Chapter 24

Rebecca was late to breakfast the following morning, but with good reason. She had woken up earlier than usual to prepare for the festivities, including gift-giving and making the Christmas pudding. The kitchen was ready to receive them after breakfast, so it was only a matter of giving everyone their gifts and informing them of the activity.

Laden with gifts, she entered the drawing room, soon gaining everyone’s attention. “Good morning,” she greeted, smiling. “I come bearing gifts.”

“Gifts?” said Lady Hannah. “Whatever for? We didn’t get anything for you.”

“I do not need a gift, My Lady,” Rebecca told her. “These are to celebrate St Nicholas Day. It was on the sixth, but we didn’t get around to it.”

“Why didn’t you say so?” Lady Oakham asked. “We would have prepared something as well.”

“It’s unnecessary,” Rebecca insisted, going around the table as she handed them gifts. “You get two, My Lady because you need to open his lordship’s gift.”

The duke was the last one, frowning as he received her gift. “You really should have said something,” he said.

Rebecca inwardly sighed. “Let’s enjoy this moment by opening your gifts,” she said. “I hope you enjoy them.”

She had put much effort into each one, considering the person’s likes and needs before choosing their gift. Wrapping them this morning and keeping busy had also taken her mind off the previous evening with the duke. Rebecca couldn’t stop thinking about what he had said, and part of her wished she could ask him about it.

She flushed slightly as she recalled seeing him when she awoke from her slumber in the library. She hadn’t meant to fall asleep but had been tired from the day’s events and couldn’t help it.

At first, she thought she was dreaming when she saw him. There was simply no possibility of the duke watching her with such affection in his eyes. Yet he was there. She had to have imagined the look in his eyes, though. It was all wishful thinking.

“Oh my,” Lady Oakham exclaimed upon unwrapping her gift. “This is beautiful, Miss Barnes! Did you make it yourself?”

The countess held up a watercolour bookmark threaded with ribbon. Rebecca had painted it some days ago and added the ribbon to match the journal she had given the countess some weeks ago.

“I did, My Lady,” she confirmed. “I wanted it to be something special for you.”

Lady Oakham surprised her by rising from her seat and walking around the table to embrace her. Rebecca was touched as it was the first hug they had shared. She poured her warmth into it, hoping the countess would absorb all her good intentions.

“Thank you,” said Lady Oakham, teary-eyed. “I’ll always cherish it.”

She walked away, wiping her eyes, constantly staring at the bookmark. Rebecca hoped the others would appreciate the gifts just as much.

“Goodness, these are lovely,” said Lady Hannah, revealing her lilac rosettes. “They’re the perfect addition to my wardrobe, Miss Barnes. I’ll wear them on my shoes for my next social engagement.”

“You’re most welcome, My Lady,” said Rebecca. “I chose the hue because it complements your colouring beautifully. You can add them to any of your plain white shoes.”

Lady Hannah nodded, smiling. “I certainly will. I think I should add more lilac dresses to my wardrobe. If you say the colour suits me, then I shall take your advice.”

Rebecca was pleased. Their sincere appreciation made her heart warm. She had always enjoyed giving gifts to people and was rather good at selecting the perfect present.

“Is this not the most adorable little blanket you have ever seen?” Lady Oakham gushed, revealing a cream-coloured knitted square with yellow ducklings along the border. “It’s a comfort blanket, isn’t it? Something for him to gnaw on.”

Rebecca nodded. “It’s why I added thick cotton to the four corners like little ears. The texture is better for his lordship’s mouth.”

“When did you get the time to make these gifts?” Lady Hannah asked. “You’re always so busy.”

“You make time for what is important to you,” she said simply.

Everyone turned to the duke, who had yet to open his present. Rebecca frowned slightly, wondering if he was displeased. Perhaps she shouldn’t have given them over breakfast.

“Henry, will you not open yours?” Lady Oakham asked.

“Later,” he said, breaking the yoke of his egg.

Rebecca couldn’t help being disappointed, but she wouldn’t press the matter. Instead, she smiled and stood up.

“Shall I pour the tea?” she asked. “I see everyone’s cups are empty.”

“Henry,” the countess said. “I would like to see what you have. Surely you will not make us wait?”

The duke lifted an eyebrow. “Is this not my gift to open? You have opened two already. You should be satisfied.”

He continued eating as though bored with the conversation. Rebecca’s smile wavered, but she held firm and poured tea for everyone. However, she found she suddenly didn’t have an appetite. The duke hadn’t done or said anything untoward, yet she was still hurt. Her emotions were getting the better of her. She needed to excuse herself before she made a fool of herself.

“Are you not eating, Miss Barnes?” he asked just as she was about to get up.

She looked at him, forcing her smile. “I’m not that hungry, Your Grace,” she said. “I would rather get work done than try to make myself eat. I’ll have something light a little later.”

“I thought I would open my gift once we’d finished eating,” he said, his blue gaze slightly more intense than she expected. It was like he was trying to read her mind. “Stay and have some tea, at least. Everyone has opened their gifts in your presence. Surely you can wait for me?”

Rebecca’s hands clenched on her lap. She was happy again, deliriously so, but she didn’t want to show it. He hadn’t refused to open the gift because he was unbothered but because he wanted to wait until after his meal. However, uncertainty swiftly followed. He had said later as though he planned to do it alone and at his preferred time, yet he had clearly changed his mind. It left her a little confused.

“All this fuss just because you wanted to eat first,” said Lady Oakham, rolling her eyes. “You could have just said that from the beginning.”

“I didn’t realize I had to be so specific,” the duke replied, shrugging. He turned to Rebecca with a small smile. “Wait a little while. I wish to thank you once I open it.”

Rebecca nodded and poured herself tea. She still didn’t have an appetite, but she managed a piece of toast with her tea. Finally, the duke pushed away his plate and opened his gift, revealing a black handkerchief with a blue patterned border and his initials in gold. He stared at it for some time, saying nothing.

“That is one of the most beautiful handkerchiefs I have ever seen,” said Lady Hannah. “You truly have an eye for beauty, Miss Barnes. Do you think you could make a similar one for me? I’d like to give it to Mr Cruikshanks for Christmas.”

“Absolutely not,” the duke snapped, startling them. “Miss Barnes put effort into making this for me. How can you ask her to produce a similar one for another man? I should have the only one of its kind.”

Rebecca raised her eyebrows. He sounded possessive. Lady Hannah didn’t seem to mind and laughed it off.

“If that is how you feel, I’ll ask her to make one entirely different from yours,” she said, amused.

The duke shook his head. “Ask someone else.”

“Henry!” Lady Hannah cried, chuckling. “You cannot possibly expect to have a monopoly on Miss Barnes’ talents. It is up to her if she wishes to make one for me. You have no say in the matter.”

The duke’s lips thinned as he removed the handkerchief in his pocket, tossing it to a servant and replacing it with the new one.

“I’ll buy all your handkerchiefs from you, Miss Barnes,” he said, arresting her with his gaze. “I like them and have decided only these will do for my wardrobe. Do you agree?”

“Henry!” his aunt cried in disbelief.

The duke ignored her, his eyes never leaving Rebecca. “What do you say, Miss Barnes? Name your price.”

Rebecca had no inkling of what to say. She didn’t want to bother either of them and wondered what she could do to satisfy them. The duke’s reaction had been by far the most unexpected and surprising of the lot. She had never seen him behave so possessively. She found it attractive.

“Leave Miss Barnes alone,” Lady Oakham admonished, coming to her rescue. “Can you not see you’re forcing her to choose between you? That is not fair.” She looked at Rebecca across the table. Pay them no mind,” she said.

The duke snorted, evidently unimpressed. However, he didn’t say anything else on the matter. Lady Hannah shook her head at him and finished the rest of her tea. This was not the ending Rebecca had expected. Perhaps she could salvage the situation by revealing the next part of their morning.

“I mentioned baking a Christmas pudding in the carriage yesterday,” she said. “I have organized everything we’ll need in the kitchen with the second part of your gifts.”

“More gifts?” Lady Oakham exclaimed. “Now I truly feel terrible for not getting you something. I wish you had let us know, Miss Barnes.”

Rebecca inwardly sighed. They would never get anything done if they kept harping on about this.

“The first rule of gift-giving is to do it wholeheartedly without expecting something in return,” she said. “I wanted to do this because I love the festive season and would have done it had I been at home. Now, shall we move along?”

The Andrews looked at each other, reluctance evident on their faces. “You want us to bake?” said Lady Hannah.

“It’s a tradition among the lower classes, but it’s a wonderful activity that can bring everyone together,” said Rebecca enthusiastically. “At least try, and if you find you do not like it, I will not mention it again.”

“But what is the use of making a pudding if it will not be ready by Christmas Day?” Lady Hannah asked.

“We can eat it on the last day of the festive season,” Rebecca replied. “We can take turns feeding it brandy along the way. I sincerely believe you’ll enjoy the activity.”

Lady Oakham and her aunt looked at each other, silent communication passing between them before they turned to Rebecca with a smile.

“We look forward to it,” the countess said. “I think it’s time we step out of what we deem comfortable and try new things. You have never disappointed us before. Henry?” she addressed her brother, raising an eyebrow.

“Is the kitchen a woman’s domain?” he said, still looking reluctant.

“Our chefs are all male and as manly as they come,” Lady Oakham pointed out. “Stay for at least five minutes before you make a decision.”

The duke sighed, nodding. “Very well. I suppose trying new things occasionally is a good thing.”

“Wonderful!” Rebecca cried, jumping to her feet. “Shall we head there now?”

Lady Oakham smiled. “Lead the way. It will be my brother’s first time in a kitchen. I’m interested to see his reaction.”

“This just sounds like you wish to see me uncomfortable,” he grumbled, rising from his seat.

The countess laughed, following Rebecca. They entered one part of the kitchen where all the ingredients, bowls, and utensils were ready for them. The second part of their gifts was carefully laid on the table, waiting for them to take them.

“Please find your apron with your initials,” she said. “They are your second gift.” Excited, Lady Oakham was the first to take hers, commenting on the embroidered daisy. “It’s perfect,” she said, putting it on. “You really have gone to much trouble, Miss Barnes, but I am not complaining.”

“It was no trouble at all,” Rebecca replied, putting hers on.

Lady Hannah had a tulip embroidered on hers, and the duke had a wolf because he reminded her of the majestic creatures. He looked awkward putting on his apron, but he managed to make it look masculine.

“Can we bring Tommy here?” Lady Oakham asked. “I’d like him to be part of this.”

“Of course,” said Rebecca, signalling one of the kitchen maids to fetch the baby.

The kitchen staff stood ready to step in and help where necessary and appeared amused and wary, watching their master in their domain. The duke seemed out of place, but Rebecca was confident he would soon enjoy the activity.

Tommy returned with Nanny Bates, immediately wanting to be held by Rebecca. She kissed his cheek, keeping him on her waist as she explained the backing process. The countess didn’t mind; she was merely happy to see her son content.

“All the ingredients have been measured already,” she said. “It’s just a matter of adding and mixing everything together. I like soaking my fruit in brandy, so we just need to drain them. Would you please do that, Lady Hannah? Use this cloth and bowl.”

She pointed at the items before turning to Lady Oakham and handing her son to her. Tommy didn’t make a fuss, pleasing his mother.

“What can I do?” the countess asked.

“If you can, please mix the eggs and ensure the breadcrumbs are not clumped together. I prefer a fine texture.”

“I believe I can manage it,” she said confidently.

Rebecca smiled and turned to the duke. “Your Grace, would you please mix while I pour in the ingredients? We need your strength.”

Her eyes darted to his muscular arms, imagining how his veins would show. If only he would roll up his sleeves. As if he knew what she was thinking, he did precisely that.

“I’m ready,” he said, showing determination.

Rebecca forced herself to look away from his arms, swallowing hard. She didn’t understand her obsession with his arms.

“Yes, the soaked fruit first, Lady Hannah,” she said. “Put them in the bowl, and I’ll add the flour, breadcrumbs, apples, and sugar.”

The duke picked up the wooden spoon and sat in front of the bowl, looking expectantly at his aunt. It was rather easy from then on as everyone worked together to create the rich batter.

“The spices smell wonderful,” the duke commented. “I expect they’ll be more fragrant once the batter is baked.”

“I made a blunder there,” said Rebecca, adding the salts and eggs as he mixed. “We will be placing the batter in a big pan of water. I should have said steamed, not baked. I believe the water is already boiling and ready for us. So is the pudding cloth.”

She explained the pudding cloth when they looked at her, puzzled. By then, Tommy had got into the flour and made a joyful mess. Everyone chuckled, falling silent when the baby boy flung flour in his mother’s face.

Lady Oakham was startled and simply stared before she continued laughing, prompting the others to do the same. The duke spluttered when he received a mouthful upon picking up his nephew, and before long, everyone was somewhat covered in flour.

Finally, the batter went into the pot, and everyone settled around the table while they had hot chocolate. Lady Hannah chose to lie down for a while, saying she needed the extra sleep for her social engagement later that afternoon.

“We should have probably cleaned up first,” Lady Oakham commented, dusting flour from her hair. Tommy was resting contentedly against her chest, his eyes heavy with sleep.

“A little mess does not hurt anyone,” the duke said.

The countess’ eyes widened. “That is the last thing I expected to hear from my perfect brother,” she commented. “Who are you, and what have you done with my stern brother?”

Rebecca chuckled as the duke rolled his eyes. “Perhaps it’s Miss Barnes’ influence,” he said. “I never thought I’d step foot in a kitchen, yet here I am. Mind you, I enjoyed every bit of it. I’m even more excited to eat what we made together, but we must wait several weeks.”

“They’ll go by quickly, Your Grace,” she promised. “Time always flies during the festive season.”

He smiled at her, making her heart flip over. “I’ll take your word for it,” he said. “You have never let me down before.”

Rebecca’s cheeks warmed, hiding them behind her large mug of hot chocolate. She was glad everyone had enjoyed the activity and how it brought them together. They were like one happy family. She stilled, realizing what she had just done. Rebecca had included herself as part of the family. It was foolish, but that was how she felt. Oh, she was definitely asking for a broken heart.

The day’s joy didn’t last as long as Rebecca had hoped. A servant entered the kitchen moments later, informing the duke and countess that Lady Ruth and Mr Bartlett had arrived to see them. The visit was unexpected and unwelcome as far as Rebecca was concerned.

The duke and the countess appeared surprised as they rose to their feet, handing Tommy to her before they left the kitchen to make themselves presentable for their guests. As Rebecca slowly made her way to the nursery, she admonished herself for ever thinking she could be part of the Andrews family. Lady Ruth’s presence was evidence that Rebecca had no place in their life beyond the role of nursemaid. The sooner she accepted this, the better.