“Oh, that will not be necessary. I think if I put my foot up for a short while, it shall improve greatly.”
“Very well. But I insist I accompany you back to your grandparents’ house after tea. I do not want you traveling alone. In fact, I will take you myself in my carriage. Your horse can follow behind.”
She looked at him with the softest eyes, “Oh, Your Lordship, you are so very kind.”
* * *
During that same afternoon, Christopher arrived at Repington Hall with his book for Miss Dorothy. He dismounted and went to the great front door and rang the bell which was shortly answered by Warrick.
“Good afternoon,” Christopher greeted.
“Good day, Mr. Stewart.”
“I know Miss Dorothy is indisposed but I wanted to drop this book off for her. We were discussing literature the other afternoon on my last visit and I thought she might enjoy reading this.”
“Miss Dorothy gave me instruction that if you should visit, I am to show you to the drawing room and she would be most honored if you would stay for tea.”
“But Miss Anna told me she is ill.”
“She has quite recovered. At least enough to welcome you.”
“How splendid. I am chuffed she is already recovered,” Christopher said stepping into the hall and being led by Warrick to the sitting room.
Christopher was admiring the view from one of the tall windows when Dorothy came in. He turned to her and was surprised to see that she looked perfectly beautiful. There was no sign of her illness.
“Miss Dorothy, I am greatly surprised and pleased to see you looking so well, as I saw your sister on my way over here and she informed me that you were under the weather.”
“I was, but am fully recovered, as you can see,” she said, twirling with her arms held out wide
Dorothy was wearing a cornflower blue dress with white trim which fitted her perfectly and set off her blonde curls.
“Yes, I certainlycansee,” Christopher said with a wink.
“I did not expect to see you and I am delighted. Look, I brought a book I think you might enjoy. After our conversation the other afternoon, I thought you should have this. I went into Marlborough and found it at one of the local bookstores.”
“Oh, Mr. Christopher, you should not have gone to all that trouble.”
“But it was my great pleasure, Miss Dorothy.”
“Please have a seat. I have ordered tea and it should be here shortly.” Dorothy directed him to a comfortable chair across from her at a low tea table.
After being seated, and while they waited for the tea, Christopher handed Dorothy the book.
“Oh, splendid,” she said examining the title and a few of the first pages. “I do look forward to reading this.” She set the book on the arm of the chair. “I wish I was equally inspired with a book for you. But alas, I am not as knowledgeable about the latest books as you seem to be.”
“It is only by happenstance that I thought of this book for you. I am not able to read as often as I might like. I am kept busy with the estate, even as Harry is with his.”
“And when are you to return home?” she asked sadly.
“In three days and it saddens me greatly, as I shall then be separated from you.”
“Oh, Mr. Christopher, you are far too kind. I can hardly think my small influence can have any effect on you.”
Christopher scowled, “Please, Miss Dorothy, do not demean yourself. You have no idea how much you have come to mean to me, even in this short amount of time.”
She gave him her brightest smile. “Really? I have? Certainly, you are teasing me.”
“Not at all. I care for you more than you can imagine,” he said, and moved forward in his chair for greater emphasis.
