“Another Christmas Alone,” She Thought — Until a Duke’s Carriage Broke Down at Her Gate
Chapter 18
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"An enlightening explanation.""I was assisting Peters.""With what?""The wheel.""Julian, yesterday you were barely trusted to slice bread.""I believe my abilities have improved.""Have they?""Considerably."She looked at the grease. "I shall reserve judgment."He laughed. Then his expression grew gentler. "The replacement wheel has arrived. Peters believes we can depart after luncheon."Rosamond felt a small, sharp ache beneath her ribs. She reached for the teapot. "How fortunate."Julian watched her. "Yes," he said quietly. "Fortunate."Neither sounded particularly convinced.Breakfast was a strange affair: Daniel was delighted that the carriage had been repaired; Peters was relieved; Pickles was occupied with the serious business of persuading everyone to surrender portions of their toast; only Rosamond and Julian seemed unable to find anything worth celebrating.They spoke politely—too politely. Julian complimented the marmalade; Rosamond asked whether the roads were safe; Julian assured her that Peters had examined them; Rosamond expressed satisfaction; Julian thanked her. By the time the meal ended, they sounded like two strangers conducting a negotiation over the purchase of a horse.Finally, Rosamond could bear it no longer. "Julian."He looked up immediately. "Yes?""You needn't behave as though you are about to be executed."Daniel lowered his head. Peters became deeply interested in his plate. Julian blinked."I beg your pardon?""You have been staring at that piece of toast for nearly five minutes. I fear it is beginning to feel unwelcome."He looked down. Then, unexpectedly, he laughed.Rosamond smiled. "There. Much better."Julian set down the toast. "I confess I am not particularly eager to leave."The words were spoken so simply that Rosamond almost missed their importance. She looked at him. "Because of the weather?""No.""Your carriage?""No." He held her gaze. "Because I have enjoyed being here."Rosamond's heart gave an inconvenient little leap. "I have enjoyed having you."For a moment, the kitchen seemed very quiet.Then Peters rose. "Daniel, I believe we ought to see to the horses."Daniel looked at his unfinished breakfast. "The horses? Oh! Yes, of course."They departed with remarkable speed. Rosamond stared after them.Julian cleared his throat. "I believe Peters has developed an extraordinary concern for the welfare of horses."Rosamond laughed softly. "He seems a very perceptive man.""He is." Julian stood. "Rosamond, may I speak to you privately?"She looked at the empty kitchen. "I believe you already are."He smiled. "Then perhaps somewhere that does not smell quite so strongly of toast."They walked into the sitting room. The Christmas decorations still hung above the mantelpiece; the wooden angel smiled crookedly from its evergreen branch. Julian stopped beside the fire."I owe you more than an apology for your gate."Rosamond folded her hands. "Julian, we have discussed the gate.""I know. I was not speaking of the gate."