As Mother left, Maria lowered her eyes and softly asked Harry, “How is Percy?”
Harry laughed, “The same rascal as ever, but a charming one.”
Maria sighed, “Yes that he is. But it is my contention he just needs a good woman to tame him.”
“I am not certain he is quite ready to be tamed just yet.”
Maria put her hands together in her lap, affected a smile, and asked, “Now then, when is the Winchester Fair and will you take me with you this year?”
“It is in August, and I do not see why you should not come along.”
Chapter 2
Anna Hoskins had the kind of face that one looks at and thinks, “lovely girl,” and then immediately dismisses. Not because she is not beautiful, but because it is the kind of quiet beauty that is enhanced by a vibrant personality. With Anna, her fires were banked and smoldered deeply—not prone to flashes of flames. But when she was excited, her face radiated fire and light that was unmatched by anyone who was not her equal in intelligence, humor, and goodwill.
Dorothy, Anna’s younger sister, however, was considered the great beauty of the family with her blonde curls, round pixy face, and large expressive eyes. Anna was darker, taller, and her features were strong and almost masculine. But she was every inch a fine woman.
Anna and Dorothy were the daughters of Frederick Hoskins, the Viscount Repington—their mother was deceased. The Viscount was one of the current directors of the East India Company and was abroad in India at least six months out of the year, so the two sisters relied almost exclusively upon each other.
Anna was at her desk in the library where she often spent her time with her beloved books on architecture—both classical and modern. And, when she was not reading, she was drawing, drafting plans and elevations, or creating elaborate structural details in ink sketches.
Dorothy burst into the room wearing a yellow summer dress, carrying an armful of flowers “Just look,” she exclaimed, “Are they not lovely? I really do believe this has been the best summer of all for my flower garden. Where shall I put these? Would you like some for your room? Or in here? I have so very many.”
Anna laughed. “They are, indeed, lovely. But keep them for the dining room and perhaps the drawing room where we can see them together to brighten our evenings. Too bad Papa is not here to enjoy them with us.”
“Any letters from him today?” Dorothy asked.
“I am afraid not, dear. He writes so seldom. And India is so very far away. The mail is so slow Papa sometimes arrives home even before his letters do.”
“Well, I shall take your suggestion,” Dorothy said, “and have Warrick distribute these flowers between the dining and drawing rooms. They shall be so lovely and will brighten both rooms.”
She turned to leave but stopped and asked, “Have you seen Percy recently?”
Anna blushed, and said, “No, he has not stopped by in quite some time. I think he only stops by when he is riding this way and wants some tea.”
“Surely not. He comes to see you, is that not so?”
Anna shook her head. “I believe he has his heart set on our dear friend, Maria—although she denies it.”
“Nonsense, I feel certain it is you he delights in.”
“Nowthatis what is nonsense,” Anna insisted.
Dorothy dashed over to where Anna was working. “What are you doing?” she asked.
“I am copying out a Greek temple,” Anna replied.
“Why do you do these things? Whatever for? You are never going to build anything. It is quite useless. Women are not architects or builders. You should be studying the pianoforte or drawing. Something useful that will attract Percy more than your endless drawings of buildings, old temples, and floor plans.”
“My dear, I do not know how you can berate me with you, on your hands and knees, digging around in your garden? Who is that going to attract? You know Papa has high hopes for an advantageous marriage for you.”
Dorothy danced around the room, playing at throwing flowers at suitors. “Yes, he wants to take me to London for the season when he returns fromInja. Thinks it is so-o-o easy to find a suitable husband. He sees it like shopping. One store sells brides and another store sells grooms.”
Anna laughed. “Ah, that it were so easy. But I have to say, I am not in that great of a rush to be married. I like my freedom.”
Dorothy danced back to Anna and bent over her. “Unless Mr. Percy Garvey was to dance your way.”
Now Anna blushed, as that was what she secretly desired. “Oh, Dorothy, there is never an opportunity for us to dance. No one has given a ball or even an evening dance for ages. Has there even been one this year? I think not.”
