The Legend of the Earl (Heirs of High Society) (A Regency Romance Book)(3)

Rose made a quick sobbing sound, and Reuben wrapped his arms around her, not caring that she was likely wetting his red coat. Reuben touched Rose’s blond head and said, “I wouldn't have missed this for the world.”

Rose looked up and smiled at him. She was the youngest and the last chosen to join the small family they’d made in the orphanage. She was only eighteen but had been twelve when Reuben paid the commission to join the army. Six years had come and gone, and they all showed on Reuben’s face. He wore the expression of a man who’d seen the world as well as the pain men could cause, yet he smiled at Rose.

“Am I late?” asked another voice.

Alex gasped then ran around the table to embrace Chris. “I thought you would never come.”

Chris murmured, “Alex, you see me every day.”

She pulled away and noted his mouth was flat, but she saw the warmth in his hazel eyes.

And his words were true. Of everyone in the room, Alex saw Chris the most. She not only managed his store in town but lived with him as well, though she'd never seen him under these circumstances… to celebrate, eat, and laugh. She rather doubted that Chris recalled how to laugh, but she was glad he’d come.

Rose came over next. Chris wrapped his arm around her and then patted her head with the other as though she were still a child. Rose didn’t seem to mind and watched him with eyes full of worship as he walked over to Mary Francis.

Chris kissed her cheek. “How are you?”

“Why don’t you ever come visit me?” she snapped before stomping her cane into the well-worn floor.

Chris’ eyes grew warm. If there was anyone he loved in the world, it was Mary Francis. She’d taken over her sister’s business once Mary Elizabeth died, a business she’d known nothing about before that, and though she’d not been as warm a woman as her sister, Francis had managed to allow those who’d gathered at the table close to her.

And that was all because of Chris, for there was no one Francis loved better than Alicia and Chris.

“I’m very busy,” Chris told her with more patience than he ever gave Alex. It almost made her envious, but then again, she was simply happy that there was someone who Chris was patient with.

Francis pursed her lips. “You own a toy store, Christmas. It’s hardly reason to stay away for so long.”

Chris’ eyes flickered at being called by his full name. No one called him Christmas. “I’m very busy,” he repeated before taking her hand and giving it a squeeze. “But it’s very good to see you, Francis.” He was the only one who called her anything but 'Ms. Best.'

Francis opened her mouth to chasten him for not visiting, but Alex cut in before she could.

“You knew Reuben was here?” She noticed that Chris had hardly acknowledged either man in the room.

Chris rounded the table where Reuben and Rose were busy setting another place for him. “I picked him up from the docks this morning. He’s staying with us.”

Alex gasped, feeling more than slightly betrayed. She’d have loved to accompany him to the docks, but Chris was forever elusive about his comings and goings.

Reuben took his chair and said, “That’s not an invitation for you to come calling every day.” His dark gray eyes were smiling when he said it.

Alex's lips split wide, for they both knew she would come calling. If not every day then very frequently.

Nash cut into all conversation just as Chris settled in between Alex and Rose. “Can we eat now?”

“Do say grace first, Nash.” Alex bowed her head, as did everyone else around the table, except for Chris.

Once the blessing was said, the food was served and conversation went on.

“Does this mean you’re staying, Reuben?” Alicia asked. Alex had always liked her voice. It was soothing. Since caring for children was a large part of her life, that was a boon. She’d heard many say that Alicia was very much like Mary Elizabeth—humble and kind, never allowing her fatigue to rule her actions. Alicia also had a grace in the way she moved. She’d turn her head just so when listening to someone speak and rose and sat with a decorum that few butcher’s daughters had. With her beauty, blond hair, and small features, Alex was sure Alicia could be the belle of a ball.

Alex had always tried to emulate her but failed miserably. Her features were much larger than Alicia’s. Her eyes were a startling gray that she’d been told became unsettling if she stared into someone’s eyes for too long. Her hair was the color of ink, a black so pure that against her pale skin she looked like a ghost.

“I believe I’ll be in the city for a while, yes,” Reuben answered as he dug into his stew. After a bite, his eyes became hot with excitement. “This is excellent.” He looked around the table. “Tell me if I’m wrong. It could simply be that I’ve partaken of the military's offerings for far too long.”

Nash was nearly done with his first bowl when he responded. “No, brother. Alex is the best cook in London.”

Reuben lifted a dark brow, and his gaze fell on Alex. “You made this?” He used his spoon to point to his bowl.

Alex nodded with an immodest grin. She knew she cooked just as well as she ran Chris’ shop.

Reuben turned back to his meal and said, “I’ve changed my mind. You’re allowed to call whenever you please.”