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LADY HOLLY’S JOLLY CHRISTMAS - NADINE MILLARD **

PROLOGUE

“I’msure if you ask very nicely, Cook will allow you to help with the gingerbread.”

Holly Sallins grinned at her Mama, who winked conspiratorially.

It was Holly’s favourite time of year. Christmastide.

Cook was originally from Germany and for the last few years, the Sallins family had enjoyed all of Cook’s wonderful Yuletide traditions.

Gingerbread was the most delicious thing Holly had ever tasted.

She swung her legs happily as she helped Mama put together the kissing boughs and garlands that would decorate the manor.

Holly’s father wasn’t particularly interested in Christmas. In fact, the viscount wasn’t much interested in anything outside of his business interests and duties as a peer.

But Mama had always loved Christmas, and she made it special.

“There. We’re finally done.” Mama smiled, holding up the last of the garlands for Holly’s inspection.

The foliage was lush and green, the berry that Holly had been named for, since she’d arrived into the world on Christmas Eve, added splashes of vibrant colour, as did the snow-white ribbon that trimmed the decoration.

“It’s beautiful, Mama,” Holly gasped, her brown eyes sparkling with excitement.

“Run along and –“

Whatever Mama had been about to say was cut off as she gasped suddenly, the garland falling from her fingers.

Holly rushed to her side, alarmed by the sudden pallor in her mother’s cheeks.

“Mama. What is it?” she asked, fear making her voice tremble.

“N-nothing, dear, I’m quite all right.” Mama smiled, but it looked pained.

Beads of sweat dotted her brow and dampened her red-gold hair, so like Holly’s.

She reached out and rang the small bell beside her chair.

They were in Mama’s sitting room, a favourite for them both.

Holly loved that her own chair matched Mama’s, and they spent hours in the room together reading and painting. This room is where Mama had taught Holly to play the pianoforte and to sing.

“Go and ask Cook about that gingerbread, darling,” Mama said gently.

Bessie, Mama’s maid rushed in.

She paused in the doorway, her face stamped with concern.

That look made Holly even more scared.

“Come along, Lady Holly.” Bessie guided Holly gently but firmly toward the door. “You go and see about helping Cook. Lady Northwood will be right as rain in no time.”

Holly did as she was told, even as her heart hammered with fear.

She paused in the doorway and looked back at her mother,

Mama caught her eye and smiled reassuringly.