Anna surveyed the room now that her duties were done. Her first thought was to check in with Warrick to see if all was in hand, but she saw Percy and his father in conversation at the far side of the room by an open window where a light breeze was rustling the filmy curtains. And seeing her look at them, Percy broke from his father and came over to her.
“Miss Anna, what a lovely service. But what a pity it was so hot. I hope it did not ruin the memorial for you?”
It was strange seeing Percy again. After her conversation with Harry and Maria, and after Harry’s later visit, Percy looked totally different to her now. But she dismissed the idea and replied, “I could have wished for cooler weather for my guests, but I was satisfied with the service otherwise.”
“It must be a relief to have the service over. Now you can move forward with your life,” he said, briefly placing his hand on her arm.
“Dorothy and I are to leave shortly to visit her fiancé and his family in Dorset. We shall be gone for a while and that should provide us a welcome relief from the rigors of preparing for the memorial service and reception. Hopefully it will also lessen our grief, as we begin to look forward to Dorothy’s eventual wedding.”
Percy smiled at the mention of a wedding. “Yes, life must certainly go on. And for you as well as your sister, I trust.”
“I have plans.”
“And what might they be, if you do not mind me asking?”
“First, I must consolidate the estate now that I am to manage it. Then, I should like to make improvements. I have ideas for new structures on the property that I have wanted to build for some time. And now that father is gone I can turn my attention to them without his disapprobation.”
“That must be exciting for you, but I hope you will also allow yourself some personal recreation. I should very much like to spend time with you when you return. Perhaps a picnic, a carriage ride, or a trip into Marlborough for shopping?”
This might not be the proper time, but Anna could not help herself. “Percy, I have something I need to ask you.”
“Of course,” he said linking his arm with hers and leading her to a more private corner of the room where he gestured for her to sit.
Anna found this difficult but was determined to speak her piece. “Percy, Maria and Harry have told me about your situation.”
“I beg your pardon. What situation are you referring to?” he asked a little nervously.
“First, your father’s financial situation, and secondly, his insistence that you marry for money as soon as possible.” This silenced him, and he was speechless. “And I find it strange that after ignoring me and my openness to you for so long,now, you have suddenly found me attractive and interesting—but only after my father’s death and the fact that I am to inherit his estate with my sister. I cannot help but think that you are interested in me only for my inheritance.”
Percy was very obviously flustered. “Harry and Maria told you that?”
“They did. What do you have to say to those accusations? Is any of this true?” she asked.
“Well… I… I… am stunned by these groundless accusations. Of course, they are not true.” He paused. “There is some truth to my father’s financial difficulties, but he has not, and never would, suggest such an absurd remedy to his troubles. It pains me deeply that they should say such a thing and that you would believe it.”
“I did not say I believed it, Percy. But I wanted to ask you and have you tell me directly that they were false.”
“I can only imagine that Harry would tell you such a thing because I know he has deep feelings for you and would like to thwart me in my deep and profound quest to woo you myself.”
Anna’s heart jumped—much to her surprise—at this information.
“You say Harry has feelings for me?”
“Yes, he has professed his love for you several times.”
“I am certain he only meant the love we share as friends.”
“I think not. I am certain it is romance he has in mind.”
“I see,” Anna said softly.
“But his is a false love.”
“How so?”
“Because he is lonely, but also lazy. He does not want to take the time to properly look for a suitable bride. I believe he prefers to go after an easy target. He knows you already—cares for you—and thinks it is the perfect solution for his need to find a wife.”
“You really believe that?”