“Harry…” Anna said very quietly and looked away. “I have concerns…”
“About?”
“Percy. I have not been able to forget the advice you gave me about him and his father. I fear you are correct and, even though I have had a deep affection for Percy for some time, I find his attentions to me may not be sincere.”
Harry’s heart leapt at her statement. And hope rose in him once again. “Has he said anything that might give him away?”
“Not in words exactly, but I can tell his words are rehearsed and they fall like tin coins and do not ring true.”
Harry did not want to insert himself into her relationship with Percy and said very simply in Percy’s defense, “I know he has been under a great deal of stress with his father and the terrible economic conditions under which the family is suffering. And I know because you care for him, you are able to give him some leeway.”
That gave Anna pause for thought and she lowered her eyes and folded her hands in her lap.
At that moment Maria returned, dabbing at her eyes with her handkerchief. “I am sorry to run out like that. But, as my friend, I felt he needed some consolation.”
“Is he all right?” Anna asked.
“I think he is sad,” she addressed her brother, “He feels so badly about your cattle, Harry. He is embarrassed and feels helpless that he cannot make good on the harm his father has done you.”
“He knows I do not hold his father’s deed against him,” Harry answered.
“Nonetheless, it has hurt him more than he can admit even to himself.”
“I shall speak to him soon. He is resilient and will be his old self before you know it.”
Maria returned her attention to Anna. “Dorothy seems to be very happy with the trip.”
Anna laughed. “She never lets up. I certainly hope the family is respectable, for I fear how Dorothy might react if the family was found wanting and she could not marry Christopher. She truly is very attached to him.”
“But will she make a good wife? I am certain they will be sizing her up as well.”
Anna raised an eyebrow. “Excellent point. I have been focused on how we will evaluate them and never thought about the reverse.”
“Dorothy is young. She will mature and be an excellent wife, I believe,” Maria said. “Now I think it is time we go. How long will you be gone?”
“At least three weeks, but it could be more. It seems Mr. Christopher has plans for us to go to the seaside, which would be lovely. You know I have never seen the sea and I think it will be quite a jolly adventure.”
Maria gave Anna a kiss on the cheek. “Then we shall leave you to your preparations.”
“And if there is any way we can assist you while you are gone, please let us know,” Harry added.
Chapter 30
Dorothy was beside herself with excitement as the day arrived for the trip to Dorset. It had been a struggle for Anna to keep her sister in check leading up to the day of departure. Their sojourn to the solicitor’s had been trying for Dorothy. As she had prophesied, she was bored, inattentive, and restless.
But the day was here, and she was dressed, packed, and ready to head out the door even before breakfast was served.
It was to be a two-day trip and Anna had arranged for them to stay overnight at a friend of their father’s near Amesbury.
“Who are these strangers we shall be staying with?” Dorothy asked, soon after the carriage left their estate. “Are they dull friends of father’s who shall bore us with endless talk of India, or even worse, regale us with daughters with spots, playing haplessly on the pianoforte after dinner?”
Anna laughed. “I have no idea, my dear. But it is certainly better than staying in a squalid wayside inn.”
“Oh, I do not know about that.” Dorothy laughed. “Perhaps a handsome gentleman might make himself known to you and sweep you off your feet and take you to his castle.”
“You read far too many trashy novels, dear Sister.”
Dorothy was so happy to be on her way to Christopher, she did not mind the journey and even spent a pleasant evening at their host’s house that evening.
