That seemed to mollify the Duke and he grinned. “Excellent. Yes, we must invite the two sisters to a fine dinner. After the memorial service—but as soon as possible after. That was a good idea, Percy. I can see you are taking this seriously and I can begin to get my affairs in order so that once the marriage is concluded, I can begin to settle debts and look to the future.”
Percy took a deep breath as his father left. Of course, what he had told his father was pure fiction, but at least he escaped another blow to the head.
* * *
“I hope we are not intruding,” Maria said to Anna and Dorothy who were in their father’s room sorting through his possessions—saving some articles and discarding others.
Anna looked up. “Never. You are always welcome.”
At that point Harry, who had been lagging behind, came into the room after her.
Anna gave Harry a wide smile. “Harry, you came too. How nice. I am sorry we are dressed like this. We did not want to wear our mourning dresses that might get dirty as we worked.”
“We quite understand,” Harry replied.
“Did you come for any particular reason?” Anna asked as she paused in her work.
Maria said, “We would like to have a word with you privately, Anna.” She then addressed Dorothy, “You do not mind if we take your sister away for a short while?”
“Not at all. I am up to my knees packing away undergarments, braces, and cravats, and I think I shall take a brief break myself.”
“Come,” Anna said, leading the brother and sister out of the room and along the hallway to her chambers.
“Shall I order tea?” She asked, as she sat in a window seat overlooking the garden.
“Not now,” Maria said. “This is not a social call.”
Anna furrowed her brow. “Oh, then what?”
Maria turned to Harry to start the narration.
“Forgive me for assuming, but it is my understanding that for some time now you have had romantic feelings for my good friend, Percy. Is that assumption correct?”
Anna lowered her eyes and nodded. “I have harbored some feelings of affection for him that is true. But he has never shown any particular interest in reciprocating those feelings. Until recently, that is. Ever since father passed… he has been very solicitous and has given some indication that he has feelings for me as well.”
Maria leaned forward in her chair, “And do you believe they are sincere?”
“Why should I not?” Anna asked, confused as to why Percy’s feelings should be doubted.
Maria continued, “You know I support you, as your dear friend, and wish all the greatest happiness for you—always.”
“But you have feelings for him too,” Anna said, “Is that why you are questioning me about this? Has he said anything to you?” She stood close in defiance.
“No, he has not. But he did ask me recently what amount of dowry I could bring to a marriage with him. And, unfortunately, it did not seem to be enough and he shied away from me after that.”
“Then you think he is expressing his feelings of affection to me because he now sees me as an heiress?” She appeared to be horrified by the idea.
Maria turned to Harry. “Tell her of your incident with Percy.”
“Anna,” Harry started, “it pains me no end to tell you this, but I believe Percy’s father is insisting he marry you, not out of affection, but out of the necessity to marry for money. Apparently, the Duke is on the edge of financial collapse and is trying to force Percy to find a wealthy wife.”
Anna put her hand to her mouth, let out a small cry and sat down again. “Harry, is what you speak the truth? It is almost impossible for me to believe this. What is your motive in telling me this?”
“I am simply concerned for your welfare. That is all.”
“Are you certain? For I have had the feeling many times that you might be harboring secret feelings for me as well. And if that is the case, then I believe what you really want is to sour my affections toward Percy by making me believe he is only after my inheritance.”
There was enough truth in what she said to make Harry pause, but he continued, “Even if that were so, I do not want you to enter into a loveless marriage, because I believe it is Maria that Percy truly loves. It is only his father who is making him approach you, Anna.”
