“How old?”
“Does it matter?”
“No, not really. Just curious.”
Hattie tutted. “Um, let’s see. Janet will now be, I believe, in her thirty-eighth year. Two years younger than me.”
Frowning, Annie chewed on her lip. “So, not terribly old then. How come she’s never married?”
Hattie gave her a sardonic look. “No, not terribly old. And she almost married, but the poor fellow passed away. Don’t think she’s ever got over it.”
“How sad.” Annie tutted and shook her head. “Janet Caldridge. No, I’m sure you’ve never mentioned her before. I’ve always believed you had no family.”
“Well, like I said, she’s adistantcousin,” Hattie replied. “And maybe you weren’t paying attention when I mentioned her previously. You’ve always been a bit of a woolgatherer.”
“I suppose,” Annie replied, choosing capitulation over an argument. “Where does she live? In a town, or in the country?”
“In the country.”
Annie absorbed the response. “In a house?”
“Yes. It’s a nice area. Very quiet.”
“Are you sure she has room for us?”
“Yes, don’t worry about that. Her house is not grandiose, but it’s very comfortable.”
“And you’re sure she’ll be willing to accommodate us at such short notice?”
“I’m certain of it. I’ll get a letter sent off today.”
“But how can you be certain? When did you last see her?”
Hattie heaved a sigh. “So many questions, child.”
Annie frowned. “Which are justified, are they not? It appears I know nothing of this woman, yet I’m soon to be moving into her home, apparently.”
“Yes, of course. Forgive me.” Hattie cleared her throat. “Well, let me see. The last time I met Janet was actually here in London, when she came to see a sick friend. Some time ago, now. I haven’t been to Little Langby in many years, though. Since before you were born, in fact.”
“Little Langby,” Annie repeated. “It’s a village?”
Hattie smiled. “Barely even that, though it does have a lovely old church. Janet does the flower arrangements for it. As I said, we’ve kept in touch through letters, and she’s always made it quite clear I’d be welcome to stay with her if I ever had the need. And that need, though unfortunate, has now presented itself.”
“Unfortunate, yes.” Annie heaved a sigh of her own and then gasped as a sudden realization entered her mind. “Oh, gracious! What about Bridget? I hadn’t thought about her till now. How shameful of me. I’m not sure she’ll want to come with us, though. Her entire family lives in London.”
“Better if she stays behind, I think.” Hattie shrugged. “You can give her a good reference. I’m sure she’ll have no trouble securing a new position. Besides, who knows? She might be kept on by the new tenant.”
“Whoever that might be.”
“Mr. Mason will ensure it’s someone suitable, I have no doubt.”
“Yes, but still, it seems so unfair. She’s been with us forever.” Fatigue, sudden and unexpected, washed over Annie like an invisible wave. “I’m so very tired, Hattie. It’s all such a mess. Overwhelming, in fact. I cannot quite grasp everything that has happened. Everything thatishappening.”
Hattie slid her arm through Annie’s and drew her close. “I know, pet, I know. Hush, now. Don’t upset yourself. We’ve done enough for today. Come on, let’s get you home.”
Chapter Seven
Two weeks later
