She promptly burst out laughing. “Alpaca?”

“So Adelaide and Eva tell me,” I said, trying not to laugh. “Can we… handle the dog tomorrow, maybe?”

Dad rubbed his hand down his face. “I suppose it’s much better than another bloody goat.”

“Amen,” I muttered.

“Let us get a drink,” Aunt Elizabeth said, ushering us all in the direction of the library. “And please can we ensure the dog is kept away from that roast chicken. It does smell rather divine and I’m starving.”

Alex shut the kitchen door.

“Thank you. Now, is there gin anywhere?”

The door knocker sounded, and I stepped towards it. “I’ll get it. You go to the library, and I’ll send Oly in when she comes down.”

Alex squeezed my hand, and Aunt Elizabeth immediately took control of the situation, sweeping Dad towards the library while muttering about something.

I answered the door to Miles and Arthur. “Arthur,” I whispered, stepping forwards and wrapping him in a hug.

“Lady Gabriella,” he replied, shocked. “This is most—”

“Be quiet and hug me,” I muttered. “I missed you.”

“Very well.” He wrapped me in a grandfatherly hug that made me warm inside. “I trust your father is here, given I can see Lord Worcester’s car.”

“He is.” I stepped back. “Aunt Cat and Adelaide will be arriving at any moment, and we will be clearing this matter up.”

“Yes, of course.” He looked at me. “I would like to freshen up in my living quarters, if you wouldn’t mind.”

“Of course not. I’ll send someone for you when she’s here.”

“Thank you, milady.” He touched my shoulder and passed me.

“Arthur?”

He turned with emotion in his eyes and his back straight. “Yes, milady?”

“You make her very happy.” I smiled. “And I can only speak for myself, but I should very much like for that to continue.”

He finally smiled. “As would I.”

Miles stepped inside and rested a hand on my back. He waited until Arthur had gone through the door before he pulled me in close to him. “Hi.”

“Hi,” I said, wrapping my arms around him. “Thank you for this.”

“Of course. Grandpa said he would come, but he saw his physical therapist today and he’s a little sore.”

“Probably for the best. This could get reality-show-wild.”

He chuckled and kissed my temple. “You can do this, Gabi. I believe in you.”

“Thanks. I’m glad someone does.” I tilted my head up and kissed him.

“Here we go! It’s a setup! I’ll never trust you again, Adelaide Victoria Louise Astley!” Aunt Cat marched up the stairs towards the house. “I know that car! I know that suitcase! Elizabeth! What are you doing here, you rotten cow?”

Miles’ eyes widened like he’d been punched.

“Aunt Cat!” I said sharply. “That is inappropriate!”

“I shall talk to my sister however I wish!”

“You will not!” I stepped in front of her and cut her path off as everyone else joined us except Arthur. “Your sister or not, Aunt Elizabeth is our guest, and since you’ve all abandoned me for the past several days and left me to run the entire estate, I will have a say in this and I will not have any guest insulted!”