Engaging Father Christmas Read Online Free PDF Page A

a quick errand. Your timing is perfect, really. I need to make a dash.”
    “Of course. I appreciate all you did today.”
    “It was a pleasure.” Reaching for my arm as I lowered myself into the chair across from Margaret, Ellie said, “I’ll see you back here in less than an hour.”
    “I’ll be here.”
    As Katharine and Ellie left me alone at the table with Margaret, I noted that I had the same feeling I’d experienced on my first job interview. As much as I wanted Margaret to accept me, I still didn’t like sitting there, not knowing what the outcome of our meeting was going to be.
    “How fortunate that you and I have this opportunity to speak with each other privately before the holiday festivities begin,” Margaret said.
    I nodded, waiting.
    “I have wanted to tell you how much I have appreciated your discretion this past year. Edward and I were speaking not long ago of the unique situation between you and our family. Edward reminded me of how you are to be commended for your maturity and prudence.” Margaret paused as if waiting for my response.
    The only words that came to mind were, “Thank you.”
    Margaret seemed like the sort of woman who did a lot of thinking on a subject before letting her opinions be known. I couldn’t tell if she had expressed all that was on her mind. A weighted “however” statement seemed as if it might follow, and I waited for it in bone-dry silence.
    But apparently Margaret had said all she intended to. At least at this point.
    She reached for her china teacup and took a small sip. I leaned back and felt as if the adrenaline-delayed jet lag had come over me all at once.
    “I should probably see if I can help Katharine with the tea,” I said.
    “Yes, of course.”
    Feeling officially dismissed, I got up and was almost to the curtain that separated the small kitchen from the dining area when the sound of the cheery jingle bells on the front door announced that someone else had entered.
    I turned to see who it was, and for the second time that day I saw the last person I expected.

Chapter Six
    H ow about that?” Josh sported a victorious grin as soon as he saw me. “The guy at the train station said this might be the place.”
    All eyes were on Josh as he dropped his heavy bag off his shoulder and bumped the chair of one of the guests closest to the door.
    “Oh, sorry. Pardon me.” He nodded at the ruffled woman. She raised her gaze to his ski cap, and he immediately removed it. Unfortunately, his uncombed and most likely unwashed hair looked worse than the ski beanie.
    I tried to direct him back, preferably out the door, but at least away from the guests. So far, on all my visits to Carlton Heath, none of the busybodies seemed to find my connection to their town or to the Whitcombes or MacGregors out of the ordinary. That was because Ian and I were such an item of interest. I was sure our names had been discussed more than once over the chubby china teapots positioned between the ladies who loved to gather at the Tea Cosy for a good chat.
    This scene with Josh was guaranteed to be a teatime tale for many weeks if I didn’t find a way to redirect this inconvenient American out the door and on his way.
    I tried to make it appear as if I were simply addressing a wayward tourist and not someone I knew when I said in a low voice, “I’m not sure this is where you want to be right now.”
    “Why? Is a private party going on here?” Josh wasn’t catching any of my subtle hints, conveyed through a variety of facial expressions.
    “No, but . . .”
    “Then would it be okay if I ordered something to eat?”
    I knew how determined Josh could be once he put his mind to something. If he wasn’t going to leave, the path of least disruption would be to tuck him into a corner and try to keep him quiet. At least until most of the curious women went on their way.
    Putting on my hostess demeanor, I said, “Go ahead and take a seat. I’ll bring you some tea.”
    I started to