It's Never Enough by Cynthia Moore

Author:Cynthia Moore
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Ellora's Cave Publishing
Published: 2014-08-26T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter Four

Robert couldn’t stop himself from frowning as Justin entered the room with Selina on his arm. He stood very close to her, bending over to hear something she said. He chuckled and Robert saw him deftly squeeze her hand before leading her across the floor to join their group.

“Ah, perfect timing.” His father indicated a tray that had two filled champagne glasses on it. “Help yourselves to the champagne.”

“Here you are, my dear.” Justin handed Selina a glass and then whispered something in her ear.

Robert saw Selina nod her head in acknowledgement of whatever sweet nothings Justin had certainly spoken to her. Then she turned away to face the others.

He took the opportunity to move closer to her. “I see that everything is as it should be. You two made quite a grand entrance.”

“Happy holidays, my lord.” Selina answered him with a cool, emotionless tone.

“I want to wish all of you a wonderful holiday season and hope you will enjoy your time here with us,” his father’s voice boomed out. “My wife and I also want our son Robert to know how proud we are of him and his service to our country. And how very grateful we are that he is home to spend Christmas with us.”

He was surrounded by happy, smiling faces and then a resounding chorus of hurrahs. Feeling somewhat overwhelmed, he raised his glass. “Thank you, Father and Mother. Thank you all. I am very happy to be back in one piece. Happy Christmas!”

His mother placed her glass on a nearby table and clapped her hands for attention. “Before dinner is served, Miss Bartley has graciously offered to play a few songs on the pianoforte for our pleasure. Miss Frances Bartley will also sing a tune.”

Cheering and murmurs of approval broke out as both sisters’ faces turned a rosy hue.

“I am certain you have discovered for yourselves, we are most fortunate in our cook, Mrs. Morton. She and I have worked tirelessly over the past few weeks discussing menus and various dishes. Please do your best to do justice to the tremendous feast we will be served tonight. Now enjoy the music.”

After placing their empty glasses on the tray, everyone moved toward the group of chairs that had been placed on the other side of the room facing the pianoforte. Lord and Lady Burford sat at the front next to his father and mother. Selina, with her hand still clutching Justin’s forearm moved to a chair behind her parents. Justin quickly claimed the seat next to her. Lord Bartley choose the empty chair next to Lady Burford and Sir William settled himself on Justin’s other side. Robert found himself taking the only remaining unoccupied chair beside Selina.

“It was always a tradition in our home to play and sing songs on Christmas Eve,” announced the elder Miss Bartley. “We hope you enjoy the sonatas we have chosen to perform.”

She began to play a pretty melody that Robert quickly recognized as Mozart. Her sister stood by her side, hands folded in front of her, obviously waiting for her cue to sing.

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