Sleepless in Staffordshire by Celeste Bradley

Author:Celeste Bradley [Bradley, Celeste]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Published: 2017-12-05T18:00:00+00:00

The next morning, even Aunt Sarah had been distracted from her previous evening's disapproval by the Christmas Eve Ball at Havensbeck Manor. She wasn't the only one. By the time Bernie had progressed from her room at the inn, down the stairs and into the dining room, no less than a dozen people had asked if they would see her there.

The chambermaid for her room told her all about the gown she planned to wear as she filled the coal scuttle by the hearth. An elderly guest in the upstairs hall begged a dance with a teasing twinkle in his eye. A trio of giggling young women on the stairs informed Bernie, although she'd not asked, that they would be happy to help her with her hair.

"Not that there's any little thing actually wrong with it, of course!"

"Oh, no! It's just that we have ideas!"

Bernie decided the correct response to all of the above was, "That sounds lovely."

At their table, where Uncle Isaiah, Aunt Sarah, and Simon had already taken their seats, Bernie found an large, embossed invitation placed at a graceful angle across her plate. Simon was a-wiggle with curiosity and even Aunt Sarah couldn't take her gaze from the heavy parchment square as she nibbled on her toast.

Bernie sat at her place and plucked her napkin from its folds to lay it painstakingly across her lap, as if she had no idea what they were waiting for. Then she smiled calmly at her family. "Good morning, everyone! My, the baking smells delicious today."

Uncle Isaiah twinkled at her playful torture, but Aunt Sarah huffed. "Oh, you impossible child!"

Bernie thought Simon would snicker at her little game, but his gaze was still riveted on the invitation. "Openit-openit-openit," he whispered under his breath.

Of course Bernie was more eager than anyone to find out what it was, but her nature could be a bit on the contrary side. It seemed she never wanted to something if someone else deeply wanted her to do it.

Besides, she knew who had sent the invitation. At least, she thought she knew. And if it was who she thought it was, it wasn't the one she wished it was.

I'm not contrary. I'm insane.

Her natural common sense reasserted itself with a snap. Without further play, she picked up the heavy folded sheet and carefully lifted the plain amber-colored wax seal from the paper without breaking it.

"Dear Miss Goodrich,

I hope this finds you in good health. I regret that I could not converse properly with you yesterday. It is my hope that you intend to grace with your presence the Christmas Eve Ball at Havensbeck tonight. Although your attendance will be reward enough, it is my dearest wish that you might charitably grant to me a waltz."

Bernie closed the invitation and slipped it discreetly to her lap beneath the table. Then she looked up at her companions.

Simon looked confused. Uncle Isaiah wore his raised brows like an unfamiliar hat. Aunt Sarah, on the other hand, gazed at Bernie with very wide eyes.

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