“Yes.”
“What for?”
“I’ve received some worrying news about a friend and would like to assure myself that all is well.”
“Oh dear. Is it anyone I know?”
“No, Mama, I’m certain it isn’t.”
“I see,” she replied, her puzzled expression implying the opposite. “Well, I hope it’s nothing too serious. How did you receive this news?”
Julian hesitated. “Josiah told me about it.”
“And you absolutely have to go to London? I mean, can this assurance not be obtained by way of correspondence?”
“No, I’m afraid it cannot. And I’d rather go in person, actually.” Unsettled by his intentional ambiguity, Julian set his cup down, got to his feet, and wandered over to the bay window. It overlooked the rose garden, which was currently at its peak, although it all looked rathergloomy draped in fog. “I’m not sure how long I’ll be gone. A week at least, I should think.”
A response came, but only after a notable stretch of silence. “Is this friend a woman?”
He couldn’t lie. “Yes.”
“Ah.” There followed a brief rustle of skirts. “A woman you care about, obviously.”
Parting with a soft sigh, he turned. “To tell the truth, Mama, I know very little of her.”
Grace frowned. “Then why are you going all the way to London for her sake?”
“Because he can’t get her out of his mind.” Josiah, looking rather like he’d slept in the clothes he was wearing, sauntered into the room, and approached the sideboard. “Is the coffee still fresh? Oh, and good morning, Mama.”
“Yes, it’s fresh,” Julian replied, “and your lack of tact is not appreciated.”
“I thought it was a fair question.” Josiah poured himself a cup. “Not keen on coffee that’s been sitting a while.”
“Not what I meant, and you know it,” Julian said, frowning.
“Am I to understand you’ve met this young lady as well, Josiah?” Grace asked.
He shook his head. “No, Mama, I have not.”
“Then, how do you know of her?”
“Because Julian told me about their meeting, and I learned about her dilemma from another source just recently.” Clasping his coffee cup, Josiah sank into a nearby chair and stifled a yawn. “Wasn’t sure I should tell Julian about it, to be honest, but then I saw him with Miss Aitken and was left with no choice.”
Julian groaned. “Joe, don’t.”
Grace’s eyes widened. “You don’t like Miss Aitken?”
“I think she’s absolutely delightful,” Josiah replied. “She’s just notright for Julian.”
“Please ignore him, Mama,” Julian said, taking his seat once more, “which is what I tend to do for the most part.”
Grace toyed with the pearl pendant at her throat. “Well, Julian, I confess I find all this rather confusing, but if it’s a matter of following your heart, then you have my blessing.”
Julian gave her a dubious look. “Even though you know nothing of her, Mama?”
“Nothing ofher, no.” Grace’s gentle smile, so well-known to him, appeared. “But I believe Idoknow a thing or two about my eldest son and trust him to do what he feels he must. Especially when it comes to matters of the heart.”
“I appreciate that. Thank you.” He shrugged. “It might all be for nought, however.”
