“Well, you will see more cattle before the dance, I can assure you. I am in our prime calving season right now and have delivered about half of what we are expecting in the next few weeks.”
“I should like to see your operation. I know it is different than mine, but I have been hearing good things about how highly valued your prize animals are.”
“Do you know the Kerry breed?” Harry asked.
“I have seen a few at fairs, but do not know much more than that.”
“Oh, hello,” Maria said with some surprise as she came into Harry’s study. “I did not know your friend had arrived already,” she said to her brother. “I am Harry’s sister, Maria,” she said going over and allowing Christopher to take her hand.
Standing, Christopher said, “And I am Christopher Stewart. Such a pleasure to meet you Miss Maria,” he said, obviously appreciating her good sturdy looks.
“I see you are both enjoying each other’s company so I shall leave you.” She turned to Harry. “Dinner at seven?”
“That will be fine,” he answered. “If we are a few minutes late, it is only because another calf has arrived, and I am dealing with that.”
Maria nodded. “Mr. Stewart, we customarily have drinks in the drawing room before dinner. I will see you again later.” She turned and left the study.
“What a pleasure to meet your sister. And is there another charming young lady in your life?” Christopher asked.
Harry prevaricated for a moment. “There is someone I greatly admire, but she does not know it.”
“Oh, and why not?”
“Our families have been close for many years, and somehow we feel more like brother and sister. And she has never shown any interest in me, so I have taken a step backward.”
Christopher gave a strange look. “That seems harsh. If you feel something for her, why not speak up?”
“Hmm. To be honest, I am so busy all the time I never have much occasion to deal with my personal feelings. I know it is a lame excuse, but there you are. Perhaps one day.”
“You had better act before someone else snatches her up. And then you will truly be sorry.”
“I will consider your advice. But, for the moment, I shall take you to the barn and we can see if my most pregnant cow is ready to give birth.”
Christopher laughed. “Harry Buxton, youarea strange fellow. But if that is your priority, then let us proceed.”
* * *
Maria, Anna, and Dorothy were in the Manor pantry examining possible containers for flowers.
“Oh, they are lovely,” Dorothy exclaimed. “I do love the Chinese vases. How many are there?”
“Half a dozen or so. But we have many more vases of various solid colors that go well with the Chinese ones,” Maria added.
“Here is what I found in your garden. I think combinations of these will make splendid arrangements.” Dorothy said, placing a number of individual stems of flowers she had picked from the Manor garden on a pantry table.
“Are there enough, do you think?” Anna asked, “Or should we bring some from our garden as well?”
Dorothy thought for a moment. “Have you calculated how many arrangements you will need?” she asked Maria.
The back entrance to the Manor led through the pantry, and just at that moment, the back door opened, and Harry and Christopher came tromping inside.
“Hello, ladies,” Christopher removed his hat and gave them a large smile.
Maria introduced. “Mr. Stewart, these are my friends who are helping with the dance. This is Miss Dorothy Hoskins, and Miss Anna Hoskins. Obviously, sisters.”
“Ladies, a great pleasure,” Christopher took each of their hands and kissed them. But he hesitated as he took Anna’s hand, smiled a little longer, and seemed reluctant to let go.
Anna had to be the one to withdraw her hand, and she blushed. “Mr. Stewart, will you be attending our event?”
