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Frederick’s reply was soft and heart-felt, and she was grateful that he had taken no offense.
She and Frederick waited while Thomas appeared to scrutinize Frederick after his reassurance. Eventually, the boy nodded. “Yer'd `ave ter answer ter me.”
After squeezing Frederick’s arm three times, they made their way to the waiting carriage and wagon, the latter’s bed now filled with fragrant evergreen boughs and baskets of oranges and nuts.
While Thomas made the rounds, offering the last humbugs and pieces of candied peel to the other servants—Mrs. Taylor readily popping a humbug into her serious mouth—Frederick turned to Molly.
“I’ll say my goodbye now, for Luffie has agreed to drop me at my shop.”
“Oh, Frederick. I can’t thank you enough for shunning your workshop this afternoon to join us. And for the sweets!”
“It was my pleasure. Molly”—his voice dropped intimately—“would you be offended if I ask you to consider a favor? No? Would it be too rash, too forward, if after all, I proposed a day early?”
His handsome face was beset with such endearing eagerness that her heart rate leapt even before he finished speaking.
“On Christmas Eve?” She smiled. “I suppose that with five days’ notice, I can agree to that change in plans. It’s rather rakish of you, but then, I know that’s common among you piano tuners.”
