“No, no… but I have been working on the drawings for the well and I was so anxious to show them to you I am afraid I abandoned all protocol and just came over, hoping you would be able to take a look at what I have put together for you.”
Anna found she was uncommonly nervous and also surprised at how much she enjoyed seeing Harry. He looked a little flushed and quite handsome. She could not help feeling the butterflies in her stomach and wondered why.
“Oh, Anna, I am so sorry, I do not have time just now, I have a guest and we are about to go out to visit the cattle.”
“I do not mind waiting. But I so much want to get your first reactions to my drawings. I think you will really like them.”
Harry seemed to be conflicted and he rubbed his chin. “You had better come in,” he said and led the way back to the drawing room.
Anna was surprised at Harry’s guest.
Harry said, “You remember, Miss Nora Fitzwalker from the dance the other night, do you not?”
“Of course… Miss Fitzwalker.”
Nora stood and smiled. “Yes, good day Miss Anna. Are you passing by?”
“Well, not exactly,” Anna said. “I had hoped to show Harry some of my drawings.”
“Ah, what a pity, as we are just about to go out to see the cattle. Then we are going fishing, are we not?” she asked, turning to Harry.
Harry seemed to be genuinely conflicted now. He stammered, “Well, yes… But I should like to see your drawings, Anna. However, I fear we must put those off for the time being. You see, I did promise…”
Anna felt a tightening in her stomach now. Her cheeks felt warm, perhaps she was also blushing. She recognized that she was feeling jealous of Miss Nora—but why? “No, no. Please do not let me interrupt. I can certainly come back another time.”
Nora went over to Harry and linked her arm through his. “I am so sorry you made this trip for nothing. But we were just leaving and Ididmake an appointment. So sorry.”
But to Anna, Nora did not seem to be at all sorry.
“Then if you will excuse me, I shall leave the two of you alone.” She started to leave but turned to Harry and asked, “And when mightIbe able to make an appointment to see you?”
Harry seemed greatly embarrassed. “Anna… I am sorry. Please, I shall be available any time tomorrow morning.”
“Then perhaps I might leave these for you to examine at your leisure?” She laughed. “Then you will not have me looking over your shoulder and panting with anticipation for your reply.”
Harry was amused and smiled. “I shall be happy to do that. And, as I said, come by tomorrow morning if you like and we can ride out and I can show you the well site.”
“That would be splendid.” Anna placed the portfolio on a table. “Good day Miss Nora… Harry.” And she left.
Chapter 13
As Anna was leaving, Harry stood for a moment looking after her. He felt such a rush of affection for her, and yes, desire. He realized the lovely Miss Nora was standing near him but all he could think about was Anna. However, he knew it was useless to think of Anna as a possible bride because he truly believed she was in love with Percy—his good friend Percy—and he would never betray his friend. So, once again, he needed to squelch his feelings for his dear friend, Anna, and he turned to Miss Nora.
“I am happy to see you are wearing sensible clothing, for we are to ride out now to see the cattle, and then, if the weather holds, you can try your hand at fly fishing.”
Miss Nora was oddly dressed in breeches. She waved her riding crop in the air and replied, “Yes, I thought we might be having a rough and tumble day, so I came prepared. I hope you do not mind, but I do not ride sidesaddle. I know it is considered unladylike, but I spent a great deal of my time in the country with my grandparents when I was growing up, and they have a lot of good land for riding. My brothers and I often rode for pleasure and I picked up their way of riding. I hope you do not find that shocking.”
“We are country folk here and are not as strict as the London city folk are about such matters. Please, think nothing of it.”
Nora took Harry by the arm and said, “Then shall we proceed?”
“One moment,” Harry said. He disengaged his arm from Nora and went over to Anna’s portfolio. “I just want to take a quick look.” He opened the portfolio and quickly scanned several of her drawings.
“Hmm. Most interesting,” he said to himself.
“Might you do that later?” she asked impatiently.
He looked up. “Oh. So very sorry. It is just… Never mind.” He extended his arm and offered her to leave first through the sitting room door. “After you.”
