The visitors have arrived

 

Devlin took a breath and opened the door. “Happy Christmas everyone.” He forced a smile at the group.

“My goodness Devlin, what took you so long to open the door?” Isabelle glided past him through the door.

“Sorry I did not hear you.” Devlin stepped aside so that everyone else could enter.

“Merry Christmas Devlin,” Katherine said, smiling.

“Well, a very Merry Christmas to you as well,” he said and reached forward to give her a hug.

“Sorry we are so late,” she whispered in his ear.

“Oh that is quite all right,” he said, smiling warmly down at her.

“Have you been too lonely?” she asked, concerned he had become depressed.

“Ah…” He widened his eyes. “No, not really, ” he said, looking away.

Sebastian stepped up. “Well, better late than never, right old chap?” He slapped him on the back with a bit more force than necessary.

“Yes, better late than never.” Never would have worked but he was happy to see Katherine and Grayson.

“Son, Merry Christmas,” Grayson boomed, holding out his arms for a hug. Devlin stepped forward and embraced the man, each giving one another an affectionate slap on the back. Grayson had taken to calling Devlin son after the incident with his leg. It warmed his heart to be referred to in such a way. He looked up to the man in more ways than one.

Eliza stood to the side waiting to be introduced. He was handsome. His sandy blonde hair was a little longer than she liked but that could be remedied easily enough. He had a nice voice as well, smooth, and rich. He was tall and lean, not taken to fat as was the current fashion with titled gentlemen from too much drink and food. No, Isabelle was finally right on one count, the man was very attractive and appealing. She may get herself a man for Christmas after all.

“Ahem,” she cleared her throat demurely, batting her lashes.

Devlin turned and looked at the pretty girl standing in the doorway and smiled. “And who do we have hidden over here?”

“Oh, Devlin, this dear girl, is Eliza,” Isabelle said, nearly choking on the words. “She is Grayson’s niece, who has dropped by for an unexpected visit from London.”

“London you say?” he said. “How nice for you,” he added, giving Isabelle a curious look. He could tell by his ex-wife’s tone that she was not happy with her unexpected visitor. He had to wonder why? The girl seemed nice enough.

“So Devlin,” Eliza said, stepping forward and extending her hand.

Devlin dutifully took her hand into his own, bowing down and kissed the top. “It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance.” He lifted his head and smiled in Eliza’s direction but he was not at seeing her really, but instead Sadie, who was standing behind her in the library.

Eliza felt, rather than saw another presence. The handsome man named Devlin was smiling but she had a feeling he was not smiling at her exactly but someone over her shoulder. She tensed. “Am I keeping you from something?” she asked, just to see what he would say.

“Forgive me, but there is someone I would like you all to meet,” he said, loudly so everyone could hear. “May I introduce Sadie McAllister, the woman I am going to marry, if she will have me,” he said.

“Oh, Bloody Hell, why are all the good ones taken?” Eliza stomped her foot.

Devlin blinked.

Katherine gaped.

Isabelle laughed.

Grayson stared.

Sebastian laughed harder.

Sadie turned around and dashed back into the study.

“Wait, Sadie,” Devlin called. “Excuse me, I have to…” he trailed off and ran after her before anyone could say a word.