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refrained.
    Johnson started down the hallway, but uncertainty drew Anna to the long mirror on her wardrobe door for a quick inspection. She touched the high collar of her black bombazine gown and checked the tidiness of her hair, which was pulled into a soft bun a little less severe than Mrs. Dobbins’s. Mamá ’s silver and sapphire pin was her only adornment, but at the last moment she removed it and stored it in the drawer of her dressing table, lest it be considered improper for mourning.
    She hurried out of her room, but the butler had vanished. Walking in the direction he had gone, she hoped memory served correctly and she would find the front stairway around the corner. Her weariness two nights ago had prevented her from making sufficient mental notes about her surroundings, which would be humorous under other circumstances. But she certainly did not wish to get lost in this great house.
    She turned the corner and entered a broad space that indeed led to the stairs. Relieved, she strode across the patterned runner, hoping to see the butler descending the staircase.
    “Miss Newfield.”
    The call came from her left. She turned to see Major Grenville walking slowly toward her, cane in hand and Matthews at his side. The major’s color had greatly improved, as had his posture. His uniform of a red jacket and white breeches appeared spotless. Morning light shone through tall windows across from the landing and glinted off his black boots, which were polished to a brilliant sheen. As he came near, she was reminded of his height, and her awe increased. What a fine-looking soldier. With some difficulty, she tamped down the giddiness stirring within her as he approached.
    “Major Grenville, how well you look.”
    “As do you.” His smile gladdened her heart. “What do you think of the Lodge? Has anyone taken you out to see the gardens and the park yet?”
    “I, um…” As they walked side by side to the wide staircase and began their descent, Anna searched for a response that would not cast aspersions on his mother. “Lady Greystone has just now sent for me and—”
    “So it’s true?” He stopped suddenly and seemed about to pitch forward.
    “Easy, sir.” Matthews was beside him, ready to assist.
    Anna stopped, too, and heat rushed to her cheeks. But what else could she have said?
    The major leaned toward her, frowning. “I heard you haven’t been summoned from your room since we arrived.” Standing two steps above her, he seemed even more formidable. “That’s outrageous.”
    Under his scrutiny, Anna drew in a bracing breath and somehow managed a light laugh. “I am certain Lady Greystone understood my need to recover from the journey. You cannot imagine how I appreciated the opportunity to rest.”
    He relaxed a bit and his frown slowly faded, replaced by a sad smile. “You would say that, wouldn’t you?” He resumed his descent and she fell in beside him. “In fact, I’ve slept these two days myself.”
    “Ah. Then you do feel better?”
    By the time they reached the ground floor, their conversation had shifted to the safe topic of weather and hopes of spending time outside in the sunshine before winter closed in.
    “Perhaps you can begin your riding lessons.” The major’s firm, well-formed lips quirked up on one side, and one eyebrow lifted. He was teasing her, just as Peter used to do, and her heart skipped.
    In response, she shuddered comically. “And perhaps not.”
    His laughter echoed throughout the hall just as they reached a door a footman held open for them. Anna surmised it was the breakfast room, for the aromas of coffee, sausages, eggs and freshly baked bread greeted her senses in the most pleasant way. Her stomach registered its request for satisfaction, and she hoped no one could hear. As she, the major and Matthews entered, the inhabitants seated at the dining table turned as one. Two gentlemen stood and offered enthusiastic greetings to the major.
    “Here comes the hero.”