Maria, very sensibly and very clearly, explained Percy’s problems with his father and with his future.
Harry listened thoughtfully and then stood and paced as he thought through the situation. Finally, he turned back to them.
“I am very sorry for your distress with your father, my friend. But I also congratulate you on your fortitude in facing him down. Your father is a brute, as witnessed by his foul attack on my cattle and his non-existent remorse when discovered.”
“Thank you, Harry. But that does not solve our problem. I must find a way to support Maria and myself. Maria thought you might have some suggestions for us.”
“Hmm. It is not easy, my friend, you have only a partial education, no work experience, virtually no land and no capital. What are your thoughts on how to solve this dilemma?”
Percy and Maria explained what they had discussed.
“Hmm. I have an idea for you, but first, I must talk to Anna.”
“Harry, we must still celebrate your good news. Would a bottle of champagne be inappropriate?” Maria asked as she stood and rang the bell for Daniels.
“How can I refuse?”
Percy went over to his friend and clapped him on the shoulder. “I am so happy this has worked out for you, old friend. And I cannot tell you what a relief it is to be free of Father’s domination. Whatever happens for me now, I feel I am a free man.”
* * *
“Oh, please stay out the week, darling Christopher,” Dorothy pleaded at breakfast the next morning.
“Perhaps.” He glanced at Anna. “Would it be an imposition if I stayed that long? After all, I am Dorothy’s slave and I must obey.”
Anna laughed. “I wonder how longthatwill last. Of course, you can stay as long as you like. After all, we are soon to be family.”
Christopher turned back to his fiancé and said, “But I must go back soon. Now that all of our business is out of the way I want to get to work on renovating our wing of the house. It is going to take some time.”
Dorothy pouted. “I know, but I am going to miss you so very much. It is going to be decades until I see you again.”
“It will be just a few months, my dear. Do not exaggerate.”
She suddenly brightened. “Maybe I can come to visit before the wedding. I would love to see what is being done on the wing.”
Anna tapped the table. “Dear Sister, we have a wedding to plan, unless you forgot. And I do not want to do this all by myself.”
Dorothy laughed. “No, there is more thanonewedding to plan for now.” And she got up and danced over to Anna and gave her hug. “I cannot believe we are getting married together. How wonderful is that!”
“It has not been decided just yet. Harry and I are to meet this morning to go over the details. We have not discussed anything about our wedding plans yet.”
“Oh, but you must. I want us to walk down the aisle together—our two delightful husbands waiting for us at the altar.”
“You are so fanciful, my dear. But we shall see. I will discuss it with Harry.”
Then Dorothy danced over to Christopher and squeezed him from behind and layered the top of his head with kisses.
* * *
Anna was in her study when Harry arrived. She was sorting through her drawings for the well house.
Harry burst into the room grinning, with an armful of the last of the summer roses from the estate garden.
“I have missed you already,” he said, as she opened her arms to welcome him.
“And I you. Is this really happening?” she asked, as she came around from behind her desk and embraced him—roses and all.
Harry stood back after the hug and just looked at her. “You are so very beautiful my dearest. And I am the happiest man imaginable.”
