Page 35 of A Wallflower's Wassail Punch
“A lover’s knot!”exclaimed Andrew.“Zooks!You’re brilliant.”
“Thank you, my lord.And if you need something on the cuff, consider an apple.”
Andrew frowned.“An apple?Wasn’t it the fruit that destroyed the Garden of Paradise?”
“Yes, sir.However, the apple has long been considered the fruit of health, healing, knowledge, and affection.The apple tree is considered sacred in mythology, symbolizing good health, future happiness, and a place of rest and shelter.”The valet coughed lightly.“The goddess Aphrodite was given one as a symbol of love.It is also connected to eternal youth, long life, and renewal.”
Andrew snorted.“Quite the academic of random facts, Bowman.You never cease to amaze me.”
* * *
25 December
Annette woke with the sunrise, anticipation spurring her from her bed.It had not snowed overnight, but a sheen of white still glittered under the early rays of the sun.They would attend church, eat and graze like the cows and sheep all day, greet carolers, and remember how blessed they all were.
She, Lady Annette Page, was being courted by a man who held her with great affection.In turn, she had fallen in love with Lord Weston in a matter of days.Her future shone like the north star, her heart full, her soul at ease.A dream, a fantasy that had become reality.
Alice had spoken with her, pointing out there were a few issues Annette should discuss with Andrew.This was one reason for a courtship, to get to know one another.Should he tell his daughter about the courtship before Annette met her or after?Did he want children?
“Nettie, these subjects can be daunting, but if you wait, you could both end up disappointed.We must make sure you and Drew have the same outlook when it comes to your future together.”
What if he didn’t want to raise another child?She couldn’t imagine her father not asking that specific question before he gave his approval to court her.And Alice had pointed out he had no heir.Her cheeks burned at the thought of giving Drew a son.
Christmas Day shone bright.Everyone was up early and in the breakfast room.The smell of bacon and ham, eggs, warm chocolate, strong coffee, and tea filled the air along with the scent of pine.She’d worn her favorite day dress, a burgundy muslin with delicate Italian lace on the sleeves, hem, and under the high bodice.She wore a pearl pendant with matching earbobs and a bracelet of tiny seed pearls.
“You are stunning, Nettie,” Drew whispered in her ear.“I must get you under the mistletoe as soon as possible.”
She pressed her lips together to hold back the silly smile that threatened, letting the room know the viscount had said something not quite appropriate.“Happy Christmas,” was all she replied.He held out a chair for her, and she sipped her warm chocolate as her gaze swept around the table.Papa, Alice, William, Drew, and Mr.Wilken, who seemed quite at ease.
“I wonder how Lucius fares?”she asked the group at large.
William grinned.“Better question: How does Lady Winfield fare?”
“If anyone has the perseverance to win over the countess, it’s Lucius.”Her father shoveled a fork of eggs into his mouth, then talked around them.“Ambrose and Hester arrive this afternoon.”
As they spoke, the butler announced the arrival of a guest.
“There is no way Ambrose skipped his sermon, today of all days,” remarked Alice.
“No, my lady,” said Mr.Gibbs.“Her name is Miss Phoebe Weston.”
In burst a young woman, her auburn curls in disarray, brown eyes flashing with anger.The petite full-figured lady stomped across the room to the viscount.“Please pardon this untimely interruption,” she announced as all the men stood, “but I must speak to my father.”With that, she turned on her heel and returned to the hallway.
Drew rose from his chair, cheeks stained with embarrassment, and made his apologies as he followed his daughter from the room.
CHAPTER16
“Confound it, Phoebe.What has happened?”Andrew had never seen his daughter act with such rudeness.“Why are you not in Town?”
“I caught my fiancé in the linen closet with a maid.He… he…” She let out a growl.“I can’t even say it.He’s a scoundrel of the lowest lot, an obsequious lecher, a?—”
“And you are sounding like a scorned termagant.Your aunt would be appalled.”Andrew took her by the shoulders, turned her around, and gently pushed her into the parlor.“Now, sit and start at the beginning without the language used in the hallway.”
She poured out her story: catching Kendall with a servant, confronting him with his infidelity, his excuse she was only a distraction, and men hadneeds(emphasized with a sneer), and the fact he would not promise to bed another woman once married.
“Papa, how did I not know him?We’ve been courting for six months, and he’s a stranger to me.”Phoebe threw herself against the back of the rocking chair, and Andrew had to grab her ankle to keep it from falling backwards.He wouldn’t allow her to have a broken engagement and a broken head in one day.“I’ve ended our betrothal.”
“Does he want to cancel the wedding?”Andrew knew Phoebe was in a rage, but perhaps there had been a misunderstanding.His daughter could be a tiny bit overbearing, but her heart was always in the right place.Her heart… Why did she seem more angry than heartbroken?
