You may reply to my messenger.
Your Devoted Admirer,
Nora Fitzwalker
Harry turned to Daniels and said, “Tell the messenger that two o’clock is acceptable. And I look forward to Miss Fitzwalker’s visit.”
“Yes, Your Lordship.”
* * *
Dorothy appeared to recover some of her health quite rapidly after her last regurgitation. Anna was able to get a little tea and toast down her and she was able to sit in a chair with no further trouble. Within half an hour Anna could see that some of Dorothy’s color had returned.
“You look much better,” she said.
“And I feel better,” Dorothy said weakly, but she smiled and went to her dressing table and looked in the mirror. “Oh, dear, I do look a fright. I certainly must have Mr. Christopher turned away if he should visit.”
“I will tell Warrick you are not receiving today. But I hope you do not mind, I very much need to see Harry. I worked all night on my drawings for the well house and I want him to see them.”
“Oh, yes. Please go. I am quite well enough now to be by myself. I definitely do feel better.”
Anna was eager to leave, and after grabbing a quick bite of late lunch she ordered a horse and trap and headed off toward Creassey Manor with her portfolio of drawings.
On her way, she saw a horseman approaching and before long she recognized it was Mr. Stewart. As he approached he reined in his horse and stopped.
“Good day, Miss Anna. I am just on my way to see your sister.”
“Oh, Mr. Christopher, I am sorry to say she has been ill and is not receiving visitors this afternoon.”
“Nothing serious, I hope?”
“Not at all, and she is already on the mend. But she is not at her best and I know she would want to be able to entertain you properly.”
“I should hate to intrude upon her recovery. However, I think I shall stop by, as I have a book I should like to give her. I shall leave it with your butler, if I may.”
“I am certain she would greatly appreciate that. But do not expect to be entertained this afternoon.”
“I quite understand and shall not impose myself upon her.”
“Then good day, Mr. Stewart.”
“Miss Anna.”
And they each continued on their separate ways.
As Anna approached the Manor house, she saw another trap was parked near the entrance. She pulled up and a groom came to take charge of the horse. Anna stepped down and went to the entrance where Daniels greeted her after she rang the bell.
“Ah, Miss Hoskins, we were not expecting you,” he said.
“No, I have come unannounced. Is His Lordship in? And do you think he might see me?”
“He is, but he is currently entertaining a guest. However, I shall announce you and see if he can see you or not.”
“Thank you, Daniels,” she said and waited with her portfolio in hand. She hoped his other guest would not take too long, as she was so anxious to show him the drawings.
She heard the sitting room door open and expected to see Daniels, but it was Harry who came out.
“Anna, what a surprise. Have we scheduled an appointment I might have forgotten about?” He sounded a little irritated, but not angry.
