AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“I was lucky that Mr. Kendrick warned me about the marquess, although it was awkward for him to have to violate your family’s privacy.” Sabrina winced. “And I’m placing all of you in another awkward situation, dropped on your doorstep like this, and with disturbing news, no less.”
“Nonsense,” Ainsley replied. “We’re thrilled you’re here.”
“And Graeme must have been pleased to see you,” Victoria added. “It’s always lovely to visit with friends.”
Sabrina wriggled her fingers. “In truth, he seemed nonplussed by Aden’s note.”
“Yes, that was a bit odd of my brother,” Victoria said. “I’m surprised he didn’t send an express to tell us about the incident with Cringlewood and of your impending visit.”
“Ididn’t know I was coming to visit you,” Sabrina said with a wry smile. “It was rather embarrassing.”
Victoria poured her a cup of tea from a Limoges service on the table in front of them. “Graeme was right to insist you come immediately to Heriot Row.”
Sabrina tactfully refrained from mentioning that he’d been ordered to do so.
“I’m excited to have the chance to catch up with you,” Ainsley said. “After spending the last three years in a backwater, I rather feel like a bumpkin.”
“Halifax is hardly a backwater,” Victoria protested. “Nor were you living in rustic solitude. Logan’s house sounds charming, from what you told me.”
Ainsley grinned. “Springhill Manor is both charming and enormous. It’s even larger than the governor’s house, by at least two rooms.”
“Not that you were counting,” Victoria drolly replied.
“I always count. Plus, we were the first residence in Halifax to have built-in water closets.”
Sabrina couldn’t help laughing—mostly from relief. The discussion about Cringlewood had been distressing for Ainsley, who’d gone white and pinched looking. But after ascertaining that Cringlewood was no immediate threat to her family, Ainsley had been primarily concerned for Sabrina’s well-being. Her friend had then launched into a blunt and rather entertaining commentary about what she would do to the marquess if she ever saw him again, and Victoria had chimed in with ideas of her own.
Sabrina fully agreed with their sentiments.
She couldn’t help but marvel at Ainsley’s resilience and strength, and it made her realize how lucky she was to have led such a sheltered, privileged life. While Father was a dreadful and sometimes selfish fusspot, he’d always protected her with every ounce of his being. Because of that, Sabrina had the confidence to step out and lead her own life, making the decisions that were best for her.
Decisions, she hoped, that now would include Graeme Kendrick.
A quiet knock sounded on the door.
“Enter,” Victoria called out.
Graeme stuck his head in. “Is it safe to come in? Royal is having hysterics out here in the hall.”
His brother shoved him aside. “Idiot. I simply want to check on my wife.”
Ainsley rose with a reassuring smile as Royal strode to her. For the first time, Sabrina noticed he had a hitch to his step. He gathered his wife into his arms, and they hugged for a long moment. Then he ducked down to look into her eyes.
“Are you all right, sweet lass?”
Ainsley cupped his cheek. “I’m perfectly fine. You, however, are limping, which doesn’t please me.”
“Och, it’s nothing to fuss about.”
Ainsley beetled her brows at Graeme, who’d propped a shoulder against the doorframe. “You should not have kept Royal on the docks in this blustery weather. You know it’s not good for his leg.”
“It was his idea,” Graeme replied. “He said it was the only way to get out of that stupid regalia ceremony.”
“Regardless, you should have made sure he came promptly home. I amquiteannoyed with you, Graeme.”
He gave her a mocking bow. “Naturally, I am stunned by that assessment.”
“I will knock your block off, laddie boy. Don’t think I won’t.”
