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Altheliawould bet her new primrose pink gloves on it.

Andthat, of course, made her all the more curious to know what that secret was.

Notthat she would pry. No need to when Grandmama and Eva were such nosey busybodies; bless their most convenient intrusiveness.

Pullinga comical face, Leonidas shook his head. “AsOwen said, we became friends at university. That’s all you need to know, cousin dearest.”

Heexchanged another telling glance with Mr. Lockington, who visibly relaxed at the skillful deflection.

“I know.” Ankles crossed and one arm slung over the back of the settee he lounged in, Fletcher, one of Althelia’s half-brothers, sent Leonidas a wicked grin. He was her only brother that called her Kitten rather than Ally-Cat, and she adored him for it.

Sheenvied her seven brothers’ interactions—the camaraderie they enjoyed and took for granted.

Thoughshe and Eva were as close as sisters now, they’d not grown up together. Being the youngest of eight children and the only female made Althelia somewhat of an outsider. Not that her family didn’t adore her.

Theydid, of course.

Everyone of her brothers would protect her with his life.

UntilEva had come to stay, Althelia had been terribly lonely. ButEva had been here a year, and her parents and siblings missed her and wanted her to sail home in the spring.

“You certainly do not, Fletch.” Leonidas leveled Fletcher a murderous glower, his dark blue gaze clashing with Fletcher’s bottle-green eyes.

Nonchalantlyexamining a fingernail, Fletcher shrugged. “Leo let it slip one night when he was in his cups.”

“Indeed.” Eva leaned forward, eagerness twinkling in her eyes. “Do tell, Cousin.”

Bythis time, Grandmama had discerned something juicy was afoot. She thumped her ivory-handled cane, the many bracelets on her wrists tinkling like wind chimes. “Yes. Do. And speak up. My hearing isn’t what it once was.”

Aflush crept up Mr. Lockington’s square jaw and chiseled cheeks, and his eyes grew shuttered as he retreated within himself.

Unexpectedcompassion engulfed Althelia.

Hepresented quite the juxtaposition. Enormous and powerful, yet seemingly tongue-tied over a simple question or reluctant to divulge the truth.

Altheliasuspected he wasn’t just protecting himself, either.

“Mama,” she blurted, abruptly changing the subject. “When did you say Lucius and Clodovea and Adolphus and his family are arriving? They missed Stir-UpSunday already.”

OnStir-up Sunday, the last Sunday before Christmas, the family made Christmas pudding. Everyone took a turn stirring the pudding and making a wish.

Althelia’stwo married brothers planned on spending the holiday at Hefferwickshire. The remaining brothers, Darius, his twin Cassius, and her other adopted brother, Layton, said they would try to be here by ChristmasDay but could not promise this year.

LastChristmastide was the first in years that all the Westbrook siblings were home for the holiday—thanks to Grandmama’s meddling. She’d pretended to be ill—life and death, she wrote everyone. And her ploy had worked. The house had overflowed with Westbrooks.

Atsix and eighty, she remained feisty and sassy, but ill-health had plagued her this past year. Something to do with her heart, but she refused to discuss the ailment. She’d mourned the passing of her dear friend, LadyPortiaBorthwick-Pickleton, last summer, which had taken a noticeable toll on the dear.

“Lucius arrives tomorrow and Adolphus the next day. I’m still hopeful Layton and the twins might spend Christmas with us too. Last year, Layton was so adamant that we all gather every year.” Smiling knowingly, Mama set her hand-painted holly berry teacup on the table. “I adore it when my family is all together. Especially for TwelfthNight. There is nothing quite like Christmas in Cumbria, is there?”

“I quite agree, YourGrace. Originally from Scotland, my mother’s family settled in Cumberland decades ago. One of the things they appreciated most about England was the ability to celebrate Christmas. It’s still prohibited in Scotland, though many Scots secretly partake.” Mr. Lockington slid Althelia an indefinable glance, those brooding eyes probing, and her stomach whirled as if she’d been turning in circles.

Didhe suspect she’d come to his rescue?

Hedidn’t seem altogether pleased at her kindly interference.

“ThenI hope you feel at home here for the holiday.” Mama rose, and Papa followed suit.

“Excuse me. I have correspondence to finish before dressing for supper.” She swept her regal gaze over Althelia’s casual attire. “I needn’t remind you that trousers are unacceptable for dining, my dear.”