Free Old Acquaintances: Christmas Regency Tale (Regency Tales Book 2) by Gayle Buck Page B

previously that you were on your way to visit with her?”
                  “Oh, but she has not notion that I was coming. It was to be a surprise, so I daresay that a day or two more will make little difference,” said Lord Baltor ingenuously.
                  “Quite,” said Judith, not daring to glance at Sir Peregrine. She could sense that he was deriving much the same amusement as she was from Lord Baltor’s artlessness. It was passing strange that she and Sir Peregrine could be so alike in some ways and yet set one another’s backs up so readily, she thought. “Well, that is settled. I think that we shall all be glad to get on with our individual plans for the holiday, though I must say it has been quite an experience to have all of you here at Elmswood. I do not think that I shall ever quite forget it,” she said with an encompassing smile.
                  “Quite,” murmured Sir Peregrine.
                  Judith ignored the thread of irony in his voice. She glanced at him in a determinedly friendly fashion. “Sir Peregrine, I know that you in particular have chafed at your enforced stay at Elmswood. But like Lord Baltor, I assure you of continued hospitality until Miss Brown is well enough to travel. Perhaps you would like to visit with your ward later today? Though I have not talked to Cecily, I think that a visit from you might underscore your concern for her well-being.”
                  Her suggestion was couched with all the trappings of the solicitude of the polite hostess, but the gentleman to whom she addressed it was well able to gather a more pointed meaning to it. It was but another skirmish line in their ongoing battle.
                  “An excellent suggestion, Miss Grantham,” said Sir Peregrine in appreciation. “I shall certainly do so.” He smiled at her and he was surprised by the answering spark of merriment in her eyes. He realized that she also derived a certain enjoyment from the repartee between them. They had scarcely spoken more than a few sentences to each other in five years and it seemed that they were equally determined to make up for that oversight.
    In particular, he recalled how right she had felt in his arms under the kissing bough. He could not for the life of him see where that could possibly lead since the past still hung there, unalterable and unpalatable. At the thought, his smile faded and a distinct chill entered his eyes. Luncheon was done with for all intents and purposes and he excused himself to the company.
    Judith had seen the instant that Sir Peregrine’s expression changed. His manner had gone cold of a sudden and the warmth in his eyes had become shuttered. It unsettled her. She had assumed after he had kissed her that their differences were on the way to being mended. However, she was not particularly sorry when he left the dining room. She thought that if there was anything that she was sorry for, it was that Sir Peregrine would be remaining at Elmswood yet a while. His uncertain moods made the atmosphere distinctly uncomfortable.
    That afternoon, shortly before the dinner hour, a commotion was raised abovestairs in a flurry of furious voices. Judith, who had been reading in the library, left her book in the chair and hurried out into the entry hall. The altercation was rapidly becoming louder and attracted the notice of all within earshot.
    Sir Peregrine and Lord Baltor emerged from the billiards room, Sir Peregrine exclaiming, “What the devil?”
    The footmen and a maid or two left their various tasks to step into the entry hall and Mr. Smith appeared from somewhere. They all stood in the hall, their faces raised in the direction of the balcony where the ruckus was originating.
    Mrs. Nickleby hove into sight and marched down the stairs in full sail, her high accusing voice rising above the scared protestations of a slight maid, hauled along by Mr. Nickleby, who recommended the