“Here we are,”Julian said, as the carriage drew to a halt outside Ferndale Grange. There followed the distant sound of a dog barking in the house, followed by the sight of a familiar, furry face at the parlor window. “And it would appear we’ve just been officially announced.”
Annie laughed. “Aww, Ruffy. I have missed him.” Excited and apprehensive at the same time, she regarded the house, which now held new meaning for her. “Are you sure you won’t stay, Julian?”
“No, my love, not on this occasion.” Julian stepped down from the carriage and turned to assist her. “This visit is meant only for the three of you. I’ll be back for you in the morning, of course.”
Annie’s feet had barely touched the ground before Ferndale’s front door flew open and Hattie appeared, nudged aside a moment later by Janet. There could be no doubting the delight on their faces. Fighting a sudden rise of emotion, Annie hesitated, swallowing against a threat of tears.
“Come on,” Julian said, opening the garden gate for her. “They’re waiting for you. Do you have the letter?”
“I do.” Annie patted the cloth bag in her grasp and looked up at him. “I wonder if you truly know how much I love you, Mr. Northcott. You have saved me in so many ways.”
Julian’s eyes softened. “I love you too.” He kissed her cheek. “Promise me you’ll not go wandering off alone.”
“I already did.”
“I want to hear it again.”
“I promise,” she said, drawing a cross over her heart. Then she picked up her skirts, and all but ran along the path to the front door. Stifling a sob, she flung herself into a dual embrace, breathing in Janet and Hattie’s sweet, familiar scents.
“I have missed you,” she said, kissing Janet’s cheek and then Hattie’s. “I have missed you both so much.”
“We’ve missed you too, love,” Hattie said, dabbing her eyes with her apron. “Oh, but you look well. How long can you stay? Is Mr. Northcott not joining us?”
“I’d like to stay the night if I may, and no, Mr. Northcott is not joining us. Good day to you as well, Ruffy.” Annie bent to pet the little dog who’d been pawing at her skirts. “But he’ll be back here in the morn—”
“Oooh!” Janet’s squeal startled Annie and Ruffy. “He proposed, Hattie. Look at that ring. Oh, Annie, it’s beautiful.”
“What? Let me see.” Hattie grabbed Annie’s left hand, her eyes widening. “Lord above, the size of that diamond. It’s a wonder you can lift your hand. Oh, but it’s magnificent, pet. I’m so happy for you. Only one night?”
The sound of the carriage leaving drew Annie’s attention. She turned and raised a farewell hand to Julian. “Yes, only one, I’m afraid,” she replied. “We’re leaving for Highfield tomorrow. We have a wedding to arrange. And you’re invited, of course.”
*
The atmosphere atFerndale Grange had changed. Or perhaps it was simply that Annie finally recognized what had always been there. Whatever the case, gone were the feelings of uncertainty and resentment, in their place an impression of comfort and love. A sense ofcoming home. Annie hoped the ambience was not about to be disturbed by the mysterious contents of a letter.
Frowning, Hattie regarded the envelope Annie had just given her. “You say you found it in a storage chest?”
Annie nodded. “The one where he kept all his paperwork. It was tucked into a bundle of receipts. I have to assume he didn’t want you to read it till after his death.”
“Why would your father write a letter to me?” she muttered, still staring at the envelope.
“That is for you to find out, Hattie.” Annie, seated at the kitchen table, took a sip of her tea, and tried to hide her eagerness to discover the answer.
“Are you going to open it?” Janet asked. “If you’d rather do so in private, we can leave.”
“Goodness, no, you don’t have to do that. Let’s see what it says.” Hattie went to a drawer, pulled out a letter opener, and sliced the envelope open. “Whatever it is, I cannot imagine it would be anything bad.”
“I hope not,” Annie replied, crossing her fingers beneath the table.
Drawing breath, Hattie removed the letter and began to read, her expression going from one of puzzlement to shock, her eyes filling with tears as she sank onto a chair. “Well, I’ll be,” she murmured. “All that time and he never said a word. Not a word.”
Annie shared a questioning look with Janet.
“Is it bad?” Janet asked.
Hattie sniffed and shook her head. “He knew all along,” she said, her face crumpling as she gave the letter to Annie. “All along.”
Annie drew breath and pored over the paper.
