Page 228 of Ten Lords for the Holidays

Prince Sebastian glanced down at his cup, his expression set.

“Never fear, your highness,” Eliana said in a low voice. “This is a superior version of the beverage you tried before.”

Despite her attempt to remain unheard, her sister responded.

“Yes, it’s an old family recipe. We use only the best wine and brandy, I assure you.”

Eliana wrapped her hands about the warm glass and took a sip. The taste of the spices warmed her mouth, then spread, and she let out a low sigh. What an afternoon it had been. She wanted nothing more than to return home and crawl beneath the covers.

A doubtful cast to his expression, Prince Sebastian raised his glass and took a swallow. Eliana watched him closely. She had promised him it would not be dreadful, after all.

“What do you think?” the duke asked. “I confess I’m not a fan of the beverage myself, but the Banning family recipe is fairly palatable.”

“Fairly?” Selene nudged her husband. “You used to tell me you found it delicious.”

“It’s the most delicious mulled wine I’ve ever had,” the duke said. “Even if we were not married, I would take a cup.”

Selene laughed, and even the prince looked amused.

“It is not unpleasant,” Sebastian said, taking another drink.

“I like it very well,” Theo piped up, and everyone smiled at him.

“The lad has a future as a diplomat,” Lord Ashford said.

Near the edge of exhaustion, Eliana set aside her empty glass. Sebastian shot her a look, then rose.

“I believe I ought to take Miss Eliana and her companion home,” he said. “Lord Ashford, if I might presume upon you to borrow a greatcoat? Mine seems to have been mislaid.”

“Of course,” the duke said. “We’ll find something that fits.”

“I should be going as well,” the doctor said. “I’ll call upon Master Theo tomorrow. At Plumley House, is that correct?”

“Yes,” Mrs. Pare said. “I’m certain his parents will be here soon to collect us. Thank you so much.”

“Good day to you all.” The doctor bowed to the ladies.

Lord Ashford, accompanied by Prince Sebastian, ushered the doctor out of the parlor. Theo, now wrapped in a cozy blanket, went to admire the tree, while Mrs. Pare and Hetty conversed quietly on the settee.

“So, sister,” Selene said, taking the chair Sebastian had absented, “whatever is going on between you and the prince?”

“Nothing.” Eliana ran her fingers back and forth over the soft edge of her lap robe.

“It does not appear to be nothing. He looks at you like a man in love.”

“That’s a ridiculous notion!” Eliana shook her head sharply. “The Ice Prince isn’t capable of such feelings. Remember what he did to Peony?”

Selene’s eyes narrowed. “I know he appears to be in the wrong, but I thought the same thing of Jared. You must give the prince a chance to explain himself.”

“There’s nothing to explain.”

“Eliana, I’ve never seen you like this. Are you quite certain you know your own heart?”

“Excuse the interruption,” the butler said from the doorway. “Prince Sebastian wishes to inform Miss Eliana and Mistress Hetty that he waits upon their convenience.”

“We can’t leave him waiting in the cold.” Eliana pushed the lap robe aside and stood, glad to end her sister’s interrogation.

“This conversation isn’t finished,” Selene said.

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