Thirty-NineNathan drew his arm protectively around her lower back as they approached the drawing room where John, Huldah Wilmington and Isabella stood in a tight cluster. Isabella’s face was flushed and she was examining her fingernails with an uncertain, slightly dishevelled air. And her hair! Her beautiful long blonde mane was now a boyish short cut that framed her elfin face and made her blue eyes appear even bigger and bluer than before.
Graysie felt a sudden clench in her stomach. Was this girl really her sister — or, rather, half-sister? She didn’t know whether to feel exhilarated or cautious. What if it was all a big mistake? She silently signaled to Nathan with her eyes: Is it going to be all right? He drew her briefly closer in a comforting gesture, before stepping aside to make
