Here is the opening section from my contribution - A Most Unexpected Christmas. This was written especially for this box set as were three other books.
Chapter One
Mrs Emily Delaney
read the letter a second time as if scarcely believing what was written there.
She waved the paper at her sister-in-law, Lydia. 'I have here an invitation to
spend the Christmas period at Fakenham Manor.'
Lydia put down the
book she had been engrossed in. 'I thought Lord Fakenham no longer communicated
with this side of the family.'
'And so did I,
but his mother has written to invite all of us to stay. She says here that Papa
and Mama have already agreed to attend the house party.' Emily's smile was
radiant. 'The children have been invited too. I expect I would have gone even
if they had been left behind, but it will be so much more pleasurable to have
them with me.'
'Will my brother
be prepared to trek across the countryside? David is not overfond of
travelling, especially at this time of year.'
'That is quite
true, my love, but he will make an exception for this invitation. As you know
my cousin hasn't spoken to my father since the accident. To have the family
reconciled is reason enough to make the journey even in such inclement weather.
'We have had
several most enjoyable visits to Hertfordshire in the past. My Cousin Theo is a
charming gentleman and adores the children. He will make a fortunate young lady
an excellent husband one day.' Emily pursed her lips and Lydia knew what was
coming.
'I wish to hear
no more about him. I shall not be accompanying you but will remain here. As you
know I'm not comfortable in society anymore.' She scrambled to her feet and
headed briskly for the door. 'I told you when dearest Jonathan passed away that
I would never marry again. I have more money and homes than any young lady
could possibly wish for. The only reason I could have for marrying is to have
children of my own which you know is impossible for me. So why should I give
away my freedom and wealth and gain nothing in return?'
This was a
conversation she'd had several times before and she was heartily sick of being
forced to explain how she felt about a second marriage. Jonathan had been
twenty years her senior, a friend of her father's, who had promised to take
care of her when her dearest parent had passed away. Their relationship had
been loving, rather than passionate, but she had never regretted her decision
for a minute.
Her husband had
been an intelligent, amusing, gentleman and a considerate and tender lover. Her
only regret was that they had not been blessed with children in the three short
years they had been wed. He had died from a congestion of the lungs around the
same time that Emily's uncle had drowned so tragically.
'Please don't run
away, dearest Lydia, I promise not to mention the subject of marriage again.
But David will not hear of you remaining here alone over the Christmas period.'
'I have never met
any of the Fakenhams – they are strangers to me and I'm quite certain they
would object most strenuously to having me foisted upon them.'
As she was about
to escape further inquisition her brother walked in. He was five years older
than her but they both had the same nut brown locks and striking tawny eyes.
'Upon whom are you about to be foisted, Lydia?'
Emily rushed
across and pushed the letter into his fingers. He quickly read it and smiled.
'Excellent – it's far too long since I've seen the other side of your family. Please
don't pressure my sister into accompanying us, my dear. She must make up her
own mind if she wishes to come.'
'Am I included in
this invitation?' Lydia addressed this question to her brother.
'No, of course
not. How could they possibly know you were residing with us? If you wish to
come then there is ample time for me to send a letter and have you included.'
She shook her
head vehemently. 'I shall do very well here. Of course, if you wish me to
return to Halstead Court then I am quite happy to do so. I've been here for
three months already.'
He frowned and
put his arm around her, then hugged her close. 'You will do no such thing. Your
home is here with us now – I don't want you moping about that empty place being
reminded of what you've lost.'
For a moment she
allowed herself the luxury of resting her head against his solid shoulder.
'Thank you, David. I would much prefer to be here even if you and the children
are elsewhere.'
I hoe this tempts you to borrow/buy the box set. CLICK HERE
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