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Martin exchanged a look with his older brother. “Ours, too, are spending Christmas with our parents in London.”
Ailie began to squirm in her seat as everyone turned their eyes on her and the twin Powell brothers. She read, “What about you?” on their faces and tried to find an interest in her fish. Married people, she had learned, expected those still unwed to join their shackled state like a disease they hoped everyone caught.
The arrival of the next course, roast venison, filled the room with smells of juniper berries, bay leaves and thyme simmering in a red wine sauce. Accompanying the venison were side dishes of potatoes, peas and sautéed kale.
Ailie’s stomach rumbled.
Their English guests were effusive in their praise of the venison, potatoes and peas, but to a person declined the kale.
On Will’s right, Muriel spoke in a hushed tone to Ailie’s brother. “We had the opportunity to sample the kale on the ship. I daresay Captain Anderson was disappointed with our reaction.”
From the other end of the table, Emily chuckled. “I concede it takes time to get used to that vegetable, but the Scots love it. They even call their kitchen gardens ‘kaleyards’.”
Muriel accepted a helping of peas from the footman. Ailie thought she heard a muffled “Humph.”
Looking amused, Will took a sip of his claret. “While we eat, I should like to know what activities you favor on the morrow.”
Nick was the first to speak. “What have you in mind?”
“I thought to hunt the pink-footed geese,” replied Will. “We should have a good supply for your visit, especially for Christmas dinner. I can equip all those who want to join me. But those who would hunt the geese need to be prepared to leave no later than eight.” With a look around the table, he added, “That’s before the sun is up.”
Nick held up a hand. “Count me in.”
Martin exchanged a word with Kit and she nodded. “Me as well,” he said. “I’ve never hunted your pink-footed geese. Might like the novelty, as long as I’m back in time to spend the afternoon with Kit. We’ve had too little time together of late.”
“We’ll return by the afternoon,” said Will.
“Thousands of the geese winter here from Iceland,” explained Ailie. “They’re smaller than your average goose, so you’ll find them a more challenging target.”
“Ailie is right,” agreed Will. “And because they are smaller, we’ll need twice as many for Christmas dinner than we would for ordinary geese. But I assure you, they are quite tasty.” He turned to Ailie. “Mind if I borrow Goodness and Mercy?”
“Not at all. You have trained them to hunt geese and they love it.”
Nick’s brows rose. “Goodness and Mercy?”
“My sister’s setters,” said Will, glancing at Ailie. “She’ll be happy to tell you how she named them. For those of you not joining the hunt, we have other pursuits. There’s a Yule log to find in the forest. That can wait till the afternoon. We have a sledge, or as Tara would call it, a sleigh, and horses for any who prefer to ride.”
“The orangery is open, too,” offered Emily. “’Tis always warm there.”
“My brother keeps a fine library should you want to read,” offered Ailie. “We have the Waverley novels.”
Leaning forward and looking across Ailie to Nash, Robbie shot his brother a knowing look, making Ailie wonder if Nash had read the novels. “Are you a reader?”
Nash’s hazel eyes twinkled. “Voracious. Robbie teases me unmercifully about my penchant for books, particularly those related to horticulture.”
Robbie cast her a winning smile. “I do.”
Ailie glanced from one brother to the other. One twin smiling at her was charming; two was a bit overwhelming.
“Might we do more than one thing?” asked Tara. “I’d like to see the orangery in the morning but then go with the others for the Yule log in the afternoon.”
“Of course,” said Will. “Just remember our winter days are short. Daylight ends mid-afternoon.”
On Ailie’s right, Robbie spoke up. “A walk in the woods appeals.” Then with another brilliant smile, “Felling a Yule log seems more civilized after the noon meal.”
“I intend to stay around the shipyard,” said Nash, “at least for the morning. Perhaps you could give me a tour, Ailie? I’d like to see the shops if that is permissible.”
Ailie nodded, thinking she might enjoy showing the Englishman the shipyard. “That can be arranged.”
