubes was a piece of candy, a prize, and a joke.
Much to Frances’ relief, her mother sat near Bolton’s mother at the opposite end of the table. Thomas pulled out a chair for Frances and then sat beside her. Harriet was on the opposite side of the table with Viscount Garland. Eliza and Rebecca, two other members of the league, were nearby as well.
Everyone was in high spirits as they settled into the tasks Phoebe assigned them.
First, Harriet and Garland formed two-inch tubes using thick paper and secured them with glue. The tubes were passed to Frances and Thomas who glued a long piece of wrapping paper around them and placed the cracker snap inside. They tied a ribbon around both ends of the wrapped tube and slipped another tube inside the wrapping paper over the cracker snap.
Next, Eliza and Rebecca placed the treats inside the second tube and tied it shut, while Phoebe’s sisters-in-law added a third tube on the opposite end, which was left empty, and secured the wrapping paper with another ribbon.
It took several tries and some teamwork before they mastered the task. Much to Frances’ delight, she and Thomas had to touch numerous times as they worked. He treated her with a friendly demeanor, and the stories he shared from his time in America distracted her from feeling self-conscious.
Soon, a large pile of completed crackers sat at the end of the table where a footman stacked them into a crate.
“Excellent work, everyone,” Phoebe said as they reached the end of their supplies. “Next, we’ll be making miniature pin-prick cards.”
Tibby and Phoebe had drawn two different Christmas tree designs for everyone to use. Each person was provided a large piece of cork, a pin, and card stock.
Frances was rather sad to not have to work in conjunction with Thomas, but sitting at his side as they pricked the design onto the cards was still a pleasure.
Winifred and Millicent decorated each card by wrapping a red or green ribbon around it and tying it with a bow. Captain Shaw and Viscount Garland, who also made cards, kept everyone entertained with stories.
Soon, a pile of cards had been created.
“Let us stop for refreshments before we complete our last project,” Phoebe suggested.
“Thank goodness,” Bolton exclaimed as he rose. “My fingers have more pricks than the cards.”
The table was cleared, and tea, biscuits, and small sandwiches were brought in.
Frances’ mood dimmed as she watched Thomas move to the end of the table where the men had gathered to visit. How selfish of her to want to keep him all to herself.
“How are you doing?” Harriet asked. The question was innocent enough, but the lift of Harriet’s brow suggested it had nothing to do with the crackers or the cards they’d just made.
“Very well.” Frances leaned close. “I’m so pleased Viscount Garland thought to invite Thomas to join us.”
“As am I.” Harriet grinned. “I’m sure any time spent with him is a pleasure.”
“Quite.”
They visited with the other ladies as they enjoyed the refreshments until Bolton caught everyone’s attention a short while later.
“I have been advised that we will be collecting greenery to help decorate the ballroom in two days’ time.” He looked at Frances as if to confirm that, and she nodded. “The ladies, and any gentlemen brave enough to join them, will be making wreaths, garland, and balls of holly the following day. Soon after, we will meet at The Pavilion to assist in hanging the greenery. All help is greatly welcomed and appreciated.”
Frances nodded her approval again, pleased the earl had been willing to share those details. The thought of doing so herself was more than she could manage. She couldn’t help but look at Thomas to see his reaction to the news, but his back was to her. Would he be able to join them for any of the upcoming activities?
Gathering greenery was something her family had always enjoyed doing when they spent the holiday at their country estate. Finding a place to do it in London was a more difficult task.
