John’s attention snapped to the present as Lady Beatrice arrived at his residence in her signature, elegant coach, the deep purple uniform of her liveried footmen that matched the colors of the coach shimmered, resplendent in the sun.

He noted that she was especially well-dressed this morning, and, as usual, spoke with her refined, but commanding manner to her footman as she gave him instructions about some letters she wanted delivered to her friends who lived nearby.

As her coach clattered up the street she gracefully swept up the steps to his home with a huge smile, taking the arm he offered with enthusiasm. ”Why brother, what brings you out to greet me here yourself?”

”Once you leave for Vienna, and I leave for New York, I figured I would not have many more chances to escort you up the steps of any establishment, dear sister,” he explained softly, and then, on impulse, gave her a quick peck on the cheek. “At least for the next few years.”

She paused at the landing of the steps, and rubbed his face fondly with a gloved hand. As she looked into his eyes, she noted the worry she’d seen there during a dinner party the night before continued to lurk behind them. ”John, what worries you so? You were distracted last night, and your eyes now trouble me deeply.”

He sighed as he led her in. ”It is a project I must complete before I leave, and I fear I will not have the time I need to do so.”

They entered his sitting room, and he led her to a high wing backed chair, before continuing, ”and yet it is of the utmost importance that I do. Much depends on the success of my efforts.”

With his sister he could let his guard down, he knew. He took the chair next to hers and buried his face in his hands as his manservant came in, bringing in a tray of biscuits and tea. Beatrice watched him quietly, and waved the manservant off after he’d laid the tray down on the low table in front of Beatrice and John. She signaled to him that she would serve them herself, and that he was to leave the room and make sure they wouldn’t be interrupted.