"Mother, do I have to go?" Harriet asked for the hundredth time that morning. It had been two days since Harriet had heard of the Potter's house party. As they spoke, the servants were piling things into the carriage. She was watching from the window overlooking the drive.

"We've discussed this, Harriet," she gently scolded. "You and your brother were specially invited. You know they adore you."

"But Joseph hardly even knows me!"

Her mother raised her eyebrow. "We are old family friends, dearest. It doesn't matter. Besides, I saw the guest list. Miss Harvey will be there."

Harriet smiled. "Oh, yes. That is true. I promised Daniel that I would help him win her over." She turned to look at her mother. "He is head-over-heels in love with her."

Her mother smiled triumphantly. "I knew it! excellent work, my daughter. I must go discuss money matters with your father. Now," her tone turned serious. "I don't want to hear any more complaining during the next fifteen minutes. You can complain after that since you will already be in the carriage and I will not be able to hear you." She smiled to soften her words. "You will enjoy yourself. Just you wait."

Harriet grimaced. "Yes, Mother. I promise that I will try to behave, at least, around company. If it is just my brother and Joseph, I make no promise of any kind."

Her mother laughed. "Since I know I will not get more from you, I will have to be satisfied." They both turned at the sound of footsteps on the stairs. It was Daniel. "Try not to be too much of a bother to your brother. He has a lot on his mind."

Harriet nodded. "I know. I hope that I will be able to help him. I like Miss Harvey very much. She is an angelic creature." She gave a self-deprecating laugh. "Perhaps her goodness will rub off on me."

"Let us not hope for miracles," Daniel said with a smile as he reached the bottom of the stairs. He kissed his mother on the cheek. "Farewell, Mother. I will take good care of Harriet. I promise."

She patted his cheek. "Farewell, my son. I know you will. Take good care of yourself, too, and I will be content."

Ten minutes later, Harriet and Daniel were in the carriage.

"Well, little sister, are you excited to be permitted a journey without the watchful eye of our parents?"

She nodded. "A little. I just wish that it did not have to be a house party for him." She knew that Daniel knew the particulars of why she so disliked Joseph Potter and was grateful that she did not have to explain.

"I know that you so very much dislike him, but I am glad that you are coming with me. I really need your help to know whether or not Miss Harvey might return my affections." He sighed and glanced out the window. "I admit that I have been afraid. I have never been more afraid of anything else. If she says no…"

Harriet reached across the carriage and put her hand on his. "Everything will turn out alright. You will see. Now, tell me what I missed this year while I was away at school. Your letters were vague. I was most displeased." Her tone was teasing so that he would not take offense.

Daniel needed no more invitation. The remainder of the journey was taken up by his delightful adventures. The time passed quickly. Suddenly aware of the fading light, both looked out the window.

"My goodness," Harriet said. "Are we here already?" Her stomach twisted to knots of anxiety.

Daniel smiled and nodded. "It is not a long journey. I come here at least twice a month on horseback."

"I had no idea that they lived so near. I avoided coming to the last few parties we were invited to. I was rather against parties after what...happened." She grimaced as she remembered what had happened.

"Are you ever going to get over that, Harriet? We apologized."

She rolled her eyes. "Only because your mothers made you."

He grinned. "True enough."

Ten minutes later everything was unloaded and they were inside. Harriet's maid, Helga, and Daniel's valet, David, had left earlier in the day so that they would be there when the two siblings arrived. Harriet was grateful that she had Helga to look forward to talking to. Harriet imagined that she would be excessively bored during the course of their stay.

Harriet took a look around the main hall, distracted by its beauty. She had turned part way around when someone whispered in her ear. "Good to see you again, Harriet."

She jumped and whirled around. There stood Joseph Potter, a wicked and slightly amused grin on his face. Without much thought, Harriet slapped him. "Mr. Potter!"

The look on his face was priceless. After a moment, he rubbed his face where she had slapped him. "Remind me, Harriet, not to sneak up on you anymore. You did not used to be so quick to harm me before."

Her face reddened. "I am sorry, believe it or not. I did not intend to slap you. I was just startled." Then she grinned. "But the look on your face was priceless. Just as a warning, I will do it again in a heartbeat."