Harry went over to where Evans was examining the cattle still alive. “What do you think?”
“Not likely they will survive. Whatever it was is fast acting and I have no way to counter what was done, and by the time we fetch the vet, it will be too late.”
“Then it will be what it will be.”
“Well, Mr. Chilton, it looks like you have another adventure story to tell to your London friends,” Maria said with a chuckle.
* * *
The next morning, Harry thought a great deal about the events of last night. His first impulse had been to involve the police. But he was having second thoughts. What would it look like for him, the Earl of Creassey, to take action against the Duke of Crauford? This area of Wiltshire was close-knit and interdependent. A major squabble between the two main peers of the area would cause a great deal of consternation. Did Harry want to risk that?
Instead he wrote a note to Percy, asking him to visit at his convenience and had it hand delivered and requested a reply.
In the meantime, his mother, Aunt Agatha, and Mr. Oakley were to depart for London. Fortunately, the hot weather had broken and there was a relatively cool breeze this morning. Aunt Agatha’s horse had mended, the carriage was loaded with luggage, and the three travelers were prepared to depart. Maria embraced her mother. Two footmen lifted Leah into the carriage, while her chair was attached to the back with the rest of the luggage.
“My dears, it has been a great delight seeing you all. Thank you for being such charming hosts,” Aunt Agatha said, as she waved her handkerchief from the carriage window. “We shall take good care of your mother and will send her back safe and sound.”
“We enjoyed your stories and look forward to more after your next adventure,” Maria said.
“If you ever get to London, you are always welcome to stay with me.”
“Mr. Oakley, thank you again for your assistance last evening,” Harry said shaking his hand through his window.
Chilton smiled, for he was rarely thanked for anything. He had become used to being Agatha’s appendage and beamed at the attention.
The carriage started up and everyone waved at everyone else until it disappeared around the bend of the road.
As Harry and Maria climbed the entryway steps, she asked, “How many cattle were lost?”
“Mercifully, only five. Of course, that is a blow, but it could have been much worse.”
“What now?”
“I have asked Percy to call and I will discuss the situation with him.”
“Are you going to prosecute the Duke?”
“Not certain. I would like to avoid that if at all possible, but we shall see.”
Maria did not respond and seemed to be a little troubled.
“What?” Harry asked her.
“I am so horribly conflicted about Percy. I have no idea where I am with him.”
“Do you want to see him if he comes?”
“Maybe… maybe not. I do not know. Let me know when he arrives, and I will decide then.”
Harry stopped at the top of the steps. Maria turned to him.
“I must see to burying the dead cattle. You must excuse me,” he said and started walking back down the steps.
“All that lovely roast beef going to waste,” Maria said, attempting a joke, but Harry just looked at her not finding it funny.
Chapter 27
Harry could not bring himself to watch the disposal of his dead animals. He let Evans take care of the matter, and he headed back to his study.
