Free What Happens At Christmas by Victoria Alexander Page B

interrupting.”
    â€œNot at all,” Camille said.
    â€œI was not aware that we were not alone. But then when I am in a room with Lady Lydingham, I can see nothing else, save this enchanting creature,” Nikolai said smoothly.
    She cast Grayson a satisfied smirk.
    â€œIn my experience, Lady Lydingham is nothing if not an enchanting creature,” Grayson said pleasantly. “But then, even as a young girl, she was enchanting. Why I can recall—”
    â€œRecollections that are best left for another time,” Camille said quickly. The only thing worse than Grayson being here in the present was his reminiscing about the past.
    â€œOh, but I should like to hear it.” Nikolai favored her with an affectionate smile. “I wish to know everything there is to know about you, my dear.”
    â€œHow . . . perfect of you.” She sighed up at him.
    Grayson choked.
    â€œAgain my apologies.” Nikolai shook his head. “I fear in Lady Lydingham’s presence, I quite forget all else. Allow me to introduce myself. I am Count Pruzinsky, of the Kingdom of Greater Avalonia.” He clicked his heels together. “And I am at your service.”
    Grayson frowned. “I do beg your pardon, but I was under the impression you were a prince.”
    â€œHe is a prince.” Camille huffed. “He just prefers not to be addressed as such when traveling in a foreign country.” She lowered her voice. “There are dangers, you know.”
    â€œReally?” Surprise or perhaps skepticism sounded in Grayson’s voice. She could cheerfully strangle him right here and now. And, as everyone already thought she was mad . . . “I never would have imagined.”
    â€œI would prefer not to discuss such dire possibilities,” Nikolai said in an offhand manner. “Christmas and all.”
    Grayson nodded. “To be expected, of course.”
    â€œForgive me.” Nikolai glanced from Grayson to Camille. “We still have not been introduced.”
    â€œI am sorry. What was I thinking?” Camille smiled in as pleasant a manner as she could muster. “This is Mr. Grayson Elliott. He is—”
    â€œHer cousin. Camille’s cousin.” Grayson grinned an altogether wicked and, perhaps once, devastating, grin.
    â€œMy what?” She stared. What was he up to now?
    Nikolai’s brow rose in confusion. No doubt he’d smile and nod at any minute.
    â€œDistant, you know,” Grayson said. “Our connection is tenuous at best. Scarcely worth mentioning, but nonetheless we are family. In truth, I am little more than a poor relation, but I am exceptionally fond of Camille and her sisters. And it is Christmas.”
    â€œYes, this is my cousin,” she said reluctantly. “My very distant cousin. It’s been years since we’ve seen him. Why, we have practically forgotten what he looks like.”
    â€œA family reunion! How delightful,” Nikolai said with a genuine smile. “You are the first of Lady Lydingham’s relations I have met and I am quite looking forward to meeting the rest. You have my everlasting gratitude for welcoming me into the bosom of your family for Christmas.”
    Grayson chuckled. “We are an interesting lot.”
    â€œWe are not.” Camille forced a laugh. “We are no more interesting than anyone else’s family. Quite proper and really, on occasion, even somewhat dull.”
    â€œNonsense, Camille.” Grayson shook his head. “There is nothing the least bit dull about this family.”
    â€œAnd what is it you English say?” Nikolai thought for a moment. “Ah yes. The more, the merrier.”
    Camille shook her head in confusion. “The more . . .”
    â€œI assume, as a member of your family, Mr. Elliott has come—”
    â€œFor Christmas.” Grayson’s wicked grin widened, if possible.
    Camille stared in disbelief.
    â€œYes, indeed.”