At that moment, the tea was brought in and the ardent fervor, which was developing, subsided as the tea was served by the meticulous Warrick.
When he had finally left, Christopher asked, “Miss Dorothy, do I have any hope that you might be developing feelings for me in the same way I am developing feelings for you?”
She paused and looked at him with a gentle smile. “You have every right to hope, Mr. Christopher.”
“Might you call me Christopher and I call you Dorothy? Would that be too forward?”
“Not at all, Christopher.” She lowered her eyes and pouted. “But you will be leaving soon, and then what? When shall we ever see each other again? And especially as we live so far apart?”
“Might you consider visiting me and my family? You would be ever so welcome, and I could show you Dorset, and our estate. You could meet my mother and father and I could take you to a lovely seaside spot I know where there is a splendid beach for walking. Do you think you might enjoy that?”
“Oh, very much. But there are considerations?”
“And what might they be?”
“I cannot travel alone, and I do not know who could accompany me except for my dear sister. And I have no idea if she would be at liberty to travel.”
“Then we shall correspond and dream, and one day it will come to pass.”
“That would be lovely. I shall cherish every letter you send, and I shall reply immediately.”
“As will I.”
* * *
Harry chuckled to himself as he rode home after delivering Miss Fitzwalker to her grandparent’s house after tea and a great deal of his personal attention. He had to wonder if Miss Nora had really sprained her ankle or whether it was a ruse to garner sympathy and attention from him. Not that he minded all that much. Her obvious interest in him was flattering, but he recoiled against her attempts at manipulation. He could not help but notice the several times she walked quite normally when she forgot she was supposed to be limping.
He had not forgotten about the need to inspect his cattle, but when he returned back at the manor the first thing he wanted to do was look at Anna’s drawings and plans.
He went to the sitting room, retrieved the portfolio, and went to his study to examine what she had brought him.
He had to admit they were quite beautiful, but he was not commissioning a palace—just a well house. Her flights of fancy were marvelous but not at all practical for his modest needs. He would need to rein in her fanciful ideas. However, he did like several of the detailed designs and thought there might be ways to incorporate them into a more modest well housing.
Not long after he had finished reviewing the drawings, Christopher returned and sought Harry out in his study.
“Did you have a delightful afternoon with Miss Dorothy?” Harry asked with a wink, as he put Anna’s drawings back in the portfolio.
“Please, do not be coy about my darling Dorothy,” Christopher said a little defensively.
“Darling Dorothy is it now? Have things developed so far so quickly?”
“Oh, Harry, I believe I am quite in love,” Christopher said and raised his hands to the heavens like a supplicant.
“But you will be leaving soon and will have a time to cool down. I think it wise to give your infatuation more thought and more time.”
“You are heartless, Harry Buxton. A blaggard and an evil, evil man.”
Harry laughed. “Yes, I suppose that is quite true. However, caution is the greater part of valor, is it not? You can always return and see her again after you have cooled your heels for a time.”
“We are to write to each other. And I know that what I feel for her is true and lasting.”
“Then I am very pleased, old friend.”
Christopher stopped and studied his friend, before asking, “And what about her sister? It seemed to me that when I have seen you look at her, there is the very slightest hint of admiration. Now, she seems like the perfect lady for you—you old bachelor.”
Harry rarely blushed but he did now. “You have called me out. I do have feelings for her. No, more than feelings… love. I cannot tell you how much I care for her, but she cares for another, and it is a dear friend. I would not for the whole world do anything to jeopardize either my friendship with my friend, nor my deep regard for Anna by declaring my love to her.”
“Then you are a fool, Harry Buxton.”
