Page 113 of Winterset
“I do,” I admitted.
She nodded in understanding. “I know it isn’t the same, but I want you to know that you are most welcome here.”
I gave her a grateful look. “Thank you.”
She squeezed my knee, giving me a little of her courage. And for a few seconds, I felt a bit braver. But as soon as I glanced out the side glass and saw the earl and his wife, it faded.
Lady Winfield followed my gaze. “Perhaps you might feel more comfortable if I told you about my family before you meet them?”
I nodded.
“That is my eldest son, Lord Winfield, Earl of Summerhaven—although he has not properly claimed his title.” She sighed as if it had been the topic of many tiresome conversations. “He prefers to be called by his Christian name, which is Damon, but I suggest you call him by his courtesy title, Lord Jennings.”
“Oliv—I mean, Mr. Jennings,” I corrected myself, “mentioned that.”
“Oliver is fine. I am quite partial to the name, seeing as I gave it to him.” She winked and then returned her attention outside. “That lovely young lady is my daughter-in-law, Lady Winfield. Although she will likely respond only if you call her Hannah.” She gave a slight shake of her head.
“My darling twin granddaughters are napping in the nursery, but you will meet them later.”
“Twins?” I said.
Lady Winfield nodded. “Yes, they are my reward for rearing such strong-willed sons.”
I smiled but felt sad. Oh, how I wished Oliver were here to introduce me to his family. I doubted he even knew about his new nieces. The thought hurt my heart.
“Would you like to meet my son and his wife now?” she asked.
Although I was still afraid, I felt braver. “I would.”
Lady Winfield alighted first, and I stepped down after her. We climbed the stairs together to where the earl and his wife stood. I sank into a deep curtsy.
“Miss Lockwood, I presume?” the earl said.
“Yes, my lord.” I rose and found him fighting amusement.
Had I done it wrong?
“Stop it.” Lady Winfield—Hannah?—nudged her husband. “You are making our guest nervous.”
His dark brows pulled together, and then he sobered, standing straighter. “My apologies, Miss Lockwood. I meant no offense. Truly, I was only remembering the last time I welcomed a young lady to my home after a long journey.” He grinned at his wife. “She quite ruined my boots. You aren’t feeling ill, are you?”
“No, my lord.”
Hannah huffed at her husband, but her adoration of him was apparent. “You must forgive my husband, Miss Lockwood. He seems to have lost his manners again.”
They were so nice, sonormal.
“Welcome to Summerhaven,” the younger Lady Winfield said.
“Thank you, Lady Winfield,” I said.
“Please, call me Hannah.” It was as Oliver’s mother had predicted. “It will be quite confusing if you call us both Lady Winfield.” She smiled at her mother-in-law, who stood beside me, and I could see why Oliver had been friends with Hannah. She was warm and friendly and made me feel comfortable. “Now, let us get you inside.”
Lord Jennings offered Hannah his arm and assisted her up the stairs to the door, and the elder Lady Winfield and I followed behind.
As soon as I stepped over the threshold, I sucked in a breath. With black-and-white marble floors, a sweeping grand staircase, and a vaulted ceiling so high I had to strain my neck to see the whole of it, the entryway was incredible.
And Oliver had grown up here.
