His Mistletoe Bride by Vanessa Kelly Page B

told me, the Merritts make quite a fuss about Christmas, do they not? All Yule logs and boar’s head and Lord of Misrule, if I’m not mistaken.” He winked at Lucas. “I suppose I know where we’ll all be spending the holiday, ain’t that right, Belle?”
    Annabel rolled her eyes at her husband. “Not unless we’re invited, and I certainly can’t imagine why Lucas would want to invite you .”
    â€œI would love to see the manor, Lucas,” Phoebe broke in, her eyes shining. “I would be so happy to see where my mother grew up.”
    Lucas smiled. Phoebe would see Mistletoe Manor soon enough, but not until he had it in decent enough shape that it wouldn’t instantly frighten her off. She needed time to get used to what he had planned for her, and taking her to a broken-down estate didn’t enter into those plans.
    â€œBelfield Abbey is only a short distance from Mistletoe Manor,” Meredith said. “I’m sure something can be arranged after we settle in.”
    Lucas shot her a frown. “Phoebe is going to Belfield Abbey for the holidays?”
    â€œEverybody is,” said Annabel. “At least for part of the time. Isn’t that right, Meredith?”
    â€œYes,” Meredith replied, watching Lucas carefully. “There will be plenty of opportunities to visit, if you will have us.”
    Their gazes locked, and an uncomfortable silence fell over their group. Lucas could feel his jaw twitch, but he fought to keep his face impassive. Christ! The entire family camped out at Belfield Abbey for weeks, right on his bloody doorstep? It was bad enough he had to grapple with all the problems foisted on him by his dilapidated inheritance. Now he would also be expected to dance attendance at every inane holiday gathering and put up with Silverton to boot.
    Phoebe reached over and touched his hand. “Forgive me. I had no right to ask for an invitation in so rude a manner. You have many pressing matters to attend to on the estate, and I will be happy to wait until you are ready to receive guests.” She smiled, but her dark eyes held a wounded dignity.
    Lucas mentally winced. Phoebe was the last person he wanted to feel bad about this. Aunt Georgie and Meredith and all the other interfering women in his family were up to something with their Christmas plans, and he didn’t like it. He wagered Silverton would be equally annoyed.
    As if his thoughts had conjured up the devil himself, Silverton’s voice broke in. “This looks to be a very lively group,” he said in a sardonic voice.
    Annabel plastered a bright smile on her face. “We were discussing Christmas plans, and how much fun it will be to visit Mistletoe Manor while we’re all down at the abbey.”
    â€œYes, won’t it just,” Silverton replied in his most bored voice.
    Meredith flashed her husband a look that could slice through stone, and even Lucas had to feel a degree of sympathy for him. But he ignored the unwelcome emotion and focused on Phoebe. “Of course you must visit,” he said, taking her hand. “You must regard Mistletoe Manor as much your home as it is mine. You will always be welcome there.”
    She earnestly searched his face, then cast her gaze to their still-joined hands. “Thank you,” she murmured in a shy voice.
    Silverton muttered something under his breath. Ignoring him, Lucas released Phoebe’s hand and rose to his feet. “Ladies, if you’ll excuse me, I must pay my respects to my aunt and uncle.” He smiled down at Phoebe. “I’ll speak with you again before I leave, all right?”
    She nodded, but her gaze flicked warily between him and Silverton.
    He turned and glanced at his cousin, who studied him with an alert, suspicious gaze. Scowling, Lucas brushed past him and strode away.

Chapter 8
    Clearly eager to escape a lecture from his wife, Cousin Stephen murmured an apology before