Caroline nodded. "It is not too hard."
They commenced pasting the ends of the paper together, showing Desmond how to link the next piece of paper before sealing it closed. He watched avidly before attempting it, following their instructions.
"You did it!" the little girl said.
"I had excellent instruction," Desmond replied.
Her brother beamed at the praise.
Everyone joined in, Lorelei and her sister regaling the children with stories of how they had done the very same activity when they were younger.
"Do you remember how we made our own jewelry?" Lorelei asked. She circled her wrist with a strand.
"And a scarf." Her sister wrapped a strand around her neck and then preened for her children. "I am quite dashing, aren't I?"
Desmond pretended to pout. "I feel quite plain in comparison."
Caroline jumped down from her chair, trailing a long paper chain. She stood on her tiptoes next to Desmond. He tipped his head down so she could place the strand about his neck. Henry rushed over to help her arrange it.
"I shall have to give my valet the boot and replace him with this pair." He grinned at Lorelei. "I believe I have never appeared so festive in my life."
"You are indeed a sight to behold," she answered truthfully. His grin broadened.
Finally, all of the paper had been glued together, and numerous chains had been made, and it was time for Desmond to leave. Lorelei could see he was reluctant to depart. He began to unwrap the chain still hanging about his neck.
"No, you must take it with you," Caroline insisted.
"You are certain?"
Henry added his agreement. "We have plenty, thanks to your help."
"I must thank you for your assistance. And now I leave with a token of it."
The children grinned and made their farewells, imploring him to return so they might have tea again. Desmond insisted he would be on their doorstep before they had a chance to notice he was gone. Lorelei's sister also thanked him and then herded the children into the next room.
"I know she did so in order to give us a more private leave-taking," Desmond said. "I wonder if you might be amenable to a short stroll with me."
Lorelei glanced quickly from side to side, ensuring they were quite alone. She placed a quick kiss against his lips. "I would relish a stroll."
She went to fetch her pelisse and bonnet. It was no surprise that her sister was waiting, both items in hand, a grin on her face.
"You know he is perfect for you. I do not know how you continue to resist."
Lorelei donned the pelisse, fastening it quickly, and then ensured her bonnet was perfectly tied. "I am not resisting. I am merely enjoying this phase of the passion cycle, remember?"
Beatrice snorted, gently pushing Lorelei towards the door. "Hurry along. I am impatient for you to advance to the next stage."
Lorelei laughed and went to join Desmond.
Desmond rested his gloved hand atop Lorelei's. He enjoyed the feel of her hand nestled in the crook of his elbow.
"Are you certain you are warm enough?" she asked.
"Of course." He pointed to the paper chain still around his neck. "The scarf we made this afternoon is doing a formidable job."
She grinned. "I feared it was more decorative than utilitarian."
"An easy mistake to make."
Lorelei stopped, standing in front of him. "You quite made their afternoon. I am certain to hear about it endlessly for the days ahead."
"I enjoyed myself immensely. I have no brothers or sisters, so I did not have many of these occasions while growing up. Except when visiting Martin and his numerous siblings." He enjoyed watching the various emotions flitting across her face. "I rather envy you and your sister, and the easy camaraderie you have with the children."
"There were many times when I wished I did not have a sibling," she said with a laugh. "We are so close in age that it often seemed like a rivalry. Now it is hard to imagine we ever felt that way."
They continued strolling again, the crisp air circling them, frosting their breath as they exhaled. The sun was low in the sky but doing its best to emit as much light for the time it had left. Desmond would have been content, though, if it were nightfall or the midst of a blizzard.
Lorelei brightened his surroundings, and his outlook.
"There is a scarcity of mistletoe at the moment," she said playfully. "What do you suggest as a solution?"
Desmond pretended to ponder the notion. "I could give you an IOU, promising to repay you at a future date. Would that suffice?"
"I think it will work perfectly. Otherwise we would have to resort to imaginary kissing."
"No need for that when we are both available for actual kissing."
Lorelei raised up on her tiptoes and pressed a heated kiss to his lips. He responded instantly. He gathered her into his arms, but the paper chain bunched up, crackling in protest and hindering his ability to kiss Lorelei the way he wanted. She grinned and slowly unwound the length from his neck.
"Be careful not to crush it," he said. "I mean to wear it at my next visit."
Her expression softened at his words. Instead of replying, she kissed him tenderly, as if revealing emotions she did not wish to say aloud. He returned the kiss, his own heart feeling similarly. It was not long before the tenderness turned more passionate. Her body pressed against his, stirring more riotous emotions, making him wish they were right then at his hunting lodge.
"I hope to visit it soon," she replied.
"Ah, so I did say that aloud," he chuckled, kissing her once more.
"Does your lodge need decorating?" She held up the chain still in her hands.
He answered with another passionate kiss. "The only decoration it requires is you, Lorelei."
Chapter Six
Desmond adjusted the reins in his hands. He was thankful it had not snowed for quite some time. The roads were clear, and the cold temperatures had ensured they were not muddy. He stopped the carriage at the Goddard doorstep.
The children must have been watching for his arrival through the window. They bounded out the front door, filled with energy and enthusiasm, as always. Their eyes widened at the sight of the paper chain scarf he wore, a perfect match to the one adorning the horse's neck. He doffed his hat, giving them a ceremonious bow, which set them off into peals of laughter.
"Mama! Come quick!"
"Mr. Mayfield's horse is wearing a paper chain!"
Lorelei and her sister appeared on the doorstep, and Lorelei let loose that rich laugh he adored so much. Her eyes were once again filled with indulgence when she gazed at him. It was a prize like no other. He would go to any length to have her look at him like that every day of his life.
"I should reconsider my attire," she said. "I am not anywhere as decorative as you are."
"You are the ultimate in decoration." He assisted her into the carriage. "I hope you do not mind it being open. I thought we could enjoy the fresh air."
"It will keep you from overheating," Beatrice said mischievously. "Oh, I nearly forgot. I have a few things to send with you."
"I shall be returning before nightfall," Lorelei said, "and I am certain Mr. Mayfield has a cook who can prepare a meal if needed."