Fenella J. Miller Read Online Free PDF

and Eleanor…well she was old before her time. A pretty young thing, scarcely out of the schoolroom, but she was already wishing to be quiet and serious.
    Hadn’t these been the very qualities which had attracted him? He shouldn’t cavil when his choice of bride behaved in exactly the way he expected her too. At least he no longer had to worry about the older Bloomfield lad cutting him out. He was more likely to make a match of it with Amelia judging by the squeals and giggles coming from that girl.

    A shout attracted Elizabeth’s attention. To her amazement, Amelia and Ned Bloomfield were racing towards her, hotly pursued by the younger brother. Sir James and Eleanor were walking sedately so it would be some time before they caught up with the cart.
    For the first time in ages, she felt a surge of excitement. Tossing aside the rug, she started to gather up balls of snow; this was her turn to join in the fun. To be part of this escapade lifted her spirits. Perhaps this Christmas would be happier than she had anticipated.
    She crouched down behind the protection of the cart side and hurled the first missile. This was a hit direct, knocking Ned’s hat to the ground. His look of comical disbelief made her laugh out loud. She sent a second snowball hurtling towards Amelia hitting her squarely on her chest.
    Both of them screamed a challenge and began scooping up snow to throw at her. She had the better of it, being able to hide behind the edge of the cart, but there were now three of them aiming at her and they were closing in. Should she surrender or fight to the bitter end?
    “We have you now, Miss Baverstock, you shall get your comeuppance.” Ned appeared at the open end of the vehicle, an enormous snowball in his hand.
    Without hesitation, she hurled her final projectile, hitting him full in the face. Her shout of triumph was short-lived as Amelia and David appeared on either side of the cart and bombarded her mercilessly with snow. Spluttering and laughing, she gave in.
    “I am beaten — you are the winners of this fight.” She stood up and shook off the snow amidst the laughter. She waited for Amelia to return to her sniping, but the girl, her face flushed and her eyes sparkling scrambled up beside her on the cart.
    “Elizabeth, I’ve never had such fun. Do you mind if I ride with you? I fear all that exercise has quite fatigued me.”
    “Please do; you’re very welcome. I fear your bonnet will never be the same, I have had the best of it, being dressed like a scarecrow.”
    “Never mind, no one is going to notice you anyway.”
    Things have not changed between them, not really. A truce had been declared, a cessation of hostilities. Amelia was not stupid; she knew if her unkindness was observed it would not impress the guests.
    “I say, Miss Baverstock, why did you abandon us?”
    “Mr. Bloomfield, I have the task of collecting greenery; you are merely out for a walk. The holly trees with the most berries are just ahead, in the next stretch of woodland. Where you were heading is mostly oak, chestnut and ash and none of them are suitable for decorating the Hall.”
    Five of the men walked ahead with shears and blades to begin the arduous job of cutting tree branches. The remaining man plodded along beside the cart horse. He glanced sideways as Elizabeth resumed her seat on the sacks and grinned at her. She smiled back; he appeared as pleased as she, that she was being included in the entertainment.
    Amelia was animatedly chatting to Ned and David joined in. Once more, she felt invisible. Sir James caught up with them and tenderly lifted Eleanor onto the cart. She remained with her feet dangling over the end and made no attempt to crawl back and sit on the sacks. He strolled down the unoccupied side until he was level with Elizabeth.
    “Miss Baverstock, I shall no longer fret about your health. You are obviously fully restored judging by the vigorous defence you put up just now.”
    “I thank you for your