I wished we’d had more time.

“So, Hollis, I think you need a tour of the grounds today,” she said, taking her seat and turning to me.

I sat up straighter. “I’d love one, Lady Northcott.”

“Good. And I’ve been thinking,” she started, picking up her spoon. “Hollis is part of the family now.”

“Absolutely,” Lord Northcott agreed. “Integral.”

“So, we ought to drop the formalities. Hollis, can we simply be Aunt Jovana and Uncle Reid to you? As we are to Scarlet?”

All eyes fell on me, and I could see the hope in them. It was such a sweet and generous offer that, even if I’d felt a little uncomfortable, I couldn’t say no.

“If it would please you,” I eked out.

My new aunt Jovana smiled with such brilliance, but I couldn’t appreciate it. All I could see was the look of disdain on the maid’s face and the look of pure disappointment on Etan’s. It wasn’t his typical angry mask but something more painful. Like I’d infiltrated something that was his and claimed it as my own.

“We are so happy to have you, Hollis.” She settled her napkin across her lap. “It’s such a wonderful change. We’re so used to losing people—my sweet nephews, my two girls—” I swallowed hard at her words, realizing now just where her sorrow stemmed from. “Finally, we’ve added someone!”

“Hear, hear,” Mother agreed.

Uncle Reid was smiling, and even Scarlet looked peaceful. But I couldn’t shake the coldness rolling off Etan in sharp and heavy waves. If I thought I’d crossed a line before, it was nothing compared to this.

Five

“THESE TREES WERE PLANTED BY the first Northcotts at Pearfield,” Aunt Jovana claimed, pointing to the row of trees along the back of the property. “We’re lucky to have such strong ones. They protect the house during the windiest seasons and allow for some natural privacy.”

“I can’t help but notice they missed a spot,” I joked, pointing to the space in the line that had the path worn into it.

She laughed. “We took that one out ourselves about twenty years ago now. That path gives us easy access to those who work our land, which extends out from that line. You’ll see the importance firsthand tomorrow; it’s a bread day.”

I didn’t know what a bread day was, but I supposed I’d learn in the morning. Scarlet squeezed the hand she was holding, drawing my attention to her. She smiled, and I could see she was trying to soothe my nerves; Etan was a few steps behind us.

He certainly didn’t need a tour of his own grounds, but it appeared I wasn’t allowed to wander them without his watchful eye on me. Did he think I was going to take an axe to the manor or something? Lift a curtain and produce an army? I sighed, trying unsuccessfully to ignore him.

“And as we come around the side of the house, you’ll have an excellent view of our garden. You see, we place large shrubs around the edges to help with the wind, and it allows the blossoming plants to fare better. They’ve all come in so nicely this year.”