“I’m fine, Julian,” Clara said, her teeth chattering. “Just a bit cold.”
“Same,” Evie said.
Julian silently cursed his carelessness. He’d been irresponsible and the burden of blame rested solely with him.Heaven forbid they fall illbecause of this.
“There’s a couple of blankets in the carriage,” Molesworth said. “I’ll fetch them. Actually, sir, I’ll bring the carriage over. I expect you’ll be wanting to get the young ladies home as soon as possible.”
“Yes, thank you, Molesworth.” Julian glanced around. “We’ll clear up here and then head straight to Myddleton. Do you have any objections to being a guest for the night, Miss Fairfax? I’ll have a message sent to Ferndale Grange explaining the situation. If you’d rather return home, I can arrange that too, of course.”
“No, I have no objection at all. But, if I’m to stay the night at Myddleton, might the message include a request for some suitable attire to be sent back with the messenger?”
“Yes, of course. Forgive me, I should have thought of that.”
“You have more important things on your mind, sir,” she replied. “Priority must be given where it is due.”
“Indeed.” Julian gave the twins a critical look. “Hot baths for both of you as soon as we get home,” he said, and added a touch of levity to hide the depth of his concern and guilt. “And you owe me five shillings.”
*
“Ah, there youare.” Julian wandered into Myddleton’s ballroom and gave Annie the smile she’d come to love. He looked at ease, unlike earlier when worry had etched lines across his brow. “I’ve been looking for you. I was beginning to think you’d run away again.”
Annie shook her head. “No, just exploring this incredible house. How are the twins?”
“Bathed, dressed, and not in the least contrite.” He moved to her side and heaved a sigh of obvious relief. “But they appear to be none the worse for their soaking, thank God. In fact, they’re already talking about tomorrow’s outing. Oh, and a messenger has been dispatched toFerndale.”
“Thank you.” Annie wrinkled her nose. “Hattie will probably think it was all orchestrated to provide me with an excuse to spend the night at Myddleton House.”
Julian cleared his throat. “And I fear she may be right.”
Annie gasped. “No! Are you saying the twins fell in on purpose? Surely not. They wouldn’t do that. Would they?”
“I wouldn’t put it past them. Evie alluded to the fact that, thanks to their little escapade, you and I are able to spend more time with each other. In any case, orchestrated or not, I accept full responsibility for what happened. I should have known better.” His eyes took on a softness. “But I must also admit, Annie, I’m glad you agreed to stay. I rather like the idea of sleeping under the same roof as you.”
Annie pressed her hands to her cheeks as if to halt the sudden blush, which now warmed her fingers. “Mr. Northcott, really. I don’t know what to say.”
He winced. “Uh oh. I’m back to being Mr. Northcott. Did I offend you?”
“No, you didn’t,” she replied, dropping her hands. “Quite the opposite. You say the loveliest things. It was just… unexpected, that’s all.”
Julian glanced at the door and then back at her. “In that case, allow me to give you fair warning that I’m about to kiss you. Unless, of course, you have an objection.”
She shook her head. “Not a single one, Julian.”
“That’s better,” he said, and drew her into his arms. Annie laughed and clung to him as she had once before, feeling equally as light-headed as she had on that previous occasion. But this was deliciously different. Intoxicating, exciting, and somehow undeniablyright. Her gaze flicked to Julian’s mouth, and she licked the dryness from her lips, anticipating. Julian touched his thumb to her chin and bent his head.
Annie closed her eyes.
“I’ve arranged for tea to be served in the west parlor, Julian.” Lady Hutton’s voice pulled them apart with only a little less force than a physical intervention. “I’m sure you and Miss Fairfax must be ready for some refreshment.”
Julian cleared his throat and turned to face his aunt. Cheeks blazing, Annie bit her lip, lowered her gaze, and tussled with an inexplicable urge to laugh.
Julian nodded. “We’ll be along in a moment, Aunt Eleanor.”
“Good. Be sure not to dally. There are few things more disagreeable than over-steeped tea.” Lady Hutton fanned her face with her hand as she turned to leave. “Goodness, it’s awfully warm in here.”
“Oh dear,” Annie said, unable to stifle a giggle once the lady had left. “Am I to be cast out in shame?”
Julian grinned and took her hand. “If you are, I’ll be coming with you, but it looks like we’re allowed to have some tea first. Besides, you haven’t met all the family yet. You should at least do that before being banished.”
