“Um, it was…”
“You actually have to think about it?” Julian sighed. “Right, let’s go. I’m going to feed you, and by hand if necessary. No arguments.”
*
Annie felt thescrutiny of curious eyes as she and Julian were ushered through the restaurant to their table. Male eyes, for the mostpart. This was, after all, a masculine world. The few women present were noticeable solely by their scarcity, Annie included.
It was a grand establishment, with white linen cloths, gleaming cutlery, and sparkling glassware. Judging by their direction, Annie guessed their table to be the solitary one situated by the window and next to a rather splendid palm, which promised some privacy. There was, however, someone already seated at it.
The man, who appeared to be of a similar age to Julian, rose to his feet as they approached and stepped forward to meet them. With his tousled mass of tawny curls, brilliant blue eyes, and a solid physique that matched Julian’s, he was utterly striking in appearance. Though immaculately-dressed, his smile gave the impression of easygoing charm, void of arrogance. A suspicion of his identity brushed across Annie’s mind.
“Annie,” Julian said, as they halted, “I’d like to introduce you to my brother, Mr. Josiah Northcott. Joe, this is Miss Annabelle Fairfax.” He gave her a fond glance. “Myfiancée.”
Annie felt a flush of pleasure from the top of her head to her toes. But she couldn’t let the moment distract her from the expected niceties. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Northcott,” she said, her suspicion confirmed. “Your brother speaks very highly of you.”
Josiah, whose eyes had widened briefly atfiancée, studied her for a moment, then, “She’s perfect, Julian,” he said softly. “Absolutely perfect.”
“Indeed,” Julian replied, as a blush warmed Annie’s cheeks, “and she is awaiting your reply.”
“Yes, of course.” Josiah gave her a friendly grin. “Forgive me, Miss Fairfax. It’s simply that I’ve heard much about you as well. It’s truly an honor to meet you at last. And since you’ve apparently agreed to become part of the Northcott family, you needn’t bother with the formalities. Josiah is perfectly acceptable, or Joe if you prefer.”
“Then you must call me Annie,” she replied, returning the smile.
“Annie,” he repeated, and gestured to the table. “Well, Annie, I think we should sit down and order champagne, since it appears we have something to celebrate.”
The next hour of Annie’s life was yet another to be added to her list of most pleasurable. If she had any nervousness at all, it disappeared minutes after taking her seat. The close bond between Julian and Josiah became evident immediately, their brotherly exchanges ranging from friendly arguments about nothing of consequence, to hilarious accounts of their foolish childhood escapades. Yet, not for a moment, had Annie felt left out or ignored. To the contrary, she found herself being entertained, and with obvious consideration for her fragile emotions. Some subjects had been notably avoided, and she was thankful for it. Besides, to be in the company of two very handsome and charming men, one of whom she loved beyond words, could never be anything but wonderful.
As for the food, Julian had not been joking when he’d said he was going to feed her. He’d fussed over her from the soup to the dessert. Annie now sat back in her chair, her stomach no longer growling, her head perhaps a little fuzzy from her two glasses of champagne.
“Is any of your art on display at Highfield Hall, Josiah?” she asked. “I would love to see some of your work.”
“There is only one of mine at Highfield,” he replied. “Most of my paintings are commissioned and displayed in private homes.”
“Family portraits?”
“A few,” he replied, cradling his brandy snifter. “Individual portraits tend to be more in demand at the moment. You know, the usual thing. Stony-faced lord, hand on hip, polished boots you can see your face in, and his favorite hound beside him.”
“But how wonderful to have such a talent.” Annie’s thoughts drifted back to Myddleton House and its majestic foyer. “Do you also paint ceiling murals?”
Josiah, who had just taken a mouthful of liquor, sputtered and spatmost of it onto the pristine white tablecloth.
Julian raised a brow. “Brandy not to your liking, Joe?”
“I do beg your pardon.” Eyes visibly watering, Josiah blinked and cleared his throat. “The brandy is excellent. It just went down the wrong way.” He cleared his throat again and pulled a watch from his waistcoat pocket. “Lord above, where has the time gone? This past hour has been truly splendid, but I have an appointment this afternoon and really should be going. Besides, I’m sure you’d prefer some time to yourselves. Two’s company and all that. Do you have plans?”
Julian reached over and covered Annie’s hand with his. “Apart from spending the rest of our lives together? Not really, no.”
Annie’s heart somersaulted, stealing her breath.
Josiah gave a soft whistle. “I’m impressed, brother,” he said. “That was beautiful.”
Julian smiled. “Actually, Annie and I do have to make arrangements.” He squeezed her hand. “Because I am not going back to Highfield without her.”
Chapter Twenty-Eight
“There’s a letterhere addressed to Hattie,” Annie said, handing the sealed envelope to Julian. “How odd.”
“This is your father’s writing?”
