“About the matchmaking,” he began.
Before he could continue, a loud knock sounded at the door.
Madge sailed past the corridor to answer.Moments later, the sound of boisterous caroling filled the air.
“It’s February,” he whispered to Miss Godwin.
“We’re in Christmas,” she whispered back.She looped her arm through his and dragged him toward the corridor.“Come on.Let’s listen.”
As soon as the carolers caught sight of her, half soldiered on with their out-of-season songs and the other half erupted in cheers.
Christopher had expected off-key drunken warbling, but the group was far more skillful than anticipated.Several sections were sung in two- or three-part harmony.Carolers this talented did not need to practice at all.He stood by Miss Godwin, transfixed.
When the song finished, they reached for her.“Join us, Gloria!Just for a few cottages.You’ll be back in time to see the stars.”
She sent a wicked sideways glance up at Christopher.
“No,” he said.“Absolutely not.”
She grinned at the carolers.“Only if my friend can come, too.”
They cheered their approval.
“I’m not caroling,” he said.“I already warned you.”
She ignored his protests and hooked her arm through his.“Come along, Mr.Adventure.I want to hear you sing.”
He could not keep up the battle.Not with his arm looped with hers.All ability to form logical arguments fled.
She dragged him into the crowd.
“What about your maid?”He sent a startled glance over his shoulder.“Madge!”
“It’s fine,” she laughed.“There are thirty of us.It’s just caroling.”
Was anything ever just caroling?
Very well.He prided himself on being predisposed for any adventure.Certainly, he could handle this.
“Is this your carriage?”asked one of the young ladies.
“Not any old carriage,” said one of the young men.“It’s a le Duc chariot, if my eyes don’t deceive me.”
“Excellent suggestion,” he whispered to Miss Godwin.“I’ll follow behind in my carriage.”
“In your chariot,” she corrected.“And you’ll do no such thing.”
“You’ll drive me?”he asked hopefully.
She shook her head.“I’ve never driven anything.Nighttime is definitely not the moment to start.”
His face fell.“Pity.”
As they walked to the next cottage, Christopher found himself surrounded by young ladies.
“Mr.Pringle, what do you think of my new bonnet?”
“Mr.Pringle, will you walk with me?”
