It was, all things considered, a rather perfect Christmas Eve. Or would have been, had Camille been able to have a moment alone with Grayson. There had been no chance to speak to him alone before they’d gone in to dinner. Even at the dinner table, he’d appeared distracted.

At least she didn’t have to worry about much else tonight. Her mother had directed the conversation around the table like the skilled conductor of an orchestra. She had encouraged Mr. Henderson’s stories, kept Mrs. Montgomery-Wells from straying too far afield and chatted with Nikolai as if he were indeed about to become a member of the family. She was the perfect hostess, but then she always had been. Delilah spent a good portion of dinner in animated conversation with Miss Murdock. Camille wondered if she was giving the actress advice or eliciting it. Beryl did her part as well, engaging Nikolai in conversation whenever his gaze settled on Camille. There was a determined look in his eye, and it was obvious that he wished to speak to her alone. He, no doubt, thought it would be the perfect time for a proposal. Of course it would have been, had she wanted a proposal. Even Uncle Basil joined them tonight, but he was unusually subdued. He spoke quietly to Grayson more than to anyone else, and he observed rather than joined in. His behavior could certainly be attributed to his not feeling quite up to snuff. Still, it was not at all like him.

Then after dinner, Grayson had vanished for a few moments, as had Beryl.

“Where have you been?” Camille said sharply when her twin returned to the parlor.

“Freshening up.” Beryl frowned. “Why?”

“I suspect I am going to need your help.”

“I do so hate to inconvenience you,” Beryl said absently, surveying the parlor. “I must say, this was an excellent idea.”

Camille nodded. “Once Mother discovered one of the footmen played the violin, she insisted he be employed to play for dancing tonight.”

The furniture had been moved away from the center of the room and there was more than enough space for dancing. At the moment, Mr. Henderson danced with Miss Murdock, Mother was partnered with Nikolai, Mrs. Montgomery-Wells danced with Grayson, and Delilah was with Uncle Basil.

“Does it strike you that there’s something different about him?” Camille studied her uncle. “Uncle Basil, that is.”

“He’s been ill,” Beryl said rather more curtly than was necessary. “That’s what comes of wandering the world, you know. One can catch all sorts of dreadful illnesses.”

“That’s probably it.” She nodded. “Mother also instructed Mrs. Fortesque in the making of her special Christmas Eve punch.”

“God help us, everyone,” Beryl said under her breath.

Nikolai’s gaze caught hers. He inclined his head slightly toward the door. She smiled faintly at him in return.

“I suspect Nikolai has decided tonight is the night to propose.”