“I am delighted to hear that,” Chilton replied.
* * *
Anna was enthralled with her work on the well house. She worked late into the night. She had dismissed Warrick much earlier and worked quite alone with just a few candelabras. She could not wait to show Harry what she had accomplished, even though she had not seen the location of the well or consulted with him on what he wanted. She had become so caught up in her own enthusiasm that she had completely dismissed those necessary little details.
So, it was not surprising that she woke up with a start, slumped over her desk in the early morning light—the candles extinguished and her papers all askew.
She gathered her papers together and studied what she had accomplished last evening. It was as though she had been in a trance while working, and she only now appreciated what she had done as she studied the drawings. She was very pleased. She could not wait to dress, breakfast, and run over to Harry to show him her work.
But Anna was not to get away all that quickly, as Dorothy was not at all well. She had been throwing up all night and looked pale and pasty Anna went to see her when she did not show up for breakfast.
“Oh, my dear, what is causing this?” Anna asked, while she went to feel Dorothy’s forehead to see if she might have a fever.
“I have no idea. But I do not believe it is serious. Most likely something I ate last night. I am afraid I went to raid the pantry before bed and I sampled some cheese that had been left out. It may have been rancid.”
“Shall I send for the doctor?”
“Not yet. After all my retching, I think I should wait a bit and see if I am better in a little while.”
Anna poured some water from a pitcher into a basin, wetted a towel, folded it, and applied it to Dorothy’s forehead.
“Does that help?” she asked.
“Very much so. Thank you.”
Anna sat on the bed next to her sister and held her hand.
Dorothy lamented, “I was hoping to see Christopher again this morning. But I am not sure I shall be able to.”
“He can always return later if you are still unwell.”
Dorothy hesitated but asked, “You do not mind that he called on me yesterday instead of you?”
“Not at all. He is very charming but seems a bit young for me. Not in age so much, but in his outlook. I think he is a much better match for you.”
“Oh, so I am less mature than you and deserve a witless man?”
Anna laughed. “I never said that. You put words into my mouth. I simply meant I think his temperament is more matched to you than to me.”
Dorothy suddenly looked wretched again and said, “I think I am going to be sick again.” She flung herself out of bed and dashed to the basin.
Anna could see she was not going to be able to show Harry her drawings anytime soon.
* * *
Christopher was planning to visit Dorothy that afternoon and Harry was attending to some business in his study when Daniels came in.
“Your Lordship, a hand-delivered letter, requiring a reply,” he said handing the letter to Harry.
It was from Miss Fitzwalker.
Your Lordship,
I want to start by saying what a splendid evening I had at your charming dance. I so enjoyed meeting you and your dear sister.
I hope I am not imposing myself by accepting your most generous offer to see your cattle and perhaps try my hand at fly fishing—if the weather holds.
I was thinking I might come by this afternoon, if that is convenient—say two o’clock? Please do not hesitate to let me know if this is not a good time, and feel free to propose an alternative.
