UnexpectedChristmas Read Online Free Page A

know. I’ve never tried. But I’m sure I can stir
flour and water together and make something edible. And look, here’s a crock of
butter. Yes, I’ll make biscuits as soon as the bread gives out.”
    She looked so pleased at the prospect Sebastian again had to
steel himself not to grab her in his arms. Her answer gave him further pause.
This was no ordinary girl. Everything about her, the purity of her features,
the delicacy of her hands, the fact she knew a few things but not much about a
kitchen confirmed what he’d already determined. She’d been raised to be a lady.
A lady who’d been loved by her servants and indulged.
    What had happened to force her into traveling alone and in some
of the most regrettable clothes he’d ever seen?
    “How did you know how to cook the eggs?”
    She flushed. “When I was a child I used to watch Cook when I
had a chance. She let me stir the eggs for an omelet once.”
    Seeing his stare, she added, “Surely all children find
kitchens fascinating.”
    “Yes, of course they do.”
    He didn’t add that not all households had a cook. Nor one
addressed by her job title. Intrigued, he probed a bit further.
    “I’m sure Cook taught you more than just eggs. What else did
you learn from her?”
    She flushed, bit her lip and turned to the sink.
    “That filthy sink is disgusting. I’m glad I didn’t eat
anything here last night.”
    He let her get away with the change of subject. She was not
about to volunteer any information. Still, she was so guileless he thought if
he could keep her talking he’d find out a bit more.
    This girl was so unspoiled he found it hard to credit. All
of his liaisons had been with women who expressed complete enchantment with his
person and his lovemaking. When he first came to town he’d believed their
flattery and thought himself one hell of a virile fellow. Now he wondered if
any of them would have given him a second glance without his title and his
money.
    Shrugging, he set to work bringing in wood for the monster
stove and getting it to work. Two fires would keep him busy chopping wood but
he didn’t want to have Caro’s skirts catching on fire if she leaned too close
to the fireplace.
    God bless the fates. It felt good to be in charge of his
life in the most basic way. He found himself responsible for not only his own
life but that of his lovely companion. He’d be almost sorry when this
unexpected interlude was over.
    In spite of his father keeping him from actively joining the
fighting with Wellington, he wasn’t exactly useless.
    * * * * *
    Twilight began to send little shadows into formerly sunny
spots in the inn as Sebastian finally decided they had enough wood for at least
twenty-four hours. He’d barely stopped since breakfast. The path to the jakes
was clear, wood was stacked beside the fireplace and near the stove. He’d even
found candles in a kitchen closet and two of them now burned in the darkness of
the kitchen to help Caro as she cooked the inevitable eggs.
    But she’d also sliced off generous pieces of ham and warmed them.
She’d toasted more bread and set two places at the kitchen table. The table
looked inviting, if you weren’t particular about the setting. Two banged-up tin
plates were in place, as well as two spoons. She’d opened a bottle of wine from
the bar and filled two shining glasses. She proudly assured him she’d rinsed
everything with snow.
    Evidently the innkeeper served mostly food eaten with
fingers only. Probably he’d hard-boiled the eggs.
    With a grin he sat down. He’d eat sawdust if that was what
she was about to serve. He raised his glass to her and was pleased when she
raised hers in return.
    “I don’t recall ever being so hungry. I’ll eat anything you
put before me, my beautiful cook.”
    She blushed and, taking his plate, filled it with scrambled
eggs and warmed ham.
    “I’m sorry there are no potatoes, my lord. Or no fourth or
fifth removes.”
    She dimpled as she filled his plate.
    He