Pride and Percabeth

Chapter Forty

A third gentleman stood in the McLean family pew alongside Sir Tristan, Piper's father. He was not Mr. Beckendorf, who Silena would marry in February.
"So the Chases will be visiting after the service?" the gentleman said to Lord Skye.
Lord Skye gave him a sly smile.
"Are you anxious to see Miss Chase again, Jackson?" 
Could the entire congregation hear Annabeth's heart flutter in her chest like a caged bird? Mrs. Chase put her hand on Annabeth's shoulder.
"Who's that young man with the McLeans?"
"That's the famous Lord Skye, Piper's betrothed," Annabeth replied.
"No, the dark one."
"Lieutenant Jackson, his friend."
Mrs. Chase grinned like a cat who had gotten into the cream.
"Was he the one you talked about in all your letters...?"
Annabeth stared down at her shoes. Her mother kissed her cheek.
"...I expect you'll have an especially merry Christmas this year."

A massive log burned in the fireplace in the McLean's drawing-room. The mantlepiece was festooned with evergreen boughs, rosemary, and bay leaf, holly, and ivy.

"Come in, my dears, " Silena said. "And have a warm." Her simple white dress and turban fluttered as she ushered the guests in.