page86 (1/2)

Annie looked as though she had groo inches, she was so much the confident nursery ether, almost a family

I helped with that, Tess thought and sed a tear as MacDonald began hu an air from the new sheet music and Phipps picked up the tune on his flute

‘Miss Ellery’ What had come first—the prickle of awareness at the nape of her neck or the sound of Alex’s voice?

‘Lord Weybourn’ She was on her feet, turning, finding a smile that was merely polite and not a betrayal of as in her heart ‘I hope you do not mind, but we did not knohen you would return’

Alex lookedstrange Then she realised he was radiating tension, although there was a sise, everyone I should have been here to wish you the very best for the season, but I had an unavoidable visit to make’

He wanted to leave, she could tell, although she doubted anyone else did as they clustered around, thanking hi hiared aled from the safety of his basket to wind hihed and teased while his long body seeone

Tess began to watch the clock Five minutes, ten Finally, after quarter of an hour Alex said, ‘Miss Ellery, I ahtful party, but I am afraid you are needed upstairs’

‘Of course Thank you, everyone, the pudding was delicious Have a wonderful evening’ She shed at their rejoinders and rescued Noel from under Alex’s boots She promised to take Ophelia for a walk the next day and followed Alex out, through a maze of corridors and up the back stairs to the hall

‘Thank you for distributing the gifts’ He sounded stilted, probably with annoyance

‘I am sorry if I presumed, but—’

‘Presumed? Don’t be so foolish, Tess’ It was definitely a snap and not in the slightest bit reassuring

‘Where are we going?’ she asked after a moment Apparently he had nothis place with the staff in that little cerehty hall Alex seemed frozen in place

‘We have guests I would like you to rip was verging on the uncomfortable; his face was set Tess al up with him At the door Alex stopped abruptly, looked down at her, then stooped and kissed her hard and fast ‘Forgive me, Tess’

He opened the door and swept her in while she was still gasping and flustered from the kiss