“Did you have a pleasant visit to your sister’s future in-laws?” he asked.
Anna smiled to herself. “Pleasant enough. But not without incident.”
“Nothing worrying, I hope?”
“That is yet to be seen.”
Warrick brought in the tea, served it, and left with neither Percy nor Anna saying any more for the moment.
“Mr. Percy, your message?” Anna asked.
He hesitated but briefly and said, “I felt it was important to tell you something that has been troubling me.”
“Oh?”
“Dear, Miss Anna, as you know, I have been earnestly courting you these past few months and I feel I must tell you it has been a deception.”
That startled Anna. “Really? And how is that?”
“The fact is, I have deep feelings of love for someone else.”
“I see,” she said with a smile, and felt a wave of relief wash over her.
“I know you have harbored feelings for me for some time, and my father— knowing that as well— urged me to court you—but in truth my heart belongs to another.”
“Maria,” she said matter of factly.
He nodded. “Indeed.”
“And what has brought about this sudden change in your plans?”
“I think it was the realization that my suit to you was a lie, and even though I might disappoint my family, I could not go against the raging of my own heart.”
“Hmm. Very noble of you, Mr. Percy.”
“I know I must be disappointing you, but I beg your forgiveness. Can you?”
Anna lowered her eyes and smiled. “Yes, Mr. Percy I can do that. In fact, I thank you for your honesty. I have more respect for you now than I ever have. And know that I release you from any claim on me and I wish you well with your suit to my good friend, Maria. For I know she too has feelings for you.”
Percy’s face lit up with joy. “Oh, Miss Anna, what a relief it is to hear you say that, for I have dreaded having to tell you this.” He stood up in his excitement. “Now, if you will forgive me again, I reallymustdash over and see Maria.”
“I completely understand. And please give her my love and tell her that we are back from our trip. I should very much like to see her and Harry.”
“It will be my pleasure to deliver your message. And thank you.”
* * *
Dorothy was out in her garden cutting back a lot of the spent flowers and bolting vegetables. Autumn would soon be upon them and it helped her to keep busy, as she struggled with her feelings for Christopher. She had a knife and a pair of sheers that let her get out her mixed feelings as she cut vigorously away at tough stems or scraggly vines. She was so engrossed in her work she did not hear steps on the gravel path.
“Dorothy, my dearest.”
She spun around to find Christopher behind her, with his hat in his hand.
“What are you doing here?” she said rather harshly.
“I could not go on another minute without coming to see you, Dorothy. I have been in perpetual agony ever since you left us. I could not let you go without seeing you and trying to make things right with you.”
Dorothy’s heart was racing. Her mouth was dry, and her throat felt constricted. “We had better go indoors. This is no place to discuss such matters.”
