Free Twelfth Night Secrets by Jane Feather Page A

of congratulation, and there was something about the accompanying smile that seemed once again to include her in their own private circle.
    A little chill ran down her spine. It was how she and Nick had been. Negotiating their way through the family maze, sharing their own private jokes. But she couldn’t have that with anyone else. Most particularly not with Julius Forsythe.

Chapter Five

    The bustle of arrivals continued for the next several hours. Julius kept to the sidelines, watching with considerable respect the deft way Harriet managed to be everywhere at once, solving problems, smoothing ruffled tempers, instructing servants, even as she deflected the more outrageous demands and complaints of Aunt Augusta and several other imperious dowagers, whose personal maids appeared more demanding even than their mistresses.
    “Good God, man, come into the library, it’s the only sane place in the entire house,” the Duke declared, entering the hall after welcoming a trio of gentlemen guests. “Don’t know why we have to do this every year, but Harriet insists upon it . . . says it’s ourduty to the family.” He gave a snort of disapproval. “Come and join me in a glass of port, dear fellow.”
    He took Julius’s arm and ushered him swiftly into the library, closing the door behind them with a sigh of relief. “Oh, good, Harriet’s made sure we’ve some nourishment in here.” He gestured to a sideboard where a cold ham, smoked trout, and a loaf of wheat bread reposed beside decanters of port and claret. “The red salon will be full of gannets eating me out of house and home,” he announced, filling two glasses with port. “Bad enough to have their incessant chatter over dinner, without having to endure it in the middle of the day.”
    Julius took the glass with a smile of thanks. “You really dislike Christmas festivities that much, Duke?”
    The Duke gave a wry grimace. “I suppose I was overstating the case, somewhat. The first day is always the worst; once everyone settles in, it isn’t so bad. Harriet achieves miracles, don’t know how she does it, just a slip of a girl.” He sipped his port and turned to the sideboard. “Help yourself, dear boy. We won’t dine until seven tonight, after the carolers have come up from the village.” He piled a plate with the offerings on the sideboard and carried it to a fireside chair.
    Julius followed suit. The library was an oasis of peace and quiet amidst the noise and bustle of the house. “Any word on the Boxing Day hunt, sir?”
    The Duke looked much more cheerful. “Yes, indeed, we are in luck. Jackson thinks the ground will be fine if we don’t get another hard frost.” He took a hearty bite of bread and ham.
    Julius glanced towards the window, where weak sunlight sparked off the still frosty lawn. The long case clock chimed one o’clock. It would be almost dusk in three hours, and he needed to ride into Oxford and back before full dark. He set down his plate and glass. “If you’ll excuse me, sir, I’ve a mind to ride out for a couple of hours. My horse has been eating his head off in the stables for the last couple of days, and if he’s to be fit to hunt, he’ll need to work out the fidgets.”
    “Of course, dear boy. Go with my blessing. I only wish I could accompany you, but Harriet will frown if I leave before the last guest arrives.” His grace shook his head with a mock mournful air. “In truth, I owe it to her to stay around at least for today. Augusta will demand my presence soon enough.”
    Julius laughed sympathetically as he rose to his feet. “I’ll bid you good afternoon, then.”
    “The carolers assemble in the great hall at six,” hishost reminded him. “Harriet will not be best pleased if you miss them.”
    “I will be there, sir. I wouldn’t wish to displease Lady Harriet.” Rather the reverse, he thought with an inner smile. He bowed and left the library, leaving the house by the side door to avoid the seething