She spent her weekdays as she always did, but when Addison came home at night and saw Joanna, her tie came off, and her backbone softened. She began thanking the staff for doing their jobs and complimenting Noah on his gourmet meals, and much to Joanna’s surprise, Chauncey had even taken a liking to Addison. Dancing around her feet as soon as she walked in the door, more times than not Addison would need to scoop him up and bestow on him the first kiss of the evening, while the rest belonged to Joanna.

Their conversations no longer faltered and settling into the comfortable existence that comes with love, their smiles were true...and often.

***

Having exited her bedroom, descended the stairs, and walked across the entrance hall without seeing or hearing a single person, Joanna headed into the kitchen to ask Evelyn where everyone was. The only problem was Evelyn wasn’t there. “What the hell?” Joanna said as she stood in the middle of the room, and scratching her head, she turned to leave just as Evelyn came from the servant area in the back. “There you are,” Joanna said. “For a minute, I thought everyone had left.”

“Actually, they have, and I’m heading out now. Noah put a roast in the oven. It’ll be ready just around six.”

It took a second for Joanna to figure out what was going on and when she did, she laughed. “Evelyn, the mass exodus was not necessary. Addison’s not going to be mad. She’s the one who told me to have the master suite redecorated. You know that.”

Evelyn’s mouth twitched in amusement. “This isn’t about her temper. This is about her being gone for over a week, and I thought perhaps you two would want some privacy. You know? So you can take your...um...time in showing her the bedroom.”

As much as Joanna tried to prevent it, there was no stopping the scarlet invading her cheeks, and the more she felt the heat, the redder her face became.

“I may never have been married, but that doesn’t mean I wasn’t young once,” Evelyn said, tittering at Joanna’s new hue. “So, with that being said, do enjoy your evening.”

Evelyn walked from the kitchen just as Addison came through the front door and when she heard Addison whistle for Chauncey, Evelyn said, “Fiona and George kidnapped Master Chauncey for the night since their grandchildren are visiting, and before you ask, Joanna’s in the kitchen.”

“And where are you going? Addison said as Evelyn passed her on the way out.

“I’ve given everyone the night off. Somehow, I didn’t think we’d be needed. Good night, Addison,” Evelyn said as she closed the door.