They spent their last few nights at Whitmore Manor playing games, singing along while Jessica played the pianoforte, and laughing, mostly. Sebastian realized to his dismay that it was exactly like it had always been on trips to Whitmore Manor at Christmastide. Joyful and fun. He’d missed them all the last two years. He’d missed his family.

There were Christmas cakes to eat, and Christmas-themed charades to play, and even an incident with mistletoe during which Jessica had tried to insist Sebastian kiss her. He’d steadfastly refused of course, informing the chagrined young woman that her first kiss ought to be shared with someone much more deserving. Jessica had quickly got over her disappointment as she waxed poetic about the handsome gentlemen who she would meet come spring. “But how in the world will I pick which one to kiss?” she said with such solemnity, the entire family had burst out laughing.

“I should hope it would be obvious,” Elizabeth drawled.

Veronica had assured Jessica it would indeed be obvious, before sharing a look with Sebastian that made his throat tighten.

He’d quickly shrugged it off, however, and they’d had a lovely time with her entire family, including her grandfather, who seemed more fit and healthy by the day. Sharing the holiday with his family had obviously done him a world of good.

Regardless of the enjoyment he and Veronica had downstairs each day, when they went to bed each night, Sebastian steadfastly doused the candles and refused to turn to her. Even though the scent of her perfume nearly consumed him, and the sound of her low breaths made him hard. He punched the pillow with his fist and squeezed his eyes shut. He’d be damned if he was going to make love to her while she was telling herself it was nothing more than the fulfillment of a bargain. Of course, she never turned to him either. Doubtless she was nothing but relieved that he’d stopped touching her.

They stayed longer than they’d meant to, but even though he was frustrated with her, Sebastian couldn’t bring himself to make her leave her beloved grandfather. It was important that she spend as much time with the old duke as possible. It would be cruel of Sebastian to make her return to London too soon. Besides, what did it matter where they slept as long as they returned to London for the Hazeltons’ ball?

When they finally took their leave of Whitmore Manor, just two days before Twelfth Night, Sebastian hugged each Whitmoreland family member and somehow wished it wasn’t the last he’d see of them, knowing full well it probably was, at least for a long while. An odd lump had formed in his throat.

“Have a safe journey,” Mama said as she waved to them from the front door as Veronica, Sebastian and Justin all alighted into Sebastian’s coach. Justin’s coach and the servants’ coach would follow them back to town.

“Yes, and have fun,” Jessica called from beside her mother, waving one of her new Christmas handkerchiefs dramatically. “Do come back before the Season starts, Veronica. You must help us prepare.”