Page 120 of The Mistletoe Countess
“You’re not helping, Elliott.”
“Ever so sorry, sir.” His old friend chuckled before opening the door to leave. The door closed behind his apology.
“Knives would be excellent protection, Frederick.” She leaned close, drawing him into her wonder. “But what would be even better? Pistols. Aunt Lavenia has already offered a lesson or two.”
Frederick shook his head, his smile unfurling at her tenacity, and he gently framed her face with his hands. All words closed off in his throat at the perplexing mixture of gratitude and fascination. He might have desired a bride more fitting for the life of an earl, but God knew what he needed most. A bride for his heart, his soul, his imagination. And Gracelynn Ferguson Percy proved beyond his imaginings.
“Darling, we’ll talk about it tomorrow.”
She slid her palm up his shirt to grab his collar. “I know what you’re doing.”
He tipped his face closer, drawn in by the light in her eyes, the scent surrounding her, everything Grace. His mouth found hers ready, soft. “And what is that?”
“You’re trying to distract me,” her words whispered against his mouth.
His lips trailed down her neck, inciting a gasp. “Actually I’m using my excellent skills of deduction to come to the conclusion that my wife is ready for bed.”
He felt her smile more than saw it. “See what an excellent start at investigating you have already made.”
He sighed and embraced her just as she was. Besides, she’d find a pistol waiting for her in two days when she opened her birthday present beneath the Christmas tree. “And how are my deductions?”
“I believe, my dear Watson, the game is afoot.” She stood and drew him up with her toward his bedroom door. Her eyes glittered like the darling pixie she was. “In fact, I have a few private mysteries of the romantic variety just for you.”
Merry Christmas, indeed! Frederick rolled his gaze to heaven in silent thanksgiving. He was playing for the happily-ever-after with Grace, even if it included another mystery…or two.
Epilogue
“Sir. Madam.” Elliott breathed out the response as he sent a shy gaze around the Great Hall, where the other servants sat or stood, each opening their own gifts from Lord and Lady Astley.
Grace squeezed her hands together, attempting to keep her giggle of delight in check. She’d always loved watching people open presents. It was like a marvelous mystery of the sweetest kind, even if she knew exactly what the gift was. The mystery came with the response of the recipient, and she felt confident in her choices.
Once she’d known the servants for an entire year, just imagine how excellent her gift-giving could become!
First, Elliott uncovered Frederick’s chosen gift. From the folds of white paper, a golden pocket watch gleamed into the glow of soft lights around the room. “Sir?”
Frederick nodded, a look moving between the two men. Perhaps Elliott truly understood how much Frederick respected him with this gift. “Turn it over,” he whispered.
Grace nearly bounded from her seat next to Frederick. She’d encouraged Frederick to leave a personal note, especially after her dear husband had shared with her some of the history he had with Elliott. Having someone rescue you from a life of boxing only to have Elliott save Frederick’s life on occasion certainly deserved recognition, in her book anyway.
Elliott read the simple inscription and flashed a smile. “Thank you, sir.”
Grace squeezed Frederick’s hand, her teeth skimming over her lips in pure delight.My friend.Frederick’s choice for his message to Elliott.
Elliott cleared his throat and raised a brow as he tugged a larger parcel from the wrapping. Grace’s entire body stiffened as the paper fell away to reveal her choice for Elliott. Three books.A Study in Scarlet, The Moonstone,andThe Manual of Becoming a Detective.
“Just imagine how much more prepared you’ll be next time.” Grace grinned and leaned forward to watch the man’s smile brim to sparkle in his eyes.
“I have no words to express my emotions right now, my lady.”
She clasped her hands together. “I’d hug you if it wasn’t improper, Elliott, and I feel I’ve already pushed your limits for impropriety enough this week.”
A coughing sound erupted from the handsome hero at her side, so she quickly reached for a glass of customary Christmas champagne and handed it to him. “Do you see how excited Lord Astley is at the very idea of you becoming more prepared for sleuthing, dear Elliott?”
Grace sent Frederick a subtle wink, chuckling a little to herself that her sweet husband was trying his best not to reveal how amused he was at her plans, but she didn’t mind. She’d already proven how very helpful studying fiction could be to real-life crimes. She only needed to test the theory a few more times to prove her hypothesis, and what better way than to bring along as many knowledgeable, trustworthy people as possible in the process?
As Brandon opened his gift, Grace had to get as close as politely possible to watch him, because the man’s expression remained as stoic as ever. How could anyone remain stoic while opening Christmas presents?
The first present to meet Brandon’s eyes was from Frederick. A beautifully crafted fountain pen with an emblem of Havensbrooke etched in the pen holder.
