Page 152 of The Duke Who Saved Christmas
Steve pulled a laptop out from his bag. “What’s the venue fee? I’ll transfer it now.”
I laughed and stood up. “Consider this a wedding gift.”
“Thomas—”
“Argue with me later, if you must, but we’re lacking the time right now.”
“All right, then. We’ll accept it, but we’ll pay for your honeymoon when you marry Sylvie.”
Hazel coughed, but I ignored the chuckles from everyone else.
Mostly.
It didn’t sound like the worst idea in the world.
“I appreciate the sentiment, but please don’t say that around her. She’ll likely pass out again if you do.” I turned to Heath. “Call Sam at the tree farm and tell him I’ll be there this afternoon and to keep the best trees to the side. Also, redirect the housekeeping staff to the ballroom and the sunroom, and call anyone who isn’t currently scheduled to work. Anyone who works overtime will be provided with a bonus in the new year. Hazel will also be in need of a bridal suite for the night of the twenty-third, plus an extra room for her and her bridesmaids to get ready the following day. We should also ensure there are enough rooms available for siblings, parents, and grandparents of both sides. With the weather as unpredictable as it is and how many disasters have befallen this wedding, it’s imperative the immediate family and wedding party don’t have any issues on the day.”
“Yes, Your Grace,” Heath replied.
“Mrs. Harding and Mrs. Carmichael will be able to help you with the room allocations,” I added before turning back to Hazel and Julian. “We’ll need to contact all the vendors and guests as a matter of urgency. Do you have a list anywhere?”
“We have a shared folder,” Julian answered. “As far as I remember, there’s a full spreadsheet of the vendors with their contact information and various security passwords, plus another for the guests with all their information. I think sheseparated it by bride and groom side. All I know is that it is overwhelmingly organised.”
I stared at him for a moment, then it hit me. All my stress came out of me in one big laugh that was unstoppable.
“What’s so funny about that?” Nana asked. “Makes sense to me.”
“No. I was just thinking it’s the most Sylvie thing I’ve ever heard.” I chuckled. “All right. Can you add us all to it?” I clapped my hands together. “Zara!”
My sister flinched. “It scares me when you say my name so excitedly like that.”
“You were begging me for a job the other day. Well, here’s your chance to make yourself useful.”
“You little—”
“Can you take Julian to my office? Printed copies of the lists may be easier to separate and check off than digital ones.”
“Oh, thank God. That, I can do. I thought you were going to make me go to the tree farm with you.”
I grinned. “As if Sylvie would let anyone else but her pick the trees.”
“Sir!” Lizzie rushed into the room before quickly pulling herself up and clearing her throat. “Excuse me, Your Grace. Miss Harding has just woken up.”
We all jolted at that.
“Syl—” Joanna got to her feet. “Is she okay?”
Lizzie nodded. “Yes, ma’am. She’s a little confused about what happened, so I told Louise I would send the duke immediately.”
“Thank you. I’ll be right there.” I turned to everyone else. “Oh. As far as Sylvie is concerned, this was all your idea, Mother.”
Mum flinched. “Why me? This is all you.”
I waved my hand. “Just take the credit for it, would you?”
She eyed me speculatively for a moment before a small, knowing smile eked onto her face. “As you wish.”
“Thank you. Now, if you’ll all excuse me, I’m going to check on Sylvie.” I nodded at everyone and walked out of the room into the hallway.
