Anna stood up and headed to the chamber door. “I shall return shortly.”
As she was leaving, she saw Warrick heading toward her.
“Yes, Warrick? Were you coming to see me?”
“Yes, Miss Anna. His Lordship is here to see you.”
“Harry?”
“The very same,” Warrick said with the faintest grin and a twinkle in his eye.
Anna’s heart leapt. She had not seen Harry since her return, and with her newly discovered feelings for him, she was thrilled and frightened at the thought of seeing him.
“He is in your study.”
“Thank you.”
Forgetting all about the marriage agreement, Anna rushed down the stairway to the library and threw open the door and stepped inside. Harry was examining one of Anna’s architectural design books.
“Harry, what a nice surprise,” she said, breathlessly and flushed from her run down the stairs.
“Anna,” he said, turning toward her and smiling.
“What brings you here?” she asked.
“I wanted to welcome you back home, find out how your trip was, and perhaps talk about the well house.”
“Oh…” She was a little disappointed he was not suggesting something more.
He seemed to catch the disappointment in her voice and added, “And perhaps to give you a welcome home hug.”
That made her smile. “I should like that.” She went over to him and they embraced.
Feeling his arms around her both comforted and excited Anna. She lifted her face to him and they looked deeply into each other’s eyes. He leaned his head ever so slightly toward her. She responded and for one brief moment she felt they were about to kiss. But Harry pulled away and stood back.
“I am sorry,” he said, “I, ah… Sorry.” And he turned from her.
“Why, Harry? There is no need to be sorry. What for?”
“I ah…” He shook his head. “I felt I was about to overstep.”
This was the moment. Anna knew she must act now. She went to him and took both of his hands and said, “Harry. Harry. What would you say if I told you I knew exactly what you were thinking and what you felt? And what if I told you I felt the same way?”
He looked at her with his mouth slightly agape. “Anna… what are you saying?”
“Harry, I no longer have feelings for Percy. I was foolish and blind, and it was Dorothy who finally made me realize that he was not the man for me.Youare.”
“Anna…” he stammered as he approached her. “You…
“Yes, Harry, it is you I care for,” she said softly, almost to herself.
“Oh, dearest Anna, I cannot believe my own ears. Is it possible? I have loved you forever, never believing you could love me.”
“But Harry, I do.”
“No,” he said, and turned away. “This is too much to believe. Why are you teasing me?”
She went over to him and laid her cheek against his back and placed her hands on the sides of his arms. “My dear Harry, believe me. It is true. I love you.”
