Douglas looked up hearing the familiar voice and recognizing the nickname with a grin.  He moved toward her and gave her a hug, also not caring about proper rules when it came to family.  "Lani!  It is sae good tae see yu. When did yu get in Whitby?  Why dinna yu telegraph me tae say yu were coming tae visit?"  He glanced around.  "Yu must come by the cottage and visit soon.  Per'aps a picnic oot as I paint.  We 'ave much tae catch up on, lass.  Sae much." 

He had written to Lani when his mother had died and let her know he was traveling once he got her inheritance settled.  He had not been able to stay home as he grieved her, and the traveling and shows in London and other cities over the last few years had been good for him.  He had sent Lani letters often, as he had taken up the letters his mother had sent regularly to the young cousin.  When he had decided to stay in Whitby, he had let her know but had not known she would come visit.