“Father, I have been to see the Earl. I need to speak with you when your business is concluded.”
“Very well,” his father said and returned to conclude the deal he was making.
Percy was beyond despair. The world as he knew it was gone. Maria had been its center, despite his cavalier behavior toward her. His family was devastated and falling ever deeper into ruin and he had just witnessed his father selling whatever he could to keep the family going. But it would bring little relief and be short lived. On top of that, his father had just extracted this terrible revenge against his best—and perhaps only—friend.
“What?” the Duke asked, as he came into Percy’s room. He stood leaning on his cane and glared. “I suppose His Lordship was commiserating with you over the loss of his cattle?” He appeared to be gleeful at this event.
“Oh, Father… I hardly know where to begin…”
“How many did he lose?” his father asked eagerly.
“Not too many. Apparently, the deed was discovered early, and the assassin was apprehended.”
This seemed to surprise the Duke. “What?” He looked panic-stricken. “They caught Polder?”
“I do not know his name, but he told Harry everything and he knows it was you who hired the poor man to do your dirty work.”
Arnold sought a chair and sat. He looked devastated.
“Why, Father? Why would you do such a thing? How could Harry not find out it was you?”
He answered bitterly, “I did not think the man would be discovered. It was to happen at night when no one would know. I had hoped to wipe the Earl out—the bastard.” Then Arnold realized he might be in jeopardy. “What is he going to do about it?” he asked fearfully.
“He wants you to pay for the dead cattle to avoid his going to the constable. But I told him about our financial situation and he said he would not prosecute if you promise not to try anything so stupid again.”
Arnold rose. “Well, done, boy. Of course, I too would say anything to avoid paying and being prosecuted. That is easy enough.”
Percy sighed. His father did not get the implications at all. He was taking no responsibility for his actions and was only glad he was avoiding any consequences.
“But you have to mean it, Father. No further attacks of any kind on Harry. Will you promisemethat? If not, then hewillprosecute and completely ruin us, and I know you do not want that.”
Arnold grumbled, “Very well.” Then he smiled. “But we do not have to pay. Now thatisgood news.”
“No, Father. I am going to tell Harry, that when I marry Anna, I will pay him back for the loss of his cattle. We are not to be absolved of our responsibility.”
“Who cares? If you marry Anna all of our troubles will be over anyway. What will a handful of guineas for his damn cattle be to us then? Nothing.”
Chapter 28
Harry knew what had happened between Maria and Percy the morning Percy had come to see him after the incident with the cattle. Maria had not told Harry about their meeting, but he could tell by the way she was listless, quiet, and not her usual energetic self.
The Winchester cattle fair was coming up next week and, even after the loss of their five cattle, Harry was determined to attend. He might also consider purchasing two or three more cows if they were of good quality and the price was right.
Maria had previously expressed interest in going to the fair this year, so one morning at breakfast, when she appeared to be a little more chipper, he asked, “How difficult would it be for you to get away for a few days?”
Maria set her fork on her plate and reached for the toast and the pot of strawberry and rhubarb jam. “Get away to where?”
“Winchester. The cattle fair. You said you might like to go with me this year.”
“Oh…” This seemed to surprise her. “When is it?”
“We would leave next Wednesday. I am not showing any animals this year, so it would be an easy journey. Would you like to come? We would be gone about four days—unless I decide to buy a few animals to replace some of our losses. Then it might be a day or two longer while I arranged transportation for them.”
“Hmm. Let me think about it. We currently have no guests since Aunt Agatha left. If I can make certain all is well with the staff, I might enjoy a break. I will let you know later today.”
Harry hesitated to bring it up but finally said, “You have seemed to be rather despondent recently. I would like to cheer you up—if I can.”
She smiled rather sadly. “I have had a lot on my mind.”
