Page 32 of One Naughty Christmas Night

“I’m fine, Papa,” she replied.

“Good. Come join me here,” he said, patting the couch next to him.

“Don’t muss her dress, Robert,” her mother warned. He rolled his eyes.

“If I want to hug my daughter, Louisa, I will do so.” As soon as she sat, he put an arm around her and hugged her, careful not to mess up her hair.

Her mother huffed for a moment, then joined them on the couch.

“The Duke and Willie should be down soon.”

“We’re here, Louisa,” Willie said, the couple filling the doorway.

“Lovely,” her mother said, standing to greet them.

Her mother wore a dark-red gown that flattered her figure. Her father dressed in a black coat and trousers; his waistcoat made from the same fabric as her mother’s dress.

For as long as Victoria could remember, they dressed in similar outfits for every function. It was one of the quirks of her parents’ marriage that she loved, knowing it made them unique.

The candles dazzled off Willie’s white gown, lined with a velvet collar. She wore her favorite diamonds, and the Duke was also dressed in white to match.

Her eyes were drawn to Heath, who stood next to them. He wore a black coat and trousers with a crisp white shirt, his waistcoat a deep, chocolate brown. He looked so very handsome tonight.

“Victoria, what are you staring at?” her father asked, leaning over to follow her line of sight.

“The tree, Papa. It’s so lovely.”

“It is. Willie has outdone herself with decorations this year.”

She turned her attention back to Heath, drinking in the sight of him.

“Victoria!” Sammy cried, running into the parlor. Quinn and Valentina weren’t far behind her, both dressed in a rich, dark blue.

“Sammy, darling,” she said, gathering the little girl into her lap.

“Hello,” she said, dropping a kiss onto her dark curls.

“Victoria, I’m so excited for my Christmas presents!” She started to tell Victoria all about the doll she saw in a shop window that she wanted very much.

“Samantha, darling, why don’t you go say hello to Grandmama and Grandpapa. I think Grandmama Willie has a special surprise for you,” Valentina said, ushering her off.

Sammy gave Victoria a peck on the cheek and wandered off to see her grandparents.

“Hello there,” Victoria said, hugging Valentina.

“Hello,” she replied, returning the hug. She took a deep breath and leaned back against the couch, her hands in her lap.

“Are you all right?” Victoria asked, scooting over a bit when her father went to stand.

“Sorry, darling,” he said.

“It’s all right, Papa,” she replied.

He headed over to the Duke and Willie, and she turned back to Valentina.

“I’m all right, just a little tired.”

“Are you sick?”