“Why do you say that?” Grace asked. “She’s not ill, is she?”
Julian shook his head. “No, not ill. She recently lost her father in a tragic way, and I simply want to make sure she’s all right, that’s all.”
“I see. Yes, I’m sure that must have been upsetting. What of her mother?”
“Her mother died many years ago.”
“Siblings?”
“None.”
“So, she’s alone.”
“Not quite. She has a maid. That is, a companion of sorts, but that is all, as far as I know.” Julian heaved a sigh. “We met briefly in London several weeks ago and she made an impression on me. Actually, it was the day Max and Louisa returned from their holiday. And yes, though my dear brother’s remark was something of an overstatement, I have thought about the young lady many times since. There was something special about her.”
Grace nodded and glanced away briefly. “Is she the reason you’re undecided about Miss Aitken?”
Josiah snorted and Julian threw him a scowl. “No, she is not,” he replied. “At least, shewasnot. The loss of her father is a recent event, but there is more to this tale. With respect, however, I would rather not discuss it further. Not till I return from London.”
“Discuss what?” Aldous stepped into the room, a questioning expression on his face. “Why are you going to London? Has something happened?”
“Nothing of concern to the family, Papa,” Julian replied, his nerves beginning to fray. “I simply want to check on the well-being of a friend and would prefer to do so in person.”
“I see.” Aldous exchanged a prolonged glance with Grace, one that Julian recognized as a silent form of communication perfected through years of marriage. “So, when do you leave?”
“Tomorrow morning.”
“With Josiah, I assume.”
“Yes.”
“But where will you stay? The house is closed up.”
“He can stay with me, Papa,” Josiah said. “As long as he doesn’t mind sleeping on the settee.”
“Don’t mind at all,” Julian replied.
“Well, that’s that then. I hope it all turns out for the best.” Aldous gestured to the sideboard. “Is the coffee still fresh?”
“I think it has sat long enough, Papa.” Josiah gave Julian a glance that denoted a triumph of sorts. It was not only their parents, apparently, who could communicate without uttering a word. “You might want to ring for more.”
Chapter Nine
Twenty-Nine Chester Streetwas exactly as Julian remembered it. A handsome but unassuming house, its red-brick façade and black door were an exact replica of the house on either side. Unlike the others, however, Twenty-Nine exuded a vague air of abandonment. It manifested in the unpolished number on the door and the brass doorknocker, as well as the assortment of street debris nestling in the corners of the stone steps. Mostly, though, it was due to the fact that the curtains were drawn shut on every window, upstairs and down.
Still, he’d come this far, so he figured he might as well take futility that little bit further. Heaving a sigh, he climbed the unswept steps, lifted the dull brass knocker, and landed four solid raps on the door. An expected span of silence followed, adding credence to the conviction that Miss Annabelle Fairfax was not at home and hadn’t been for a while.
Disappointment, as well as a touch of chagrin, accompanied Julian back to the pavement, where he turned and looked up at the house once more. Maybe he should have written to Annabelle first, explaining how he’d heard about the events at her wedding, and wished to offer his sympathy. Or maybe he should simply have stayed in Yorkshire, accepted the fact that he’d spent less than a half-hour of his life with a girl he’d never see again, and set all thoughts of a trip to London aside.
“There’s no one at home, sir,” came a male voice. “Hasn’t been fora couple of weeks.”
Julian looked to his left, where a white-haired gentleman stood on the pavement in front of the neighboring house, a set of keys clutched in his hand.
“That’s a pity.” Julian grasped at a possible straw. “I was hoping to speak with Miss Fairfax. Do you happen to know where she went?”
The man shook his head as he mounted the steps to his door. “No idea, I’m afraid. The lady left rather suddenly and without a word. I assume you’re aware of what happened at the wedding?”
“Yes, though I only learned of it recently,” Julian replied. “Which is why I’m here, to offer my condolences. Is she expected back any time soon?”
