Chapter Thirty-One
For the second time that year, Annie turned to a mirror and regarded her reflection as a bride-to-be.
The face was the same, but the person it belonged to had changed.
No longer an uninformed, somewhat na?ve girl, but a young woman richer in the knowledge of love and trust, less likely to judge carelessly, and blessed with the protection and devotion of family.
Her wedding gown, with its skirts of cream silk and embellishments of cream lace, was an exquisite accessory to the fairytale.
She also quietly acknowledged the relief of being allowed to discard her mourning clothes.
Almost four weeks had passed since she’d first laid eyes on Highfield Hall.
On this bright summer morning, she would officially become part of the family that lived here.
The Northcotts. A family who shared a closeness unlike anything Annie had ever known.
Not that they didn’t argue, but she had yet to witness anything that resembled a genuine disagreement.
That is, unless Captain Northcott, heaving a sigh and rolling his eyes as he snapped open his newspaper, might be classed as a genuine disagreement.
As for ghosts, there’d been neither sight nor sound of one, leaving her equally relieved and disappointed. She slept undisturbed and awoke each morning with a sense of joy. If anything was lacking, it was Lancelot’s unique fanfare.
“You look beautiful, my darling.” Janet’s voice, quivering slightly, meandered into Annie’s deliberations. “I have to say, being with you on your wedding day, seeing you like this, is a dream come true.”
Annie smiled at her through the mirror. “I’m so glad you’re here, Mama. You look beautiful as well. That gown is very becoming. You too, Hattie. You look splendid.”
“Splendid, eh?” Hattie leaned in to fiddle with the garland of flowers on Annie’s head. “A suitable epithet for a ship, perhaps.”
Annie laughed. “Elegant, then.”
“Better.” Frowning, the woman stepped back, her gaze critical. “I must admit, the modiste has done a remarkable job on your gown, pet. It’s exquisite.”
“Francesca Corvinelli is her name,” Annie replied. “She’s making several more outfits for me. Julian and I spent the better part of an afternoon in her shop.”
“Oh, you poor thing.” Hattie leaned in to fiddle with the garland once more. “I’m sure it must be difficult being treated like a princess.”
Annie chuckled. “Yes, it was rather trying.”
Once again, Hattie stepped back. “There,” she said, her tone indicative of satisfaction. “Perfect.”
A knock came to the door and a maid peeked in. “They’re ready for you, Miss Fairfax.”
Annie nodded a response and suppressed a shiver of excitement. “Thank you. I’ll be there shortly.”
*
A hush fell over the chapel indicating the bride’s arrival.
Julian straightened a little and turned to face the door.
As tradition demanded, he had not seen Annie that day.
Now he saw nothing but her. The vision she presented, the sensual mystery of her veiled face and the graceful, unfaltering step as she approached, stole his breath.
She was the epitome of innocence, yet at once incredibly alluring.
Julian swallowed over the knot in his throat and blinked away the telltale burn in his eyes.
Annie passed her bouquet to Louisa and stepped to Julian’s side, gazing up at him.
Julian regarded her for a moment, anticipating.
Then he lifted her veil and found himself gazing into the eyes that had captivated him from the first moment they’d met.
“You are exquisite, Miss Fairfax,” he murmured, breathing in her soft, floral scent.
“Absolutely exquisite.” Annie inhaled, bit her lip, and closed her eyes briefly, as if savoring the happiness so evident in her smile.
“Dearly beloved,” the vicar announced, and the ceremony began.
Naturally, memories of that dreadful day in May threatened to overshadow Annie’s happiness, but she pushed them aside.
Though tragic, the events of that day had set her on a different path.
A wonderful path, full of promise. This was where she was meant to be, beside the man she truly loved.
Vows were exchanged without interruption, the ring given and received, and the union officially pronounced.
Their subsequent kiss was the final, sweet attestation.
“My wife,” Julian murmured, as their lips parted.
“My husband,” Annie replied, her face alight with joy.
Julian, who couldn’t stop smiling, escorted Annie to the dining hall where a spectacular Wedding Breakfast had been laid out. There followed a verbal shower of compliments and acknowledgments as guests wandered in.
“Congratulations you two,” Josiah said, squeezing Julian’s shoulder as he wandered past. “Lovely service. Excellent spread as well. Please excuse me, I’m starving.”
Julian laughed. “Only here for the food, Joe?”
“You know it,” he replied and winked at Annie.
“Welcome to the family, Annie.” Louisa leaned in and kissed Annie’s cheek. “You look beautiful. Your dress is magnificent.”
And so it continued. A while later, with Annie chatting to the twins and everyone mingling nicely, Julian sought out his father.
“So far so good, Papa,” he said. “No sign of trouble.”
Aldous gave him a sideways glance. “You’ve only been married for five minutes, Julian. If you want my advice, it’s best to agree with everything she says. That’s always been my philosophy.”
Laughing, Julian shook his head. “That is not what I meant.”
“I know what you meant.” Aldous took a sip of what looked like port. “And may it continue, but the day isn’t over yet.”
An echo from a familiar voice found its way into Julian’s ear.
“So far so good,” Taggart said, repeating Julian’s words as he approached. “Which disappoints me, if I’m to be honest. Worth coming for the food, though.”
“I agree.” Lloyd patted his stomach. “Ain’t never seen a spread like it.”
Aldous’ mouth twitched as he took another sip.
“Yes, I’m relieved, Inspector.” Julian’s nonchalant gaze wandered over the room. “Though I also share your disappointment. Nothing I’d like more than to see the fellow caught and dealt with.”
“The day’s not over yet, gentlemen,” Aldous said. “Don’t let your guard down.”
“Quite right.” Julian’s gaze halted, his attention drawn to Annie and the footman who’d approached her. The man, silver salver balanced on his hand, said something to her, and she immediately looked about, searching, Julian knew, for him.
A prickle of unease crept across Julian’s nape. “If you’ll excuse me, gentlemen, Papa, it appears we might have a problem. Wait here, please.”
Annie, who had been chatting to Hattie and Janet, locked eyes with his as he approached. Panicked eyes, and unspoken words which were written plainly on her face. He’s here.
“What is this?” Julian asked of the footman.
“Um, a message for the lady, sir,” the footman replied, looking somewhat confused.
“Who delivered it?”
“I don’t know, sir. Mr. Barnes bid me deliver it.”
Frowning, Julian picked up the folded paper. Of cheap quality, it was addressed simply to “Annie”.
“Ask Mr. Barnes to join me, please.”
“Certainly sir.” The man nodded and sped off.
“It’s his writing,” Annie said, fear in her voice.
Julian frowned as his fingers touched something solid enclosed within the folds. “You’re sure?”
“Positive. We exchanged many letters over the years.”
“That damn scoundrel,” Hattie muttered.
“Will you open it, Julian?” Annie asked. “I dare not.”
“Of course. And I must ask that we all stay calm.” Julian smiled at Annie as he opened the paper, catching the enclosed object in his palm as it slid free.
It was a wedding band. A small, gold wedding band. Annie gasped softly.
Julian kept his expression quiet as he opened the paper fully and read what was written. Five words only. Yet they chilled his blood and lit a flame of fury in his gut.
It should have been me.
Barnes approached. “You wanted to see me, Mr. Northcott?”
Julian tore his gaze from the paper and managed a smile. “Yes, Barnes. This note. Who delivered it?”
“He didn’t give his name, sir. Just asked that the letter be given to Miss… er, that is, your lady wife.” Barnes gave Annie a quick smile. “Is there a problem?”
Julian feigned nonchalance. “No, no, I don’t think so. We’re just curious to know who delivered it. Can you describe the fellow?”
“I can, sir.” The man frowned. “Tall, blond hair. Well spoken. Of reasonable appearance, I suppose. Perhaps a little rough. A scar on his left cheek, which looked to be recent.”
Janet cleared her throat and dropped her gaze to the floor.
“That’s very helpful, Barnes, thank you. That’ll be all.” Julian pocketed the ring and turned to Annie. “Listen to me, Annie, I swear there’s nothing to fear. De Witte is toying with you. Toying with us. Do not let him ruin this day.”
“I won’t,” she said, shaking her head. “I’m more angry than fearful, Julian. I’m tired of his interference. I hate what he’s done. What he’s trying to do.” She looked to where Aldous stood with the two police officers. “If they’re going to catch him, they’d better get going.”
Julian chuckled and bent to kiss her mouth. “I love you, Mrs. Northcott.”
He hurried over to where his father stood with Taggart and Lloyd. “De Witte is here,” he said quietly. “Come with me, both of you. I want to keep things quiet if possible. Unobtrusive.”
“Wait, what?” Taggart cast a glance around the room. “What do you mean, he’s here? How do you—?”
“Keep your bloody voice down, man.” Julian gritted his teeth. “Just follow me and look as though you’re enjoying yourselves.”
He led them and his father into the hallway where he explained the situation.
“The arrogance of the fellow,” Aldous said, shaking his head. “It beggars belief.”
“We’ll catch him, Captain, I guarantee it,” Taggart said, patting his hat onto his head as he opened the front door. “He’s on foot and not long gone. We’ll be on horseback.”