Thirty or forty people had gathered, but as Ca.s.sie drew nearer, she saw that the mood was festive rather than solemn. Yes, it was an impromptu party, with tables holding refreshments set up below the portico. Two men, one of them Peter, were dispensing tankards of drink from casks.

"Here he is!" A cry went up as Grey was spotted racing toward them. "Hip, hip, hooray! Hip, hip, hooray! Hip, hip, hooray!"

Ca.s.sie and Grey realized at the same moment that it was a welcome home party for the long-lost heir to Costain. Waving, Grey slowed his mount to a walk. When Ca.s.sie drew up beside him, he said quietly, "News of my miraculous return obviously spread fast. Most of the tenants and local villagers are here."

His jaw was tight and she guessed that he was feeling crowd panic. "You could ride around the back and go into the house that way," she suggested. "Then you could call out a greeting from one of the front windows."

He shook his head. "Sommerses don't do things like that. If they came here to show that they're glad I'm alive, I can't hide away. But please ... stay close, Ca.s.sie."

"Are you going to introduce me as your fiancee?" she asked warily. "This lie is spreading faster and faster."

"I won't if you'd rather I didn't, but I'd be amazed if everyone here hasn't already heard that my beautiful redheaded companion is the next Countess of Costain." He gave her a lopsided smile. "For someone who has survived on quick wits and guile, you're remarkably attached to the truth."

She had to laugh. "Living a life of deception is the reason why I draw a very clear line between truth and lies whenever possible."

People were pressing forward toward the riders, calling greetings to Grey. Ca.s.sie said under her breath, "You'll feel less overwhelmed if you remain on horseback."

"True," he agreed, "but I can't."

He dismounted and took the hand of a broad, grizzled farmer who had tears in his eyes. This wasn't a lord greeting a peasant. This was living proof of a community where the Sommerses of Summerhill were part of a greater fabric. The community had mourned Grey's apparent death, and now the people celebrated his miraculous return.

The farmer said, "I knew those d.a.m.ned frogs couldn't kill you!"

"They came very close, Mr. Jackson!" Grey called back.

A heavyset older woman enveloped him in a fierce hug. "Don't you ever frighten me like that again! You're not too old to be spanked, young man!"

"And you're just the woman to do it," he said with a grin as he hugged her back.

Despite Grey's warm responses, Ca.s.sie saw that he was strung as tight as a harp string. She slid from her mount and moved to stand at his left shoulder. Two young boys emerged from the crowd and took the reins to the horses and led them away.

As Grey had requested, Ca.s.sie stayed close, but people were closing in around them, pressing closer and closer. Though the mood was happy, even Ca.s.sie grew nervous at the crowding. Concerned for Grey, she grabbed Peter's arm when he joined them. Under her breath, she said, "Crowds upset him. Take his other side and keep people from getting too close."

Peter's brow furrowed. "Grey seems fine."

"He isn't!" she retorted. "Please, help him get more s.p.a.ce."

Accepting her word, Peter moved to Grey's other side to form another barrier to the jostling crowd. Ca.s.sie took Grey's arm. She whispered in his ear, "You need to help your frail fiancee into the house!"

"You, frail?" he said incredulously, but relieved. "A good excuse, though."

He began to walk through the crowd, shaking hands and accepting hugs with his free arm as he continued to exchange greetings. On his other side, Peter intercepted well-wishers and deflected some of the excitement.

They reached the steps and climbed up to the portico. At the top, Grey turned and raised both hands for silence.

When the hubbub died down, he said in a voice that filled the courtyard, "I can't describe how much it means to be welcomed home like this. For ten long years, I've dreamed of Summerhill. Of my family"-he clapped Peter on the shoulder-"and of my friends. Like you, Mrs. Henry, who made me work in your garden if I was to earn your wonderful gingerbread."

The crowd laughed while a large woman called back, "Just this once I'll send a batch to the big house to celebrate your homecoming!"

"If you forget, you'll find me on your doorstep, hungry," he promised. His gaze moved across the upturned faces. "I'd think about all the pretty Lloyd daughters. I see that there are two more now than when I left." More laughter. He added, "Before I forget, I want to say that my father is recovering well from his accident, so you won't have to deal with me for some time."

More cheers and laughter. Ca.s.sie watched admiringly as Grey continued talking to his friends and neighbors with wit and charm. He truly was born to Summerhill. These people were proof of how generations of Sommerses had cared for their land and their tenants. How they loved, and were loved in return.

Her eyes stung from a mixture of emotions. Pride in Grey. Envy of his powerful sense of belonging. And regret that she would never see this connection between Grey and his community again, because it really was time for her to leave. Grey had everything he needed right here.

A voice called out, "Tell us what happened, Lord Wyndham, or we'll make up stories that will curdle milk!"

"Can't have that." Grey hesitated. "The story is simple, really, and I have every intention of forgetting the details, so don't ask me more. Ten years ago I was in Paris and I offended a high government official just as the Truce of Amiens ended. It was a chaotic time, so the official threw me into his own private dungeon out in the country. Ten years of one boring day after another, so there isn't much to tell. When I finally escaped, I headed north and found a smuggler to bring me home. And here I am."

"Who's the lady?" a woman called. "Is she the next countess?"

Grey took Ca.s.sie's hand and drew her forward with a whispered, "Sorry." Turning to the crowd, he said, "This is Miss Catherine St. Ives of Norfolk, who helped me escape. I hope to persuade her to stay. Will you give her a Dorsetshire welcome?"

The crowd burst into roars and applause while Ca.s.sie blushed bright red. d.a.m.n her pale redhead's complexion!

Grey waved a farewell. "Miss St. Ives is tired so I'll say good-bye and thank you. I shall never forget this day."

As soon as they were inside and the door closed behind them, he crushed her in his arms and shook. She felt his hammering heart against her b.r.e.a.s.t.s. "Thank you for rescuing me once again," he said roughly. "The welcome was wonderful in theory, but I wouldn't have lasted much longer without behaving badly."

"I think you would have lasted as long as necessary." She stroked a calming hand down his back. "But you've been tested enough for one day."

Peter followed them in, closing the door behind him. "People obviously prefer you to inherit rather than me," he said cheerfully. He sobered when he saw his brother's strained face. "That really was hard on you! I thought Ca.s.sie was exaggerating."

"She's very good at keeping me from falling apart," Grey said wryly, not letting Ca.s.sie go. "All those people just showed up? I was afraid it meant that Father had died."

Peter winced. "That would look similar, wouldn't it? When Mother saw tenants arriving, she sent me out to play host while she arranged for refreshments. I think half the reason people came was because this is the first real spring day we've had, and everyone wanted an excuse to celebrate."

"So my return was the excuse." Grey relaxed enough to end the embrace, though he kept an arm around Ca.s.sie. "And by coming here, they had a good shot at Summerhill cider and ale and probably Summerhill hams and cheeses as well."

"An opportunity they took full advantage of," Lady Costain said from above. She glided down the stairs, one hand on the railing and looking every inch a countess. "I was about to send out grooms to find you, Grey. But when you did return, you handled it all well. Your father was watching from his room."

"He must be much stronger," Grey said. "Which probably means he'll be down for dinner tonight."

His mother laughed. "Indeed he will. Since we have so much reason to be grateful, I decided that tonight we'll have a special celebration feast just for the family. Elizabeth and her husband will join us. Catherine, do you have a favorite dish I should ask the cook to prepare?"

Ca.s.sie blinked. Apparently she was no longer a fortune-hunting s.l.u.t. After a moment's thought, she said, "There's a sweet I loved when I was a child, an apple tart made with a handful of currants that have been soaked in brandy. It was served warm with custard or cream on special occasions."

"Apple with currants soaked in brandy?" The countess looked intrigued. "That sounds excellent, and well within my kitchen's capacity. Grey, I imagine you would still enjoy Mrs. Bradford's special roast lamb?"

"Oh, yes," he said fervently. "With mint sauce."

"I shall see you at dinner then." With a gracious nod to her sons and Ca.s.sie, Lady Costain sailed off for the kitchen.

"My mother now thinks of you as part of the family," Grey observed.

"She could hardly forbid me the table when I'm your guest," Ca.s.sie pointed out. "I need to examine my wardrobe to see what will suit a family celebration in the country when half the guests have t.i.tles."

"You could wear that habit and look beautiful," Grey a.s.sured her.

"But not appropriate! I'll see you later." She caught up her skirts and climbed the stairs. When she reached her room, she rang for Hazel, who appeared promptly. "You're the perfect maid," Ca.s.sie observed. "Good at all the maidly skills, but since you're one of Kirkland's people, we can gossip as equals."

Hazel bobbed a very proper curtsy. "I've much experience as a maid. It's a good way to gather information without being noticed."

Ca.s.sie nodded. Maids, like old peddlers, were usually invisible. "I need something very nice but not too flamboyant to wear for dinner tonight. The earl will come down for the first time since his accident, and they want to celebrate Lord Wyndham's return as well. Two escapes from death." Ca.s.sie grinned. "Lady Kiri threw this wardrobe together for me so quickly I'm not sure what I have."

"There's a green satin gown that will look a treat with your red hair," Hazel said. "It's not as full or long as a ball gown and the neckline isn't as deep, but it's handsome enough for a special dinner. It might need a bit of altering, so you'd best try it on after you're out of the riding habit."

"I'm really fortunate that Lady Kiri's sister is so close to me in size and has such a generous nature." Ca.s.sie turned so Hazel could unfasten the back of her habit. "Are you bored here with no spies or indiscreet government ministers to watch?"

Hazel laughed as she undid one of the ties. "It's been very restful. This is the rarest of places, a happy household."

"Unusual indeed. What do the servants think of Lord Wyndham's return?"

"Everyone is delighted, particularly the older folks who knew him better. They say he's very like his father, and that's good for Summerhill." Hazel tugged the gown over Ca.s.sie's head. "The more thoughtful folk recognize that ten years in prison change a man. They hope he hasn't changed too much."

"He's remarkably resilient, so I think they have no reason to worry about their future here." Ca.s.sie raised her arms so Hazel could drop the green satin gown over her. "What do they think of Peter? For years he's been considered the heir."

Hazel smoothed the fabric over Ca.s.sie's figure. "He's well liked and people thought he'd have done a decent job if he'd inherited, but they think his elder brother will do the job best."

"I'm sure they're right. Grey truly loves this estate and all the responsibilities that go with it." As Hazel pinned the gown in several places, Ca.s.sie tried not to think about the perfect lady needed to match Grey's perfect lord.

Chapter 38.

Grey's eyes widened as Ca.s.sie descended the staircase in a shimmer of green satin. "You look splendid. The gown is perfect for tonight."

Though she laughed, she was pleased by his warm admiration. "Since you were happy with my riding habit, I don't know how much I should trust your judgment."

He offered his arm. "I a.s.sure you that I've always had impeccable taste when it comes to dressing women." His voice dropped to a whisper. "And I'm equally good at undressing them."

"Shhhh!" she said with a blush as they entered the small salon where the family was gathering for pre-dinner drinks. Lord Costain was seated on a sofa rather than standing, but he looked very well. His wife was beside him, and they held hands like besotted newlyweds.

Ca.s.sie made a deep curtsy in front of them. "I am glad to see you so well, my lord. I thank you both for your courtesy to an unexpected guest."

Lord Costain smiled benevolently. "Very prettily said. My wife and I could not be happier to meet our son's future bride, and to find her so suitable." A glint in Lady Costain's eyes suggested that she wasn't entirely in agreement with her husband's statement, but her smile was gracious.

Peter entered the salon followed by his sister and her husband. John Langtry was pleasant looking rather than strikingly handsome like the Sommers men, but he had an appealing smile and he and Elizabeth clearly doted on each other.

Ca.s.sie was pleased to see how relaxed Grey was with his family now that the initial hurdles had been cleared. He talked easily, shared reminiscences with his brother-in-law, and was attentive to Ca.s.sie so she didn't feel like the odd woman out.

After half an hour of relaxed conversation, Lady Costain got to her feet. "Shall we adjourn to the dining room?"

"An excellent plan," Grey said. "I hear a roast lamb calling my name."

Ca.s.sie smiled, looking forward to Grey's lamb and the St. Ives apple currant tart. As she stood, the butler appeared in the door. "There are two gentlemen here to see Miss St. Ives."

Hard on his heels were two well-dressed young men around Ca.s.sie's age. They were of similar height and build, though one was a bit taller and broader. The men were clearly related by blood-and they had auburn hair the exact shade of Ca.s.sie's.

"Look at the hair! It has to be her!" the leaner one hissed to the other. Raising his voice, he asked eagerly, "Catherine? Are you our Cat?"

Ca.s.sie's winegla.s.s dropped from nerveless fingers and smashed on the floor as she stared at the newcomers. When she had known her cousins, they'd all been children with faces not yet fully formed, but in the features of these grown men she saw echoes of her dark-haired, long-dead brother, Paul.

Rushing memories tightened her throat so she could barely speak. Gazing at the leaner man, she breathed, "Richard?" Her gaze shifted to the other. "Neil?"

She swayed until Grey put a steadying hand on her shoulder. "You are Ca.s.sie St. Ives's cousins?" he asked.

"We certainly are!" Richard drew Ca.s.sie into an exuberant hug. "Cat, dear G.o.d, it's a miracle! We thought you were dead." He pulled back without letting go of her and asked hesitantly, "Did ... did anyone else survive?"

She shook her head, tears running down her face. "Only me."

The other young man moved his brother aside. "Being the heir doesn't mean you get all the hugs, Richard." His embrace was rib bruising. "You'd better remember me also, Cat, or I'm going to put frogs in your bed!"

"If you do, you'll find one in yours, too!" she said with a catch of laughter. She leaned into her younger cousin's embrace. He was tall and strong, a man now. The three of them had been close in age and they were a large part of the childhood she'd buried in the depths of unbearable memory. "You've grown, Neil. I used to be able to defeat you when we wrestled."

"And didn't our mothers hate when we did that!" he chuckled.

Richard turned toward the fascinated gazes of the Sommers family. Bowing to the earl and countess, he said, "Lord Costain, Lady Costain. Please accept my apologies for intruding on a family occasion. My only excuse is that once we learned that our cousin might be alive, we were desperate to learn the truth."

"We above all can understand what it is like to experience this kind of miracle," Lord Costain said. "Our prodigal son was missing for only ten years. Your prodigal cousin has been lost for nigh on twenty years."

"Exactly, sir." Richard's smile lit up the room. "The lost has been found, and we couldn't be happier."

Lord Costain studied the newcomers. "I know your father, and your uncle was a good friend of mine. I'm glad to meet the next generation of St. Iveses."

Lady Costain glanced at the butler. "Set two more places at the table and prepare rooms for our guests."

"That isn't necessary, Lady Costain," Richard protested. "We'll stay in the village inn. We should have waited until tomorrow to call, but ... we couldn't." He swallowed hard. "Catherine's brother and sister were dark haired like their mother and too old to be playmates for us, but Cat was our age and a true redheaded St. Ives. More like a sister than a cousin."

"Of course you'll stay here," the countess said briskly. "Our families are soon to be connected, so you are very welcome under our roof. Tonight is a celebration of my husband's recovery from a serious accident and my son's return from France. What could be more fitting than for you to join us in celebrating your cousin's survival?"

Neil said, "You are gracious, ma'am."

"I am known for it," the countess said with a sparkle of amus.e.m.e.nt. "Would you gentlemen like to have a drink before dining?"

The brothers exchanged a glance. "It appears that you were on the verge of going in to dinner," Richard said. "Give us a moment to wash up, and we'll be happy to dine now if you don't mind our travel dust."

That was agreed to. In the following flurry of activity, Grey murmured to Ca.s.sie, "You have no doubt of their ident.i.ties?"

"None at all," she replied. "Their father was vicar of the St. Ives parish church, so Richard and Neil and I grew up together." She gazed after them as they left to wash up. "After my family was killed, I closed the door on my childhood. Now they've opened that door and I find so many bright, clear memories."

"I'm glad," he said simply.