Page 54 of Appointment in Bath

“Christmas isn’t about pudding,” she said. “It’s about family. We must find joy in each other.”

He gave a hoarse bark of derisive laughter.

She gazed at him in mute entreaty.

His laugh dwindled. A look of dawning comprehension came over him. “By God. You’re serious.”

“I am,” she said. “M-Mother is dead. Roddy is gone. We’ve only each other.”

He examined her face. “What in blazes has brought on this sentimentalism? You’re not ill, I trust?”

“It’s n-not an illness. It’s Christmas. I don’t want to spend it alone.”

Chapter Fifteen

“Where are you off to so early?” Jack Beresford entered the stone stables as Ivo was saddling Snap.

The youngest of Ivo’s brothers, he was tall, blond, and possessed of the Beresford family’s famous good looks. He was also possessed of the Beresfords’ notoriously competitive spirit.

“I thought we might have a race,” he said.

“Not today.” Ivo tightened the girth on his saddle. “I’ve an appointment to keep.”

“An appointment with whom?”

“A friend.”

“Ah. A friend.” Jack grinned. “Say no more.”

“It’s not like that.” Ivo went to fetch Snap’s bridle.

“If you say so.” Jack followed him. “It certainly explains why you’ve been in such a foul mood since our return home.”

Ivo didn’t like to admit how right his brother was.

It had been six days since he’d last seen Meg. Six days since their kiss. A damnable way to leave things. He’d wanted to ride out to meet her the very next morning. But Kate’s arrival had prevented it. His parents’ and brothers’ arrival the following day had further delayed Ivo’s plans.

Not a moment seemed to pass when he wasn’t importuned by one of his siblings.

“I’m not used to so much excitement anymore.” Ivo returned to bridle Snap. He eased the bit into the stallion’s mouth, sliding the headpiece over his ears. “You, James, and Kate have been at me since you came home. I’ve not had a moment’s peace.”

“You’ve been gone two years. We’re merely making up for lost time.”

“By deviling me to death?”

“Naturally.” Jack scratched Snap’s neck. “Who is this friend? Is she pretty?”

“She’s none of your business.” Ivo lowered the stirrups on his saddle. The leathers snapped sharply. “And I don’t admit that it is a she.”

Jack was unconvinced. “Have a care, big brother. Not all the young ladies hereabouts are pure as the driven snow. You’d best consult me before pledging your affections, lest you end up in the clutches of some conniving wench who’s already had a go at me and James.”

“How flattering.”

“Not saying you’re third best, but—”

“Quite.”

“You’re still my brother. Don’t like to see you getting mixed up with anyone inappropriate.”