Page 34 of A Wallflower's Wassail Punch
The butler and housekeeper had done a fine job on the portico.There was a large wreath on the door decorated with ribbon, holly, and pine cones.Garlands of green laced up the steps and around the doorway with the same bright colors and winter scents.In the entry hall, the garland continued up the stairs, bringing the scent of the outdoors into the house.
“How are you doing, Mr.Wilkens?”Annette watched as the tallest man in the room used a stick to place garland along the window tops to trail down along the sides.The room smelled of pine, cloves, apples, and spiced wine.
“As host, I should sample the wassail to be sure it’s of good quality.”Beecham ladled some of the punch into his already used cup.
“Is that your second or third testing, Papa?”Annette tied the last pine cone to the garland intended for the hearth.
“I believe it’s his third,” said William, a smirk tipping one corner of his mouth.“Save some for those of us working, eh, Father?”
“Balderdash!There’s plenty more in the kitchen, Son,” he replied, sipping at the warm drink.Then he winked at Lady Henney.“Is that mistletoe ready yet?”
“I’m working on it now,” she said.“Be patient.”The viscountess had tied a ribbon around a large ball of mistletoe, creating a loop at the top.She poked a finger through a basket that held the remaining decorations for this last project.
“Would you do the honors, Henry?”Lady Henney asked with a precocious glint in her eye.
“It will be the highlight of my day.”He took the mistletoe and walked to the door of the drawing room.Andrew set the stool down for him, and he climbed up to hook the ribbon on a peg already in place.He plucked a berry before he stepped down and held it above his head.“Alice, love, I’m waiting.”
She grinned and walked to her fiancé, stretching on her toes while he bent and gave her a sound kiss on the mouth.As she turned away, Beecham grabbed her arm.“Wait a moment, I believe one more berry just fell into my hand.”
“How convenient.”William rolled his eyes, but his tone was teasing.“Leave some berries for us too.”
“Who do you have to trap under the mistletoe?”asked Annette.Was he holding on to a secret?
“One can only hope,” her brother quipped back.“The trick is not letting the kiss lead to anything else.Right, Wilkens?”
His friend shrugged.“Truth be told, I’ve been considering the parson’s trap lately.”
“No, not you too,” grumbled William.“A week ago, my sister had no suitors, and no one saw marriage in their near future.Now everyone is pairing up with someone.Or trying at least.”
Andrew snorted.This evening of camaraderie was bittersweet.He wished Phoebe was here to share in his news and this most festive holiday.“Speaking of trying, how do you think Lucius is doing?”
“Driving the poor woman mad, probably.But he’s determined.”Annette poured a cup of wassail and offered it to Andrew.“Anyone else—besides Papa—ready for a cup?”A round ofyes,please, andthank yousfilled the room.
Everyone held up their punch and Beecham made a toast.“To old friends, new friends, and our ever-growing family.May we always be so blessed.”
Someone called for a game of snapdragon.A shallow bowl containing raisins and nuts was fetched from the kitchen, and brandy poured into it while Beecham doused the lamps.The flames danced brightly on the glassy surface, casting a golden glow across the faces surrounding the punch bowl.
The voices grew animated as each took their turn snatching a treat from the flaming brandy.Andrew chewed on a hot raisin, enjoying the mix of fruit and brandy.The lamps were lit again after the flames died down.William broke out in an energetic rendition of “Good King Wenceslas,” Lady Henney dashed to the pianoforte, and soon, everyone was singing.
After the third carol, Andrew saw Nettie stifle a yawn.“If no one else will admit it, I will say it first.It’s been a long day.Happy Christmas and good night, my friends.”
“Yes, indeed,” agreed Lady Henney.“I’m so glad I decided to stay, so I won’t have to make the trip tomorrow.Nettie did a superb job with the menu.”
“Ambrose and his wife will be here tomorrow afternoon.I don’t believe you’ve met him, Drew.”Beecham finished off the last of his wassail.“He stays close to his vicarage.Not much for the noise and commotion of London.”
“I look forward to meeting them both.”Andrew touched Annette’s arm as everyone left the drawing room.“Did you want to play billiards with your brother and Wilkens?”
She shook her head.“I’ve had enough billiards for the week.I?—”
Andrew held a berry above her head and bent to kiss her.Her lips were soft and warm and tasted of sweet wine and raisins.Mixed with her familiar jasmine, it was a heady combination.Straightening, he held out his arm, knowing she was tired.
“Keep that up, Lord Weston, and I’ll never sleep tonight.”
Andrew returned to his room.Bowman was waiting to assist with his undress.Andrew’s thoughts were on Christmas Day.He had given Phoebe her gift early.A new pair of leather riding gloves and a diamond hairpin.This new courtship had him longing to give Nettie something special.Symbolic.
“I’m afraid this development with Lady Annette has left me in a spot.I’d like to give her a token, but I’m at a disadvantage with Christmas already tomorrow.”
“I have an idea.”Bowman hung his employer’s trousers in the wardrobe.“I’m sure the ladies have silk thread in a multitude of colors.I’ll have the housekeeper procure some.You could make a?—”
