Chapter 18
Soon after Maria left to visit the Hoskins sisters, Harry went to visit the vicar and made arrangements for the memorial service. But riding back from the church he found himself again thinking about his kiss with Anna. There was no question it was time for him to be married and Miss Nora had made it obvious she wanted to be considered as a candidate. And while Miss Nora was suitable in many ways, he could not make the leap necessary to court her openly, for Anna had given him the faintest glimmer of hope earlier that morning that she might be susceptible to his overtures once the proper term of mourning had passed.
When he returned home, he sought out Christopher, finding him writing a letter in the library.
“Here you are,” Harry said, coming over to the writing desk and sitting opposite.
“Oh, Harry, I was looking for you everywhere. Where have you been?” Christopher asked.
“Making arrangements at the church for the Viscount’s memorial service. Anna asked me to help her with that matter.”
“Oh, exactly what I needed to know. When is the service to be held?”
“On the Wednesday after next.”
“Then would it be a terrible inconvenience if I were to request to stay on at Creassey until after the service? I should like to be here for Dorothy. I know this must be a terribly difficult time for her.”
“Of course, you are always welcome any time and for as long as you like. You know that. And it is a very kind gesture.”
Christopher smiled shyly, “Well, my motive is not entirely unselfish. You know I have fallen quite hard for the lovely Dorothy and I want to spend as much time as I can with her, before I must return home.”
Harry laughed. “I surmised as much. But I shall put you to work in the meantime. I have not finished birthing all the cows and you can be my helper.”
“How exciting. And I have not yet had the opportunity to ask about the result of Dr. Carson’s visit this morning. What did he say?”
“The sick cattle are improving. He thinks within a week all will be well.”
“And there are no other cattle developing symptoms?”
“We did not check on that.”
Christopher offered, “I can help you with that later… after I have visited with Dorothy. I need to pay my respects.”
“Of course. It is almost lunch time. Do you know if Maria has returned yet?”
“Not that I am aware of.”
“Then it will be just us two. Come.”
“Let me just finish this letter to my parents. I need to inform them I will not be home as was scheduled.”
“Take your time. And, if I might ask, will you please tell the sisters about the arrangements I have made for the service? I do not plan to go over there this afternoon.”
Christopher nodded. “I will be happy to.”
* * *
Christopher was excited to see Dorothy, but he knew she would be upset and perhaps not as open to him as previously. Death was always a complicated and delicate event and he had not had a great deal of experience in dealing with the grieving part. However, he knew he was expected and he hoped that Dorothy would not be in a constant state of tears. He was never very good at dealing with crying women.
When he arrived at Repington Hall, he was admitted and asked to wait in the sunny conservatory room at the back of the house. He had not visited in this room before and he found it to be pleasant.
Dorothy appeared presently, but was, fortunately, dry-eyed.
“Dearest,” he said standing and holding out his hands to her.
She came to him, put her arms around him, and burst into tears again. Not what he expected. He patted her back and said, “I am so terribly sorry to hear of your misfortune. Please accept my condolences.”
She immediately stopped crying and looked up at him. “Thank you, Christopher, you are so comforting.” She felt self-conscious and took a step away. “You must forgive me. We will not have our mourning dresses for the next day or two. I hope you will not think me callous.”
