The Kissing Bough Read Online Free Page A

Serpentine. Edward would have found that much more to his taste.”
    Lady Beaufield got to her feet. “Edward and I like to attend the Christmas service in the village at midday. It is good for the locals to see their Lord and Lady at worship with them. Perhaps you would join us?”
    “We’d be delighted,” Mrs. Demerham replied.
    “You’ll forgive me if I decline the invitation,” James said. “I am going to take my carriage out. The horses need to be exercised regularly. Would you care to accompany me, Miss Demerham?”
    Lucinda knew what she should say, knew what was expected of her, but the thought of an invigorating ride along country roads in James’ company appealed far more than an hour or two seated on a hard wooden pew listening to more sermons.
    “Yes, I’d love to.”
    “Lucinda!” Her mother’s gasp was shocked. “Surely you’ll attend church with us? It’s Christmas.”
    “But, Mother, I’ve already attended one service.”
    “Let the girl have a little fun,” her father interrupted. “After all, it is Christmas, and she will be safe with Mr. Lymon. You will, of course, take your maid with you and I expect Mr. Lymon will have his groom.”
    “I have a groom,” James agreed. “And I have no objection to Miss Demerham’s maid.”
    He hadn’t said he’d take either of them with them, Lucinda noted, but she didn’t mention this omission.
    Her mother stood with pursed lips, but without contradicting her husband, she was forced to remain silent.
    “I regret that you prefer gallivanting about the countryside, James,” Edward said, his mouth flattened into a tight, thin line. “May I suggest you spend some time on your outing contemplating good works and righteous behavior?”
    “You surely don’t expect me to do that? Especially at Christmas?” James asked incredulously.
    “I expect very little of you at any time,” Edward replied repressively, and left the room.
    “Service starts in half an hour,” Lady Beaufield remarked as she followed him out. “I suggest we depart in twenty minutes.”
    “Come, my dear. It will take you almost that long to get ready.” Mr. Demerham held out his arm to escort his wife from the room. Whether he’d meant to do it or not, he’d saved Lucinda from the scolding she was sure her mother had planned to deliver.
    James and Lucinda were left alone.
    “If it is not inconvenient, I’d like to leave on our drive at the same time the others leave for church. Can you be ready in half an hour, too?” James asked, his voice revealing none of the tension of the confrontation with his brother.
    “I can.” Lucinda jumped to her feet. “I may have to hurry Betsy along, but we’ll manage.”
    With enough badgering and threatening, only thirty-five minutes later Lucinda and her maid bustled out of the door to see James’ groom walking the horses up and down while James stood waiting to escort them to the carriage.
    An open carriage far too small for four people.
    James assisted her into the curricle’s seat then helped Betsy squeeze in beside her. The groom clambered precariously up behind them, standing on a step-like structure and clinging to the framework. James swung into the driver’s position and twitched the reins to set the matched pair of bays into motion.
    They drove a mere hundred yards down the graveled driveway. James pulled the horses to a halt.
    “Simmons?”
    “Yes, sir.”
    “Miss Demerham’s maid is cold.”
    “Is she, sir?” Simmons stepped down onto the gravel and came to stand beside the coach. His lips curved into the smallest of smiles. “May I be of assistance, Miss…?”
    “Betsy.” Her eyelids fluttered. “I’m just called Betsy.”
    “Well, Betsy—are you cold?” The tone of James’ voice was all solicitousness. Lucinda would have thought his only care was for Betsy’s welfare—if not for the roguish twinkle in his eyes.
    “Oh, yes, sir. I’m very cold.” Betsy pulled her shawl a little tighter around her