“I see.” Janet’s subsequent smile held little warmth as she directed her gaze, once more, to Annie. “Till today, sir, I was not aware my young guest had met you before. I find it odd, frankly, that she’s never mentioned it.”
Once again, Annie opened her mouth, meaning to explain, butJulian Northcott didn’t give her the chance. “How long do you anticipate being at Myddleton House today, Miss…” he frowned. “Forgive me. Miss Caldridge, is that correct?”
“Yes sir,” Janet replied, her expression still sour. “I expect we shall be finished here by mid-afternoon.”
“Good, then we have some time. My reason for asking is because I’m stealing Miss Fairfax away for the next while and was wondering how long I might keep her.” He took Annie’s hand and tucked it into the crook of his arm once more. “I trust you can manage on your own, Miss Caldridge, for the time being?”
Annie’s conscience gave her a nudge. “Um, actually, Mr. Northcott, perhaps I should stay and help Miss Caldridge with the flowers.”
“Indeed, sir, I would much prefer the young lady remain with me,” Janet said. “She came here to assist me, after all.”
Julian’s eyes narrowed slightly. “A compromise, then,” he said, in a tone that brooked no argument. “Miss Fairfax will spend the better part of the next hour with me, after which time she will return and assist you with whatever work remains. I trust that is agreeable?”
It obviously wasn’t, judging by the expression on Janet’s face. “As you wish, sir,” she replied, giving Annie another sour glance. “I’ll see you later, then, Annabelle.”
Annie, struggling to find any suitable rejoinder, merely nodded her response. She could not imagine what had got into the woman. She fully intended, however, to find out later. Now was not the time.
“Uh oh,” Julian muttered as they headed for the door. “From ‘Annie’ to ‘Annabelle’ in less than a minute. I fear things do not bode well for you, Miss Fairfax. But do not lose heart! If you’re evicted from your current lodging later today, I’m sure we can find room for you here.”
Annie smothered an urge to laugh, which also helped to hide her dismay at Janet’s uncharacteristic behavior. “I’m sure Miss Caldridge won’t go that far, Mr. Northcott. And I must confess, I do feel somewhat guilty about leaving her.”
“You shouldn’t.” He shrugged. “You told me you have little talent for flower arranging, so tell yourself you’re doing the lady a favor by absconding, since you’d probably be more of a hindrance than a help if you stayed. You came here to see Myddleton House and see it you shall.”
Annie’s conscience refused to be quiet. “But she’s been so very kind to me, sir.”
“One hour, Miss Fairfax,” Julian replied. “That is all I ask. One hour.”
*
Throwing caution tothe wind and acting without aforethought wasn’t like him at all. But then, Julian had never felt like this before, nor could he begin to describe the feeling. Not for the first time that day, he dared to imagine fate had intervened, albeit in a tragic fashion, to ensure his and Annabelle’s paths would cross again. To be so fanciful, so fatalistic, was not like him either.
No matter how it came about, whether by the blessings of fate or the paths of misfortune, Annabelle Fairfax now stood beside him in Myddleton’s imposing library. Having issued an apology along with a succinct explanation about what had precipitated the events in the gallery, Julian now finished off by introducing Annabelle to his uncle and aunt, propriety demanding the initial introduction be made to them.
As Annabelle rose from a perfect curtsey, Lord Hutton peered down at her from beneath his impressive pair of silver brows. “Well now, that’s quite the coincidence,” he said, in response to Julian’s account. “Welcome to Myddleton House, Miss Fairfax. And please accept our condolences on the loss of your father.”
“Thank you, Lord Hutton,” she replied. “And thank you for allowing me into your magnificent home.”
“You’re most welcome.” He cleared his throat. “Are you related to the Middlesborough Fairfax’s by chance?”
Annabelle blinked. “Er, no, my lord, I don’t believe so.”
“Hmm. Just as well, perhaps.” Lord Hutton appeared to mull for a moment or two. “So, you’re staying at Ferndale Grange, eh? Nice little farm. Used to be part of the old medieval estate. Somewhere along the way, it slid into independent ownership.” His silver brows knitted together as he glanced away briefly. “Can’t remember quite how it all came about. I’ll have to read up on it. It’s changed hands a few times since then, of course.”
“That’s very interesting, my lord,” Annabelle replied. “I have wondered about its history. It’s a charming house.”
“Yes, quite.” Lord Hutton nodded. “Well, if you’ll excuse me, ladies, nephew, I have some correspondence awaiting my attention before luncheon. A pleasure to make your acquaintance, Miss Fairfax. Enjoy your visit.” He bowed slightly.
Annabelle inclined her head. “Thank you, my lord.”
Lady Hutton stayed where she was, a smile tugging at her lips as her husband wandered off. “There now, my dear,” she said to Annabelle. “That wasn’t so bad, was it?”
Annabelle smiled also and shook her head. “No, Lady Hutton, not at all. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome, my dear.” The countess then turned her attention to Julian. “You’ll find your parents in the conservatory, Julian, and I wouldn’t dally if I were you. They’ll be sounding the luncheon gong shortly.”
“Understood, Aunt, thank you,” Julian replied, and presented his elbow once more. “Miss Fairfax?”
“They were very gracious,” Annabelle said, as they made their way into the hallway.
