CHAPTER 13
DECORATING ON CHRISTMAS EVE
Afew minutes later
Satisfied her husband couldn’t hurt himself too badly with his assignment, Ivy made her way to the kitchen and stopped short on the threshold.
Lengths of red fabric had been cut and were in the process of being formed into massive bows by some of the maids while others were tying them onto wreaths and sprays with yarn. When the largest was complete, Perkins climbed a ladder and saw to mounting it above the fireplace in the great hall. Another was already nailed to the front door.
At noon, Barbara, the scullery maid, appeared with trays of small pasties and scones, and she was followed by Clara, who carried a large tea service. Behind them, Graves wheeled over a cart with plates and cups. Anne appeared carrying a platter on which a colorful collection of fruits was arranged. On closer inspection, Ivy realized they weren’t fruits, but rather decorations made of marchpane.
Before long, the men from the workroom joined the women and quieted as they ate and drank. A half-hour later,they were back at it, making decorations and long garlands for the bannisters.
Ivy inhaled deeply upon entering the parlor, the scent of pine wafting about from above the fireplace. “Oh, Salisbury, I do think it’s perfect,” she said, admiring the spray the housemaid had placed on the fireplace mantel. The maid was tying a red ribbon bow in the middle and arranging the evergreens so they weren’t in danger of catching fire.
Anne dipped a curtsy and beamed in delight. “This is my favorite time of year, and not only because Mr. Walker has asked me for my hand,” she replied.
Sighing softly, Ivy said, “I’m so happy for you. Have you told the others?”
“Not yet. I thought Mr. Walker might say something at breakfast this morning, but he didn’t have a chance, what with all the chatter about what we were going to be doing today,” Anne said. “I’ve never worked in a household that did this much decorating for the holiday.”
Ivy grinned. “It’s my favorite time of the year as well, more so when my children were younger.” She moved to one of the windows and peered out through the frosted glass pane. A world of white lay beyond, the snow pristine and glistening as if silver glitter had been scattered over it. “Would it be all right if his lordship announced your betrothal, do you suppose?”
Anne inhaled softly. “I suppose, although I think it’s really Mr. Walker’s decision.”
“Well, then let’s go find him and ask.”
On the way down the stairs, they stepped around Perkins, who was wrapping garlands around the bannister. In the kitchens, the cook was preparing that night’s meal featuring the ham she had brought from London.
“I did not expect his lordship to help with all this,” Salisbury said, waving to the string of evergreens. “He seemedso eager to assist, and I do believe he’s better at the wiring than Perkins.” She directed a teasing grin at the footman, and rather than deny it, he merely shrugged.
Ivy tittered. “Ritchfield is full of surprises,” she murmured, arching a brow when she felt a frisson skitter through her abdomen. The way he had gazed at her during breakfast, she was sure he was imagining doing something entirely different on this day. Something involving a bed and very little in the way of clothing.
“I admit I was rather frightened of him at first, my lady,” Salisbury said, turning to face Ivy. “I had never met his lordship before last night. It’s why I left your bedchamber before you… before you had a chance to dismiss me,” she said sheepishly.
“He noticed. Said he thought you were a bit skittish,” she remarked as they made their way to the workroom. “Which reminds me. I’ve been invited to join his lordship in York after the holiday. Since we’ve decided it’s past time I pension my lady’s maid in London, I wondered if you might like the position? Permanently?”
The housemaid’s eyes rounded. “Me?” she asked in surprise. “Why, yes. Yes, I would like it very much, my lady,” she added. “Especially since I’ve agreed to marry Mr. Walker.”
Ivy sobered. “You would be leaving this household, at least until the next time I come back. Probably…” She thought for a moment. “In the summer, perhaps.”
“I don’t mind,” Anne insisted.
“You have no family here who would miss you?” the countess asked. “In Castleford or Wakefield?”
“I don’t have any family, my lady,” the maid replied, shaking her head to emphasize her words. “Well, except for Mr. Walker once we’re wed. And I do so enjoy styling your hair.”
Ivy grinned. “Good, because Ritchfield rather likes what you’ve done with it, and I do believe it’s the first time in thirty years he’s even noticed my coiffure.” She angled her head. “There are other duties regarding my clothes and such, but we can talk more about that later.”
Anne blushed. “Thank you, my lady. For the opportunity,” she said, dipping a curtsy.
They found both Walker and the earl in the workroom, each wiring a series of pine boughs into long sections. “Ah,” Ivy said, turning to shut the door. “We’ve found you.”
Robert looked up from his project and immediately stood, followed by Tom, who bowed.
“Should I be worried?” Robert asked. He had removed his top coat, and his sleeves were rolled up to his elbows. His hands, encased in leather gloves, held a pair of shears to cut thin wire into sections about a foot long.
“Nothing of the sort. We only wished to ask Mr. Walker if it would be all right with him if you announced his betrothal to Miss Salisbury?”
