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The Countess spoke of her family with such warmth and tenderness, her affection for them evident in every story she shared.

She then turned her attention to Agnes, inquiring about her own family. Agnes happily told her about Philip, Harry, and George, her tone filled with fondness as she recounted little anecdotes about each.

“Oh, I should love to meet this little George,” the Countess laughed, clearly amused by the stories.

“I doubt you’d say that again when you actually meet him,” Agnes chuckled, sharing a knowing glance with her husband, who joined in with a soft chuckle.

“You two make meeting the dear child sound quite ominous,” Lady Leighton joined in the laughter.

“Suffice to say, George is a special child,” Theodore responded with a slight smile, his voice carrying a mixture of affection and resignation that often accompanied tales of particularly spirited children. Before Lady Leighton could delve further into his personal life, his good humor briefly faltered.

And when he replied to her gentle probing about his own family, he merely mentioned, “I have two sisters,” and left it at that. His tone was non-committal, his words sparse, closing off further inquiry in that direction. The Countess, perceptive as she was, must have noticed his reluctance because she tactfully did not push her curiosity further, for which Theodore was silently grateful.

Tea proceeded pleasantly, with the conversation flowing around less personal topics such as the ongoing local events, the upcoming seasons, and the various improvements Lady Leighton had made around her estate.

Later that evening, after returning home, Agnes decided it was time Theodore’s sisters joined them for a visit. It struck her that family, especially now, could be a soothing balm for Theodore, who seemed increasingly caught between his duties and his personal burdens. With this thought, she sat at her escritoire and picked up the quill.

My dearest Harriet and Leslie,

I hope this letter finds you both in the best of health and high spirits. I am enchanted with Gillingham Manor, and as such, I wish to invite you to join us.

Theodore and I have been immersed in the many duties and pleasures of the village. We attended the summer festival yesterday, and I hadn’t danced so vigorously in a very long time. However, no amount of delightful endeavor can diminish the fondness for family, and I am certain Theodore wouldlove to have you here. He speaks of you often and with great affection.

I look forward to spending time with my new sisters and knowing you better.

With love,

Agnes

P.S. I have included a small sketch of the manor for you!

Agnes hurried down to the front hall as soon as she spied a carriage—from her bedchamber window—rolling down the road toward the manor. It was identical to the carriage they had here, which told Agnes that Harriet and Leslie were indeed arriving.

“Oh, I thought you would never summon us,” Harriet exclaimed as she squeezed Agnes in a warm hug, her voice bubbling with enthusiasm.

“We got tired of waiting,” Leslie chimed in, her tone playful. “Harriet even contemplated sending Theodore a letter to ask if it was all right to join you,” she added, a mischievous glint in her eye.

“Leslie, I... Did... Not...” Harriet eyed her little sister admonishingly, then turned to smile sheepishly at Agnes. The playful banter between the sisters brought a lively energy into the room.

Theodore joined them from his study. His face lit up with genuine delight as he embraced both Harriet and Leslie warmly.

"It's been an age, Theodore! It seems you've been so in love that you've quite forgotten about us," Harriet teased.

Theodore chuckled, a hint of sheepishness crossing his features. "Perhaps I am guilty as charged," he said, his glance sliding towards Agnes. They had to keep up pretenses in front of his sisters, too.

Agnes caught his look, and her cheeks warmed with a flush that she could not help, wishing his words were true. Feeling the weight of his gaze, she shyly looked away, her heart fluttering.

Leslie laughed, noticing the exchange. "Oh, look at you two! I've never seen Theodore so utterly besotted," she added, nudging her brother playfully.

Theodore, now slightly embarrassed but still smiling, replied, "Well, I have excellent reasons to be.” This only deepened her blush, much to the amusement of everyone in the room.

Dinner that night turned into a delightful affair as Harriet and Leslie regaled everyone with updates on the happenings in Town since they had left.

“People are still talking about you,” Harriet revealed, a hint of pride in her voice.

“The love story of the season is what some call it even,” she added, causing Agnes to blush at the mention.

“Oh, and that sketch of the manor you attached to the letter—it was utterly charming,” Harriet complimented, her eyes sparkling with sincerity. “You captured the essence beautifully, Agnes.”