“Not that long, Aunt Anna,” he protested as he hugged her back. “Less than a month.”

“But there are years to make up for,” his uncle said as he offered his hand. Tanned by years in a tropical sun, he had the same tall, lean build as Lucas.

After a firm handshake, Lucas drew Kendra forward. “Let me introduce my friend, Kendra Douglas. We have decided that we must be cousins of some sort. Kendra, meet my great-uncle and aunt, Sir William and Lady Mandeville.” He gave a fond smile. “Aunt Anna and Uncle William, who sent marvelous letters and small presents all the way from India when I was a boy. And added more gifts for Simon when I was taken in by the Duvals.”

His aunt chuckled. “I find it best to treat all the children in the household the same. That doesn’t mean they won’t quarrel, but it gives them less reason to do so.”

Sir William must have been knighted for his service in India and he had an air of authority. Feeling shy, Kendra said, “Lucas insisted that you wouldn’t mind having a stranger foisted off on you, but if you’d rather not, I can go to an inn.”

“Nonsense! Any friend of Lucas’s is welcome.” Lady Mandeville’s smile was welcoming but her eyes were shrewd as she assessed Kendra. She was probably trying to determine the nature of the relationship between her nephew and this strange woman, and likely wondering why Kendra wore mourning black. “I’ll show you to your room so you can refresh yourself. Then we can all have a nice cup of tea.”

Tea, cakes, and an inquisition. Kendra supposed it was only to be expected. “Thank you, that would be lovely.”

Lady Mandeville escorted Kendra up the stairs to a well-furnished, spacious bedchamber. With a canopy bed, desk, sofa, and wardrobe, it was decorated in elegant, feminine shades of green, rose, and cream. Kendra smiled and moved across the room to the window. “What a beautiful room, and what a beautiful view.”

The ancient tower was to her left, the stones glowing golden in the late afternoon sun. Her window overlooked formal gardens that were just waking from their winter sleep, while in the distance rolling hills were checked with fields and pastures. “I love the way the house reflects so many eras. Is Camden Keep an old family property, or did you and Sir William acquire it after you returned from India?”

“It’s an old family property, but it belongs to Lucas, not us.”

Surprised, Kendra turned back to the older woman. “I didn’t realize that. He referred to it as yours.”