She didn't care about meeting Tobias' stupid brother. She wanted to stay in her room in the comforting presence of her sister. But Tobias had threatened to send Anne home, and Anne had begged her to comply. It was for her sister's sake only that she now came down the stairs, dressed in a blue skirt and bodice that seemed a little too loose on her.

She looked pale and moved slowly. Her hair was pinned up in a simple bun. Her mouth was slightly pursed. As soon as they had reached the bottom of the stairs, Anne rushed to walk by her side, holding her arm.

Alice looked from one brother to the other as introductions were made. Then she dropped her sour expression to smile at Nate and extend her hand. "Pleasure to meet you, Nathan," she said. She looked at Tobias and tilted her head. "I thought you said you were the younger."