Which he wasn’t.
The preposterous notion almost caused him to laugh. He scrubbed one hand across his jaw and muttered a curse.
“So this is where you’re hiding.” Felicity’s voice made him turn. She stood in the doorway with Kaitlin directly behind her. “Just so you know, Cumberland won the game.”
Jack nodded. He’d suggested billiards after Sophia and Edward’s departure, but with his mind elsewhere, he’d played worse than ever before and had quietly snuck from the room in search of solace. “Have he and the rest of the guests retired then?”
“Most of them.” Felicity and Kaitlin stepped into the room and shut the door. “When we left, Cumberland and Lambert were smoking cheroots on the terrace.” Felicity wrinkled her nose and made her approach. “You’ve been a bit odd all evening, so we thought it best to check on you.”
“I’m fine.”
“Were you not pleased to see Sophia and Edward again?” Kaitlin asked.
Jack curled his fingers, digging his nails into his palms. “You could have told me they were coming.”
“We wanted it to be a surprise,” Felicity said.
The humorless laughter that threatened earlier rose from his throat with gruffness. “It certainly was that.”
“I must confess, their intention to wed got the best of us too,” Kaitlin said. “But I for one am happy for them.”
Jack stared at his sister. He told himself not to comment. And yet, the words slipped out all the same. “They’re completely ill-suited.”
“I wouldn’t say that,” Felicity countered. “They’ve grown up together which means they already have a strong bond. This alone should make their marriage an easy one.”
He snorted and turned away in an effort to hide his sudden anger. “I ought to get myself to bed.” What he meant was he needed to flee, rid himself of his sisters who clearly wished to discuss a subject he hoped to avoid.
“Honestly, Jack. I don’t know why you’re in such a mood,” Felicity commented. “It’s as if you begrudge them their happiness, which doesn’t really seem fair. I mean, they’re your friends. You ought to be thrilled on their behalf. Especially for Sophia whose prospects have never been much to speak of.”
“I’m not suggesting she could do better, but for her to marry Edward of all people is just so…so…”
“What?” Kaitlin asked as if what he said next would change the world.
He swung back toward them and stared at their expectant faces. Eventually, he shook his head. “Nothing. I’m sure I just need to get used to the idea of them as husband and wife.”
“Is that all?” Felicity asked.
“Of course.” He started for the door. “What else could it possibly be? If you’ll excuse me, I’m going to try and get some sleep. Good night.”
“You know,” Kaitlin said, her gentle voice catching him right before he managed to leave the room. “They’re not married yet.”
He glanced over his shoulder. “What the hell is that supposed to mean?”
Kaitlin shrugged. “Nothing. Forget I said anything.”
Jack scowled and quit their presence with a clipped stride. His sister’s words had not beennothing,and the chance of him forgetting them was as likely as him ignoring his sudden and most inconvenient attraction toward Sophia Fenmore.
3
The Christmas seasonwas always busy at the vicarage, and with December approaching fast, there was much to be done. Pine needed to be gathered for the church decorations, biscuits had to be baked, bags of chestnuts filled, and jams readied for the baskets going to poor families in the area. Each would also receive a smoked hen this year, thanks to Sophia’s charity efforts.
She selected one of the hens from the crate in which it had been delivered, wrapped it in brown paper, and tied a red ribbon around it. After finishing off with a neat bow she placed the hen in a basket. A tin filled with ginger biscuits and shortbread was placed on top along with a jar filled with cherry preserves. The bag of chestnuts, bearing a label that read,to the Richmond Family with best wishes for a happy holiday season, was added last, even though Sophia wasn’t sure they’d be able to read it.
“Here’s the final tray of biscuits for you,” Mrs. Fenmore said as she bustled into the pantry where Sophia worked. She set the tray on an empty shelf. “All I have to do now is roast the last chestnuts. How are you coming along in here, my dear?”
“Pretty well. I’m thinking I ought to start distributing the baskets that are ready. The remaining hens can be stored in the shed until later.”
“I agree. With the temperatures below freezing, they’ll keep best out there.” Mrs. Fenmore smiled. “Once we’ve gotten this done, we can start planning for your big day. I’m thinking a visit to Audrey’s Couture on High Street might be in order. The seamstresses there did an excellent job on Amy Larkin’s wedding gown in the spring.”
