Page 74 of A Spinster to Heal the Duke
"Yes, but we have been doing our best to be respectful of what you might be feeling," replied Jeremy. "Only now, we think the best thing we can do is help lift you out of it, and we believe that means lifting you out of this place, so you return to it with fresh eyes."
Anne wanted to argue, but she didn't have the energy.
"Very well," she said softly.
Then, within the week she was making the journey to London. As she rode in the back of a paid carriage, she watched the scenery change around her. She traveled through stretches of country roads and cities that grew increasingly larger and more populated until she reached London.
As she arrived, Anne was struck by a thought that filled her with worry, "What if I see Noah?"
CHAPTER 21
As she stepped out of the carriage at her aunt's townhouse, Anne looked around.
"I could run into him, I could see Diana, or worse, I could see him with his fiancée," she thought, filling with dread.
Anne felt a shudder run through her body and blinked rapidly to keep herself from crying. Her aunt was never an emotional woman, and she had little patience for displays from others.
When she felt sufficiently calmed, Anne climbed the few steps to knock on the door. After a moment, a maid opened the door but was quickly displaced by Cousin Phoebe coming to greet her.
"I am so glad you are here," Pheobe said when she saw Anne, embracing her with a hug and kissing her cheek. "Mother will be glad to see you, too."
Anne knew it was only because there would be someone else there she could put to work, but she smiled and said, "I am happy to see you both as well. And I am looking forward to decorating."
"Yes, I think the house looks fine other than freshening up the flowers and a few things, but Mother insists some of our decor has fallen out of fashion and must be replaced. It will be good to have another opinion. Daddy has said she should not spend her whole allowance remodeling a house we use a few months a year, but you know Mother. She is going to do as she pleases, and despite what he says, Daddy is going to let her."
Phoebe laughed, and Anne did her best to laugh and smile along with her.
"Oh, forgive me," Phoebe said. She stopped the maid who had opened the door and said, "Please, send a valet to carry Miss Drowton's things to the room we prepared for her."
"Yes, Miss," the young woman replied before hurrying away.
"Anne, let's greet Mother while they bring up your things. Then, I will show you to your room, so you can relax from your travels. You are right across the hall from me," suggested Pheobe.
"Thank you," said Anne.
Phoebe hugged Anne once more then she began leading her way through the house all the while pointing and discussing thingsher mother wanted to change that she only felt needed dusting or freshening up in some way. Anne listened to some, but she mostly thought about how much her cousin talked.
It has been quite some time since I have seen Phoebe,she thought.She was so quiet as a girl. One would think she saved all her conversation then for now.
"Mother," Phoebe called when they neared the sitting room her mother was in. "Mother, Anne has arrived."
"Oh, good, show her in," the Viscountess replied.
Anne stepped forward and said, "Your Ladyship, it is lovely to see you again. I hope you and Lord Westen, have been well since we have last seen each other."
"Yes, dear, we have been very well. He sends his regards as he is travelling for business, but he hopes your stay with us in London is enjoyable. Though I would add that I hope we are productive as well," said the Viscountess.
"Indeed, my lady," agreed Anne, feeling she made the right choice not greeting the Viscountess informally as Aunt Sarah. "I intend to help with whatever you and Phoebe require while I am here."
"Splendid," the Viscountess said with a tight smile that reminded Anne a little of Diana but only slightly. Smiling in a more relaxed and inviting manner, Lady Westen added, "Areyou hungry dear? I had the kitchen staff prepare a late nuncheon for us."
Anne still didn't have much of an appetite, but she answered, "Yes, something small would be lovely. Then we can discuss what you would like to accomplish during my stay."
"Wonderful," the Viscountess said, looking even more pleased. "You know, at times I wondered if I should have invited you to London more, to ensure you grew up properly, but I see the Baron of Reedley has done very well by you. He has raised a polite young lady, indeed."
"But, visiting each other more still would have been nice," Phoebe interjected, voicing her own disappointment. "I have missed you dearly, Cousin."
The Viscountess flinched a little at her daughter's remark.
