This startled Maria, for it was not customary to ask a young lady such a question directly. More appropriately he should be asking that of Harry.
“Ah… I am somewhat uncertain how to answer that. Perhaps you might discuss that with Harry.”
“Ah… yes. Very well,” he responded.
He offered nothing further. Maria was very confused. It was so obvious that was an important issue for Roger, but it was handled so indelicately. This did not bode well, and she thought she should discuss this with Harry when they were alone.
As they neared the house, they could see Harry in the distance in the field with the new cattle.
“Ah, there he is. Miss Maria, I think I shall join him now. Perhaps I shall see you later?”
“At tea. We usually have it in the drawing room.”
“Good-bye for now,” he said and trotted toward the field, leaving her alone.
* * *
Percy was at loose ends. Anna was to be gone for an unknown number of weeks. It would be far too awkward and inappropriate to spend any time with Maria. And his father was pushing him to travel to London to further his hunt for a wife, in case marriage did not work out with Anna.
He tried to avoid his father as much as possible, for once in sight, the Duke would begin hounding him about how lazy he was. Why was he not on his way to London? Or moaning about how desperate he was for money and how the creditors were beseeching him daily for payments.
Percy decided to visit Harry. He could use that as an excuse, and he might find a few moments to visit with Maria, since he had supposedly come to spend time with Harry.
He escaped from his room and rode over to Creassey. As he approached, he saw Harry with a man he did not know. He rode up to them as they were securing a gate from a field they had just exited.
“Percy,” Harry called out. “I have not seen you for some time.”
“Father has demanded my attention. But I was able to slip away and thought you might want to go fishing.”
“Percy, this is my friend Roger Dillon. Roger this is Percy Garvey, also my friend and fishing mate.”
Roger saluted. “Pleasure, Mr. Garvey.”
Percy nodded.
“I cannot get away to fish just now,” Harry said. “Mr. Dillon is visiting, and we are about to join Maria for tea. Care to join us?”
Percy was uncertain but said, “Certainly, would be a pleasure.”
* * *
The three went into the house and headed to the drawing room.
Maria was already in attendance, waiting on them before serving tea.
“Hello… oh, Percy… are you joining us?”
“If I might?”
“Of course,” she said, but she also felt a little nervous. She had not expected to see Percy again so soon.
He looked at her and smiled with a somber expression. He came to the tea table and sat on one side of her as Roger sat on her opposite.
Maria found her heart was fluttering and her hand shook as she began to pour the tea. Why had Harry invited Percy to tea? This was an awkward situation. Here were the two men in her life whom she had feelings for and she did not know how to speak to either of them right now—especially in front of each other.
“And how do you take your tea, Mr. Dillion?” she asked.
“Oh, please you may call me Roger. And cream only, please.”
