Julian nodded in apparent agreement. “Have we included Messrs. Taggart and Lloyd?”
“We have indeed,” his mother replied. “Though I trust their services will not be required.”
“Hopefully not.” Julian glanced at one of the lancet windows as if gauging the weather. “Well, Annie, the grand tour of Highfield Hall is all but complete. We could take a stroll around the gardens, or perhaps you’d like to rest before dinner.”
Annie nodded. “A stroll around the gardens sounds most agreeable, but might I ask something of you first, Mrs. Northcott?”
“Of course, dear. What is it?”
“Well, I have a gown for the wedding, but it’s rather plain and would benefit from embellishments. Can you recommend a seamstress?”
“I can, indeed,” Grace replied. “She goes by the name of Francesca Corvinelli, and she owns a wonderful little dress shop in Knaresborough. I’m sure Julian would be happy to escort you. Knaresborough is a charming place. It would be a nice day out for you both, and should probably take place sooner rather than later, I think.”
“Then let’s aim for Thursday, weather permitting,” Julian said.
“If it’s not too much trouble,” Annie replied.
Julian shook his head. “No trouble at all.”
“Then I shall leave you to your stroll.” Grace smiled at Annie. “Once again, welcome to Highfield Hall, my dear.”
*
Julian tucked Annie’sarm into his as they followed the gravel paththat wound its way around the lawns and flowerbeds. “All right, Miss Fairfax, out with it,” he said, aware of her subdued mood. “Tell me what’s bothering you and I’ll tell you why it shouldn’t”
Annie laughed softly. “You are very perceptive, Mr. Northcott. For a man, that is.”
“I’m not sure that’s actually a compliment but go on.”
“It’s just that I fear your mother might be a little disappointed.”
Julian had an idea where Annie was going with her concerns but played ignorant. “Disappointed with what?”
Annie heaved a sigh. “Well, I can’t help but wonder if she’s actually nurtured a different vision for her son’s marriage. A grand affair, something more conducive to your status and without the awful necessity of a police presence.”
“Conducive to my status?” Julian halted and regarded her. “Well, first of all, my status does not dictate whom I love. Yes, I have a social standing to consider, and abide accordingly, but I will always be governed by my own personal principles and my judgment of character. I cannot claim to have acquired these things without influence, however. They’ve been impressed upon me by parents whose own morals and principles, while conducive to their status, are to be admired. If my mother has nurtured a vision for me, Annie, I guarantee it is this one. Me, preparing to marry a woman I love, certain I have made the right choice. My mother—myparents—are happy for us, believe me.” Julian shrugged. “As for a grand affair, our wedding vows are just as pertinent, just as sacred, whether declared before a couple of witnesses or in a church full of people. You heard what my mother said. She’s delighted the chapel is being used again, as am I.” He smiled and ran a fingertip along the edge of her jaw. “I’d marry you in a barn, Annie Fairfax, if that had to be the case. As for the police presence, I very much doubt it will be necessary, but I’ll do whatever is required to protect the woman I love. Always. There. Does that settle your mind?”
“Yes, it does.” Annie brought his hand to her mouth and kissed it. “It’s also odd that you should mention marrying in a barn.”
Julian winced. “Well I wasn’t joking, but I think I prefer the chapel.”
She chuckled. “Oh, most definitely. It’s just that I said exactly the same thing to my mother. I’d marry you in a barn if need be.”
“Something else we have in common, then.” Julian gave her hand a gentle squeeze. “Barn or chapel, Annie, I cannot wait to marry you. It’s going to be a long three weeks.”
As it happened, the subsequent days passed at a pleasant pace. The arranged visit to Knaresborough took place as planned and was declared a success. Annie had been thoroughly indulged, though not without some protest.
It pleased Julian that his prediction of a friendship between Annie and Louisa had come true. The women were of a similar age, after all, and shared several things in common, including a mutual love of the written word.
“Annie’s perfect for you, Jules,” Louisa had confided, as the wedding day drew near. “She puts up with you admirably.”
Julian blinked. “Do I thank you for that remark? I’m not certain.”
“You don’t have to. In any case, it’s obvious you adore each other, which is as it should be.” Louisa rested a hand on the swell of her belly. “And Annie is wonderful company for me. I adore her.”
“How much longer, Lou?” Julian asked.
“Another three months, or thereabouts,” she replied, smiling as her gaze flicked to where her hand rested. “An early Christmas present.”
