“When he asked me to marry him we—or actually it wasIwho suggested marriage—we never discussed dowry or inheritance or anything like that. I guess it surprised me that he should bring it up so casually while already making plans to spend it.”
“I think you had better talk to him about that, Dorothy, if it is something that troubles you.”
“Yes, I believe I must. But are we not to discuss marriage plans, settlements, and all those sorts of things with the family while we are here?”
“It seems appropriate that we should. It is good to have a clear understanding of the expectations from both sides. Perhaps that is when you might mention your concerns.”
Dorothy nodded. “I shall. And Anna, that makes me think of something I should like to ask you.”
“Of course.”
Dorothy seemed to be searching for the right words, and then said, “I have to say, I have concerns about Mr. Percy.”
“Oh? What are they?”
“Exactly what is it you feel for him? He never used to give you a look, let alone expressed any romantic feelings for you—until father died. Why do you suppose that is?”
This was really at the heart of Anna’s own doubts, but she did not want to admit that and said, “I think he was shy before. But the expression of his feelings for me now seems to be genuine.”
Dorothy sat at her dressing table looking down at her hands in her lap. “I know you think I am silly and superficial, Anna…”
“Oh, my dear that is not true,” Anna objected.
“Then lighthearted and gay. But I doseethings, Anna. I do observe and ponder in my heart. And I beg you, please, dear sister, do not squander the opportunity to find the right husband.”
“And you do not believe Percy would make a good husband?” Anna asked but dreading the answer.
“I think he is self-serving and a fortune hunter. He has no profession. He is lazy, dishonest, and reckless. And what amazes me is that the one perfect man is directly in your sights and yet you ignore him.”
“Harry,” Anna said softly.
“Yes. It issoobvious. Yes! Yes! Harry absolutely adores you, Anna.”
Anna remembered the kiss. Her face flushed as she said, “But he has never indicated that he was interested in me that way. We always regarded each other as good friends.”
“Oh, Anna that is because he believed you loved Percy and he wanted to honor your feelings. He is not the sort of man to push himself upon you if he believed you cared for someone else.”
Dorothy’s comments were like a door opening and flooding in light. Of course. How could she have been so stupid? Harry had given her so many signs—which she had chosen to ignore. And then there had been the kiss.Thathad not been so subtle. Anna looked at her sister in wonder. “Dear sister, I do believe you have grown up. No longer shall I look upon you as my little sister. Now you are the big sister. Much wiser than I in the affairs of the heart. I shall ponder your advice and will look at both men with fresh eyes when we return to Wiltshire.”
Chapter 33
“Whatever happened with that nice Nora Fitzwalker from the ball?” Maria was winding a ball from a skein of yarn that Harry held for her knitting. They were awaiting the call to lunch and Maria had snagged Harry as he took a shortcut through the drawing room. “You went to dinner with her but never said how it went.”
Harry laughed, remembering how he had fled her house after her not-so-subtle advances. “She was lovely, but not so nice, I am afraid to say. To be polite I shall just say we did not seem to be sympathetic.”
“Oh… well, that is a shame. I thought she might have potential. After all, Harry, it is time you think about marrying. The estate needs an heir and the way things are for me right now, it seems unlikely I shall be having children any time soon.”
She finished up balling the skein and handed Harry another.
“More?” he asked, “What are you knitting? This is the sixth batch.”
“Your old turtle-neck sweater has attracted moths and it will not be suitable next winter. I thought to knit you a new one.”
“How very kind. But Maria, while we are comparing potential spouses, what do you think about Roger? You have not said much since he has been here. Are the two of you getting on well? You seemed to be so eager to see him when he arrived, but you have said little since.”
Maria pursed her lips as she thought of what she wanted to say. “I like Roger. And he seems to like me, but I am not certain…”
“Certain about what?”
