Anna played the violin longer than she thought she would and found solace in the music. Her spirits did not soar but they rose from where they were. As usual, Chalker, Clarissa, Mrs. Willis, and several maids and footmen watched her play. She distracted them from their duties, but they were allowed that.
They applauded her when she drew the final string, and she allowed a small smile. Clarissa came to her then with a missive, and the instant she saw that it was from Catherine, she broke the seal and sat down to read.
My dear Anna,
I will visit you. As a matter of fact, I am going to pack my valise and come to Hertfordshire as soon as I finish writing this to you. I hope the letter arrives before I do so you will know of my coming. I had breakfast this morning at Hampton House, and Mama spoke of how she longed to see you. It will be Christmas soon, and this is going to be the first Christmas you spend without her.
Anna, forgive my intrusion, but perhaps it would be good if you invited Mama for Christmas. I told her all about Dawnton Hall, and she is most eager to see it. You do not have to invite Papa, for I doubt he wishes to travel at this time. The cold has been bothering his rheumatism.
We shall speak soon, my dear Anna…in person. I am so looking forward to seeing you.
With much love,
Catherine.
Anna shot to her feet as soon as she finished reading. “Mrs. Willis!” she called excitedly, running out of the drawing room and into the great hall, where she went around the stairs toward the rear of the manor where the kitchens were located. “Mrs—”
She collided with Mrs. Willis. “Oh, heavens, dear!” The housekeeper held her shoulders to steady her. “Are you all right?”
“I am, Mrs. Willis. Just excited that my sister will be visiting again. Her letter just arrived but from the contents, she is on her way and shall arrive today. I wanted to tell you to ask Cook to have another place set at dinner, and have a room prepared.”
Mrs. Willis grinned. “I will tell him right this moment.”
“Oh, and Mrs. Gardiner, too,” Anna added. “And can you have a note delivered to her, asking her to join us tonight?”
“Yes, Your Grace.”
Anna took the housekeeper’s hand and squeezed it. “Thank you, Mrs. Willis!”
Then she picked up her skirts and hurried away to find Clarissa. Just that morning, she thought that nothing could brighten her day, but here she was.
“Dawnton looks enchanting in the snow,” Catherine said as Anna looped their arms and guided her into her drawing room to warm by the fire. She just arrived and it was sundown.
“Colin told me it looks magnificent every time of the year. I did not believe him until now. I hope your journey was not too tiring. I know how slow travel can be in the winter.”
“It was only a few hours, Anna,” Catherine laughed. Her eyes enlarged when she saw Sir Nips curled in a chair, asleep. “Oh, he has grown!”
“Of course he will grow, Catherine,” Anna giggled. “It has been months since you last saw him.”
Catherine stroked his carroty fur and he stretched and yawned. They sat down and her sister took her hands. “Tell me how you have been.”
Anna looked down at their linked hands, her chest clenching. “I have been better,” she admitted.
“Oh, my dear.” Catherine cupped her cheek. “You still worry.”
“How can I not worry? I love him.” It was the first time she was saying that aloud. “I love him more every day, and I cannot…” Her voice caught and she sighed. “I have to do this for him, Catherine. I cannot live with myself if I fail.”
Her sister drew her into her arms. “I understand, Anna, but I want you to be patient.” She smiled and tapped Anna’s cheek when she pulled away. “My old housekeeper once told me that in Ancient Egypt, before the pharaoh lies with his queen or his mistress, they are pampered and not allowed to suffer any strain.”
“Why?” Anna asked, tilting her head.
“Strain can cause them not to conceive. I think you might be having a difficult time because you are always worrying.”
“Were you distressed, too?”
Catherine shook her head. “No, but you and I have different bodies.”
“We are from the same family, and Mama had some trouble, too,” Anna argued.
