At that moment there was a knock at the door and Warrick entered.
“His Lordship, the Earl of Creassey is here to see you.”
Anna was relieved. “Oh, thank you. Tell him we shall be right down.” She turned to her sister. “Youarecoming with me, yes?”
Dorothy turned back to her mirror. “No. I look a fright.”
“But what if Christopher is with him?”
“Let me just compose myself and I will be right down.”
Chapter 16
Harry was in the drawing room, pacing, when Anna entered. As soon as he saw her he rushed over and took her hands.
“Dearest friend, please, tell me what has happened. Christopher did not know. Is it Dorothy? Is she ill?”
Anna shook her head, but it was clear she was tearing up.
“No. It is Father. He has perished at sea on his way home from India. We are orphans now, Harry.”
Harry was stunned but recovered and threw his arms around her in an embrace. He was stunned, but he felt a great outpouring of sadness and affection for Anna. He wanted to hold and protect her. But she was not a child and he pulled back to see how he might help.
“Dearest, dearest friend how did you find out?” he asked.
Anna explained Lord Hargrove’s visit and the extent of his news—including the inheritance. Just as she was finishing her story, Dorothy came into the drawing room wearing a black shawl over a grey dress.
“This was the best I could do for now,” she said, referring to her clothes.”
“That is fine, my dear. I have not had an opportunity to change yet.”
“Did Christopher come back with you?” Dorothy asked Harry.
“No, Dorothy, I asked him to stay with the vet.”
“Vet?” Anna asked. “Do you have sick animals?”
Harry told her about the hoof and mouth scare.
“Is he coming later?” Dorothy continued.
“I have no idea. Do you want him too?”
“Most certainly. We have a lot to discuss now that my circumstances have changed. And he is leaving so soon, and I want to spend every moment I can with him.”
“Then the two of you are serious about each other?”
“Yes, Harry, we are,” Dorothy said with a shy smile.
“Then I shall tell him you wish to see him this afternoon.”
“Thank you. Now, you must excuse me. Anna, I shall be in my rooms if you need to go over any more details with me.” She turned and left.
Harry turned back to Anna. “Come sit with me. Let me know how I can help you. I do not want you to be without all the support I can give you at this difficult time.”
But as he took her hand to lead her to the sofa, he was filled with a strong urge. He turned Anna toward him, grabbed her by the shoulders and pulled her toward him. He reached up, took her face in his hands, leaned toward her and kissed her passionately. He realized what he had done and pulled away, aghast at his audacity.
“Oh, Anna,” he said. “I am so very sorry. I do not know what came over me. Emotions are running rampant through me and I felt this burning urge to kiss you. I… I… I know it was inappropriate, but my dear friend, I cannot help but feel your pain and wanted to… somehow… take it all away.”
