Ivy’s head jerked up. “Do not tell anyone.”
“It’s not a dog, is it?”
Violet moved around the table to peer over her sister’s shoulder. The tiny, fuzzy package that peered up at her with wide, black eyes was most certainly not a dog but in fact a kitten. Its damp fur suggested her sister had given it a recent bath and it lapped at the milk offered through the tip of the bag.
“I know better than that,” Ivy said, her attention fixed upon the kitten.
“Is this another to add to your collection? Mr. Weatherford will go mad.”
“Nonsense. This kitten will make a great mouser.”
Unable to resist, Violet ran a finger over the black cat’s head. “It’s hard to imagine this tiny thing will chase a single mouse.”
“What was I meant to do? Leave him to die?”
“Of course not, but you do have quite the collection of stray animals in the stables now. You know Mr. Weatherford is already complaining about the space they take up.” Violet put hands to her hips and mimicked the stable master’s wide stance. “Stables are for horses, not for flea-ridden strays,” she said in deep tones. “We shall have to bribe him with cake again.”
“I can do that easily enough. Besides, I am looking at moving the animals. There isn’t enough space in the barn.”
Violet wasn’t surprised. Ivy had been taking in animals in need for years now and the goat they’d inherited from one of the tenant farmer’s kept chewing at any fences put in place to keep the animals at one end of the stables. It was hard to keep track of how many other creatures were there now as they came and went as Ivy nursed them back to health and found new homes for them but there were many that would never find new homes because they were too naughty or needed too much care. Luckily for them, her sister had the biggest heart and enough patience to nurse and love hundreds of animals.
“Where did you find this little one anyway?”
“Charlie Brook brought him to me. He found the poor thing in a hedge. There was no sign of her mother and she’s half-starved.”
“Poor little one.” Violet gave it one last stroke and straightened, moving around the table. “I’d better find Mama. I’m to take the presents to the church for Christmas day so they can be handed out after the service, but I need to check I have them all.”
“Did you try the kitchens? I thought she said something about finalizing the menus for Christmas week.”
“I did.”
Ivy looked up at her. “I can go with you if you’d like but I need to finish feeding this little one.”
“No, it’s fine. I only intend to take the curricle so there won’t be enough space.”
Ivy sighed. “It’s hard to believe it’s nearly Christmas. It does not feel festive at all.”
Violet couldn’t deny that. Christmas had been in the back of her mind for weeks. It still was. She had much bigger things to worry about now.
Like whether or not Duke was serious about them having a future together.
Like whether or not she could manage a futurewithouthim. But if she did give in to her feelings, was she being a fool? There would be many who say she was. She was the sensible sister, the one who always ensured no further scandal touched their family. Being with Duke, opening her heart to him, risked not just scandal but heartbreak.
Perhaps it was too late, though. Perhaps her heart had been open to him for far longer than she’d realized.
Violet wrapped her fingers around the back of the chair. “I suppose with everything that happened with Duke and Mr. Cameron it has been hard to think of Christmas. However, I am determined we shall get back on track and have the most wonderful festive season ever.”
“Itisnice to have Duke and his father here.”
Violet hesitated. “Uh, yes.”
Ivy’s head snapped up and she twisted her head to view Violet. “Is it not?”
“Well, Duke is my closest friend outside of my family...”
“So you should like it very well having his company for Christmas.” A crease appeared between Ivy’s brows. “Unless you have had a falling out.”
“Not exactly.”