Free The Marquess of Cake by Heather Hiestand

marquess folded his arms across his chest and tapped his booted foot against the floor, even though there was no music as of yet. He seemed twitchy to her. Perhaps he was as uncomfortable in society as she, though that seemed unlikely. She glanced around the surrounding faces to see if she could spot his mother, but didn’t see her.
    “Oh, Miss Redcake,” Lady Lillian said, coming toward them with outstretched hands. “Is this not the dampest Christmas you can remember?”
    “Foul beyond belief,” Alys agreed.
    “But it’s Christmas,” Rose said, taking her friend’s hands. “And it’s so pretty inside.”
    A Tannenbaum stood majestically in one corner, decorated with tinsel, gingerbread cookies, and lit candles. A wreath was hung at each window. Though it was very faint, Alys could hear carolers outside. Ivy and holly were entwined below the gas lamps.
    “Mistletoe!” Matilda gasped, coming up beside them.
    Alys squinted, and finally saw a small bunch almost hidden beside the Christmas tree.
    “Can you imagine the scandal?” Matilda said, almost wistfully.
    “Don’t squint. It makes you look like an old maid,” Rose whispered balefully.
    Just then, Lord Hatbrook’s friend turned and stared straight at Alys. He looked confused for a moment as if he couldn’t place her, but he was staring so directly that she bobbed the tiniest curtsy. He bowed his head then returned to his conversation, but a moment later Hatbrook turned. His gaze caught hers and she felt a flutter in her chest. Rose caught at her arm and opened her mouth, but then Alys saw Lady Hatbrook appear in the open doorway between the tree and her son.
    Her eyes narrowed when she saw Alys. Alys turned toward Rose and drew her sister a few steps away.
    “What is it? Your mouth was hanging quite open. You must be more discreet.”
    “I just saw Lady Hatbrook,” Alys confessed, feeling a lump in her stomach that even a strong cup of tea might not dissolve. “Oh Rose, I have played the servant with that family, and now Father has taken away my position. But it might be too late to save you or Matilda!”
    “What are you babbling about?” Lewis said, coming toward them.
    Alys noticed her cousin’s white-blond hair was damp, hiding its natural curl.
    “Did you forget your hat again, cousin?” Rose asked.
    Lewis ignored her. “What is too late, Alys?”
    Alys tried to smile. “How can my sisters make good marriages when I’ve been serving the aristocracy at Redcake’s? We reek of trade.”
    “Uncle Bartley is a tradesman,” Lewis said. “We aren’t aristocrats and it is silly to think our status has really changed.”
    Rose opened her mouth, her nose wrinkled in outrage, but Alys appreciated the good sense. What did she care if Lady Hatbrook recognized her? Lady Lillian might belong in this room, but she and her family did not. They were the interlopers and Lady Hatbrook could do what she liked.
    Then she glanced up and saw Lord Hatbrook only two steps away • from her. His mother was nowhere in sight, but his friend stood at her elbow.
    Hatbrook turned slightly to her left and spoke. “Sergeant Redcake, I am happy to see you again.”
    Her brother must have come in with Lewis as he stood there now.
    He shook the marquess’s hand.
    “A pleasure, sir. May I introduce my sisters, Alys, Matilda, and Rose, and my cousin, Mr. Lewis Noble?”
    “I have had the pleasure of meeting Miss Redcake a time or two,”
    the marquess said. “May I make my friend Theodore Bliven known to you all?”
    After introductions were made, the marquess said, “The sergeant here served with Judah until recently.”
    “You must have some tales to tell, Sergeant,” Mr. Bliven said.
    “Don’t envy you, man.”
    “Better forgotten.” Gawain scowled. “I work at Redcake’s now.”
    Mr. Bliven grinned. “Ah, then you are the envy of Lord Hatbrook.
    I do believe Redcake’s is his most favorite spot in London.”
    Lord Hatbrook caught Alys rolling her eyes