No one had noticed Noah’s stealth in preparing their food. After peppering David with endless questions about their infirmed guest Noah had taken Robert’s impairments into consideration with every course. With several sets of dinnerware at his disposal, Noah asked that the table be set with the one having the largest and deepest soup spoon, thus enabling the less than ambidextrous man the ability to ladle his soup comfortably. The carrots and potatoes were small, easily speared with a fork, and the lamb, although typically served on the bone, had been neatly carved into bite-sized pieces, again allowing Robert to keep his pride intact.

Savoring every bite, they enjoyed their dinner, all easily conversing until over an hour had passed, and the staff returned to remove the empty plates. The last course brought smiles as well as groans, but no one could refuse the steaming coffee or the martini glasses filled with raspberry sorbet drizzled in chocolate.

Last-minute details coupled with the day’s anxiety and a scrumptious dinner had caused more than one person at the table to yawn before the last course was cleared. Evelyn had been up since before five, ensuring everything was in order for the Sheppards’ arrival, and Joanna had awoken at six after a less than restful night. It had been a long day, but for Evelyn and Joanna, it was not yet over. Knowing they needed to wait until the arrival of the nurse, after Joanna helped her father to bed, she rejoined Evelyn, and they spent the rest of the evening touring the house.

***

Wrapped in a towel large enough to cover a yeti, Joanna emerged from the bathroom, but her forward progress stopped instantly when she realized she wasn’t alone.

“Good morning, miss.”

Joanna racked her brain, trying to remember the maid’s name. The day before she had met the staff, and while their duties and names had been rattled off rather quickly by Evelyn, Joanna always prided herself on having a good memory.

David Turner was the young man who had acted as their chauffeur. Well over six feet tall, with broad shoulders, a barrel chest and a narrow waist, it was obvious to Joanna he had spent some time in a gym. With chiseled features, wavy brown hair, and dark eyes, although he appeared to be in his late twenties, his charm belonged to that of a boy.

Equally as charming was the cook, Noah Hamilton. Enthusiastic, with a hint of naughtiness lurking in his light blue eyes, he had shaken Joanna’s hand as if he had been trying to produce water, and as he was chattering away, Joanna learned two things. He was an American, and he was adorable.