Victoria sighed. “I know. It’s something of a monstrosity, actually. Ten bedrooms, eight baths. And that’s just here in the main house. But with four young boys, believe me, it rarely feels too big. And it’s in such a lovely area, with excellent local schools. The boys - well, even though they drive me half-mad most of the time, the very thought of sending them off to boarding school is unbearable. I know that Hugh and his brothers all boarded once they reached a certain age, but we’ve chosen to keep our children at home with us. Just like my grandparents did with me.”

Tessa nodded in agreement. “I wouldn’t be able to bear the thought of being separated from my child, either. Not,” she added hastily, “that I have any idea what it feels like to be a mother, of course. But, well, someday perhaps.”

Victoria grinned. “Now we have to get used to the idea of Ian not just being head over heels in love, but being a Daddy, too. I think I’m going to need more wine before this evening’s over. It’s been - ah, quite a revelation so far.” Her voice grew quieter as she continued. “I’ve known Ian nearly as long as I’ve known Hugh, and I have never seen him this happy, Tessa. He’s so different, so, well, human. And I know it’s because of you, because he’s so crazy about you. We’re very, very happy for you, Tessa. And so pleased to welcome you into our family.”

Tessa couldn’t hide the pleasure she felt at Victoria’s words, and rather impulsively gave the other woman a little hug. “Thank you,” she whispered. “This has all been a little intimidating for me, you know. Not just meeting Ian’s family, but, well, getting used to this way of living. I don’t know if he’s told Hugh anything about my background, but it was an entirely different world than what all of you have known.”

Victoria returned the embrace, patting Tessa on the back comfortingly. “Hugh has told me a little,” she said gently. “Enough to know that you’ve had a very difficult life up until now. But that’s all changing, isn’t it? You have Ian now, and all of us, and one day you’ll have children of your own. Who knows,” she added with a little wink, “perhaps we’ll all be neighbors one day soon. This is a wonderful area to raise children in, and properties go up for sale quite often.”

Tessa regarded her quizzically as they walked inside one of the boys’ bedrooms. “I’m not sure I understand. Ian has never mentioned moving back to England.”

Victoria gave a little shrug. “Well, it’s never been formally discussed, of course, but there’s something of an unspoken understanding that one day Hugh and Ian will be running the company after their father and uncle fully retire. And Colin would likely take over Hugh’s current position so that all of the brothers would be back home again. But all of that isn’t likely to happen for some time yet, I’m sure. I know Joanna has been nagging Edward to fully retire for a few years now, but he’s terribly stubborn at times. And Richard is nowhere near ready for retirement. But it will definitely happen sometime. Come, let me show you Daniel’s room. It’s probably the tidiest of the four, which isn’t saying much, unfortunately.”

But it was difficult after that for Tessa to pay much attention to the rest of the house tour, replaying what Victoria had told her in a rather matter-of-fact manner several times over. Ian had never once brought up the subject of possibly returning to England one day, but the idea made perfect sense. It was only natural that he’d want to return to his home country one of these days, would want to be near his family and friends and the place he grew up. And it went without saying that she would follow him anywhere he went, would make a home with him wherever he wanted. It was just - well, intimidating to think of leaving the States and living permanently in Europe, where everything was new and different and unfamiliar. And, well, she loved the life she and Ian had made together in San Francisco, loved the house she was gradually beginning to think of as her own. The thought of leaving all that behind made her feel both uncertain and sad.

As she and Victoria returned to the dining room to join the others, Tessa firmly resolved not to think about the future right now. And she decided not to mention anything about the matter to Ian. He must have had his reasons for not bringing the subject up before, and would discuss it with her when the time was right.

They were just finishing up their dessert - a delicious apricot tart - when Hugh glanced at Ian and Tessa uncertainly.

“I’ve been a little hesitant to bring this up,” he began. “Especially after Mother told me you shot down her idea of throwing the two of you an engagement party. But, well, several of the old group have been pestering the hell out of me to get together while you’re in town. Just for a little dinner at the club is all. I told them I’d ask, but not to get their hopes up. What - what do you say, Ian?”

Ian scowled. “I’d say they’re a bunch of gossipy old sods who can’t mind their own damned business. When you say several, how many are we talking about exactly?”

Hugh brightened a bit, his expression hopeful. “No more than seven. Plus their wives, of course. And the three of us. Ten couples in all, most of the old gang - Jerry, Clive, Xander, Heath, Tommy, Roger, and possibly Garrett.”

Ian’s scowl only deepened at this news. “No. Twenty people isn’t just a little get-together, Hugh, it’s a bloody party. It’s too much for Tessa all at once. She -”

“She would love to meet your friends,” interrupted Tessa, placing a hand on Ian’s forearm to shush his protests. “Just tell us where and when, Hugh, and we’ll be there.”

Hugh was grinning broadly, Ian was staring at her in shock, and Tessa was smiling serenely at her declaration.

“Wonderful news,” beamed Hugh. “I’ll text Ian the exact time. He knows the place. And our friends will be thrilled to meet you, Tessa. You’ll definitely be the center of attention.”

“That’s what I’m afraid of,” muttered Ian darkly.

“Are you completely certain about this, Tessa? I can very easily call Hugh and tell him we’ve changed our minds. My brother can charm the very devil with that laidback attitude of his, but I won’t allow him to coerce you into something you’re not comfortable with.”

Tessa shook her head. “He’s not coercing me,” she insisted. “And I want to meet your friends, Ian. Besides,” she added gently, “you can’t keep sheltering me the way you do. I know you’ve got good intentions, but I need to start becoming more assertive, speaking up for myself more, and not be a shrinking violet all my life. I have to stop being afraid.”