“Come on, Tiffany.Let me introduce you to my son.”Elizabeth couldn’t wait to hug Dawson.
As they hurried through the house, Tiffany said, “Briercliff is even bigger and prettier than I remember.”
“It is special.I have so many fond memories of growing up here,” Elizabeth said as she reached for the French doors which led to the terrace.
“How large is Briercliff?”
“Let me see,” Elizabeth said and paused to count to herself.“There are thirty-four rooms, two three-bedroom cottages, and two fish ponds.”
‘‘It’s definitely not a modest estate.I think ‘castle’ best describes the place.”Tiffany laughed.
“I think so, too.Especially in winter, when it is very cold,” Elizabeth said as they descended the slate steps.The back lawn stretched out before them.The lawns were terraced, each level leading to another.She caught a glimpse of Annie’s head on the second level, and Elizabeth knew that Annie was working in her favorite flowerbed.
“Annie,” Elizabeth called, so she wouldn’t startle the woman.
A small, brown-haired boy peeked around Annie.“Mummy,” Dawson yelled as he ran toward her, his arms wide open.
Elizabeth scooped her son up in her arms and twirled him around.“I’ve missed you so much, pumpkin.”She hugged him tight, then placed kisses on his cheek.
Dawson leaned back and said, “Look.”He handed her a slightly crumpled jonquil, crushed in his chubby hand.
“This is for me?”Elizabeth asked.
Dawson nodded and grinned.“I grew it myself.Annie said it was the bulb I planted last year.”Dawson finally noticed Tiffany and frowned as if he were trying to remember if he’d seen her before.“Who’s that?”He pointed.
Elizabeth placed Dawson on her right hip so they could face Tiffany.“This is Lady Tiffany.She and I used to play together when we were your age.”
“My name is Dawson.”
Tiffany smiled.“It’s nice to meet you, young man.”
“You’re pretty,” Dawson told her as he squirmed to get down.
“You are home a bit early,” Annie said as she laid the trowel down and brushed the dirt off her hands.
“I missed my son,” Elizabeth said a little too quickly.
Annie stood and peered at Elizabeth with that knowing look.“Of that, I’ve no doubt, but I think you’re not tellin’ me all there is to tell.”
“We’ll speak of it later,” Elizabeth said in a low voice.Then louder, she asked, “You remember Tiffany?”
Tiffany had bent down to talk to Dawson, but she straightened at the mention of her name.
“Aye.”Annie hugged Tiffany.“Ye’ve grown into a lovely young woman, and I see ye are expectin’ a wee one of yer own.”
“Yes, in about five months.”Tiffany smiled.
Dawson pulled on Tiffany’s hand.“Come on,” he said.Tiffany followed him back to the flowerbed.
Annie watched Elizabeth with a speculative glare.“Ye’ve seen Jonathan, haven’t ye?”
Elizabeth nodded.
“I dinna think he was comin’ home.”
Elizabeth shrugged, trying not to meet Annie’s knowing eyes.“Neither did I.”
“Did ye tell him?”
