Hugh hummed once. “You think so?”

“I do,” she confirmed with a nod. Then she smiled more broadly at him. “You may make it in time for the birth even with the delay.”

Hugh returned her smile with one equally as grand. “I confess, the prospect of my impending uncle status did sway me a little.”

“Don’t expect family connections to make you a godparent,” she warned as she got to her feet. “My sister had twins, and I wasn’t named godmother for either.”

He tsked sympathetically. “There is always next time, I suppose.”

“If I agree,” she retorted. “I may not.” She brushed at her skirts and sighed. “Now, which room are you in? We must fetch your cufflink and return, or a search party will hunt you down.”

Hugh grinned rather slowly and rather slyly, then reached into a pocket, pulled out a handkerchief, and within was the cufflink.

Elinor stared at it, then flicked her gaze up at him with a laugh. “You are unbelievable!”

He shrugged and held the cufflink out for her to fasten. “I needed a legitimate excuse to flee. Voila.”

She shook her head and fastened his sleeve, then she stood and smiled. “I applaud your ingenuity. I think we may be safe to return, but perhaps you could request dancing? Mary really is furiously talented, and it would liven up the gathering.”

“I shall do my best. Would you dance with me?” he queried, walking beside her. “Or do you still think me venomous?”

Elinor barely avoided biting her lip again. “I don’t know…” She suddenly reached for the mistletoe she had hidden the day before and lobbed it at Hugh’s head.

“What in the world?” he demanded on a laugh, barely ducking in time.

She burst out laughing, wrapping her arms around her midsection. “I have been wanting to do that for ages!”

Hugh shook his head and picked up the offending plant, looking at it before returning his attention to her. “Now that you have cursed me, I believe you owe me a dance, Miss Asheley. It’s only fair, as I may sprout horns at any moment.”

Still giggling, Elinor nodded. “One can only hope, but I shall keep a weather eye open for my own safety.” She inhaled deeply and sighed with satisfaction. “I feel so free at this moment. Yes, Mr. Sterling, let’s dance.”

His smile made her stomach flip just a little as he bowed, gesturing for her to lead the way. “Let us indeed, Miss Asheley.”

Chapter Six

It is entirely unclear what a party of gentlemen discuss whilst engaging in the hunt. It is even more unclear why such a sport is still engaged in during the winter months. What could possibly be pleasant about shooting in the snow?

-The Spinster Chronicles, 9 January 1819

Hugh whistled a rather jaunty rendition of Adeste Fidelis as he worked at his cravat, letting the knot be a bit haphazard. Generally, he did his best to make a good impression, but he had felt so comfortable of late with the family, and with his surroundings, that he did not mind leaving things a bit more casual.