Page 55 of The Winter Companion

But it had changed everything.

Not only for him, but for her. He’d seen it clear as day in her face. A notch had worked itself between her brows as she gazed up at him. As if she were seeing him with new eyes.

He hoped that she was.

Though for what purpose, he didn’t know. Their time together was rapidly coming to an end. Tomorrow was Christmas. And then, in twelve more days, she’d be gone. They had no future together.

A fact that hadn’t stopped him from replaying their kiss over and over again in his mind as he’d gone about his work.

The warmth of it still hadn’t dissipated.

He felt, rather fancifully, as if it never would.

“Who will put the star on top?” Laura asked, approaching the tree.

Alex caught her hand as she passed, and pressed a discreet kiss to her palm. Her fingers curled to brush against his cheek in an affectionate caress.

Neville looked away. With all three couples in residence, it was impossible to avoid such displays. Justin and Lady Helena could scarcely be out of each other’s sight, and Tom and Jenny were forever making excuses to touch each other.

Alex and Laura were the worst offenders. Though the two newlyweds tried for discretion, one would have had to be blind not to observe their stolen kisses, clasped hands, and molten glances.

Neville didn’t begrudge any of his friends the affection they shared with their wives. All the same, it was dashed awkward at times.

Was it any wonder Mr. Boothroyd was making such an effort with Mrs. Bainbridge? He was probably tired of being one of only two unattached people in residence, and sought to strike up a romance of his own. Either that or he’d developed a genuine affection for Laura’s aunt.

“Tom’s already on the ladder,” Jenny said. “Shall he do it?”

“Justin must do it.” Lady Helena handed the large tinsel star to her husband. “It’s our tradition.”

Tom climbed down from the ladder. “I won’t argue with tradition.”

“I’ve done it all of one time.” Justin took Tom’s place. The ladder creaked beneath his weight. “I’m hardly an expert of longstanding.”

“Expertise is not required,” Lady Helena said. “Only that you be the master of the house.”

Justin set the star atop the tree. It tilted precariously to one side. He leaned against the branches, stretching out a hand to straighten it. The ladder swayed.

“Have a care, sir!” Mr. Boothroyd exclaimed.

Neville came forward to brace the ladder. Lady Helena stepped back, permitting him to take charge.

“It’s perfect as it is, Justin,” she said. “Do come down now.”

Justin descended with ease. He drew Lady Helena to him. “What do you think?”

She leaned into his side. “I think it’s beautiful. But…”

“But?”

“The tree needs a bit more tinsel.”

Jenny laughed. “There’s plenty of that.”

A footman carried out the wassail bowl, and another the bowl of cider. Two maidservants brought trays of spiced ale and cake. The tree trimming continued in earnest as the guests drank, and ate, and laughed.

“Clara,” Teddy said. “What happened to all of that fruit we wrapped in gold foil?”

“It’s here.” Clara fetched one of the baskets and brought it to him.