This was... not at all how he'd have wanted Paige to be greeted. Still in the doorway, straining with a basket of berries while Nowell... well, was Nowell. It was the younger boy's enthusiasm that alerted Thornton, who was still on the other side of the house, that there was someone at the door.

Merlin. Thornton resisted the urge to curse under his breath that his mother's insistence had meant that he was not there to be the first greeter. He hoped that his gentle friend was not overwhelmed. He trusted Addie. Nowell.... maybe not so much.

Hurrying over, eyes a little wide, he smiled, before reaching out to take the berries and hand them to.. well, whichever cousin took them first. He wasn't picky. Though, it should probably be Nowell since Adelaide should probably be present to show Paige to their room. And so Thornton leaned that way just a little. "Get these to Mipsey. She can put some out later with cream."

The berries taken care of, his full attention was on Paige. With a big grin, he finally addressed her. "You're here." Obviously. "Come in come in."