“He has a younger brother, but I have no idea what he looks like. He may be ten-years-old for all I know.”
“I shall find out. Would that not be splendid if you and I married a pair of brothers? We would be sisters and sisters-in-law at the same time. I think that would be both delicious and hilarious.”
* * *
Harry and Christopher were out riding through the estate’s herd. Harry was showing off his prize animals to his friend. They came upon one of the newly-born calves that looked sickly. Harry pulled up his horse and dismounted.
“Looks like we have a problem here.” He went to inspect the wobbly calf and said, “I think the mother is refusing to nurse him. I’ll take him back to the barn and have him handfed there.”
Christopher dismounted, and after Harry remounted, he handed the calf to Harry which he slung in front of him over the neck of the horse.
They began to ride leisurely toward the barn.
“What can you tell me about Miss Anna Hoskins?” Christopher asked.
Harry felt a brief twinge of jealousy but said, “What do you want to know?”
“Do you know if she is sweet on anyone in particular?”
Harry was not about to admit his feelings for her as she had never expressed any interest in him—ever. They were close friends and had great regard for each other but no words of tenderness were ever exchanged.
“Not that I know of. I believe my sister might have mentioned a fondness for my friend Percy, but I do not believe it amounts to anything serious. Why do you ask?”
“I think she is a fine young lady, and she has promised to dance with me at your upcoming evening.”
“And her sister, what do you think of her?” Harry asked.
Christopher gave a sharp nod. “Very fine, as well. But she seems to be rather young. Is there much difference in their ages?”
“Only a few years, I believe.”
“Sheisvery pretty.”
“Many of the local gentlemen believe so and she is considered a great prize.” Harry could not help himself. He found he was trying to steer his friend’s interest away from Anna and onto her sister.
“It might be as you say, but there is a mysterious quality to Anna that intrigues me. She may not be quite as beautiful as her sister… but there is something…”
“There should be any number of fine ladies at the dance. You might find many that attract you.”
“We shall see,” Christopher said as they were nearing the barn.
“And are there no local beauties in Dorset?”
“A few, but I grew up near most of them and know them far too well. Believe me, they are nothing to write home about,” he said with a laugh.
“What will you do if you marry, Christopher? You live at the family home. Will you buy your own property to raise your family?”
“I am the heir, so I think not. It is too early for my sisters to marry and my brother is but fifteen. But the house is large and there is a wing I could use for my family. And besides, there is a lot of land and it is perfect for grazing our cattle.”
Harry could not help himself and he said before they reached the barn, “I really think you might want to give a second look at Miss Dorothy. She really is very charming and would make someone an excellent wife.”
Christopher turned to Harry and said, “Why, Harry, I do believe you have feelings for Miss Anna yourself.”
* * *
“And just where are you going all dressed up like that?” the Duke asked his son while he was tying his cravat in front of his bedroom mirror.
“There is to be a dance at Creassey Manor this evening, Father,” Percy replied.
