My mincemeat and fruitcake are made, and I’ll be baking cookies today. What are you up to? Are you all ready for Christmas? Since so many of us are thinking of the holiday, I thought I’d share an excerpt from my recent novella, A Sea View Christmas. I hope you enjoy it. See any similarities to your own Christmas plans or dinner menu? Either way, Happy Christmas, everyone! (Note: If you can’t see the excerpt on your phone, please try a different device. Thank you.)
An Excerpt from A Sea View Christmas
On Christmas Day, Sarah donned a pretty dress, thinking all the while of their kiss under the mistletoe.
That morning, they attended divine services once more. The vicar read prayers and administered the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper. A small local choir sang a Christmas anthem, and afterward, friends and neighbors greeted one another with a chorus of “Happy Christmas.”
Then they went home to put the finishing touches on a magnificent Christmas feast.
With everyone helping, the goose had been roasted to perfection with sage and would be served with both gravy and an apple sauce. The pudding sat on its platter, ready to be set alight just before serving.
They would begin with white soup, followed by the goose, cauliflower and broccoli with melted butter, and potato pudding. They would end with jellies and almond paste molded into fancy shapes and the plum pudding.
The meal began with a prayer offered by Mr. Hornbeam and a toast led by Mr. Hutton.
When they had finished the other courses, Mr. Gwilt entered, chest puffed with pride and pleasure, carrying in the plum pudding.
A sprig of holly sat on top to represent Jesus’s crown of thorns, and low brandy flames burnished its surface. Everyone oohed and aahed appropriately.
When the flames subsided, Mr. Gwilt moved the pudding to the sideboard and began scooping portions. Jessie served plates to each person and passed around a pitcher of brandy sauce.
“Now, take care as you eat,” Sarah advised. “Colin, here, took it upon himself to slip in several tokens of his own.”
“That I did,” Colin admitted with a self-satisfied grin.
Tentatively, gingerly, they all began to spoon and nibble their servings of pudding.
Within moments, a few people began lifting table napkins to discreetly remove items from their mouths.
Everyone else, and especially Colin, watched with eager interest. He said, “Do tell if you’ve found something in yours.”
Wiping a small object with her linen napkin, Georgiana was the first to announce her find. “I have a tiny silver . . . boot?” She held it up and peered at it. “Yes, a boot.”
“Ah!” Colin said, clearly savoring the moment. “That means there will be travel in your future.”
“I certainly hope so,” Georgie replied.
“I got a thimble,” Effie said. “I suppose that means I shall never marry?”
“Not necessarily. It can also mean thrift.”
“No, that’s not it.” Mr. Henshall adamantly shook his head. “Definitely not thrift.”
Effie made a face at him.
“And you, Mr. Henshall?” Colin asked.
“I have a small wishbone, perhaps from a quail?”
“Indeed. And that means your dearest wish shall be granted.”
Callum Henshall, seated across the table from Sarah, let his gaze rest on her, and he echoed Georgiana’s words, “I certainly hope so.”
A flush rose up her neck.
“Sarah? What are you hiding?” Georgie asked.
“It’s . . . well, I found a little ring.”
“Ah!” Colin beamed. “You shall be married within the year.”
The flush moved up to her face.
Eager to shift focus, Sarah turned to the newest resident of Sea View. “Anything in yours, Cora?”
The girl shook her head. “I don’t mind. I’m just glad to be here with all of you.”
Sarah reached over and squeezed her hand. “And we are glad you are here too.”
All of us authors here at Inspired by Life and Fiction are glad you are here too. We sincerely wish you a blessed Christmas.
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I loved this story and plan to re-read it again very soon! Thanks for a great conclusion to a lovely series, On Devonshire Shores. Each book has been amazing and I have re-read all of them recently, except the Christmas one, which I am about to do.
Thank you so much, Denise. Re-reads are my favorite compliment!
I agree!
Loved it and wanted more. Such great characters!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Thank you, Betty. Merry Christmas to you, too.
Merry Christmas! I, too, loved the conclusion to the Sea View Sisters! My husband and daughter are the bakers around here. They are planning beef wellington for Christmas and today will finish our baking the brownie peppermint cookies–a NYT recipe that is amazing!
Ohhh! How’d the beef wellington turn out? I’ve had it (once) but never attempted it. Looks hard!
I enjoyed reading “A Sea View Christmas.” It was a lovely finale to the series. Have a blessed and Merry Christmas!
Thank you, Elisa!
I’m with everyone else – the latest “Sea View” was soooo good. I really wanted it to be longer! Loved rereading this section of Christmas dinner, too. My baking is done – cookies in the freezer and brownies for Christmas Eve ready to go. Hope you have a wonderful Christmas, Julie!
Thanks, Lynne. It was quiet but enjoyable.