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“No, Your Grace.”

“Darn it.”

She only hoped that she wouldn’t ruin their efforts, feeling nervous as she observed just how hard everyone had worked to make the house look spotless. Everything was organized, the floors were gleaming, and the air smelled of fresh flowers.

Whoever these guests are, they must be quite special.

She managed to distract herself with a book, secreting herself in the library so that she could stay out of everyone’s way. Then, at some point early that afternoon, a carriage pulled up to the front entrance, and her heart skipped a beat. She hurried to the foyer, her footsteps echoing on the polished marble floor. As the carriage door opened, she gasped, her eyes widening in disbelief at the sight of the people disembarking.

It was her family!

Her father stepped out first, his familiar, broad smile lighting up his face. Behind him emerged her mother, Margaret, and Graham, who cradled their youngest sister Isobel in his arms.

Catherine’s eyes filled with tears, and she rushed forward, her voice choked with emotion.

“Father! Mother!” she cried, throwing herself into her father’s arms.

Fergus Lennox hugged his daughter tightly, his hand patting her back reassuringly. “There, there, lass,” he murmured, his voice thick with emotion. “We’re here.”

Catherine’s tears flowed freely as she embraced her mother next, giggling when she put her arms around her sisters and her brother. She had missed them so much, had missed the familiar warmth of their presence and the easy camaraderie that had always defined their family.

“But how?” she asked, wiping her eyes with the back of her hand. “How did you come here?”

“The Duke—yer husband invited us,” Margaret explained, her eyes twinkling. “About a month ago.”

Catherine’s breath caught in her throat.

A month ago… that was around the time she had mentioned how much she missed her family, how much she longed for their familiar faces and the mannerisms she had grown up surrounded by. Sampson had listened. He had not only remembered what she had said but also acted on it.

“Ah, you have arrived. Welcome to Rosehall Estate. I trust your journey went smoothly?” he spoke up from behind her, as though she had summoned him.

Fergus stepped forward and extended his hand. “Good afternoon, Yer Grace. Aye, we had a seamless journey, thank ye. And thank ye for havin’ us.”

“Please, think nothing of it. Anything I can do to make my wife happy and comfortable is important to me,” Sampson stated, bowing after Mary and Margeret curtsied to him.

Catherine turned to her husband, her eyes filled with gratitude as her heart tried not to burst at the kind gesture. “Thank you,” she whispered, her voice barely audible.

He offered her a small, enigmatic smile. “It seemed… appropriate. You are quite welcome,” he replied.

Mary stepped forward with a soft smile. “Thank ye, Yer Grace,” she said, her voice sincere. “For bringing my daughter happiness, and for bringing us here.”

Sampson shook his head, his expression softening slightly. “The pleasure is all mine, Lady Spranklin,” he replied earnestly.

“Och, please, Mrs. Lennox works perfectly fine.” Mary waved a hand in the air dismissively.

Sampson smiled and nodded. “All right then… Mrs. Lennox. Shall we all move indoors? I am sure the journey was tiring. Your quarters have been prepared, and my butler, Mr. Oswald, will show you there. While you are here, my staff will attend to your every need, and they will ensure that you are taken care of. Should anything arise, please do not hesitate to call my attention.”

Fergus nodded gratefully. “Ye are far too kind, Yer Grace. I fear we’re beginning to sound rather tiresome, but we truly are thankful to ye.”

“I am quite happy to have done this. A little gratitude—or a lot—goes a long way.” Sampson grinned cheekily as he ushered everyone into the house.

The afternoon was filled with laughter and conversation, the air thick with the warmth of family. Catherine’s heart swelled with joy as she watched her family interact with Sampson. They were all so comfortable with each other, so easygoing, so… familiar.

“Is it all right if I have a wee look around the estate? Everything here seems so interesting!” Graham requested, his eyes sparkling with excitement.

“By all means. If you’d like, I can instruct a servant to show you—all of you around,” Sampson offered with a smile.

“I spotted a stable when we arrived. Do ye—are there horses? Do ye ride them?”