“Oh, precious one, I can’t believe you’re about to become the Duchess of Lennox,” Jessica greeted, throwing her arms aroundSusan.
“Your Grace To Be,” Ronald said, with a slysmile.
Jessica stood back and looked Susan over. “I believe you look even prettier than when you were inLondon.”
“Good afternoon, Ronald,” Susan said turning to himbriefly.
Ronald was a little older than Jessica and looked exactly like what one might expect a London businessman to look like. He was buttoned up—prim and conventional. But he had a twinkle in his eye and she remembered he had a wry sense of humor which set him apart from most of his stuffycolleagues.
“Come inside. There’s a nasty wind,” Susansaid.
Standish and the footmen were standing by to take theluggage.
Susan led her guests to the library and opened thedoor.
“You haven’t met my fiancé, haveyou?”
“Never,” Jessica said, as the threeentered.
Johnstood.
“John, this is my cousin, Jessica, and her husband, RonaldBradley.
“Welcome,” John said, as Jessica and Ronald bowed their heads to theDuke.
“Your Grace,” they bothsaid.
“I hope you enjoy your stay. And I know Susan has been looking forward to your visit,” hesaid.
“Come, we need to let John continue his work. He’s getting ready for the next sheering in a couple of weeks, and I want you to meet the adorableElizabeth.”
“His daughter?” Jessica asked as they headed up thestaircase.
“And now my daughter too. But first let’s get you settled into your rooms, and when you’re ready, to come down to tea. You must be parched after yourjourney?”
* * *
Susan was sittingwith Elizabeth by the fire when Jessica and Ronald came into the drawingroom.
Introductions were made, tea served, and after the refreshment, Jessica turned to Ronald and said, “Dear one, it is time for girl talk. Go take a walk orsomething.”
“Yes, dear,” Ronald said with asigh.
Elizabeth spoke up. “Would you like to go see Scrawny?” she asked Ronald, taking hishand.
“Who’sscrawny?
“My pony. She’s three yearsold.”
“Sounds enchanting,” he said with another sigh and followed Elizabeth out of theroom.
With the room cleared, Jessica leaned back in her chair, spread out her arms, and said. “My dear. I remember the little waif that came to see me in London about six months ago. Whatever became ofher?”
“I don’t understand,” Susansaid.
“You’ve become a strong and commanding woman. No longer the shy and hesitant younggirl.”
Susan giggled. “Oh, thatwaif.”
