He moved closer, inhaling her fresh, floral scent while fighting a growing desire to touch her. “Why did you leave the city? Was it simply to grieve in a more peaceful environment? Or was it because you deemed it too dangerous to stay? I got the impression Archibald Mason was protecting more than your privacy. Has the man you weremeant to marry now become a threat to you?”
The brightness in Annabelle’s expression had faded as he’d spoken. “My former fiancé has, sadly, proven himself to be possessed of an exceedingly unpleasant temper.” she said, “I doubt he would actually hurt me. Hattie disagrees, however, and so does Archibald Mason. They both urged me to leave the city, and I capitulated, mostly because I was too weary to argue against it. But I left with no small amount of reluctance. I was never traveling abroad, though. I never left England.”
“I guessed that was the case. And Hattie left with you, I take it?”
“Yes. In fact, she arranged our accommodation. Miss Caldridge is a distant cousin of hers. She didn’t come with us today, though. She stayed behind at the house.”
“I see,” Julian replied, quietly resolving to have a private chat with Hattie with regards to Leopold De Witte. “Well, speaking personally, I’m very glad you capitulated.”
“So am I, Mr. Northcott, and not only because of our meeting today. As it happens, I’ve found some unexpected peace here and do not miss my London home as much as I thought I would.”
“I’m pleased to hear it.” His fingers furled against the unrelenting temptation to touch her. “And I’m also curious. Has your return to the country awakened additional memories of your childhood experience? Any more recollections?”
“Nothing specific.” A slight frown appeared. “Well, other than a vague sense of familiarity now and then.” Her expression cleared. “May I ask how long you’ll be staying at Myddleton, sir?”
“Till Tuesday morning,” he replied, and then shrugged. “Or perhaps, as of today, a little bit longer.”
The sound of distant voices drifted down the hallway, followed by the closing of a door somewhere. The interruption reminded Julian that his continued absence had probably surpassed a reasonable limit. “In the meantime, Miss Fairfax, I wonder if I might introduce you to afew members of my family.”
She gasped. “Today?”
He chuckled. “Within the next hour, preferably, but if you’d rather not, please say so.”
“If circumstances were different, it would be an honor to meet them, but given how I ran off like that… well, what must they think?” She fiddled with one of her ringlets and looked down at herself. “Besides, I fear I’m not exactly at my best.”
Julian stopped himself from voicing a direct contradiction and instead searched for a response that would not be conceived as trite. Such things, he knew, were more Josiah’s forte; he would undoubtedly snap out an appropriate, poetic response without hesitation. Julian went for simple honesty. “In my eyes, Miss Fairfax, you are absolutely lovely. As to the eyes of others, I expect they will see a beautiful young woman whose attire indicates quite clearly she is in mourning, and I’m certain she’ll be afforded the respect she deserves. And, as to your running off like that, I did exactly the same thing without any explanation. Don’t worry. I’ll do all the explaining when the introductions are made. I guarantee they’re curious to find out what this is all about and who you are.”
“I’m a physician’s daughter, Mr. Northcott.”
“I believe we’ve already established that, Miss Fairfax.”
“Are they aware of the newspaper report?”
“No.” Julian gentled his voice, wishing he could do more to comfort her. “They know only that your father passed away.”
Annabelle inhaled a shaky breath. “Very well, but you should know I would rather you didn’t share the details of Papa’s death with them at this time. Suffice to say he’d been ill for a good while and then passed suddenly.”
“I understand, of course, though I imagine decorum will not allow for too many questions anyway.”
“You’re probably right.” She cringed. “And speaking of decorum, Imust warn you, sir, I cannot recall the last time I conversed with an earl and his countess, so I hope I’m able to conduct myself appropriately.”
Julian laughed. “I’ll give you cues if I think it necessary, but don’t worry if you make a mistake. They won’t throw you in the dungeon. They’re actually very nice people.”
“That’s what Janet—I mean, Miss Caldridge—said when I asked what the duchess was like…” Annabelle blushed and pressed a hand to her stomach. “I mean…well. That’s a relief.”
Julian was reminded of the first time they met. She was so affably charming, sweetly innocent, and refreshingly honest. Who wouldn’t find her alluring?”
“I mean it, dear lady. There’s no need to be nervous.” Julian surrendered to his relentless urge, reached for her hand, and brought it gently to his lips. “I’ll be beside you the entire time.”
Chapter Thirteen
“There you are,at last,” Janet announced, as Annie approached with Julian Northcott. The woman stood alone in the gallery, the buckets of flowers, emptier than before, still at her feet. The flower arrangement had taken visible shape but was obviously not quite finished. As for the countess and the duchess, both ladies had apparently gone elsewhere. Annie gave silent thanks for the reprieve.
Janet spoke again, her voice unexpectedly stern. “I trust you have apologized to Mr. Northcott for your untoward behavior, Annie, running off like that. I have already apologized to Lady Hutton on your behalf, and explained you are not quite yourself due to being so recently bereaved.”
The unanticipated reprimand left Annie momentarily speechless and not a little embarrassed. Resentment tightened her throat, but before she could respond, Julian Northcott cut in.
“I do not require an apology, madam,” he said, calmly. “Miss Fairfax had a bit of a shock, that is all. As did I, in truth.” He smiled down at Annie, which set off the now-familiar flutter in her stomach. “A very pleasant shock, I might add.”
