He hoped that she was correct.
“Is everyone finished breaking their fast?” Wingate asked from the end of the table.
Percy glanced around and noted that most people had finished.
“Why?” Peter asked.
“Because it is time to gather the greenery and fetch the yule log.” Wingate grinned.
Whispered excitement traveled around the table.
“Gather your gloves, cloaks, coats and pelisses and meet in front of the house.” He then strode off, a joyful bounce in his step.
“This may be your opportunity,” Bernice whispered.
“For what?”
“To get her alone and tell her how much you care.”
Which he would do, unless she ran away from him again. If that occurred, he may ask Miss Bernice for assistance. After all, and from what he had heard, it had been Miss Bernice who had assisted Peter last spring in his courtship of Johanna so perhaps she would be equally beneficial to him.
Percy did not retrieve his great coat because it was not necessary. The day was mild and his suitcoat should suffice. Besides, he would rather be chilled than too hot in his wool coat. When Deborah met everyone outside, wearing her green pelisse, Percy found a way to stand near her. Not beside her because he feared an awkward moment of her making an obvious retreat to be away from him that all would notice. He also made certain to stand behind her so as not to be noticed until he learned what they were to do. After all, it did not take this many people to collect greenery and a yule log.
“My wife and I have divided the list of items and assigned each group to a task so that it can be completed efficiently,” Wingate called out.
“Cutting the ivy will be done by Talbot, Vance and the Misses Bernice and Jael.”
The four of them gathered together as Vance retrieved clippers from a table.
“Cutting the evergreen will be Chadburn, Knight, my sister Eve and Miss Judith.”
Chadburn and Knight both picked up a saw from the table.
As each person was assigned, with Damaris, Nevil, Jude and Chloe being given the task of clipping rosemary from the conservatory, Percy couldn’t help but wonder what task he would be assigned and if it included Deborah.
“The ladies who have married will go into town to purchase ribbons, strings and whatever else is needed for decorating.”
“Are we to remain here and wait?” Percy asked.
Wingate laughed. “You, Tilson and Miss Deborah are to collect mistletoe from the apple trees at the back of the orchard. A ladder should already be in place, but I recommend climbing.” He then looked at the remaining gentlemen who had not yet been assigned a task. “We will retrieve the yule log.”
It was only when they started for the orchard, with secateurs in hand, did Percy realize that only the married men collected the yule log. It was the bachelors and unmarried ladies who were sent out for the remaining, more difficult tasks.
Was this a bloody matchmaking house party?
Not that he had an objection since Deborah was here, but he did not like that Tilson was with them as well.
Further, if it was Wingate’s intention to match Deborah with Tilson, then Percy would not allow it to happen.
Ten
This had certainly been an odd turn of events. Not that Deborah minded collecting mistletoe and had done so before, but she would not be climbing a tree or even a ladder in a dress. That she would leave to Percy and Tilson.
But why were the three of them together? Why had Wingate paired off everyone who was not wed?
Did he hope to make matches?
Or was it merely a coincidence?
