A Most Delightful Christmas by Fenella J Miller

Author:Fenella J Miller [Miller, Fenella J]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2018-09-16T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter Ten

Richard was unable to detach himself from the gentlemen speedily enough to prevent his quarry from vanishing. He was determined to make her come to the attics in search of suitable gifts for the winners. The more time he spent in her company completely unchaperoned the more likely it was that she would feel herself obliged to accept his offer.

He met his cousin in the passageway. 'I thought you would be with your team searching for clues, Abingdon.'

'I have been so doing, but have come for sustenance. We are to take it in turns to eat so we will not fall behind. Do you know which team is in the ascendant at the moment?'

'I have no notion, but I intend to find out. I'm not sure that all the teams have started the hunt as yet. I left out seven sealed letters with the first clue – I'm going to the library to see how many are still there and which teams they are.'

'I cannot remember having had such a jolly time, Finchley. It is beginning to feel more like the festive period and less like a wake.'

As he had suspected there were still two teams that had not yet begun the search. In order to progress with the hunt each clue had to be solved. Once this was done the team would discover the next sealed letter with their number upon it.

He was obliged to step aside as a fresh group of players rushed past to solve a puzzle. He checked the numbers against the lists of names and decided to send servants up to remind the participants they must get started if they wished to have a chance of winning.

The racket coming from the far end of the corridor must mean that some of the people had already solved the first three clues as the fourth sent them to the orangery. The problem of the prizes had still to be resolved so he set out in search of Freddie determined to persuade her to come up to the attics. He was certain there were trunks of things that had come from India; his grandfather had visited that far-off country after Grandmama had died.

As far as Richard knew, no one had ever opened the boxes, so he had no idea what was inside. If there were bolts of Indian cloth they would make ideal gifts for the young ladies. He followed the noise and to his delight he discovered the very person he was searching for joining in the fun.

'Miss Halston, I have been looking for you. Would you be kind enough to spare me a few moments of your time?'

Reluctantly she left the noisy crowd and followed him back to the library. 'I have no wish to go to the attics…'

'Not even to have first pick from several trunks of Indian items? There could be untold treasures and I'm inviting you to come with me and we shall be the first to see them. Whatever you select shall be your name day gift from the family.

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