Chapter Twenty-Seven #4
“No, it had nothing to do with sympathy. What he told me about my life being a lie made no sense, but there was a measure of conviction in his voice that made me hesitate to reject it out of hand. I mean, why would he concoct such a tale? It was vague, yet also specific, somehow. And I just had this… this feeling. What I couldn’t get straight in my head was how I could approach Hattie and Janet about it.
If they were harboring secrets, how could I be sure they’d admit to them?
And if they denied everything, how could I be sure they were being honest?
So, I decided I needed some kind of proof.
Something tangible that left no room for doubt.
If secrets did exist, perhaps their origins lay within the walls of Ferndale Grange.
I went home eventually, of course, told them I had a headache, and took myself off to bed.
The next morning, I waited till they’d left for church and then set about searching the house for something—anything—that might explain what Leo meant.
And I found it, Julian. Some yellowed papers, hidden away in a chest in my mother’s bedroom.
” She winced. “I cannot begin to describe how I felt as I read those letters. In a matter of minutes, everything I’d held true crumbled into dust. It was as if my life, the life I’d always known, had been lived by someone else.
The real me, the secret bastard child, possessed nothing more than a handful of vague memories; a childhood visit to a house in the countryside, fields and stone walls, a black-and-white dog, an eggcup.
And a song.” She laughed softly. “The funny thing is…”
Julian groaned. “I fail to see anything remotely funny in this, Annie.”
“I know. It’s just that in those first few seconds at Freya’s Farewell, when I thought I was about to die, all I could think of was that I’d never see you again, and I regretted, with all my heart, not telling you that I loved you when I’d had the chance.
As it happened, learning the truth about the circumstances of my birth had the same result.
I made a decision that, as far as I knew, meant I would never see you again.
Which is why, now that I am blessed with this chance, I must say it before anything else is said.
” Her sweet gaze wandered over his face, before settling back on his eyes.
“I love you, Julian Northcott. So very much.”
“And I love you, Annie Fairfax, with all my heart.” He stroked her hair. “You should have had more faith in me.”
“Yes, I should have, of course,” she replied, “but I wasn’t only thinking of you. I was thinking of your family as well. Do they know the truth about me?”
Julian nodded. “That’s why it took me a while to get here. Since I knew I wanted to marry you, I had to return to Highfield to discuss everything with the family. Then I came here to find you.”
“Dare I ask what they thought of it all?”
“That’s what we need to talk about.” Julian cast a quick glance at the clock. Time yet. “After some discussion, it was agreed that, on the face of it at least, it would be best to leave things as they are. Or were. That is, if asked, to say that you are a physician’s daughter from London.”
Annie blinked. “But why would…? I mean, that’s not really who I am, though, is it? Are you saying they disapprove of my circumstances? Of the truth?”
“That is not what I’m saying at all,” he replied. “What I am saying is that your family and mine knows the truth, as they should, but when it comes to anyone else, the truth is none of their business.”
She wrinkled her nose. “Even so, I’m not sure I’m comfortable with more deceit. There has been enough of it already.”
“I see your point, but you have to consider the world to which you have recently been introduced and will soon be a part of. Its occupants might be described as gentlefolk, but they are not all gentle. If meddlesome Lady Marzipan, who means absolutely nothing to you and me, corners you at some society event and asks about your background, what would you rather tell her? The truth you’ve embraced for most of your life, or the somewhat complicated truth you’ve only known about for the past fortnight?
And which of those responses, do you think, is more likely to elicit a malicious hailstorm of gossip followed by a blatant snub? ”
Annie appeared to ponder for a moment, then, “Lady Marzipan, Julian?”
Julian chuckled. “She’s not real, of course.”
“I actually find that disappointing.” A slight frown appeared. “But even if she was, I wouldn’t actually be obliged to tell her anything, would I?”
“No, but dodging the question, no matter how graciously, would be guaranteed to set her nose twitching and to send her off in search of whatever it is you’re not willing to share.
And, mark my words, she will not stop till she finds it.
And when she does, she will take immense pleasure in sharing it with anyone who’ll listen.
” He pressed a kiss to her forehead. “I just want you to think about it.”
“Given what you’ve just described, I don’t believe I need to think about it.”
“Don’t misunderstand me,” Julian said. “There’s no shortage of wonderful people either.”
“I know, I’ve met some of them already.” She fiddled with a ringlet. “Um, may I ask how Jan—um, that is, my mother and aunt were when you visited? Are they well?”
He’d been wondering when she’d ask, hoping she would.
“Yes, they’re both well. They were concerned about you, of course, though that went away once I told them I intended to marry you.
They understand that all this has been a tremendous shock, and that you need time to sort things out. They love you very much, Annie.”
“I know they do.” Annie heaved a sigh. “Did my mother tell you she was in the church that day? That she saw everything?”
“Yes, she did. We had quite the chitchat over tea and some rather excellent biscuits.”
“Oh, I’m so glad.” Annie glanced away for a moment. “Would it be acceptable, do you think, to invite her to our wedding? I mean, given what we’ve just discussed, would it even be wise? And my aunt too, of course.”
“They’ll be there, of course,” he replied. “Bear in mind, they’ve been playing a game of charades for years, They’re experts at it! Nothing needs to change, and not just to protect you, but also to protect your mother.”
Annie gasped. “Oh, my goodness. Yes, of course. How selfish of me not to think of her.”
“I’m sure they don’t see it that way. As far as they’re concerned, the most important thing is that you know the truth.
That’s all they ever wanted. Well, that and your happiness.
So the answer is yes, of course they’ll be invited to our wedding.
I’ve no doubt they’d have found a way to be there anyway.
Which begs the question, where would you like the ceremony to take place?
Here, in London? Or would you prefer we go to Highfield and have the banns read in the local church? ”
“Highfield, definitely.” Her face brightened. “I cannot wait to see it.”
“I cannot wait for you to see it.”
“Oh, and I forgot to ask. How is Georgie? Is she a well-behaved pup?”
“Georgie is doing very well.” Julian cleared his throat. “And so is Mr. Darcy.”
Annie gasped. “You didn’t!”
Julian winced. “I did.”
She laughed. “Well, I cannot wait to see them. And the twins, of course.”
“I’m looking forward to introducing you to Louisa.
I have a feeling you’ll become the best of friends.
” Julian glanced at the clock as it struck the half-hour.
“For now, though, we should perhaps think about leaving. I’d like to take you out to celebrate our engagement.
We still have a couple of minutes, however, and I was wondering if I might spend it kissing my future bride. ”
Annie’s answer was to lift her chin in readiness.
Julian smiled and lowered his mouth to hers.
Eyes closed, she leaned into him, her mouth parting slightly as he gently caressed her lips with his.
Sliding his hands down her back, he drew her closer, breathing in her sweet scent, molding her body to his as much as her petticoats would allow.
Lord, how he wanted her, craved her. A new limit to his self-control, thus far untested, loomed ever closer.
Too close, in fact.
He lifted his head. “Annie,” he said, huskily, “we should leave.”
Biting her bottom lip, rosy from his kiss, she peered up at him. “Do we have to? This isn’t Freya’s Farewell. We could just stay here.”
Julian parted with a groan. “Believe me, my sweet, the idea is extremely tempting, but—”
A loud growl from Annie’s stomach interrupted him. She grimaced. “Excuse me. I missed breakfast this morning.”
Julian frowned. “How come?”
“I wasn’t hungry.”
“So, when did you last eat? And I mean, a proper meal.”
“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 the scrutiny of curious eyes as she and Julian were ushered through the restaurant to their table. Male eyes, for the most part. 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. “My fiancée.”
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 at fiancée, 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 spat most 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.”