Page 16 of The Twelve Days of Love

Chapter Five

The next three days passed quickly. Luke had decided to give Caroline that day’s Christmas present each morning before they went downstairs. While he had enjoyed the public aspect of the gift of the first day, he preferred the rest of the gifts to be given in private, just between the two of them.

Hudson had only stayed through Boxing Day, saying he had to return to London because business didn’t wait. He was able to see the amber earrings, which were the second gift of the twelve to come. Luke had told his wife the gift was in a box in honor of Boxing Day. She had been delighted with the jewelry, immediately going to her mirror and attaching the earrings to her earlobes.

Jeremy and Catherine saw the earrings, as well as the presents from the third and fourth day, before they left. On the twenty-seventh, Caroline had received a cashmere shawl and the next day a new hat, both chosen by Rachel, who had exquisite taste and knew exactly what would look good on her sister-in-law.

Before they left, Luke had pulled Catherine aside and asked her if she believed Caroline might be carrying twins.

“I have thought so, Luke. In fact, Caroline and I spoke about it only yesterday. She was the one who brought it up. We both believe it to be a strong possibility.”

“Well, twins do run in the family,” he said. “Is she worried?”

“A bit,” Catherine admitted. “She knows it will most likely mean she stays in bed beginning very soon. Caroline realizes they may come earlier than expected if it truly is two babes inside her. She is going to talk with the midwife and the doctor and hear what they have to say before she addresses the matter with you.”

Catherine had promised to come to Fairhaven whenever he sent for her, which had greatly relieved Luke’s mind. His sister-in-law was a calming presence and close with Caroline. If she were here for the delivery, he believed it would soothe his countess.

After their guests left, each day the children would clamor to see what gift their mother had been given that day.

Caroline enjoyed history and on the twenty-ninth had received a model of Canterbury Cathedral.

“I love it—but why Canterbury?”

“Because on this day in 1170, Thomas Becket was slain before the altar at the cathedral. You know how he and the king had been fast friends until Becket was elevated to be the cathedral’s archbishop.”

“Yes, they argued about the powers of the crown and church,” she replied. “Then Henry spoke the horrible words that led to the archbishop’s death.”

“Will no one rid me of this turbulent priest?” Luke said solemnly.

“And four knights rode straight to Canterbury and slaughtered Thomas Becket. The king was filled with regret for the remainder of his life.”

“I hope you don’t find the gift too macabre,” he said. “The cathedral is quite beautiful.”

Caroline wrapped her arms about his waist. “I love it. I have loved every gift I have received this season. You are spoiling me too much, Luke. I assume since there are twelve days of Christmas that I have more gifts still to come.”

“You do,” he told her.

The next day the children presented Caroline with cards that they had made for her. On the last day of the year, Luke handed her a book of Robert Burns’ poetry with a bookmark noting the page of the poet’s Auld Lang Syne.

For the first day of January, he bestowed a notebook for her to jot down resolutions, a new practice, to start a new year. On the second, he presented the painting of the Louvre in Paris.

“Saint Genevieve is the patron saint of Paris. She saved the city not once—but twice.”

“How?” his wife asked, fascinated.

“The first time was from the Huns in the year 451. She led a prayer marathon, which was said to have diverted Attila’s troops.”

“And the second?”

“In 464, she became the intermediary between King Childeric, who besieged Paris, and the leaders of the city. She even collected food to give to the prisoners of war and somehow convinced Childeric to free those prisoners.”

Luke cupped Caroline’s cheek. “She was a remarkable woman. Just like the one I wed. I promise to take you to Paris someday so we can see the Louvre. And the city itself.”

He kissed her, long and deep, pouring all his love into the kiss.

The following day, he presented a letter from the leading portrait artist in London. Caroline’s eyes widened as she read it.

“It says he will come either to Fairhaven or see us in London and paint me and the children once the baby comes. Oh, Luke!”

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