“I do. And my answer is that I have about three thousand left me by my maternal grandmother. I realize it is not a great deal, but that is the reality. And then I have my own issue I must consider.”
“Yes?”
“I am responsible for helping run our estate. I share every bit as much in the work as Harry does. If I were to marry, that would put a great strain on the household and someone would need to replace me.”
“But certainly, a housekeeper could be employed, would that not be so?”
“Perhaps. But it would somewhat depend on how well the cattle business was going. It is growing, and the future looks good for the estate, but at present, I am not certain Harry could afford to lose me.”
“I see.” Percy became quiet and turned and stared out across the lake.
“Percy?” Maria asked after a moment. “What are you thinking?”
He turned to her. He could not say it, but he realized hewouldneed to go to London in search of a bride. Maria’s three thousand would not be enough to save the family estate. And he also realized that he would miss having Maria as his wife, for he really did care for her.
He turned back to her and said, “I am thinking that you might need a little more time before we consider marrying, as I can see your responsibilities do not allow you the freedom to consider a proposal from me at this time.”
Maria looked disappointed but asked, “You are considering a marriage between us?”
“My darling, it is my dearest desire.”
“Then we must be patient until the time is just right,” she said with a sad smile.
Chapter 12
When not traveling, Aunt Agatha never rose before eleven in the morning—unless there was a dire necessity. She would take tea and toast in her rooms, bathe, and then appear at lunch refreshed and ready for her next adventure of the day.
It had been some time since Agatha had visited her sister, and as they had had little conversation the day Agatha arrived because of the dance, she wanted to spend some sister time with Leah.
“We must, must, must spendallafternoon together,” Agatha said to Leah, as she unfolded her napkin and placed it in her lap at the start of lunch.
“But notallafternoon, Agatha, I must have my nap at three. It is very difficult for me to get through a day without resting several times. There is so much pain, you see,” Leah said in her very subdued voice.
“Then whatever time you will grant me I shall gladly accept.”
Harry was at the head of the table in the small dining room. It was a more intimate room than the vast formal dining hall where the dinner was held last evening, and it was where breakfast and lunch were usually served.
“Aunt, it was certainly a surprise to see you yesterday. I am sorry we were not able to visit with you last evening, but I look forward to giving you our full attention this evening. We should so like to hear about your travels in Africa.”
“And so you shall.” She turned to Chilton who was sitting next to her. “Many thrilling adventures, was it not, dearest?”
“When we were not in mortal danger,” he said with a wry look.
“Oh, well that. But was that not all part of the fun?”
“For you, perhaps. However, I ended up with three ruined suits, a lost walking stick, and a nasty cut on my brow over the course of our several thrillingadventures.”
“Do you know how long you will be staying with us?” Maria asked.
Aunt Agatha looked askance at her. “And are we in the way?” she asked with the slightest touch of venom.
“Not at all, dear Aunt. It is just I want to be assured you are pleasantly settled.” She glanced at Chilton. “Both of you. And I was just wondering where your next adventure might be leading you. You seem to lead such an active and colorful life.”
Agatha gazed up as though consulting with the heavens and answered, “Perhaps a sojourn at my London house for a time,” and she looked to Chilton and continued, “And then I have been thinking a stay in Singapore might be diverting for a month or two. Of course, it would need to be in the high season when it is not too rainy. And then there is always Japan. I have often longed to see the charming shrines and gardens of Kyoto.”
“But no more river trips in canoes or rope suspension bridges or rhinoceros hunts—if you please,” Chilton pleaded.
“Oh, no. I am quite content for a slice of civilization this time. I think we have had quite enough ofthatsort of adventure.”
