“David, how about you help Mr. Sheppard while I introduce Joanna to Evelyn,” Fran said.

“Right away, Miss Neary,” he said, trotting around the car.

Fran, seeing Joanna’s forehead fill with creases, reached out and touched her on the arm. “Don’t worry, he’ll be all right,” she said, motioning toward the stairs leading to the massive terrace that spread across the middle of the mansion. “Come on. Let me introduce you to the woman who runs this place.”

When the gates were opened, the security panel in the kitchen had chimed, alerting Evelyn that the new woman of the house had arrived. Gathering the staff, she led them outside and waited patiently as the Rolls crept up the driveway. Evelyn had no idea what to expect, but she knew Addison would never have agreed to anything unless the woman could at least look the part of her wife. Evelyn shielded her eyes from the sun, her expression remaining neutral as she watched Fran get out of the car, but when another woman emerged, Evelyn instantly beamed. She looked over her shoulder at her staff and wasn’t surprised in the least to see their expressions mirroring her own.

Having only a few seconds to scan the people standing on the slate porch as she followed Fran up the stairs, Joanna guessed the older woman standing at the front was Addison’s house manager. Appearing to be in her mid-fifties, her sandy-blonde hair was neatly styled, and the dark-blue trouser suit she wore was pressed and crisp. She was also displaying a sincere smile. The first of many Joanna would see that afternoon.

Climbing the six steps leading to the terrace, Fran stopped and waited until Joanna was by her side. “Evelyn, I’d like you to meet Joanna Sheppard. Joanna, this is Evelyn Ward, Addison’s house manager.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Miss Sheppard,” Evelyn said as she extended her hand. “Welcome to The Oaks.”

“Thank you,” Joanna said, her dimples emerging instantly. “And please, call me Joanna.”

“As you wish,” Evelyn said with a nod.

For a moment, there was silence, and sensing Joanna Sheppard’s awkwardness, Evelyn took the lead. “I asked the staff to gather so you can meet them,” she said, motioning toward the people standing in a row behind her.

Before Joanna could answer, a shadow crossed the step, and as she turned, her father came to her side. Stunned by his ashen appearance, she grabbed his arm as he began to wobble. “Dad, are you okay?”

Robert offered Evelyn a weak grin of acknowledgment as he tried to catch his breath. “I’m fine, lass,” he said, turning to his daughter. “Just a bit tired.”