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I didn’t know if anyone other than the three of us knew about our conversation in Norfolk. Either way, she didn’t look like she wanted to murder me, so I was taking that as a win.
She smiled slowly. “It’s good to have you back, Sophie. It wasn’t the same without you.”
Evelyn did a double-take. “Are you drunk?”
Everyone laughed, including Anna.
“It’s good to be back,” I told her.
“I’m glad.” There was a genuine hope to her smile when she said, “Maybe we can have lunch when you’re settled.”
“I would like that.”
Hugo squeezed me against him.
If anyone else thought that was strange, they didn’t say anything.
Evelyn, who didn’t care, snorted. “I’m going to see that. After the last time they spoke, I want a front-row seat. Henry, get me inside. I’m too old for standing up this long.”
Henry offered her his arm and helped her inside, and George said something to Helena, and they turned away, both with a smile.
Anna hovered for a moment longer. “They don’t know,” she said, answering my unspoken question.
“They don’t need to,” I replied, smiling. “You knew I’d go, didn’t you?”
“Yes.” She wrapped her arms around herself, her lips pulling to one side. “When I said that I hoped we’d be friends, you agreed. I knew then that you’d go, even if you didn’t.”
Hugo pressed his lips to the top of my head. “Thank you, Mum.” He looked at her. “For doing what you did.”
She reached out and squeezed his arm. “Despite my meddling, all I want is for you to be happy. One only has to look at you together to know that is exactly what you are.” She looked at me. “I believe Evelyn has made at least four pots of tea in anticipation of your arrival, and she would be rather put out if we didn’t join her for a cup or four.”
“We’ll be there in a moment, Mum,” Henry said.
She nodded. “Sophie, let me know when you’re ready for lunch. I think we’ll have to take Evelyn and Helena, but I’m sure we’ll live.”
I leant into Hugo. “Why don’t we say Tuesday?”
She smiled. “Tuesday it is. I’ll give you a moment.”
She dipped her head and walked inside, leaving us both standing alone on the drive.
Hugo looked down. “See? I told you.”
I met his gaze. “It’s only been five minutes. Don’t get your hopes up. Come on.” I dragged him towards the house while he laughed.
Yes, this was going to be difficult.
It was a whole world I wasn’t sure I’d ever be ready to be a part of, but if his family were going to keep their word and take me under their wing, I would do everything I could to uphold both their values and mine.
Spending the rest of my life with Hugo was worth it all.
THE END
