Grayson wrote to announce his arrival during the second week of December. I longed to see my brother again. He provided a beam of sunshine to an otherwise dismal time for me. I missed his warm smile and his gentle teasing. Life seemed different to me. I no longer viewed it through rose-colored glasses. The carefree days of my youth disappeared. I felt encased in a shadow of gloom.

"Thad is longing to meet you, Prissy," Gray wrote in his neat copperplate handwriting. "He must get tired of hearing me talk about you, but you were always such an important part of my life. You'll like Thad. He has changed my life for the better."

Cassandra and I tried to imagine what Thaddeus Blair looked like. We conjured up a tall, muscular Viking with shoulder-length blonde hair and a cleft chin. Young and impressionable, Cassie was inclined to fall in love quickly. She clung to the idea of a blossoming romance between Gray's friend and herself.

"You shouldn't get carried away, Cass," I warned teasingly. "Image if he is rotund with a huge bulbous nose. What would you think of Thaddeus Blair then?"

"I won't believe he's rotund, Priscilla," Cassie remarked, lifting her skirt and swirling. "Nor will I believe he has a bulbous nose. He's handsome; otherwise, Gray wouldn't like him so much. Gray wouldn't become friends with someone ugly."

"You never know," I stated dourly. "People do become friendly even with the ugliest human beings." My thoughts flew immediately to what I considered Joel's lousy taste in women.

I carried Grayson's letter to my bedroom window and reread it. Using the front and back, he filled the stationery with vivid descriptions of his daily classes and lectures. I appreciated his enthusiasm. He seemed happy in Oxford, although he often longed to return to Everstow. I feared he would find his old home quite different than he recalled, with Charlotte's ever-threatening presence.

As much as I enjoyed receiving mail from my brother, I looked for letters from Spencer daily. As the weeks passed, I became increasingly anxious to hear from him. I wrote frequently but felt a stone wall climbing between us.

"Priscilla," Miss Young knocked and called my name through the closed door. When I responded, she opened it and poked her head in. "It's nearly teatime. Will you and Cassie join us today?"

"I..." I stammered. Cassie nodded, and I agreed. I hadn't felt like socializing since my last fight with Lottie. However, I couldn't continue to hold Miss Young off.

Cassie and I entered the schoolroom just as the tea trolley arrived. I was surprised to find Sybil pushing it instead of Anne Marie. The new maid curtsied and departed.

"Where's Anne Marie today?" I casually asked. "I do hope she isn't ill."

"Anne Marie is Lottie's personal maid now," the governess answered, pouring the tea. "Charlotte requested her especially."

"Oh, I see." I accepted my cup and a finger sandwich. A strange feeling gnawed at my insides.

Why would Charlotte specifically choose Anne Marie as her personal maid? When did they become acquainted? Lottie never visited the nursery, even after Cassandra became an occupant. She rarely acknowledged Cassie despite the revelation of their relationship. I wondered if she would deign to visit after Jesse became old enough to join Miss Young's classes.

I sipped my tea absently and nibbled on my sandwich. The governess chatted amiably about lessons, and Cassie responded promptly. The girl showed a willingness to learn. Her grammar changed drastically during her time with Miss Young. The cockney accent lessened slightly, leaving room for improvement. I grew fond of the child despite her origins.

"I planned a dancing lesson this afternoon," Claudia interrupted my thoughts. "Mr. Blanchard makes a lovely partner, does he not, Priscilla."

"Oh, yes, Miss Young," I answered absently. Since Grayson's departure, the tutor transitioned into my dancing master.

I felt less enthusiasm toward the prospect than Miss Young. The transition kept Mr. Blanchard close at hand, allowing the lovers to remain together. In a way, I wished they would both take up different posts. Following my latest disappointment, I felt less charitable toward others, particularly those close to me. My life's view changed drastically.

Despite the lack of response from Spencer, I clung to his image. I continued to expect his appearance and a rescue. I thought of his family as my own; in my mind, his sisters were mine, also. Mostly, I longed to get away from Lottie. Her removal from my life became a dream I adhered to firmly.

Soon, I thought, I would put Lottie's condescending attitude behind me. Perhaps she would allow me to take Cassandra along. She had no time for her daughter and probably wished she were as far away as Yorkshire. If I could isolate Joel briefly, I could ask him.

However, it was becoming more and more difficult to find my older brother alone. Charlotte clung to him and rarely let him out of her sight. At times, they seemed glued together at the hip. Joel didn't seem to mind. He cherished her wife and allowed her to lead him by the nose. Recently, she began sitting in on his meetings in Father's office.

Charlotte had no business accompanying Joel while he discussed the estate with Papa. As time passed, Papa gave Joel more responsibilities. My brother worked closely with the farm manager, and it was his duty to see to the repairs of the tenants' houses. When he rode out in the mornings, Lottie accompanied him. Frequently, they disappeared for hours. Mr. Johns—the manager—complained of the inconsistencies in Joel's work. Papa reprimanded him, but Charlotte quickly countered his orders. She suddenly knew more about the estate than my father or brother.

Mama retreated further into herself. When I went to visit her, I found her alone with Jane. Lottie rarely entered the suite, but Jesse became a permanent resident. I grew fond of the baby. He grinned at me toothlessly when I entered the chamber. He enjoyed sitting in my lap and playing with my locket. It entranced him, and he cooed delightedly. We looked forward to his first Christmas.

******

The day Grayson came home finally arrived. I waited for him in the ballroom with Cassandra. The large window looked down upon the circular drive with the Neptune fountain in its midst. Suddenly, the trap appeared and dashed along the tree-lined drive. For a moment, I flew back in time to the day Joel brought Charlotte home. Then the coachman stopped at the front portico, and Gray stepped from the trap.

Lifting my woolen skirt, I raced along the corridor and flew down the grand staircase. My middle brother stepped into the great hall and gathered me into a huge hug. I kissed his cheek, laughing delightedly. Cassandra stood at the bottom of the staircase, shyly watching us.

"Allow me to introduce Mr. Thaddeus Blair," Grayson announced, bowing slightly.

The young man stepped forward and, taking my hand, kissed it lightly. I smiled into sparkling sapphire eyes beneath a mop of unruly blond curls. Thaddeus smiled and murmured his pleasure at meeting me.

"Gray has told me all about you," the newcomer smiled. "You are all he talks about."

"Surely, you exaggerate," I answered with a giggle.

"Indeed, no, Miss Priscilla," he suavely stated, bowing again. "You are everything he described and more."

"Why, thank you, Mr. Blair." I swept a deep curtsey. He took my arm, and Grayson claimed the other. We headed toward the winter parlor when I noticed Cassie standing in the shadows. "I would like to introduce my young companion. Miss Cassandra Plumb." I drew the girl into our circle.

"Delighted to make your acquaintance," Thaddues exclaimed, kissing Cassie's hand and bowing.

"Likewise, I'm sure," Cassie responded as Miss Young had taught her.

"Would you like some refreshment?" I asked, leading the way to the upper level. "Train journeys can be quite tiring. Perhaps a cup of tea and a slice of warm gingerbread?"

"That sounds divine," Grayson agreed, opening the winter parlor door and graciously allowing Cassandra and me to precede him.

I rang the bell and gave Sybil our order when she appeared. Gray and Thad sat on the divan, their legs touching intimately. I sat in an armchair facing them, and Cassie took a matching one. When the tea arrived, I poured it, and Cassie handed out the gingerbread. I felt pleased by her decorum. She had changed a lot since her early days with us.

"How are things at Chez Everstow?" Gray asked, sipping his Darjeeling.

"Much the same as always," I responded politely. There were many things I wished to discuss with my brother. However, they had to wait until we found time alone.

"I have decided to study archeology, Prissy," Grayson stated, exchanging a look with his companion. "I'm afraid I will have to speak to Papa about it while I'm at home. I'm just not cut out for theology, it seems."

"Oh dear, Gray," I exclaimed, catching my breath. "I'm afraid Papa might not take it so well. You see, he's quite dependent upon you. I...I...oh dear." I collapsed against the back of my chair.

I realized I'd spoken out of turn in the present company. Joel's marriage and subsequent behavior created much turmoil for our father. Eventually, the estate would pass to my older brother. If he didn't get his life back on track, his birthright might fall into ruin. The advice Lottie gave him was not as solid as he believed. She knew nothing about running a large property yet pretended she had authority.

As a result, Papa depended upon Grayson to fulfill his duties. He wanted to bestow Everstow parish on him and expected Gray to become the vicar after Uncle Everett. There was even talk of him marrying Dinah to keep everything within the family.

"Archeology is quite an interesting career, Miss Priscilla," Thad interrupted. "My father and mother are at a dig in Egypt. I considered traveling there for the holidays, but it's a long way to go. Luckily, Gray invited me to join him here. I'm sure your Papa will understand the need to dig up artifacts and discover the past.

"Perhaps Gray and I will join the dig over the summer," my middle brother's companion continued. "It's quite an adventure. Papa and Mama both read hieroglyphics. They could teach us a lot."

I glanced toward my brother. His smile widened as he contemplated his friend. I wondered about their true relationship. Even following a short acquaintance, they seemed closer than schoolmates. I felt Cassandra was in for disappointment if she expected Thad to pay attention to her.

"Can we learn hieroglyphics too?" Cassie asked, intrigued.

"Hieroglyphics?" Lottie snorted, bursting into the room. "You can barely read English, you little fool." Motioning for Gray and Thad to move apart, she plunked between them.

Reluctantly, I poured a cup of tea and handed it to my sister-in-law. Charlotte sipped it and grabbed a hunk of gingerbread. She smacked her lips as she chewed and washed it down greedily.

"I wonder why no one informed me of your arrival," Lottie remarked rudely. She shot hard eyes in my direction. "As the Lady of the House, you should have told me immediately."

"My mother remains the Lady of the House," I snapped petulantly. "I cannot recall when Papa bestowed that title upon you."

"Your mother is an invalid. Need I remind you of that fact?" Lottie shot back. "Since she cannot entertain our infrequent guests, I have taken over the role."

"Indeed, you have not!" I shouted, raising my voice.

"Indeed she has, sister dearest," Joel announced, striding into the winter parlor. "It is for the best. We intend to entertain frequently, and Mama isn't up to the strain. Therefore, Lottie will take her place."

"Does Papa know about this?" I countered hotly.

My elder brother rolled his shoulders nonchalantly. Striding toward the fireplace, he leaned against the mantle and glared disdainfully at the assembled company. Charlotte poured tea for him and handed him a massive chunk of gingerbread. He ate it in two bites and then licked his fingers. I quailed at his declining manners.

"Henceforth, Lottie will greet all visitors and entertain them accordingly," Joel instructed, his eyes menacing me. "You will summon her immediately if you encounter new arrivals first. Do we understand each other?"

"Hardly," I responded tersely. "Since when do you refer to our brother as a guest in our home? He is not a 'new arrival.' You go too far, Joel. Father is still the head of house here, yet you boldly usurp his place and order us about like servants."

"That is enough, Priscilla," my brother announced.

"Indeed, Joel, it is enough. You embarrass Grayson and his friend with your...your tirade." Rising, I stamped my foot on the carpeted floor. "You should keep family matters within the family and not parade them before our guest."

Grayson placed his teacup on the table beside him and rose. His pale face bore a rosy blush, and he cleared his throat before speaking. Thaddeus looked up at him in trepidation.

"I believe I will show Thad to his sleeping quarters," my middle brother suggested. "It's just along the corridor in the west wing." Quickly excusing themselves, the university students departed.

"I hope you two are proud of yourselves," I declared, marching toward the door. "Come along, Cassie. I'm sure Miss Young is waiting for your lesson."

Following me like a puppy, Cassandra trailed in my shadow to the nursery floor. I left her with Miss Young and entered my chamber. I waited for Gray, and he appeared as I expected he would.

"Quite an introduction, eh, sis?" my brother asked, opening the connecting door and peering into the schoolroom. "I expect nothing has changed in the nursery?"

"Other than Cassie taking lessons, not particularly," I answered glumly.

"I hope we don't have to put up with this constant sparring during the holidays, Prissy," Gray remarked, rocking on his heels. He clasped his hands behind his back. "Thaddeus becomes quite upset with bickering."

"I'm sorry, Gray," I answered, lowering my lashes. "The situation is quite out of control here. Lottie takes over more and more each day."

"You'll marry in the spring and get quite away from here," Grayson assured me, taking my hands. Bending forward, he kissed my cheek. "I am sure I'm going to Egypt over the summer holidays. We'll both get right away from here. You are marrying in the spring, aren't you, Priss?"

"I don't know, Gray," I expressed my true feelings for the first time: "I haven't heard from Spencer in ages. The last time he wrote, he excused himself from our planned Christmas visit. His aunt arrived unexpectedly, and he spoke about his cousin, Heidi. I don't know what's happening. I write to him, but he never responds."

"I'm sure it will work out, Priss," Grayson assured me. "He'll write soon and explain."

"Yes, I suppose," I whispered, moving toward the window. Below, the winter garden looked as dismal as I felt. "Are you taking your room across the hall?"

My brother blushed a deep crimson and avoided my question for a prolonged moment. I stared at him wonderingly. I longed for his comforting presence and closeness during the past several weeks.

"Thad and I...well..." Grayson sat on my bed and patted the place beside him. I sat next to him, and he took my hands. "I don't quite know how to tell you, Priss. I...I mean Thad and I...we...well, we have a special relationship. We...well...we are going to share a room."

"Oh, I see," I muttered, tears glistening in my eyes. I knew my brother's proclivities and shouldn't have felt surprised by his announcement.

"It's why I can't continue to study theology," he continued, handing me his handkerchief. Standing, he paced the room, his arms folded behind his back. "I have to speak to Papa while I'm here. It's the most challenging discussion I will ever have with him. He must understand. I cannot alter my true feelings for Thad.

"Thad is wonderful, Priscilla. He opened my eyes and made me see the many truths about myself. He takes care of me and fulfills me." Grayson strode across the room and took me in his arms. He pulled me into a close embrace. "You must understand. I cannot stand in the pulpit and preach against what I am, who I am. It's dishonest."

"I understand, Gray," I assured him and kissed his cheek. "I don't know about Papa or Mama. You'll have to tell her, too."

"I will try to make it clear to her when I introduce Thad," Grayson stated, bowing his head. "I expect to see her tomorrow morning. She's likely in bed by now, so I shan't disturb her."

My brother departed swiftly, leaving me in turmoil. I wondered how he would handle the situation with Papa. Then, my mind flew to Joel and Lottie. How would they react to Grayson's confession? Would they hold his chosen lifestyle against him?