“There are many acceptable trees that we could mark.”
“I am not looking for an acceptable tree.”
“No?”
“I am looking for an extraordinary tree.”
Arabella’s eyes roamed the area. “I’m afraid that is a lofty goal.”
“We shall see,” he said as his eyes perused each evergreen. Finally, his eyes landed on one that exceeded his expectations.
Colin walked over to a large pine, which was at least ten feet tall, by his estimation. It was perfect, as if it had been drawn by an artist’s hand. The deeply green branches were full and symmetrical.
He held his hand up and proudly announced, “I have succeeded. I have found the perfect tree.”
Arabella kept her face expressionless. “It is adequate.”
His brow lifted. “Adequate?” he repeated. “I daresay that it is more than adequate. This is the finest tree in these woods.”
“That is a bold statement,” she responded. “Have you seen every tree in these woods?”
He chuckled. “You are just a sore loser.”
“I am not.”
“This tree is so much better than yours, and you know it.”
Arabella crossed her arms over her chest. “I suppose we shall let the children decide which one they would prefer to decorate.”
“I guess so.” Colin removed another red ribbon from his jacket pocket and marked the tree. “We should get you back to the manor now. I wouldn’t wish your grandmother to worry about you.”
The sound of the servants cutting down the other tree could be heard echoing through the woods.
Colin smirked. “It isn’t too late to admit defeat.”
“To you? Never.”
“I forgot how stubborn you were.”
“It is still better than being cocky,” she joked.
As much as Colin enjoyed bantering with Arabella, he could see her cheeks had grown pink from the cold air. He knew it was time to get her home and warmed up.
He gestured towards their horses. “Shall we?”
* * *
Dressedin a pink gown with a square neckline, Arabella stopped outside her grandmother’s door and knocked.
“Enter,” her grandmother said.
Arabella opened the door and stepped into the room. Her grandmother gave her a tender smile from where she stood near her dressing table.
“You look lovely,” her grandmother said. “I am pleased that you wore your pink gown, especially this evening.”
Arabella gave her a querying look. “Why?”
“Because I invited Lady Barrett and her sons to dine with us,” her grandmother revealed.
