“Well, of course I am.” Evie hurried to catch up. “Wouldn’t miss it for the world.”
Julian gave the twins a sideways glance. “Just don’t make me regret my decision, either of you.”
*
Annie had spentthe past hour installed on the window seat in the front parlor, breath misting the glass, eyes fixed on the lane. She wasn’t quite sure what to expect. A carriage of some sort, certainly. But she hadn’t quite imagined a sleek, blood-red landau, open to the skies and being pulled by two magnificent bays. And not for a moment had she considered Julian Northcott might be bringing someone with him. Any nervousness Annie might have had completely evaporated at the sight of the twins. She pressed her fingers to her lips, stifling a giggle of delight.
“Mr. Northcott is here,” she called, and slid off the window seat to smooth her skirts. Ruffy, perhaps hearing the clip-clop of horses’ hooves, tore into the room, leapt onto the window-seat, and set about barking a welcome. Hattie wandered in a moment later, untying her apron as she came to peer out of the window.
“Goodness, what a handsome carriage,” she said and then frowned. “Has he brought someone with him?”
“It would seem so,” Annie replied. “They’re his sisters, the Misses Evie and Clara.”
“But the carriage only seats four,” she said, looking at Annie. “Where will I sit? Not up there with the driver, surely.”
“I don’t think you need accompany me now, Hattie.” Annieshrugged. “I’m going out to greet them. Where’s Janet?”
“I’m here,” Janet replied, from the doorway. “I’ll invite them in. They may like a little refreshment before you go off to wherever it is you’re going.”
“Yes, they may. Thank you.” Annie felt a touch of relief. Though it remained somewhat detached, Janet’s gentler mood had continued from the previous night.
“Well, I’m not sure I approve of this arrangement.” Hattie, still frowning, followed Annie from the room. “It’s not how it’s done.”
“It’s not how youthoughtit would be done,” Annie corrected, “and, truthfully, neither did I. It appears to be a family outing to which I’m invited. I met Miss Evie and Miss Clara last week, Hattie. They’re fine young ladies.”
Janet opened the door and stepped out. Annie, following, shaded her eyes as the driver pulled the horses to a halt. Julian stood and gave Annie a smile that went straight to her heart.
“Good day, Miss Fairfax, ladies,” he said, looking at Hattie and Janet before practically leaping down from the carriage. His gaze, and his smile, went to Annie again and rested there for a moment. “As you’ve no doubt noticed,” he continued, “I am not alone. Allow me to introduce my sisters, Miss Evie and Miss Clara. Evie, Clara, this is Miss Caldridge and…” he hesitated as he regarded Hattie. “Forgive me, madam, but I never did learn your name.”
“Mrs. Henshaw,” Hattie said, with a sniff.
“Well, it’s a pleasure to see you again, Mrs. Henshaw,” Julian replied, and gave the twins a nod. “Evie, Clara?”
“Pleased to meet you,” the twins said, in perfect unison.
“It’s nice to see you again, Miss Fairfax,” Clara said.
“Likewise, to both of you,” Annie replied. “I wasn’t expecting this. It’s a lovely surprise.”
“Welcome to Ferndale Grange, Mr. Northcott.” Janet stepped forward. “Would you and your sisters care to come in for somerefreshment before you continue with your outing?”
Julian barely hesitated. “Thank you, Miss Caldridge, that would be most agreeable. A pleasant start to our afternoon.” He gave Annie another smile. “How are you today, Miss Fairfax?”
“I’m very well, Mr. Northcott, thank you.” An understatement. At that precise moment, Annie was sure she’d never felt quite so happy. “Was the party a success?”
“It was, indeed,” he said, helping Evie and Clara exit the carriage. “Though I confess I was looking forward to this outing the entire time.”
Clara let out a squeal at the sight of Ruffy. “Oh! What a sweet little dog. Is he friendly?”
“Very friendly,” Janet replied, “though a little rambunctious at times.”
“Which is a fine description of my sisters, I think,” Julian said, winking at Annie. Everyone laughed except Evie, who glared at her brother for a moment before surrendering to a smile.
“Goodness,” Hattie muttered. “It’s as well they wear different colored dresses. Never tell them apart, otherwise.”
What followed was a half-hour of sheer pleasantness. Annie watched in quiet delight as Julian and the twins engaged Janet and Hattie in easy conversation. Even Hattie, who’d been a little aloof at the start, lost the tightness around her mouth. As the visit drew to a close, Annie felt Janet’s gaze on her and met it. The grave expression on the woman’s face vanished in the blink of an eye, replaced by a smile that surely implied approval. Annie hoped it also indicated an end to the tension of the past few days.
“It’s a lovely spot by the river,” Janet said, as they wandered down the garden path to where the carriage awaited. “The ruins are fascinating. I think you’ll enjoy them.”
