Anna went to her friend for the proffered hug. They took a step backward, clasped hands, and looked at each other in mutual admiration.
“I have ordered tea,” Maria said.
“But it is such a lovely afternoon might we have it in the pergola?” Anna asked.
“That would be lovely. Let me just tell Daniels.”
When Maria returned, the two friends linked arms and left through the French doors onto the terrace. They walked down some steps and across the lawn to the pergola, set in a grove of trees, that was one of the more pleasant places to partake of tea.
When they reached the pergola, the two friends sat at the table and began to chat until the tea arrived and was served.
“Have you had any news from your father?” Maria asked. “He has been gone for so long this time.”
“We have only had two letters. Both were rather brief and to the point. ‘I went here. I went there.’ That sort of thing. But we have not heard from him for a long while now.”
“Then perhaps he is on his way home,” Maria suggested.
“We certainly would like to think so.” Anna was feeling lazy after her first cup of tea and she stretched and yawned. “But Dorothy has it in her mind for us to give a dance. She is longing to be entertained. She thinks we live a dreary life. But I told her it is not proper without father in attendance.”
“Then perhaps we should be the ones to give a dance. It would not be a ball, of course. But we might put together a lighthearted evening with music and a little dancing.”
Anna sat up. “Oh, Maria, that would be splendid. Do you think Harry would agree?”
“I do not see why not. It has indeed been a long while since anyone in the neighborhood entertained.”
Anna felt like teasing and asked, “And would you be inviting Percy? I do believe he has shown interest in you, has he not?”
Maria blushed and busied herself with pouring them each a second cup of tea. “I have no idea what you are talking about, Anna. Mr. Percy is not a very reliable young man. I do not think he would make an appropriate suitor.”
“But he is so-o-o handsome and charming,” Anna said and leaned in to catch Maria’s eye and made her acknowledge the truth of what was in her heart. But Maria avoided Anna’s gaze. “Go ahead, Maria, admit you have feelings for Mr. Percy. You know you do.”
“I might find him a little interesting,” Maria finally conceded.
“Oh, I believe it more than a little. Come, we have been friends for too long to play games with each other.”
But this was one area where Maria did not want to open her heart to her friend. Shedidhave feelings for Percy, but she felt embarrassed by those feelings because she could clearly see that the young man was not a worthy suitor. So she continued to deny her feelings and pretend they did not exist.
“My dear, Anna, as I said, I do find Percy handsome and charming, but also a little too cavalier—and that is not what I am looking for in a young suitor.”
Anna shrugged. “But you would dance with him at your dance, would you not?”
“Of course,” she said with a faked smile. “I am a lady, after all, and he would be a guest. Who am I to refuse a guest a dance?” Then Maria turned the tables. “Anna, while we are on the subject, I believe that you have feelings for Percy, as well. Am I not correct?”
Anna blushed and tried diverting the subject by saying, “Well, I am in a mood to dance with any and every one. It has been a desert in Wiltshire for over a year. We need some gaiety and dancing. And I, for one, would even dance with a stable hand if he were invited.”
Maria laughed. “My dear, you are liable to gain areputation.”
“I shall risk it.” Then she suddenly got down to business. “So, you and Harry will host a dance? It would be so lovely to hear the gay strains of music and to feel light footed once again.”
“And I imagine Dorothy will join us?”
“Of course—this really was her idea. Poor dear, she has little exposure to young gentlemen, and I fear, with Father away so much of the time, she will rarely have the opportunity to meet any young men soon—unless you hold your musical evening.”
“Then I will make certain it is done!”
“Please. Let me know if we can help in any way. I know a great deal of your attention is directed at helping to run the estate. But if Dorothy and I can be of assistance, please call on us.”
“I shall keep that in mind.” Maria then gave a wry smile and teased, “And who will be your gentleman of choice for the evening?”
