Evergreen With Envy: How the Rake Stole Christmas by S. Cinders

Author:S. Cinders [Cinders, S.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Savage Ink Press
Published: 2023-12-09T16:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 10

The morning sun filtered through the grand windows of Worthington Hall, casting a warm glow over the opulent dining room where the family had gathered for breakfast. The long, polished table was adorned with an array of delectable treats, from freshly baked pastries to a steaming pot of spiced tea.

Seated at the head of the table were Nathan, the Duke of Blakeney, their son Auggie, and his wife Bea. Their affectionate glances were a testament to the enduring bond they shared. Beside them sat Vicky, her lively spirit evident in the way she chatted animatedly with Elsie as she helped her with breakfast. Elsie possessed an innocence that endeared her to all.

Annie sat on the opposite end of the table, her gaze fixed on her plate, which she hadn’t touched. Her complexion pale, she seemed lost in her thoughts. Vicky had tried to include her in the conversation, but after the third question went unanswered, Vicky had stopped calling her name.

It was obvious to everyone that Annie was a maelstrom of emotions. The events of the past few days had left her low. Vicky knew her sister was likely suffering the same malady that she herself was fighting. But she was wise enough to keep her thoughts to herself.

It wasn’t until the viscount walked into the breakfast room that Annie looked up from her plate.

“I beg your pardon,” the viscount greeted the room, “I had a last-minute errand that had to be run this morning. Please excuse my lateness. Did everyone sleep well?”

Elsie beamed up at him. Dolly and her blanket were tucked haphazardly under her arm.

“Oh, splendid show! I see Dolly has been recovered,” he added amiably as he took a seat directly across from Annie.

The sight of Lucas's unexpected return had Annie staring. “You made it back,” she murmured, as if she could hardly believe he was there. “The storm . . .”

“Was horrendous, to be sure,” he added when Annie trailed off. “But thankfully I made good time.”

Vicky, always attuned to her sister's moods, shot Lucas a teasing glance. "I must say, Viscount Perth, it seems you just couldn't stay away."

Lucas offered a non-committal smile, his eyes twinkling as he exchanged a knowing wink with Vicky. Annie's heart skipped a beat as she tried to steady herself. His presence had a way of igniting a flurry of emotions within her that were both thrilling and unnerving.

The chatter around the table was a mix of laughter and updates. Auggie had miraculously slept through the night, bringing relief to his weary parents. Elsie's lost doll had been found, much to her delight. The chaos that had engulfed the household seemed to be slowly ebbing away, replaced by a sense of normalcy and warmth.

Nathan leaned back in his chair, his eyes glancing out the window at the snow-covered landscape. "Perhaps, if we're lucky, the sun might grace us with its presence today, and we'll have a bit of warmth."

Bea smiled, her fingers gently brushing against his. "It's Christmas Eve, my love.

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