"Would not give her name but said you would see her."Quickening his step, Sinclair hastened toward the house. He knew not who his caller might be. There were so few ladies of his acquaintance who would call at Fly Hall unannounced, and he had to admit to a deal of curiosity.Entering the hall, he asked of his visitor's whereabouts from an attending footman and, upon being informed that madam was installed in the drawing room, crossed the hall with a hasty step and flung wide the door. Its occupant-a small, vivacious brunet dressed in widow's weeds-came quickly to her feet, issuing a cry of delight. "My dear Estelle!" he exclaimed with great surprise, smiling broadly and quickly crossing the room with hand outstretched.But she ignored that hand and instead cast herself upon his breast. "I despaired of ever seeing you again, Edward," she cried, smiling up at him. "It seems so long since you left the convent to return to England.""It does indeed seem an eternity since my return," he agreed, leading her to the chaise and seating her at his side.She took his hand in a warm clasp and examined his features, saying, "I must admit, you look prodigiously well.
