Page 75 of The Detective and the Baroness

“Perfect.”

*

Later that evening…

A table and chairs had been set up in the sitting room so Drew, Mitchell, and Corrine could gaze at the Christmas tree while enjoying their meal from Liam’s restaurant. Mitchell cut into the beef pie. “This is absolutely stunning.”

“I completely agree,” Drew replied. “And the fish course was lovely, too. What a decided advantage it is to have a talented chef in our group. Perhaps someday, he will think of us as friends.”

“And brothers?” Mitchell said.

“It is possible. Why not indeed?” Drew replied.

Mitchell raised his wine glass. “To The Duke’s Bastards. May we always rise above Chellenham’s loathsome legacy.”

“Hear, hear,” Drew and Corrine replied in unison.

“On that note,” Mitchell said after sipping the wine. “Corrine and I wish you to stand up with us. We are asking her brother, Jeffery, tomorrow.”

“Of course I will. Gladly. When is the happy occasion?”

Corrine smiled. “New Year’s Eve morning. We took your advice and met with the vicar at Bow Church in Stratford. Reverend Wilton was very accommodating and will be procuring the special license from the bishop. Afterward, we have decided to take a trip. Perhaps for a month or a little longer. But we are unsure how far to travel considering winter has arrived.”

“First, congratulations. And a honeymoon journey is just what you both need after the events of the past few months. I may know of a place.”

Mitchell laughed. “We hoped you might.”

“Within the Hornsby family, we have a few cottages scattered about Great Britain. There is one in Pevensey Bay along the southern coast. It’s a lovely spot near a delightful seaside village. It is only five miles from Eastbourne. You can rent a horse and carriage for the month when you get off the train. People in the village also work at the cottage when we use it. There is a cook and maid; they are a mother and daughter, and the son looks after the horse and grounds. If you decide to go there, I will send word to the family to prepare for your arrival.”

Corrine clapped her hands together with delight. Seeing Corrine so happy caused Mitchell’s heart to swell with joy. A month cloistered away in a seaside cottage? It sounded like heaven. “We will take it,” Mitchell murmured. “Thank you. Your generosity has overwhelmed me from the moment we met. You are a good friend—and brother.”

Drew flushed, the first time Mitchell had seen an unguarded emotional reaction from him.

“I would not have been able to get through the past several weeks without you. I will never forget it,” Mitchell continued.

Corrine raised her glass. “A Happy Christmas to us all. Oh, listen! I hear carolers!”

Corrine ran to the front window and looked outside. Eight people of various ages stood on the front walkway, singing. “It is one of my favorites.”

“I will go and let them in.” Drew disappeared into the hallway.

The carolers sang “Hark the Herald Angels Sing,” then a beautiful rendition of “Coventry Carol.” Corrine held out the mince pies and cake platters while Drew and Mitchell gave everyone two shillings each, much to the gasps and joyful thanks of the carolers. After wishing them a Merry Christmas, the vocalists sang the boisterous “Gloucestershire Wassail” as they exited the room. Drew escorted them to the door.

“Wassail! Wassail! All over the town. Our toast it is white and our ale it is brown. Our bowl it is made of the white maple tree. With the wassailing bowl, we’ll drink to thee.”

Their harmonious voices faded as they moved farther along the street.

“They were wonderful,” Corrine enthused.

Drew entered the room. “A note was delivered just as I was about to close the door. On Christmas Eve, no less. It’s addressed to you, Corrine.”

Corrine tore it open. “I am to avail myself at one in the afternoon on the twenty-eighth at Mr. Dobson’s law office. The new baron will be there.” She folded the note and placed it in the envelope. “It is just as well. It’s best to get things settled. I will also tell them of my impending marriage. Will you come with me, Mitchell?”

“Of course. I am forever at your side.”

“I will have to send a message to Mr. Chambers. He should be there as well.”

“On that note, literally speaking, let us finish our meal,” Drew suggested.