Page 34 of The Widow’s Christmas Surprise

Chapter Fourteen

When Maria and Jane came down to breakfast early one morning several days later, Maria was surprised to find the room unusually full. She and Jane almost always breakfasted alone. Lady Kersey was wont to have a tray in her room, her husband broke his fast very early, and their two sons apparently did not eat breakfast, or ate much later in the morning, for they were never in evidence. Today, however, all the family were gathered around the table, with the startling addition of Mr. Ganger and his sister.

Heat raced into Maria’s cheeks. She had not seen Mr. Granger for almost a week. Ever since their tea the previous Sunday, Jane had watched her like a hungry hawk circling a field mouse. Therefore, Maria had had no chance to seek out Mr. Granger, to talk about his declaration and assure him of her interest as well. Now her mouth was so dry she probably couldn’t speak a word if she got the opportunity.

An insistent nudging in her back turned out to be Jane pushing her to continue into the breakfast chamber.

“Good morning, all.” Jane breezed by her, making for the nearest place, next to Lady Kersey and Miss Granger.

“Good morning, everyone.” Putting on a bright smile, Maria went forward, toward the one seat left—between Mr. Granger and Lord Wetherby

“Good morning, my dears.” Lord Kersey stopped eating his eggs to beam at her. “So splendid you are down at last.”

Murmuring a polite “good morning” to the men on either side of her, Maria slid into her seat and took up her napkin with shaking hands. This assembly had been the last thing she’d expected when she’d come down this morning. Her place between the two gentlemen both a dream and a nightmare.

Lord Wetherby glanced down at her, a knowing smile on his face. He’d tried to get her alone several times during the week, but Jane’s almost constant presence had deterred his success. Now he exuded a confidence that gave Maria cause to dread the meal.

On her right, Mr. Granger ate sausages and ham while conversing with his sister. He turned to greet her, smiled briefly, then went back to his other partner.

A footman placed a plate before her and she swallowed hard. Given her current situation, food would likely choke her. Slowly she adjusted her napkin in her lap, lifted her cup of tea and stirred it.

“Did you forget something, Cousin Maria?”

She jumped at Lord Wetherby’s silky voice so close to her ear. “Forget what, my lord?”

“The sugar.” He nodded to her still stirring hand, although she’d not put either milk or sugar into the cup yet.

“I suppose I did not. Thank you,” she added as he handed her the sugar basin. His finger brushed hers in the process and she gasped at the contact of his bare skin on hers. Hastily she fished out the smallest lump she could find and dropped it in her cup.

“Milk as well?” His eyebrow rose, likely in anticipation of another touch of her hand.

Eyeing the milk pitcher, which sat closer to Lord Wetherby than to her, she demurred. “No, thank you, my lord. Not this morning.”

She enjoyed tea better with milk, but not at the expense of further contact with his lordship.

“Good morning, again, ladies and gentlemen.” Lord Kersey spoke up over the chatter of the breakfasters. “I know for several of you this morning’s summons was a surprise”—he looked directly first at Lord Wetherby and then at James Garrett—“but you really should not have been, given that today is December sixth.”

December sixth? Maria looked blankly around the table. Jane’s face showed the same confusion that must be on her own face. However, Mr. and Miss Granger were now smiling as well as the Garretts, obviously understanding the importance of the date.

Naturally, Jane would be the one to speak up first. “I’m sorry, my lord, but what is the significance of December sixth?”

“It is Saint Nicholas Day, my dear,” Lady Kersey answered, her eyes lit with excitement. “A holiday we enjoyed celebrating in Virginia very much.”

“Oh, yes, in my flurry of unpacking”—Jane sent an arch look toward Maria—“I quite forgot the day.” Sipping her tea nonchalantly, Jane laughed softly. “I have not truly celebrated it since my children were small.”

“Does it have something to do with Advent?” Maria cocked her head. She’d heard the day spoken of, but as the beginning of the Christmas season.

Carefully setting down his cup, Mr. Granger smiled at her indulgently. “If I may, my lord?”

Nodding, Lord Kersey raised his cup in a salute. “Thank you, Mr. Granger.”

“It isn’t directly connected to Advent, Lady Kersey.” Suddenly all Mr. Granger’s attention was focused on her, making her want to shrink back in her chair.

All eyes seemed to be on her.

Mr. Granger smiled kindly and continued. “It is, however, a Christian feast day and a celebration of the good works of Saint Nicholas of Myra, who was known for secretly giving gifts to children.”

“I remember getting small gifts in my stockings when I was young.” That had been fun. How had she forgotten all about that? She would have to begin doing that with Jane next year. “How is it celebrated now?”