Always Come Home by Maureen Driscoll

Author:Maureen Driscoll
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Published: 2014-03-06T05:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

It was still dark when Ava’s door opened and Letty ran in. “Miss Conway! It’s Christmas!”

Ava opened bleary eyes to look at the girl who was jumping up and down near the bed. She was obviously quite excited, though given the temperature in the room, perhaps it was also her way of keeping warm.

“Rose told me to stay up here while Colin lights the fires.” She leaned forward to whisper. “He also said a bad word when he stubbed his toe after I woke him up, but he thinks I didn’t hear. And Stemple and Maude are getting things ready in the kitchen!”

“So I am the last one to arise. Aren’t I the lazy bones?” said Ava, as she reached for her dressing gown and shawl. “Are you warm enough, sweetheart?” Then she took a good look at the girl. “Your feet are bare! We must take care of that immediately.”

Ava took Letty back to her room and found woolen socks for her, while the girl chatted merrily about Christmas. Ava hoped she wouldn’t be too disappointed by the lack of presents.

When they reached the sitting room, Ava caught her breath in surprise. There were candles everywhere and a fire burning. Maude and Stemple had brought in a pot of chocolate, as well as coffee and scones. Everyone was in their dressing gowns, and there were presents on the table. But Letty didn’t seem to notice them. She simply went around the room, hugging everyone – including a surprised Stemple and Maude.

“Will that be everything, my lord?” Stemple asked Colin.

“No. I would like the two of you to join us.”

“Us, milord?” asked Maude.

“Yes. For one thing, I have gifts for both of you.”

To Ava’s astonishment, he pulled out a small package for each.

“But milord, you don’t have any…” Maude stopped herself. “I mean, you shouldn’t waste your money on us.”

“Actually,” said Colin sheepishly, “I did not purchase either of your gifts, but I hope you like them.”

Maude opened her package to find a flagon similar to the one they’d shared on the road. Except this one was made of fine leather with a sterling silver cap. “My lord, you cannot give this to me.”

“Of course I can. I bought it during my university days. If you ever find yourself stranded on the road with weary travelers again – and I do so hope you won’t – you will have another flagon for your use.”

Stemple opened his package to find a silver pen. “My lord, I cannot accept this. It must be a family heirloom.” The earl’s crest was on the cap.

“And as the earl, I can do with it as I wish. I have long thought that avid readers are but writers waiting for the opportunity. You have your pen. You will find empty journals in the library. Explore your inner author. Please take it, Victor. I insist.”

Stemple was deeply touched by the earl’s gift, and Ava felt tears in her eyes. Colin was truly a thoughtful man.

Rose cleared her throat as if she, too, had been on the verge of crying.

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