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“Oh, thank you!” As gratitude coursed through him, Stephen promptly hugged his brother and stepped back a few steps while they both looked away in embarrassment. “When the greenery comes back, secure all the mistletoe without a word. If we haven’t found any, I need you go take care of that.”
Griffin snorted. “So I’m to go back outside and gather only the mistletoe if we can’t secure the plant this afternoon.” It wasn’t a question.
“Yes, if you please.” Stephen nodded with enthusiasm. “Afterward, find three strategic spots throughout the castle to tack up the mistletoe. It’ll play a large part in my courtship of Lynette.”
“Are you certain?” His twin narrowed his eyes. “This makes you look quite mad.”
“Oh yes. Extremely certain. I’ll win her back and all it will take is three mistletoe kisses.”
“Ah, heavens.” Griffin shook his head. “I can’t help but think you’re careening for another heartbreak, one you might not be able to recover from.” He frowned. “I don’t want you hurt, brother.”
Stephen shook his head and waved off his comment. “Romance should be easier the second time around, don’t you think?” His confidence soared, prompting a grin. “It’s only a matter of time before Lynette realizes she still loves me, and then everything will be right as rain.” And finally, he could enjoy the Christmastide season the way it was intended.
Later that evening
L
ynette stifled a yawn, but it escaped anyway, forcing her to hide it behind her hand. The day had already been full, what with ice skating and then the greenery gathering party all before tea. Now, not an hour after dinner, the Duke of Whittington decided it would be great fun to play Snapdragon to liven things up, especially since the two children were in their midst. The older man’s eyes flashed with excitement as he gave orders to a footman and the butler, for Snapdragon was apparently one of his favorite games.
Her mother, true to form, wasn’t so keen. “It’s a scandalous waste of brandy, fruits and nuts, that’s what.” She drew a shawl tighter about her shoulders while hunching into the corner of a low sofa.
“I’m sure it will be fine. The duke wouldn’t wish to do it if he thought it a waste.” Had her mother has always been a grump or did the holiday season bring the horrid out in her?
The duke and duchess talked quietly near the door while the servants ran to procure the necessary supplies. Lord Hollingsworth chatted softly with his fiancée. A bit of relief had slipped down her spine when she’d discovered the identity of the woman. At least she wasn’t attached romantically to Lord Tilbury. Off to one side of the room, the remainder of the Ivy family talked and laughed while John and Lucy played with his tin soldiers near the windows.
To all intents and purposes, they were one big family. It had a lovely connotation, but she didn’t know where she stood within the folds of these people.
As soon as Lynette settled onto one of the chairs away from her mother, Stephen drifted near her position.
“I trust you’ve enjoyed your day?”
“Oh, quite.” She craned her neck, for he was tall. His Alpine teased her nose and sent faint awareness tripping over her skin. “Though I might say it’s been a while since I’ve put in such a full set of hours.”
“Well, isn’t that what Christmastide is for? Filling one’s days with various outings and games until one falls exhausted into one’s bed at night?” His eyes twinkled with mirth, and when he grinned, her gaze fixated on his sensuous mouth.
What would a kiss from him feel like now that they had history between them? Then she shoved that inappropriate thought from her mind. He and she weren’t partners any longer. “I suppose so. Your parents seem to think every moment is jolly fun.”
He looked in the direction of her gaze. The butler and footman had returned with a shallow bowl, the foodstuffs, as well as a bottle of the duke’s finest brandy. “My father has a particular fondness for all things pertaining to Christmastide. Perhaps it’s because he and my mother married on Boxing Day.” His shrug was an elegant affair as he fixed his attention firmly back on her. “It’s all part and parcel of their love affair over the years.” A certain longing filled his eyes. “I envy them.”
“As do I,” she admitted in a soft voice so that her mother couldn’t overhear. “But the good thing about this season is there is no limit to the hope.” Oh, dear. Why had she said that, and to him in particular? She hadn’t meant to hint to him that she might like to enter into a romance again.
Had she?
His eyes lit with interest. “Indeed, you’re correct, Mrs. Hodgins. As long as one has hope, anything is possible,” he said in an equally soft voice.
She detested his lack of intimacy in not using her Christian name while in mixed company, but she understood the need for formality. “Yes, and there is a certain magic to be had at Ivy Castle. How lovely it is to find myself back here.” It was a bit of truth mixed with a lie, but perhaps she could find new happiness here.
“I’m beginning to feel the same way about this old pile.” His grin had the power to give her knees the strength of cooked porridge. If she hadn’t already been seated, she would have collapsed onto a chair.
Oh, he was quite charming, and she’d always like that about him. Before she could respond, the duke waved a hand.
“Come, everyone! The game is starting!”
Seconds later, the butler lit the brandy in the shallow bowl on fire. The flame was impressive and burned a pretty blue near the liquor. Both the children squealed with excitement as everyone made their way to the table where the bowl rested.
“Who shall go first?” the duchess asked with a smile that reflected in her eyes.
“Griffin shall,” the duke proclaimed. “Since he’s the only one of my children engaged, we’ll let him open the game.”
