Early winter had crept in before anyone noticed.

Things between Scarlett and Orric had been going well — smoothly, even. His parents had taken a clear liking to her, and lately their hints about marriage had been anything but subtle.

That Saturday, Orric's parents invited Scarlett over again. They'd originally meant to include Molly, but Molly had gone back to Hale Manor.

The Harlow home was a small villa, cozy and warmly decorated. They were an ...