“What?” she snapped. The woman, obviously the thief from New York, hung onto her papa’s arm as if she couldn’t stand on her own two feet.
Papa frowned slightly. “I would like you to meet Mrs. Sylvia Hardwick.”
Lucy nodded her head in Sylvia’s direction. “Charmed.”
Returning her gaze to her father, she said, “Papa, what took you so long? The guests will arrive any minute.”
Before he could answer, the doorbell chimed. Lucy patted her hair, and smoothed her dress. Mr. and Mrs. Douglas, and their exceedingly plain, unmarried daughter, entered the hall, and greeted them with Christmas wishes.
“How nice to see you, Eli, Lucy,” Mrs. Douglas said. They turned expectantly to the woman standing by Papa, with curiosity.
“Mr. and Mrs. Douglas, I would like to present to you my fiancée, Mrs. Sylvia Hardwick.” Papa said proudly.
Lucy gasped and grabbed the back of the chair next to her. “Your fiancée?”
Dear God, when he said she might become a member of the family, she never
expected it to be so soon. The witch would probably pilfer the silverware when her papa wasn’t looking. She’d have to hide all her jewelry.
“Yes, dear, your father and I just became engaged.” Sylvia raised her hand to display the beautiful ring.
Rage coursed over Lucy in waves. The woman probably can’t wait to quit that stupid job at the restaurant and live off Papa’s money. She took a deep breath as a slow smile split her face.
Not if she’s in jail, she won’t.
Lucy’s jaw ached from grinding her teeth together. This party had turned into a disaster. First, she had to deal with her papa’s surprise engagement. Reeling from that, she didn’t get a chance to catch her breath before other guests began to arrive. Then Papa pushed that woman into the limelight, introducing her to everyone as if she were royalty. No one paid any attention to Lucy.
Nate and Angel arrived about an hour after the party started, probably because of those sniveling little terrors. She’d tried to get close to him for a while, but he never left Angel’s side, or her infuriating stepmother. At this point, Lucy had a raging headache, and wished everyone would leave so she could lock her bedroom door and have a few drinks from her newly replenished brandy bottle.
Angel laughed as Nate spun her around on the dance floor.
He bent his head and whispered in her ear, “I hope you’ve forgotten your undergarments again.”
“Guess.” She smiled.
He pulled her close and growled.
Christmas always being favorite holiday anyway, this year having a husband and children made it all the more special for Angel. As they glided around the dance floor, her eyes focused on Sylvia and Eli, arm in arm and speaking with two other couples. Her stepmother positively glowed tonight. Shaking her head, Angel still couldn’t believe Sylvia was going to marry Eli Benson. No matter what, the woman always landed on her feet.
She fanned herself after leaving Nate, and joined a group of other married women gathered in a circle far enough away from the band to allow for conversation. Nate had gone to ask the Douglas girl to dance. How kind of her husband to seek out the young ladies who most likely would never make it to the dance floor if he hadn’t asked. She truly did owe Sylvia a big ‘thank you’ for sending her to him.
Angel spent an enjoyable time chatting with the women. It being difficult to get to town too often, she caught up on all the news. The hair on the back of her neck rose as a deep voice sounded in her ear. “When do you want to leave, honey?”
She turned to Nate. “I’m ready whenever you are. I imagine the boys will be awake early tomorrow, and I have that big dinner to fix. Or burn.” She laughed.
“Oh, sorry, I forgot to tell you. Eli has invited all of us for Christmas dinner. Do you mind?”
“All of us? The children, too?”
He nodded.
“Heavens no, that’s wonderful. Another meal I won’t have to ruin.” They excused themselves from the women, Angel taking his arm to find Eli and Lucy, and say their good nights.
Eli had attached himself firmly to Sylvia’s side as he talked with his guests. Lucy had disappeared, so Nate and Angel said their goodbyes to Eli, and headed for the door. Nate helped her into the buggy, and as he turned to walk to the other side, he heard his name called.
Lucy ran down the steps, her skirt bunched in her fist.
“Nate, please wait for me.” She gasped as she hurried to him.