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Mrs. Johnson had watched the message on the kitchen TV and, as soon as it was over, began to serve dinner as she knew everyone was moving to the dining room. The turkey was perfect, as were the roast potatoes and cranberries, the winter squash and other sides. Everyone was in good spirits and there was a great deal of discussion about how well the King looked, and what a good speech he gave, yet how could they forget the late Queen? At the end of the meal, Mrs. Johnson appeared with the Christmas pudding doused in brandy, and carried the burning cake into the dining room to lots of admiration.
Aunt Emma insisted on slicing the cake, and then Dorothy poured a generous serving of brandy cream over each slice before it was passed around.
It was Ella’s first Christmas pudding and it was good, but very rich. She was glad that Mrs. Johnson’s recipe—which was an upgraded version of the old Sherbourne family recipe—had no nuts, and not an excessive amount of candied peel which neither Cara nor Ella was fond of. But otherwise, the pudding was traditional and decadent, with spices and dried fruit and that lovely brandy cream, which made Ella think of Dickens and Victorian Christmas traditions, originating from Queen Victoria’s marriage to her beloved German husband, Albert.
The family scattered after the dinner, some to nap, some to watch television, and in Alec’s case, to read by the fire in the green drawing room. He liked the drawing room in the afternoon, the winter sun creating ideal reading conditions, but he could also keep an eye on Cara who was half reclining on the couch, talking to Ella.
“You’ve been so quiet today,” Cara said. “Is this about Baird leaving?”
Ella’s chest ached. She didn’t want to think about him, and yet he’d been on her mind all day. “I hate that he leaves and doesn’t say goodbye.”
“He sent a text, explaining that his aunt needed him.”
“You believe him?”
“Yes.” Cara frowned. “Why wouldn’t you believe him?”
Ella glanced away, looking at the Christmas tree and then the wreath hanging on red ribbon in each of the tall drawing room windows. “We had some words.”
Cara pushed up into a sitting position. “Why?”
“He said the most outrageous things, ridiculous things, and he made me mad.”
“That’s not necessarily hard to do. You are a bit of a hot head.”
“Not really.”
Cara gave her a look, and Ella sighed and scooted lower in her chair, her voice dropping as she definitely didn’t want Alec to overhear. “He thinks marriage made Alec soft,” Ella said, nearly spitting the words out. “And he’s supposed to be Alec’s best friend.”
Cara didn’t seem bothered. “They’ve known each other since they were boys. He’s entitled to think what he wants… that is the best friend’s prerogative, wouldn’t you agree?”
“He hates marriage.”
“I don’t think he hates marriage. He’s just seen too much to believe marriage is the answer to everything.”
Ella was just getting more upset. “He’s so cynical.”
“He is,” Cara agreed. She hesitated a moment, picking her words with care. “Why does that bother you so much?”
Ella sat forward, closing the distance between her and Cara. “Did he really make you sign a prenup?”
Cara blinked, surprised. “Is that why you’re so upset?”
“One of the reasons.” Ella felt terribly close to tears. “So, he did. He made you.”
“No, Ella, no.” Cara put her hand on Ella’s knee. “No one made me do anything. I chose to sign the agreement to protect Alec and the Sherbourne legacy. If our marriage ended, I would never want to take any of his family property. Alec didn’t buy Langley Park. It’s been in the family for hundreds of years. It must stay in the family.”
“So, if your marriage ended, Alec keeps everything, and you walk away with nothing?”
Ella’s voice must have risen because suddenly Alec’s head lifted and he glanced over at them, brow creasing.
Cara lowered her voice. “This isn’t the best time or place to discuss this, Ella, but I have been well provided for. I would not be a poor woman. I wouldn’t be on the streets. And in light of the fact that I am pregnant, the children would always be shared by us. I did agree to raise them here, and then once they reach the age to attend university, they could choose for themselves if they wanted to go to college here, or study in the States.” Cara’s gaze searched Ella’s. “I’m disappointed in Baird for sharing with you that we signed a prenuptial, but I’m even more disappointed that you have made this a point of contention between the two of you. It’s really no one’s business but Alec’s and mine.”
*
Christmas day hadcome to a close and Ella was about to return to the cottage with her little pile of Christmas gifts when Alec said he was going to walk the dogs. Did Ella want to join him?
She hesitated and then said yes, provided they could pass the cottage so she could leave her gifts there and collect her cap and gloves.
