“I see. Well, there is certainly a lot to consider, and a lot of unknowns—for both of us.”
Chapter 19
With all that had been going on with Anna’s family, and the scare over the cattle, Harry had paid little attention to his guests—Aunt Agatha and her… companion. And knowing his aunt’s habits, he was surprised to find both his aunt and Mr. Oakley at breakfast when he came into the breakfast room in the early morning.
“Aunt Agatha, is this not early for you to be up?” Harry asked as he served himself breakfast at the sideboard.
“Quite so. I feel like I have been drawn and quartered, but one must make adjustments when one travels,” she said after sipping her tea.
“Are you to leave us?” Harry asked, sitting down at his place at the table.
“For the day, dear boy, only for the day.”
“We are off to see this quite extraordinary place we have read about,” Chilton said, “It is something called Stonehenge. Do you know of it?”
“Most certainly. It is quite famous in the region.”
“I have requested Daniels to order us a picnic. I hope that was not an imposition,” Agatha said.
“Not at all. How are you to travel?”
“We were thinking to use my carriage, but one of our horses is lame and is being treated. Would you mind horribly if we borrowed one of your coaches?” Agatha asked.
“Not at all. Do you intend to return by dinner time?”
“I expect so. I mean, how much can one appreciate a pile of rocks? Certainly, the ride in the countryside will be more rewarding, but dear Chilton feels there is merit in scampering around in Druidic ruins. I would much prefer shopping in Marlborough, but he gets these fancies… and what is one to do? I did ask my sister if she would like to accompany us, but she declined, citing her constant pain. It seems she is unable to travel for any extended period of time.”
“That and I believe her memories of the carriage accident make her wary of traveling again almost anywhere.”
“I was hoping I might persuade her to come back to London with us for a visit, but I fear she will decline for the very reason you cite,” Agatha said sorrowfully.
“Then you are planning to return to London soon?”
Agatha glanced at Chilton. “We are rather enjoying our stay here, but we are in discussion about it. The London fall season will be starting up the month after next and I was thinking of the opera… but who knows? Being here is such a respite after the rigors of our African travels that we might stay on for a while longer.”
“You are welcome, of course. And I know mother appreciates your visit.”
Agatha turned to Chilton and nudged him with her elbow. “Come along. Let us get started so we can be back in time for dinner. I would hate to eat cold meat pies and salad on a tray because we missed supper.”
* * *
“Well, what did she have to say?” the Duke asked Percy who was standing before him at his desk. “How much is she worth?”
Percy was feeling very conflicted. His true affections were for Maria, and yet here he was, needing to convince his father he was courting Anna.
“I cannot say. She did not divulge that information to me. I am not certain she knows herself, so soon after learning of her father’s demise.”
“Then did you at least make it clear to her that you were interested in courting her?” the Duke asked. He stood up and came around his desk to confront his son more directly.
Percy was cautious as he said, “Father, this is a very delicate time for her. It would be crass and insensitive if I pushed too hard. It would be blatantly obvious if I insisted on knowing what she might bring to a marriage. It is far too early. Even you should recognize that.”
“Hmm. Perhaps. But these are desperate times. Even if you were not to marry right away I am certain I could raise funds on the knowledge that you were to marry an heiress.”
Percy sighed and turned away. “This is very difficult for me.”
“Ah, poor baby. He is finding life difficult.” The Duke pushed his son from behind and Percy tripped forward. “I care not what you feel. You are a part of this family and the estate. And your very futures are at stake. Do your damn part or get out. You understand me? I want to see an engagement within a month or less. Just do it! Now get out of here!”
* * *
