“On the eleventh day of Christmas my true love gave to me…eleven pipers piping.”
“What is that bloody racket?” asked Sebastian, climbing from bed. He looked out the window. “Bloody Hell!” he exclaimed, staring down at the sleigh.
“What is wrong?”
“They are here.” He dropped the curtain, turning.
“You are kidding.” Katherine sat up, pushing her long hair over her shoulder.
“I wish,” he sighed and ran his hands through his hair.
“Sebastian, that is not a very nice thing to say,” she said, climbing from the bed slowly.
He walked over and helped her stand. “I know,” he said. “But it is the truth.”
“Come on, get dressed,” she said, looking for the gown she had laid out to wear yesterday. It was a deep red, with black velvet ribbons on the sleeves and waist. “I am looking forward to seeing everyone.”
“Do not worry, I will be a perfect host,” he said, not missing her stern look of warning.
“Good.” She smiled, walking to the bath. “Now hurry, we don’t want to keep our guests waiting.”
“Perhaps they will leave if I do not answer the door in a timely fashion,” he said hopefully.
“You better get down there, right this minute.”
He sighed. “Yes, wife,” he said. “I am going.” Quickly he pulled on his clothing and boots. “You will owe me for this.” Hastily he tucked in his shirt and pulled on his jacket. After tying his cravat, he opened the door and headed out to meet their guests.