Christopher was spending most of his time now with Dorothy, so Harry worked only with his foreman. They spent the entire morning inspecting all the rest of the cattle for wooden tongue but found no further infections. The infected cattle were improving daily, and after a quick visit with Doctor Carson, it was concluded that these cattle could be let back with the rest of the herd by next week.
Harry had an exhausting morning and was happy to get back to the house just before lunchtime. He went first to his study and saw Anna’s drawings. He remembered they were to meet to inspect the well house site, but that was out of the question now, after her father’s death. But as he laid his hand on top of the drawings, he felt a stab of regret as he remembered their kiss. But was it regret or was it longing?
He stared across his study as he relived that unforgettable moment when he took her in his arms when he became overcome with passion. If only she did not care for Percy… but that was not the case. She did, and that tortured him. He shook himself free of those thoughts and looked at the post that Daniels had delivered earlier.
There was a letter from Miss Nora. He opened it and read:
Your Lordship,
I wanted to let you know that thanks to your kind efforts in escorting me home, my ankle is quite healed now and I am walking about almost as before. I have no doubt I shall be skipping about our grounds like a baby lamb before long.
I certainly did enjoy my fishing lesson (apart from the tumble into the stream) and I am only sorry that I lost my most delightful catch. But I am certain the poor fish is ever so grateful for my fall and his escape.
And in grateful acknowledgement of your efforts on my behalf, I should like to invite you to supper on Friday evening. It is the very least I can do to show you my appreciation. Regretfully, any trout that might be served will not have been caught at my hand.
My grandparents shall be away for the weekend, so it shall be just the two of us for supper.
I look forward to your acceptance.
Ever Yours,
Nora Fitzwalker
Harry put the letter down and found that he was conflicted about accepting her invitation. He had, only the moment before, been reliving his kiss with Anna and now he must decide if he wanted to go forward with this developing relationship with Miss. Fitzwalker. But this was a conundrum he had considered before. Wait and hope that Anna would finally recognize his passion for her, or whether to move forward with a possible courtship with the lovely Miss Nora. If only he could just step away from the whole situation, but he could not. Anna needed him at this troubling time in her life, and he must be there for her, even if it gave him grave discomfort to be around her, loving her as he did with no hope of his love being requited.
He reached for a piece of note paper and replied in the affirmative to Miss Nora, even though his heart ached, and he recognized just how manipulative Miss Fitzwalker could be.
He finished the letter and placed it in its envelope when Maria appeared.
“Are you coming to lunch?”
He looked up and said, “Yes, I am. And how are our attack victims doing? Did the doctor arrive?”
“He did,” Maria said coming over to his desk. “Coachman Dipple does have a broken arm, but it is a simple break and should heal quickly. Aunt Agatha is now consumed with the idea of writing her memoirs and feels no hurt or pain, whatsoever. And Mr. Oakley has what is known as a jammed finger and will recover with no further medical attention required.”
Harry laughed. “I am happy there is no greater damage than that. All will be well.”
But Maria did not seem settled and Harry asked, “Is there something else you wanted to ask me?”
Maria hesitated but a moment, stood before her brother and said, “Harry, I do have something I wish to discuss with you.”
“Very well, will we have time before lunch?”
“I believe so.” But she seemed reluctant to speak.
“What is it?”
“Percy… has he said anything to you about his feelings for Anna?”
“Anna? Of course not. He has always spoken of his affection for you. What gave you any idea that he might have feelings for Anna?” This came as a shock to him for he knew Anna had affection for Percy, but he never believed Percy had feelings for her.
“When I went to visit the Hoskins sisters after their father died, Anna mentioned that Percy had come to pay his respects, almost immediately after you informed him of their father’s passing.”
“He must have felt that was the right thing to do.”
“But she also mentioned that he expressed his deep romantic feelings for her and said he had never spoken to her before about these matters because he was too shy.”
Harry could not help but laugh. “Shy? Percy shy?”
