Studying Joanna for a moment, Fran quietly said, “You’re still okay with this, aren’t you?”

“Yes, actually I’m fine. I know this is going to sound weird, but I think I was more worried about moving house than getting married. This past week has given me the chance to get to know the staff and my way around. I figure by the time Miss Kane gets back, I’ll be more than comfortable here, so putting my name on a piece of paper isn’t really that big of a deal.”

Fran arched an eyebrow. “You don’t think?”

Joanna shrugged. “It’s just a name.”

***

“Did you mean what you said?” Evelyn asked as she put on a light jacket.

“About what?” Joanna said, slipping into her tattered raincoat.

“That marrying Addison isn’t any big deal.”

“It isn’t. I mean, we all know she’s not happy about this, so I doubt she and I will spend much time together. At least, I don’t think we will. I’m imagining the next few years of my life are going to be spent reading, entertaining my father, and working out in the gym, that is if you ever show me where it is.”

Evelyn smiled as she opened the doors leading to the patio. “I promise, you’ll see it soon enough, but first, how about we take a walk and get some fresh air.”

They stepped out onto the back terrace, both blinking at the brightness of the late summer sun. Dampness hung in the air from the rain which had fallen all week, and the temperature had dipped enough that the coat Evelyn suggested Joanna put on was definitely needed. It was a day with just a hint of a breeze, and the first thing Joanna did was fill her lungs with the cool, moist air.

“It feels great to be outside,” Joanna said as she closed her eyes and turned her face to the sun. She soaked in the warmth, allowing its comfort to regenerate her spirit before she opened her eyes and took in the view. More than once during the week of non-stop storms, she had stood at a window peering through the blurry glass. Although unable to make out any details, Joanna knew the patio was huge and the grounds beyond it appeared unkempt. Joanna quickly discovered she was right on both counts.

The veranda was gargantuan. As deep and as wide as the house, its enormity caused the small iron table and chairs sitting off to one side to seem almost Lilliputian in size.

“Wow!” Joanna said, laughing at the extravagance. “Anybody for a game of football?”

“I’m afraid I wouldn’t recommend that.”

“No? I’m sure we could move the table,” Joanna said, her eyes crinkling at the corners.

“Yes, we could, but falling might be an issue,” Evelyn said, tapping her foot on the slate.