Chapter 13
The evening wine and tea gathering had just ended, and guests went their separate ways. Bennett was surprised at the number of new guests. Ivy had asked if he would build a fire in the ballroom to chase the evening chill. Many guests were exploring the old house, fascinated by the architecture, or making themselves comfortable downstairs and chatting in small groups near the Christmas tree.
Bennett was laying the fire when Nick strolled in. “Did you have a chance to try on that jacket?”
“I’m much obliged to you,” Nick said, bowing his head slightly. “It’s much warmer than my denim jacket.”
“Just thought you’d get more wear out of it than I do. It’s more your style anyway.” Bennett had bought the sheepskin-lined denim jacket at an end-of-season sale last spring. He hadn’t wor
