Page 57 of The Dare Before Christmas

“We didn’t doubt that, my lovely hoyden,” the duke replied with a sigh.

“This is why one must always pack for every eventuality,” Louis said gravely. “That will teach you to tease me over my luggage.”

“Oh, no it won’t,” Barnaby retorted. “No man needs that much luggage.”

“I do,” Louis insisted. “And if you’re thinking of borrowing something, I should be a deal more polite to your host if I were you. Come along with me at once. Elton will be overcome with joy to have the opportunity to get his hands on you.”

“Oh, no, Louis, really. There’s no need—”

“Hush, Barnaby. There’s really no point in fighting it,” Louis insisted, propelling him towards the door.

Torie could not help but laugh as Louis escorted Barnaby out of the room, her adorable fiancé grumbling all the way.

Chapter 16

Madame,

I was sorry to discover your absence upon my visiting you this morning, as I had hoped to address this to you in person. However, as this is the third time I have called with no response, I feel I must seize the day and put my feelings in writing in the strongest terms.

You must not send your daughter, alone and unchaperoned to my home. Whilst I appreciate the generous gifts of biscuits and cakes, it is most inappropriate for a young woman to visit a bachelor establishment such as mine unescorted. Either you or another adult must accompany her, or she must not come at all. Though it pains me to be at all rude, if this happens again in the future, I shall not, under any circumstances, open the door to her. If any were to see her visiting me at the rectory in such a ramshackle way we both know the rumour mill would shred the young lady’s reputation, and mine, into the bargain. As Vicar of this parish, I have a responsibility to set an example to my flock and I would beg your aid in this endeavour. Please speak to Miss Steadman and ensure no further visits of this nature are forthcoming.

To make my position clear, I am a young man yet, and have no intention of marrying anytime soon.

Forgive me for speaking plainly, Madame, and I pray I have caused you no offense but in my experience, it is best to lay one’s cards upon the table so there is no chance of misunderstanding.

Yr obt svt

―Excerpt of a letter to a parishioner from The Reverend Harry Martin, Parish of Holbrook, Sussex.

22nd December 1844, Heart’s Folly, East Sussex.

“Are you quite certain about the waistcoat?” Barnaby demanded, staring at his own reflection with concern.

Elton had seemed to think it was just the thing and Barnaby could hardly pretend that Louis César wasn’t the most elegant man he’d ever known. However, that was Louis César. The man looked like a young god. Barnaby was not a young god and had no desire nor expectation to be. He did not, however, wish to look a prize twit on his wedding day.

Louis gave a long-suffering sigh and rolled his eyes. “For the tenth time, oui, mon ami. The waistcoat is precisely comme il faut and, if you attempt to take it off, I shall strangle you with it. There, does that soothe your uncertainty?”

“Not really, but if you’re going to take a pet over it, I’ll keep it on.”

“I shall indeed take a pet, so leave it alone, and do stop fussing with that wretched cravat! Mon Dieu, you try my patience this morning. It is a wonder you have not reduced poor Elton to tears. The man is an artist, and there you are quibbling and arguing over his every choice.”

“I am not wearing pink, and that’s an end to it,” Barnaby said stubbornly, folding his arms.

Louis waved this away. “It was not pink, it was coral, but it is of no matter. That copper tone was an inspired choice. It brings out the colour of your eyes but is subtle and understated. Very elegant, Barnaby. I am proud of you.”

Barnaby sighed, knowing when he was beaten. “Fine. I’ll wear it.”

“I should think so, too. Now, a little something for your nerves, perhaps?” Louis said with a smile, handing Barnaby an elegantly engraved silver hip flask.

“Oh, bless me, yes, please,” Barnaby replied fervently, practically snatching the flask from Louis’ hand.

“That is my best brandy, do not guzzle it so. It is to be appreciated and… oh, never mind. I give up. A man is entitled to be nervous on his wedding day.”

Louis sighed and took Barnaby’s place before his dressing room mirror, putting the final touches to his own appearance as Barnaby sat down, nursing the hip flask.

A knock at the door startled him so much he almost dropped the flask, but caught it at the last moment as Elton reappeared.

“I believe it is time to go down, monsieur,” he told Louis.