“My reaction exactly. Percy is the least shy person I have ever known. Why would he tell her such a thing? Do you believe he might have developed true feelings for her?”
“I have no idea. As far as I know he has never shown any interest in her romantically.”
Maria turned from her brother and said quietly, “When we went on our picnic the other day, he did ask me what dowry I might be able to bring to our marriage. I told him frankly, but he seemed disappointed at the amount.”
Harry stood up and went to Maria. “My dear, I have reason to believe the Duke is in terrible financial trouble. It could be that he is putting pressure on Percy to marry, hoping to bring a marriage settlement into the family.”
“That would explain his probing questions at the picnic.” She then turned to Harry. “Do you think he might be turning to Anna now because he believes she will have a substantial inheritance from her father?”
“Oh, Maria… it would be so very sad if that was true. But I cannot answer you because he has said nothing to me about his intentions.”
“Might you enquire?” she asked.
“I most certainly will. But do you think he would tell me if he was going behind your back to woo Anna? It would be such a terrible betrayal.”
Maria put her arms around her brother and laid her head on his chest. “Oh, Harry…”
* * *
Christopher came on his morning visit to Repington Hall, but instead of being greeted by Dorothy, it was to Anna that Warrick directed him in the sunny Wedgewood parlor.
“Good morning, Miss Anna.” He looked around the room for Dorothy, but she was absent. “Ah… I was expecting to see your sister.”
“Yes, I know,” Anna replied as she set aside her crochet work. “But come sit with me, I should like to chat with you alone before you go to her. Do you mind?”
“Not at all. It will be a pleasure to converse with you,” he said, while he came to sit in a chair opposite her. “I know I have neglected seeing you, but… well… you know how it is with young love.”
Anna was patient as she smiled. “Christopher… I may call you Christopher now that we are to be family?”
“Of course… Anna?” he said, as he was simultaneously asking to call her by her first name alone.
“Absolutely, you may call me Anna.” She studied him for a moment. “This has been quite a whirlwind of a time, has it not? Father’s passing—you and Dorothy getting engaged. It must be upending your life as much as it is ours.”
“I have certainly been excited, but I did not know your father, and while I sympathize with your loss, it has not affected me as deeply as it has the two of you.”
“Of course. That is to be expected. Now tell me, Christopher, have you informed your parents of your engagement yet?”
“I have written but I have not received a response.”
“Is there any reason they might object to this marriage? Did they have an intended for you that you will disappoint by this announcement?”
Christopher looked a little uncomfortable with that question. “Well, there was a young lady… but mind you, I had not met her officially… however, my parents seemed to be directing me in that direction.”
“And was there land involved in this proposed marriage?”
“She was the daughter of a neighboring estate owner. I believe my father was suggesting a merger of lands. That sort of thing, you know.”
“Hmm. Yes, that is usually the case.” Anna picked up her crocheting again. “And I expect Dorothy has spoken to you about the fact that the both of us will be inheriting a great fortune.”
Christopher hesitated and said, “She has mentioned something like that. Yes.”
“You can see my concern. It is nothing on you personally, but single ladies in our position must be ever aware of fortune hunters. I am certain you can understand that. So, my question for you is, did you propose to Dorothy before or after she mentioned that there would be a considerable dowry attached to her marriage?”
Christopher thought for a moment. “To be quite honest I cannot remember. I know I had been thinking of proposing to her some time before, but because of your tragedy I, of course, held back. I did not want to appear intrusive on her grief. But to answer your question, I did say something about needing to speak to my father about a proposed marriage with Dorothy. However, she would not hear of it and… rather pushed me to propose. Although I am certain she knew Iwouldsooner or later. I believe she was just trying to remove the stigma of me asking her while she was in mourning.”
“Hmm. That sounds like what I would expect of her.” Anna said and smiled. “I am sorry if I seem unkind, but I am just trying to make certain my baby sister is pursuing a wise course. And I need to know your motives for wanting to marry her.”
Christopher stood and very clearly and forcefully said, “I asked Dorothy to marry me because I value her above all else. I love her dearly, tenderly, and absolutely. I promise to be the very best husband possible, and I am certain she will be warmly welcomed into our family. I hope that you will meet my family soon so that you might see for yourself how loving they can be. I have no reservations at all that you will fall in love with them too.”
