A wide smile broke on Ruelle's face the moment she caught sight of her sister, as several weeks had passed since she had last seen her. Within a few seconds, the Belmont sisters closed the distance between them with a warm hug.
While joy warmed Ruelle's chest, Caroline's smile wavered when her gaze drifted past Ruelle's shoulder and caught sight of three men standing not far behind her sister.
"How have you been, Caroline?" Ruelle asked when they pulled away, her voice bright with unbridled happiness. "I am so glad to see you."
"I have been well," Caroline replied, before her smile reappeared and she turned to look back. "Ezekiel. See? Coming into town was a good idea after all."
Ruelle offered a polite bow to Mr. Henley.
Ezekiel, who was momentarily caught off guard, had surprise flicker across his features before he mirrored the gesture. The smile he offered was strained which he tried to hide.
