Fingers crossed, Annie hurried to the window and gazed out at the surrounding countryside, which had taken on the soft glow of late afternoon. It took a few moments for her eager gaze to find what she was looking for. The perspective, after all, was completely reversed. But, to her absolute delight, there it was, from this distance little more than a small, grayish-brown anomaly on a sunlit, grassy summit. But there was no mistaking it.
“Freya’s Farewell,” she whispered.
That she could see it from her room had significance, though she couldn’t begin to say why. She could only marvel at the intricate, unpredictable workings of fate. If today was anything to go by, she dared to believe her future was brighter than she could ever haveimagined, especially given the sadness of the past few weeks. With that came thoughts of Leo, but she shoved them aside. He didn’t know where she was, and even if he did, it wouldn’t make any sense for him to come looking for her. Not now.
She turned and regarded the bed, thinking she didn’t feel particularly tired anymore. Still, a brief rest wouldn’t hurt. She reached around to unfasten her dress, wondering if the messenger had returned from Ferndale. As it was, she had nothing to change into for dinner, though even if she had, it would simply mean swapping one black dress for another. Secretly, she wearied of wearing the same dark garb, day after day.
A short time later, clad in only her petticoats, Annie slid beneath the counterpane and gazed up at the canopy, certain she was far too excited to sleep.
After that, she remembered nothing till a knock came to the door.
*
“Fancy an after-dinnerstroll, Annie?” Julian asked, as the dining room emptied that evening. “Or would you rather spend some time with the ladies?”
“A stroll would be lovely,” she replied, “but you must join the men if you prefer, and enjoy a cigar. I’m sure I’ll be perfectly fine with the ladies.”
“I’d much prefer to spend the time with you.” Julian presented his elbow. “Truth be told, I’ve never particularly enjoyed smoking.”
Annie tucked a hand into the crook of his arm, her subsequent sigh one of obvious contentment. “Papa didn’t like it, either,” she replied. “He was of the opinion it couldn’t possibly be good for the lungs. Should I excuse myself from the ladies?”
“Consider it done, my dear.” Grace fell into step beside them. “Are you heading outside?”
Julian nodded. “It’s a fine evening, Mama. I thought a walk aroundthe gardens and then a seat on the west terrace might be nice. Would you care to join us?”
Grace’s mouth twitched. “Perhaps not immediately. I’ll see you on the terrace later. Miss Fairfax, here, take my wrap. It gets chilly in the evening.”
“Oh, but I can fetch one from my bedroom, Mrs. Northcott.”
“No, please, I insist.” She held it out. “Take it.”
“Thank you.” Annie blushed slightly. “You’re very kind.”
“You’re welcome,” Grace replied, smiling. “Enjoy your stroll.”
“Your mother is so lovely,” Annie said, as they stepped outside into the twilight. “You’re very fortunate, Julian.”
“I know I am, and yes, she is.”
Another sigh, then, “Today has been…”
Julian gave her a sideways glance. “Trying? Interesting? Unpredictable?”
She laughed. “Wonderful. It’s been wonderful. Well, except for the twins falling in the river, though they don’t seem to be any the worse for it, fortunately.”
“I think accidentally-on-purpose falling in the river is a more accurate description,” Julian replied. “But, if not for that, you wouldn’t be here with me now.”
She sucked in a breath. “I still can’t believe I slept for two hours this afternoon.”
“It’s the fresh air. Speaking of which.” Julian took the wrap from her and settled it about her shoulders. “There. Don’t want you catching a cold.”
“Why, thank you, sir.” Annie gazed up at him, her expression unmistakably one of adoration. “Perhaps you should have brought a coat.”
He tutted and shook his head. “We Yorkshiremen are a tough breed.”
She chuckled. “Chivalrous, as well.”
“Your wish is my command, my lady.”
