Chapter Thirty
Highfield Hall was not nearly as palatial as Myddleton House.
As Julian had described, it was an intriguing hodge-podge of renovations representing several eras.
But, from its beautiful, coffered ceilings to its creaking wood floors, Highfield possessed a wealth of character that Annie had not felt at Myddleton.
The deep sense of history and the lingering impression of past lives was as tangible as the air in her lungs.
Having arrived with Julian, not even two hours ago, she could hardly believe this incredible place was to be her future home.
It was a fairytale reality, yet to be fully grasped.
The welcome Annie received allayed any residual nervousness.
Captain and Mrs. Northcott had been gracious, the twins enthusiastic.
And then, of course, there were Georgie and Mr. Darcy, who looked uncannily like replicas of Ruffy, and followed the twins everywhere.
“It is a match made somewhere other than Heaven,” Julian quipped. “I cannot believe I agreed to it.”
Arthur, meanwhile, had gone off to boarding school the week before, but would be returning, briefly, to attend the wedding.
The most poignant introduction of the day had been to Grace’s brother, the uncle Julian had told her about the day they’d visited the Roman ruins. Annie had been warned that to look upon the man’s face was not for the faint of heart.
“I grew up in a physician’s household,” she said. “I’m not without some knowledge of sickness and injury.”
It was, indeed, a shocking disfigurement, much worse than Annie had envisaged.
Yet she felt neither fear nor revulsion.
Rather, she found herself seeing a courageous man whose fight had continued long after the war was over.
His one functioning eye was a brilliant blue, a family trait obviously passed on to Josiah.
While he showed no awareness whatsoever of Annie’s presence, his face lit up at the sight of Grace.
Annie thought it said much about the Northcott family that, despite the man’s disabilities, they’d chosen to keep him near, rather than placing him in a dreadful mental institution somewhere.
Finally, Julian had brought Annie here, to Highfield’s private chapel, where they were to be married. It was a serene space, perfect for contemplation, prayer, or the exchange of holy vows between two people entering into marriage.
Two small lancet windows, one on each side of the altar, gave entry to daylight.
Bare sandstone walls of a soft golden hue supported a vaulted stone ceiling.
A stark white altar-cloth, edged with several inches of fine lace, draped gracefully over the top of the intricately carved, wooden altar.
A marble cross, as white as the cloth upon which it sat, and edged in gold, served as the simple but exquisite centerpiece.
“What do you think, Annie?” Julian asked, folding his arms. “It’s somewhat bare at the moment, but will no doubt be decorated for the wedding. I don’t suppose you happen to know anything about flower arranging, do you?”
Annie, who had been absorbed in the serenity of her surroundings, stifled a bubble of laughter. “I think it’s beautiful,” she replied, mouth twitching. “And you, sir, are incorrigible.”
Grace, who had accompanied them, chuckled.
“Personally, I’m delighted the chapel is to host a wedding.
It’s almost fifty years to the day since the last one, being that of my parents.
There were almost a hundred guests at my wedding, so using the chapel wasn’t an option.
Not that I’m complaining. Our day was perfect, as I’m sure yours will be. ”
“How many guests are we expecting, Mama?” Julian asked.
“Twenty-two, I believe. I’ll go over the list again this evening and the invitations will be sent out tomorrow.” She glanced about. “Plenty of room. The chapel seats thirty comfortably.”
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’s arm into his as they followed the gravel path that 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—my parents—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.”
“I’m looking forward to meeting him or her.
” Julian laughed softly and shook his head.
“This past while has been an endless calendar of events. Your marriage to Maxwell. The miraculous return of our long-lost uncle. My soon-to-be-marriage to Annie. A first grandchild on the way for Papa and Mama. What’s next, I wonder? ”
“The twins’ debut,” Louisa replied, without hesitation.
“Ah, yes.” Julian frowned and cleared his throat, which had gone dry at the thought of those two imps released upon an unsuspecting Society. “I can hardly wait.”
“And, perhaps later that year, a child of your own,” Louisa added, touching his arm. “You’ll make a wonderful father, Julian.”
Julian allowed himself to visit the real possibility of fatherhood. He’d considered it, of course. He wanted an heir. He wanted a family.
The deep love he shared with Annie had yet to evolve.
She had no idea how easily she aroused him.
At times, it took nothing more than an adoring glance, or the touch of her hand, or the way she bit her lip.
Kissing her was both pleasurable and torturous.
He longed to show her the intimate side of love, to take their relationship to a higher level.
He smiled to himself as he thought about the honeymoon.
Specifically, the location, which he had not yet revealed.
And so far, Annie had yet to ask about it.
It had been an early wedding gift. A surprise from an unlikely source. Or perhaps, in hindsight, not so unlikely. In any case, Julian had resolved to keep it a secret until after the wedding.
“What are you smiling about?” Louisa asked.
“Oh, nothing.” He tugged gently on one of her ringlets. “At least, nothing I can tell you about.”
Louisa cocked her head. “It’s rather nice, isn’t it?”
“What is?”
“Being in love.”
“Yes,” he replied, “it is.”