The Perfect Christmas by Annabelle Anders

Author:Annabelle Anders [Anders, Annabelle]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Published: 2019-12-20T22:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER EIGHT

SKY MANOR

T he carriage pulled to a halt and a uniformed footman approached and jerked the door open, sending a rush of cold air inside. Lord Crestwood exited quickly and then reached in to assist his daughter, Mrs. Blake, and then Eliza out and onto the ground.

Eliza chastised herself for enjoying the touch of his hand for that brief moment but didn’t have time to dwell on her feelings. With a squeal of delight, Olivia came rushing down the wide stairs that spread out from the castle doors.

Because, yes, in truth, it was more castle than a house.

“Eliza!” Olivia shouted before rushing toward her and exuberantly embracing her in a warm hug. And if Eliza was not mistaken, her friend’s belly seemed more swollen than normal. When they pulled back, she raised her brows in question and without her having to say a word, Olivia nodded, smiling.

Olivia had never looked happier.

“But why have you arrived with Lord Crestwood?” Olivia asked, looking far too smug for her own good. At that moment, Eliza knew her friend had remembered his name. She’d remembered the story Eliza had conveyed to her last year.

“Miss Cline, you are looking as beautiful and serene as ever.” Olivia’s husband, Lord Kingsley was magnanimous in his compliments, of course. Throughout his and Olivia’s courtship, if that was what one could call it, Eliza had not withheld her disapproval. She blushed, a little embarrassed at her sanctimonious opinions.

This time, she sent him an approving smile. Because, indeed, his intentions had been honorable after all.

Lord Crestwood stepped up from behind her. “Kingsley.” He grasped the earl’s hand and then explained how they’d come across one another at the inn and how the coach they’d sent still required some repairs. After introductions between Olivia and Lord Crestwood’s children had been made, everyone was climbing the stairs and chattering as they entered the cool foyer.

Eliza could not help but be awed by the magnificently high ceilings as well as the paintings hanging on the wall. Commanding suits of armor stood guard outside ornate doors that lined the corridor, sending a shiver of insignificance down her spine.

And for the first time, it really hit her; Olivia was a countess. And looking at her, not only was she a countess, but she was a woman in love, soon to become a mother.

Nobody deserved it more than her friend.

They’d driven for much of the afternoon and as the sun was nearly set, dinner was to be served shortly. A maid appeared, and Olivia instructed her to take Eliza to “the Rose Room.” Everything seemed so luxurious. After traversing through several winding hallways, Eliza could hardly believe her fortune when she found herself in the most opulent chamber she’d ever seen. And to think it would be hers for her stay!

She would become spoiled for certain, and her little room at the vicarage would never feel the same.

When a knock sounded, she opened it to find a manservant carrying her luggage and another maid announcing she was to attend to her for the course of her stay.

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