He looked at her strangely. “We shall be married, and there will be the dowry.”
Dorothy was momentarily taken aback. “You will useourmoney for your family’s house?”
“Our house, Dorothy. It will be our house one day. I am the heir. I thought you understood that.”
For the first time since they had met, Dorothy struggled with doubt. She had never once thought that he might be considering marrying her for her dowry. But that could not be, for she was the one who had indirectly asked him to marry her. He did not know she was to be wealthy when he agreed they should marry and that calmed her thoughts.
“It must be tea time,” Louisa said, and she ran ahead. Christopher took Dorothy’s hand and they followed after her.
Chapter 31
Harry was at the gate to his largest field when Roger Dillon drove up in his wagon with the new cattle.
“You made it,” Harry called out. “Safe journey?”
“Good weather and no incidents,” Roger said as he jumped down from the driver’s seat.
The men shook hands.
“It is good to see you again so soon. Let us get these beauties into the field and then come to the house. Lunch will be served shortly, and I know one person who has anxiously been awaiting your visit,” Harry said with a sly smile.
“As have I.”
They lowered a ramp from the back of the wagon and led the cattle into the field. When done, they leaned against the fence to see how the new cattle might interact with the herd. But there appeared to be no complications, so they drove the wagon to the barn and went to the house.
Daniels showed Roger to his room as Harry went to his study where he said he would wait for Roger to return. But no sooner did he enter, then Maria showed up at his door.
“Did the new cattle arrive safely?” she asked, lingering at the door.
“They did, but Roger could not make it and sent his brother instead,” Harry said straight-faced.
Maria appeared to be devastated. “Oh… really?”
Harry laughed. “No, not at all. I sent Roger to his room to refresh himself and he should be down any moment.”
Maria let out a sigh. “Oh, you are wicked, Harry Buxton! How you tease me.”
“Harmless fun.”
“Hello,” Roger said, as he came up behind Maria. She wheeled around to face him. “It is a great pleasure to see you again.”
“And you,” Maria said. He offered her his hand and she took it, but they did not let go right away.
She lowered her eyes and blushed, as she finally withdrew her hand. “How long can you stay?”
Roger gave a quick look at Harry. “I am not in a rush to return, but I do not want to impose.”
Harry said, “You are welcome to stay as long as you like. Do you fish? We have a wonderful trout stream if you care to join me.”
“I should like that. I have never fished before but am willing to give it a try.”
“And I thought, after lunch, I might show you around Creassey.” Maria offered. “We could ride out to see the whole area or walk the lovely paths we have through the forest.”
“Whatever pleases you, Miss Maria. I would be happy to accompany you wherever you might suggest.”
* * *
Maria was flush with excitement as she and Roger left the house after lunch.
