Page 64 of The Dare Before Christmas

And he smothered her outraged laugh with a kiss to illustrate the point.

Epilogue

Dear Cat,

Oh, yes, my mama was so happy to see yours! Not only did she chatter nonstop while they were together, but she talked my ear off all the way home, too. Do you think we shall be that way when we are old, discussing our children and their friends and all the gossip? I hope so. It’s a nice thought, isn’t it? Like a circle fulfilling itself, ties of friendship and family that go through generations.

I’m sorry I couldn’t stay at Dern longer. I did want to, but the good news is that I shall be at Holbrook earlier than I expected, in January, so if you are allowed to, I should be so happy to see you there too. It’s such a dismal time of year, after Christmas and before the season begins and nothing interesting ever happens. But I know if you come and stay, we can find some fun if we put our minds to it.

I have decided this is my year. You see, I’ve been feeling very low of late. I feel so guilty about breaking things off with Ollie, even though I know it was for the best, but I have promised I shall forgive myself and move on this Christmas. My New Year’s Resolution is to find joy in all things and look for happiness. I am certain that if I keep an open mind and search for it, I can find it. And by that I DO NOT MEAN A MAN. I have no interest in finding my forever for some time, yet. I am going to enjoy my freedom and ignore everything that makes me cross and unhappy. I will not lose my temper or be impatient. I shall be a blue sea of serenity, and everyone will wonder at my poise and tranquillity.

Eighteen forty-five is going to be the best year ever and everything is going to be wonderful.

―Excerpt of a letter to The Lady Catherine ‘Cat’ Barrington (daughter of Lucian and Matilda Barrington, The Most Hon’ble Marquess and Marchioness of Montagu) from Miss Alana Cadogan (daughter of Mr Jerome and Mrs Bonnie Cadogan).

25th December 1844, Heart’s Folly, East Sussex.

“Have a mince pie,” Axton said, waving a plate beneath Louis’ nose.

“Mon Dieu, have mercy. I cannot face another morsel. I shall not eat again until March,” Louis complained with a groan.

Evie snorted and snatched a mince pie for herself. “Ignore him, Alfie. He’s French. You know how they like to go on about how heavy English food is, yet I saw him take two helpings of the plum pudding. Don’t you deny it,” she said, wagging a warning finger at her husband before biting into the pie.

“Well, now I pay the price,” he retorted. “I shall have to send for Elton to make me a restorative.”

“As his restoratives are usually ninety percent brandy, I shall save you both the trouble and pour you a glass myself.”

“Ah, mon amour, you are very good to me,” Louis said with a sigh.

Evie fetched him the brandy, handed it over and then gave a squeal as Louis pulled her into his lap.

“Oh, you must stop doing that! What will everyone think?”

“That it is an excellent idea, considering the company,” Louis retorted.

Torie suspected he was not wrong, for it was late in the evening and everyone had gone to bed. Now only the duke and Aunt Hester—as the lady insisted Torie address her—Louis and Evie, and she and Barnaby remained. Barnaby was half asleep, his head tipped back, his arm holding Torie tight as she snuggled close. It was very informal, more than they would have dared in anyone else’s company. Louis and Evie were so obviously besotted with one another, however, it seemed impossible for them to stick to the rules among friends. Since they’d both achieved rather scandalous reputations, they’d dispensed with much of the formality that most people saw as proper, even within the security of their own homes. It was wonderfully relaxing to be in their company. It had been a marvellous day, with lots of laughter and silly games, present opening and far too much food. Then Emmeline had played the piano for them, which had been exquisite, but so very soothing that, as everyone had been so well fed and watered, they began dozing off. Happily, she hadn’t taken the least bit of offense.

Now, the duke eyed Louis and his contented expression as he cuddled his wife close.

“I agree with you, by Jove,” he said to Louis, setting down the plate of mince pies before sitting in the chair opposite Louis and Evie by the fire and giving his lap an inviting pat. “Come along, Hester.”

Aunt Hester glared at him. “Don’t be ridiculous, Axton. What on earth are you thinking?”

“I’m thinking it’s about time we announced our engagement. Barnaby and his lovely bride know, so why not everyone else?”

“Because such tarradiddle is for the young and we did not want to overshadow their celebration with our own news. There’s really no need for a fuss,” Hester scolded him, blushing as Evie and Louis made exclamations of delight.

“Hester!” Louis exclaimed. “You little minx. You have been holding out on me. Do you mean to tell me you have caught yourself a duke, and you never let on?”

Her mouth fell open as she stared at Louis in consternation. “I certainly did not ‘catch myself a duke,’ as you so vulgarly put it, you devil!”

The duke gave a knowing chuckle. “Now, now, Hester, don’t be modest. You know very well you set your cap at me, and I fell hook, line and sinker. Didn’t stand a chance.”

“Set my cap—” Hester repeated, outrage vibrating through her elegant frame. “Alfred Grenville, you take that back. You pursued me, you dreadful, dreadful man, and why on earth I gave in, I really cannot remember. I must have been out of my wits!”

“Perhaps,” the duke allowed, gazing at her fondly. “And I shall thank my lucky stars every day for however many remain to me. Of that, you may be certain. Now, come along, my dove. Make a wicked old duke happy.”

He gave his lap another encouraging pat and Hester blushed scarlet.