Caroline tripped on the step. “Yes,” she said through her teeth, bracing her arm against the door-jamb to keep from falling, “she had such a brilliant time on her trip to Switzerland.”

“Mmmm, yes. She said as much. As a matter of fact, by the time she finished her demonstration, I think the entire county knew how much she enjoyed her travels.”

Penelope listened to the exchange with interest. “You shall have to introduce me to your aunt, Miss Dent. She sounds most interesting. I would so like to meet her while I am in Bournemouth.”

“Exactly how long do you plan to stay?” Blake cut in.

“I'm afraid I can't introduce you to Aunt Hortense,” Caroline said to Penelope. “She so enjoyed her travels to Switzerland that she has decided to embark upon another journey.”

“Where to?” Penelope asked.

“Yes, where to?” Blake echoed, enjoying the momentary look of panic on Caroline's face as she groped for a suitable country.

“Iceland,” she blurted out.

“Iceland?” said Penelope. “How odd. I've never known anyone to visit Iceland before.”

Caroline smiled tightly and explained, “She has always had a great fascination with islands.”

“Which would explain,” Blake said in a perfectly dry voice, “her recent jaunt to Switzerland.”

Caroline turned her back to him and said to Penelope, “We should see about sending someone to fetch your belongings, my lady.”

“Yes, yes,” Penelope murmured, “in a moment. But first, Blake, before I forget to answer your rather rude question, I will tell you that I anticipate staying approximately a week, perhaps a bit longer. Provided that suits you, of course.”

Blake glanced down at her with amused disbelief. “And when has my agreement ever determined your actions?”

“Never,” Penelope replied with a carefree shrug, “but I must be polite and pretend, mustn't I?”

Caroline watched as brother and sister sparred, a lump of wistful envy building in her throat. Blake was obviously irritated by his sister's unheralded arrival, but it was equally clear that he loved her beyond measure. Caroline had never known the affectionate camaraderie of siblings; indeed, she had never even seen it before that day.

Her heart ached with longing as she listened to their interaction. She wanted someone who would tease her; she wanted someone who would hold her hand when times grew scary and unsure.

Most of all, she wanted someone who would love her.

Caroline caught her breath as she realized how perilously close she was to tears. “I really need to be off,” she blurted out, making a beeline for the door. Escape was foremost in her mind. The last thing she wanted was to find herself sobbing in Seacrest Manor's front hall, right in front of Blake and Penelope.

“But you haven't had tea!” Penelope protested.

“I'm really not thirsty. I—I—I must go home. I'm expected there.”

“Yes, I'm sure you are,” Blake drawled.

Caroline paused on the front steps, wondering where on earth she was going to go. “I don't want anyone to worry over me.”