“The sisters are in Miss Anna’s chambers being fitting for their mourning dresses,” Warrick said. “She said you were to go right up if you arrived.”
“Thank you,” Maria said, and she took the steps two at a time as she rushed to Anna’s rooms.
Anna was at that moment being measured by Mrs. Thompson, the dressmaker, when Maria entered. Anna broke free from the measuring tape and threw herself into Maria’s arms.
“Anna, Anna…” Maria soothed.
Anna began to cry. “This is the first I have cried,” she sobbed. “I am so happy to see you.”
“Dearest, dearest.” Maria ran her hands over Anna’s back as she hugged her. Soon all three were in tears as that had set off Dorothy on a crying jag.
Finally, Maria pulled herself together, withdrew from the embrace, and took Anna’s hands. “Harry has told Christopher and me the circumstances of your father’s death, so there is no need to go through the telling of it again.”
Dorothy became excited and asked, “Is Christopher coming to see me? I asked Harry to invite him.”
“He most certainly is. Harry suggested he come after lunch to give the two of you more time before you receive guests—but I could not wait.”
“You are family, Maria,” Anna said, “And I sorely needed to see you. Thank you for coming.” She smiled slightly. “But you are not the first guest. Percy came by earlier, dressed in black and looking ever so grave. Pun intended.”
“What did he want?” Dorothy asked.
“He came to pay his respects. He said Harry had told him of our misfortune.”
“But that was quick. Harry only just recently told him.” Maria said.
Anna was being measured again when she said, “But that is not all.”
“What else?”
“He let me know he had feelings for me. Said he had been too shy to tell me before.”
Maria guffawed. “Percy shy? That is a laugh. He is the least shy person I have ever known.” But that was not what really surprised Maria for she believed Percy had been courtingher.
“It certainly surprised me, dear Maria, for I thought the two of you were sweet on each other. Has there been a change in your circumstances?”
“Not that I am aware of,” Maria said softly, but started to have a suspicion as to what Percy might be up to. “But this is no time for thoughts of romance. How might I best help you in these coming days?”
Anna turned to Dorothy and asked, “My dear Sister, might I call upon you and Maria to organize the funeral reception. Of course, cook and Warrick will manage all the details, but I should like the event to be less somber than most post-funeral receptions. I feel we should celebrate Father’s life, not his death.”
“What about Indian food? And perhaps a string quartet. That might liven things up a little,” Maria suggested.
“I do like that, but I am not certain all of our guests will be tolerant of Indian food. Maybe some English fare as well. Let each guest choose for themselves. What do you say, Dorothy?”
Dorothy was frowning and gazing down at her hands. “Oh, must I? Really, Anna, I do not feel at all like organizing anything. I am far too bereft to take on such a task.”
Maria teased, “And if Christopher were to be helping you instead of me, might your answer be different?”
Dorothy looked up at Maria and scowled. “That is unfair.”
“Perhaps, perhaps not,” Anna concluded.
Warrick appeared at the door at that moment and announced, “Lunch is ready ladies if you feel up to it.”
“Will you join us, Maria?” Anna asked.
“Yes, I should like that.”
Anna addressed Warrick again. “And please send a tray for Mrs. Thompson. We are not finished with our dresses just yet.”
