Praying?“I do indeed,” he replied. “Might you have answers?”
“I believe we might, yes.” She peered past him. “Looks like there’s some nasty weather moving in. I’ll have Amos see to your horse.”
“I would appreciate that.”
She gave him a resigned smile and closed the door. “Let me take your coat and hat, and then please settle yourself in the parlor. I’ll let Miss Caldridge know you’re here. Would you like some tea?”
“No, but thank you.” Julian shrugged off his coat. “Mrs. Henshaw, I have one question that cannot wait. Is Miss Fairfax in some kind of danger?”
“No, sir,” she replied, hanging his coat and hat on the hall tree. “At least, we don’t believe so. She’s staying with her solicitor and his wife. For the time being, at least.”
“Ah, right.” Julian frowned as some of his innermost fear dissipated, while his puzzlement over Annie’s departure deepened. “Well, that’s a relief.”
The woman merely gave him another smile and gestured toward the parlor door. “Please make yourself at home. Are you sure you wouldn’t like some refreshment?”
“No, nothing, thank you.” Julian entered the parlor as he had once before. On that occasion, sunlight had poured through the windows and the air had hummed with chitchat and laughter. Today, the room seemed dull and empty. Unwelcoming. Heaving a sigh, he sank into a chair, swallowed against his impatience, and drummed his fingers on the chair arm.
Not a minute later, the door opened and Janet Caldridge entered. “Mr. Northcott, we were hoping you’d come. I thought you might, I must confess.”
“Miss Caldridge.” Julian rose to his feet. “I wish I could say, with honesty, that it is a pleasure to be back here. Truth is, I am unsure of my mindset. To say I’m perplexed is an understatement. To begin, Mrs. Henshaw assures me Annie is not in any danger. I trust you are of the same opinion.”
“I am, sir,” she replied.
“Good. And can you also explain why she sent me a letter stating she never wishes to see me again?”
“I can, yes, with hope that you’ll set her fears aside.”
Julian frowned. “Her fears?”
The door opened again, and Hattie entered. “Your horse is being stabled, Mr. Northcott,” she said, settling herself on the settee beside Janet.
“Thank you.” Still frowning, Julian leaned forward. “So what, exactly, is going on? Why did Annie leave? What prompted her to send that letter?”
Janet cleared her throat. “It is a long and rather tragic story, Mr. Northcott. One that began over twenty years ago. I would ask that you let me tell it without interruption, even when I pause to gather myself, as will surely be necessary. Please reserve your questions till the end as well as your judgment on those involved. I, too, shall reserve judgment, pending your response to what you are about to hear.”
Julian drew a steadying breath, nodded his silent assent, and sat back.
Janet opened her mouth as if to speak, but hesitated and glanced at Hattie, who took hold of her hand. “Go on, love,” Hattie said. “It’ll be all right.”
Regarding Julian once more, Janet began to unfurl her tale, her voice soft, her gaze on Julian the entire time. And, as the truth of Annie’s birth and parentage revealed itself, the reason for her letter became apparent. Julian also realized that his suspicions, his instincts, had merit. These women had played a game of charades spanning years, hiding a truth he could never have guessed. As requested, he never said a word as the account continued, nor did he show emotion other than the occasional clenching of his jaw when Janet’s voice faltered, or when tears shone in her eyes, as they did a few times.
“I don’t know exactly what prompted Annie to go looking for the truth about her birth,” Janet said, as her tale wound down, “though I knew she possessed a few vague memories of her time with me. I’d fully intended to tell her everything but had bided my time simply to give her a chance to recover from the terrible events at the church. Which brings me to your presence in her life, Mr. Northcott. I was going to tell her the truth the weekend we were at Myddleton House. That is, until I learned of her association with you, which made me reconsider my decision. I owe you an apology for my subsequent rudeness, sir, which was borne from fear and resentment, though I harbor neither one any longer. In any case, now you know why Annie sent you that letter. She feared your rejection once you learned the truth of her birth and simply could not bear the thought of it. We offered to keep the information hidden from you, but she refused outright.” Janet heaved a sigh. “And so, there it is. I suppose what happens next is up to you.”
A whirlwind of thoughts twisted in Julian’s head. He needed to move, needed to think. He rose and went to the window, seeing nothing beyond the rain-spattered glass as he continued to absorb all he’d learned while deciding what had to be done as a result. He voiced the first clear thing that came to mind. “I must return to Highfield as soon as possible.”
A soft cry of dismay came from behind him. He turned to see Janet and Hattie on their feet. Janet went to the door, opened it, and stood to the side. “Your response is not what we’d hoped for, sir.” She lifted her chin. “Be advised that my daughter will not be told of your visit here today. I’ll have Amos bring your horse to the gate. Do you need help with your coat?”
Julian winced and rubbed his jaw. “Actually, I’d rather like that cup of tea you offered earlier. A biscuit as well, if you have one, would be most welcome.”
“Would you now.” Hattie regarded him with a scowl that madehim cringe inwardly. “I thought you had to leave as soon as possible.”
“I must return to Highfield, yes, and the sooner the better.” Julian cleared his throat. “But I’m sure I can spare the time for some refreshment. This unfortunate business has left me a bit parched.”
“Unfortunate business?” Janet scoffed and folded her arms. “Your audacity, Mr. Northcott, is astonishing. You judge my daughter, and then expect us to serve you refreshment?”
“I have judged no one, Miss Fairfax,” Julian replied. “Least of all your daughter.”
“But you surely have, sir,” Janet cried, “by your decision to abandon her.”
