A Christmas Surprise by Lindsay Downs Read Free Book Online

everything about fishing but that’s a new one. Where did you learn about it?”
    Casting her fly out into the pool she replied, “From Debbi. She learned it from her father who’d been taught by a Scottish gamekeeper. Don’t worry I’ve got several more so if you get a trout we can do the same with it.”
    No sooner were the words out then she watched as he worked on landing his own.
    “This must be the twin to the one you caught,” he stated, holding it up for her inspection.
    “Yes,” she said. “They both are about four pounds. I dare Debbi to do better.”
    This went on for the next several hours. First one then the other would land record sized trout.
    Finally Aleece wondered aloud, “I wonder how the others are doing?”
    Mr. Thomas raised a brow in questioning whom she was talking about.
    “Why Debbi and Lord Sidbury? Who did you think I was talking about, not the others, did you?”
    A jubilant yell from upstream confirmed that couple was having a successful fishing expedition. Curious as to the reason for the celebration Aleece and Mr. Thomas collected their gear, fish and headed to where Debbi and her partner were.
    Shown the trout Debbi had landed Aleece said, “It would appear we are tied, you with the largest and we with the most.”
    The distant sound of the luncheon gong signaled the end to the event. Joyously the four returned to the estate and handed over their respective catches to the earl and his gamekeeper.
    After cleaning up, save for changing from their fishing attire Aleece and Mr. Thomas rejoined the picnic on the lawn.
    “Ah, I see Debbi’s been able to secure us a table,” Aleece whispered as she led the way to the buffet then to the table.
    The guests filled their plates with assorted cold meats, vegetables, chilled poached salmon and an asparagus salad in a light vinaigrette. Footmen assisted with providing lemonade for the ladies and ale for the men.
    Much to Aleece’s surprise, her Mr. Thomas requested lemonade, stating that one must be in the mood for alcohol.
    Once all were seated, the earl rose to his feet.
    “Ah-hum, fair ladies and not so fair gentlemen, I wish to announce the winner of the contest.”
    The beginning of his announcement brought good-natured laughter and titters from all assembled.
    “After a long and tedious discussion with my games–master, I must declare there is not one winner.”
    Before he could continue, moans were heard, the loudest from Aleece, Debbi, and their gentlemen.
    “Calm yourselves, I beg of you,” the earl called out. Once the noise level had reduced he continued, “As I was saying, we do not have one winner. We have two winners. It would seem the teams led by Lady Aleece, with six trout and Miss Overstreet, with five trout but the biggest, have tied.”
    A hearty round of cheers went up from the men, while the ladies acted in a more civilized manner by applauding the four winners.
    Aleece leaned over to Mr. Thomas. “I knew we’d beat everyone except Debbi and her gentleman.”
    “Yes, you did. Now, if we can only sneak away, I plan to reward you for your efforts.”
    Aleece felt her face warm, wondering if he’d read her mind, because she’d had the same thought.
    After a dessert of fresh strawberries smothered in Devonshire cream, everyone started drifting either inside for a much needed nap or retreating to one of the cooler rooms to read.
    Aleece watched as Debbi and Sidbury, hand in hand, strolled toward the orangery. She began to rise from her chair when she was stopped by a gentle touch on her arm.
    “Worry not, my precious one. He may have been a rakehell once, but he’s now a man in love and won’t do anything to soil her reputation. He arranged for Jeff and his young lady to meet up with them.”
    “And this he told you, or did you have to pry the information out of him?” she responded with a worried, wrinkled brow.
    “All was volunteered save the being in love. That I had to force him to admit. Now, come. We