Old Acquaintances: Christmas Regency Tale (Regency Tales Book 2) Read Free Page B

Cecily.
    “Nonsense. It will be you who will be doing me the favor. Elmswood is very quiet this Christmas. Indeed, I would not mind it in the least if half a dozen more personages chose to become marooned on my doorstep. It would make for quite a jolly little party, don’t you think?” asked Judith in a reassuring way. Cecily responded to Judith’s jest, though her smile wavered a little.
    The innkeeper’s wife saw that the matter was settled and she nodded in satisfaction. She bustled off at once for the promised tea and she was soon back, saying that she always kept a hot pot handy. Judith declined sugar but accepted milk for her tea. She saw that Cecily was fond of a very sweetened tea and it almost made her teeth hurt to watch the girl sip at the resulting syrup.
    Before the ladies had quite finished their cups of tea, Edward the coachman came up to inform Judith that the innkeeper had promised to send out help to the stranded mail coach passengers. “The snow is becoming that heavy, miss, that I think it best that we get on as quick as we can,” he said, casting an anxious glance at his mistress’s cup.
    “We shall go at once. Miss Brown will be accompanying us after all, Edward. I hope that you have not set down her baggage,” said Judith, rising from the table. Cecily immediately leaped up, not wishing to delay their departure and thus be any more of a burden on her benefactress.
    “No, miss. That is to say, I will put it back in the carriage this instant,” said Edward.
    Judith nodded and walked out of the coffee room to find the innkeeper’s wife so that she could pay the bill. With the woman’s good wishes ringing on the air, the carriage bound for Elmswood once more turned onto the icy road. Snow swirled about its dark moving shape, then it was gone into the dusk.
     
    Chapter Three
     
    The welcoming light and warmth of Elmswood Hall were all that Judith had hoped. The scent of fir and pine and warm wax wafted out the open door, drawing the travelers inside.
    Judith was glad to step into the hall and hear the butler’s welcome. “I am happy to be home, Withers. This young lady is Miss Cecily Brown. The coach she was on had an unfortunate accident and so I have offered the hospitality of Elmswood to her. Pray see that a room is prepared for her,” she said, beginning to draw off her gloves.
    “At once, Miss Grantham,” said Withers, motioning for a footman to take up the portmanteau and bandbox that had been brought in from the carriage. “I took the liberty of setting up a cold collation in the drawing room in anticipation of your arrival and I shall bring in tea in a quarter hour.”
    “Bless you, Withers. That will be just time enough to change from this damp travel dress,” said Judith, bestowing a grateful smile on him. She turned to Cecily and took her hands in her own. Again she noticed how cold the girl’s slender fingers were. “The footman will show you the way to your room. I shall meet with you again in the drawing room for supper in a few minutes.”
    Cecily smiled her acquiescence and then followed the footman carrying her baggage up the stairway that occupied one side of the entry hall. Her weariness was underscored by the droop of her slim shoulders. She was in no mind to demur at whatever was proposed, only wishing for rest. Through the fog that had settled over her, she noticed the festive loops of holly and fir that decorated the graceful lift of stairs. Her wavering spirits were comforted by the cheery sight. She was safe here, she thought gratefully, and stifled a yawn.
    Judith watched her guest ascend, a tiny frown between her winged brows. She pulled her gloves through her fingers without being conscious of it.
    The butler was thoroughly familiar with Miss Grantham’s moods and he observed this sign of perturbation with interest. He wondered what there was about Miss Brown that should prove disquieting to Miss Grantham. “Miss Grantham, will there be anything else?”