The Earl's Christmas Bride by Ella Quinn

Author:Ella Quinn [Quinn, Ella]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Zebra Books
Published: 2022-08-18T14:25:21+00:00

CHAPTER SEVEN

Althea woke to find frost glazed the corners of her windows. Had it snowed as well? She threw back the covers and padded to the window to look out. Heavy frost lay on the ground and covered the plants, but there was no snow. She would have to remember to ask their coachman if snow was expected. He always knew what the weather would bring.

“Oh good, you’re awake.” Bacton entered the chamber from the dressing room carrying Althea’s clothing. “Their ladyships have decided to take everyone to the market in Huntington.”

Althea briefly wondered which ladyships had made the decision, but it did not matter. She was obviously expected to attend. “When are we supposed to depart?”

Her maid shook her head. “I only know that you are to be in the breakfast room within the hour.”

A glance at the gilded mantel clock informed her it was just past eight o’clock. “In that case, I had better dress.”

Forty minutes later, she entered the larger of the two breakfast rooms to find Lucian pouring a cup of tea. She was surprised they were the first ones down. He rose and held the pot up to her. “Yes, please.” Setting the pot down, he held her chair, waiting until she sat to resume his place and pour her tea. “Thank you. Have you been told about the shopping expedition?”

“I have. It is my understanding we are all going.” He took her left hand and turned it over. Warm frissons seemed to travel directly from his fingers to hers. “They look better, but taking a pause from playing will help. We can resume your lessons tomorrow.”

She took a lump of sugar, poured some milk into her cup, and stirred. “I suppose we can look for some presents and things to make the tree decorations.”

“That’s what I was thinking.” He picked up his tea and sipped.

Althea had not noticed before how long and elegant his fingers were. She took a drink of tea as well. “Have you looked to see what is being offered for breakfast today?”

“Not yet.” Lucian smiled at her. “Although, it’s bound to be good.”

“They change the eggs and some of the meats.” Or that was what was usually done.

“Shall we find out?” He rose and waited for her. They went to the sideboard on the other side of the table, and he lifted a lid. “Shirred eggs wrapped in bacon.”

Her stomach rumbled. “That sounds good.”

“It does.” He took one ramekin and placed it on her plate before taking two for himself. “Would you like more than one?”

“No.” There was a plate of ham and beef as well as kippers. “I would like two slices of ham.”

He placed the slices on her plate and took a few pieces of beef. A door opened, and one of the footmen entered with fresh toast. “Just what we needed.”

“Indeed, and another pot of tea.” Althea directed the last part to the footman.

“Straightaway, miss.”

“I missed having a good cup of tea when I was on the Continent,” Lucian said as he carried both plates to the table.

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