The Christmas Bride by Jenna Brandt

Author:Jenna Brandt [Brandt, Jenna]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Jenna Brandt

Lucy’s heart sunk when she saw her name next to Mrs. McCoy. She had been looking forward to this evening all week and now it was ruined. How was she going to get through the meal sitting next to a woman who despised her?

Amelie walked up and looked at the place cards. A worried expression crossed her face. “Oh, no, Lucy. I’m so sorry.”

“What? What are you both looking at?” Debbey questioned before her eyes fixed on the names. With a shrug, Debbey picked up both places cards for Lucy and Matthew and exchanged them with the ones at the next table.

“You can’t do that,” Lucy stated with shock.

“I certainly can. I know for certain my parents aren’t here yet and neither are the Waterfords. No one will be the wiser.”

Lucy smiled with gratitude. “Thank you, Debbey. I appreciate you helping me out like that.”

“I think you will have to work things out with my parents; however, tonight is not the night to worry about that.”

Everyone took their places around the tables. The last few guests arrived before the first course was served. Lucy noticed Mrs. Moore glanced at the two tables with a puzzled expression a couple of times, but never made her way over to ask what happened.

“Are both of you excited about your upcoming wedding?” Mrs. Waterford inquired. Her husband was the bank manager, and they often hosted events for the church. Even though Mrs. Waterford socialized with Mrs. McCoy, she had always been nice to Lucy, a welcomed reprieve from her normal treatment by their friends.

“We are indeed,” Matthew stated with a grin. “Two days from now, Lucy will make me the happiest man in the world.”

“I for one, can’t wait to attend your nuptials. After attending your sister’s impressive wedding. I know with her planning it, yours will be equally splendid.”

Lucy finished taking a sip of her tea. “You’re certainly right, Mrs. Waterford. Debbey has become an expert at it.”

The rest of the ten-course gourmet meal passed pleasantly. Once dinner finished, the guests moved down the hall and into the indoor ballroom. Mrs. Moore added the featured room onto the Moore estate several years prior. On one end of the ballroom, another large Evergreen tree sparkled with candles and glass ornaments. It stood even taller than the tree in the previous area. Stacks of elegantly wrapped presents were artfully arranged under the branches.

Several tables were placed on the opposite end of the ballroom. The tables were decorated with red tablecloths and had layers of baked treats upon them. Tarts, cakes, cookies, and macaroons from the Leclaire Family Bakery were featured on silver trays ready for the guests to nibble on between dances. Crystal pitchers of water and tea and three punch bowls filled an additional table at the far end.

“Your desserts look divine, Amelie. You outdid yourself,” Lucy complimented as she eyed a three-layered chocolate cake which made her mouth water. Lucy’s weakness was chocolate.

“Thank you, but I’m saving my best work for your wedding cake,” Amelie promised.

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