“Of course. We both have a reputation to maintain,” Mr. Campbell replied.
“Hmm. Then count me in.”
Percy was feeling desperate. He sent a note to Maria right after his talk with the Duke, inviting her to the picnic—which she would need to organize. He would pick her up in his horse cart, but she would need to have the picnic basket prepared. He knew it was asking a lot, but he needed to have a serious talk with her. He did not want to have to go to London to shop for a bride. He had a great fondness for Maria—if not quite a burning love.
She had agreed, and he pulled the horse trap up to the entrance to Creassey Manor promptly at noon.
Maria was waiting for him. A footman loaded the picnic basket on to the back of the trap and they were soon off on their way.
It was another pleasant Wiltshire summer afternoon and Percy had decided to drive to a lake on his family property. One side was partially wooded and would provide shelter from the sun and a pleasant overview of the water.
“I am so happy you agreed to have lunch with me today, Maria. Have you brought us something pleasant for the picnic?”
“I believe so,” she said, taking Percy’s arm as he drove the trap back toward the Billingsford Estate.
“Have you recovered from the dance?” he asked her grinning from ear to ear.
“More or less. But I can see why we entertain so infrequently. It is a lot of work on top of my full household duties.”
“Perhaps you need more staff.”
“Harry likes to maintain a tight ship. While the estate is profitable, it also operates on a narrow margin, as Harry so often tells me. I have no idea what that means, but I know it means we must be careful of our expenses.”
They finally arrived at the lake and Percy helped Maria down and together they lifted the basket off the trap and took it to a pleasant grassy spot in partial sun by the lakeside.
Percy spread out a blanket for them to sit on, as Maria opened up the basket and prepared the lunch.
There were a number of swallows chasing each other over the lake—swooping and shooting back up into the heat-hazy sky. The two were entranced with the birds and conversed only mindlessly until the last of the wine was finished, and the two lay back on the blanket, their hands behind their head and closed their eyes to rest for a moment.
Then Percy hiked himself up on one arm and tentatively asked, “Maria, you know I care for you a great deal.”
“Yes, I know that, Percy. Why do you say this now?”
“We have talked around the idea of marriage, but we have never been very clear about our intentions.”
This caught Maria’s attention and she sat up to face Percy. “Well, dear friend, you never seemed to want to talk about marriage. It appears to me that you like your freedom and your carefree lifestyle and I never thought you were seriously interested in marriage.”
“That may have been true, but there comes a time in every man’s life when he needs to become responsible and begin to think about his future—our future.” Maria surprised Percy by laughing. “Maria… You mock me?”
“Oh, Percy, not at all. It is just that you are suddenly so serious. Has something come up that you want to discuss these matters now?”
Percy did not want to offend Maria by being too blunt, so he edged into the subject by saying, “I am afraid my father is not well.”
“Oh, Percy,” she said sitting up straighter and giving him her full attention. “What has he said?”
“I am not certain it is a physical illness. But he seems distracted and I fear he has not been attending to the business of the estate as he should.” He paused for effect and assumed an attitude of great sorrow. “Therefore, I feel that I must take on more of the responsibility for the family.”
Maria nodded as she added, “That sounds very sensible, Percy.”
It was now time to get to the heart of the matter. “And as a result, I have been taking stock of how I might help and my question for you is—should we marry, what sort of a living do you have to bring to the marriage?” He lowered his head and his eyes to show how painful it was to ask her this question. “Of course, that is not my main motive, but it is a way for me to formulate my future. I hope you understand.”
“I do. And my answer is that I have about three thousand left me by my maternal grandmother. I realize it is not a great deal, but that is the reality. And then I have my own issue I must consider.”
“Yes?”
“I am responsible for helping run our estate. I share every bit as much in the work as Harry does. If I were to marry, that would put a great strain on the household and someone would need to replace me.”
“But certainly, a housekeeper could be employed, would that not be so?”
“Perhaps. But it would somewhat depend on how well the cattle business was going. It is growing, and the future looks good for the estate, but at present, I am not certain Harry could afford to lose me.”
“I see.” Percy became quiet and turned and stared out across the lake.
“Percy?” Maria asked after a moment. “What are you thinking?”
He turned to her. He could not say it, but he realized he would need to go to London in search of a bride. Maria’s three thousand would not be enough to save the family estate. And he also realized that he would miss having Maria as his wife, for he really did care for her.
He turned back to her and said, “I am thinking that you might need a little more time before we consider marrying, as I can see your responsibilities do not allow you the freedom to consider a proposal from me at this time.”
Maria looked disappointed but asked, “You are considering a marriage between us?”
“My darling, it is my dearest desire.”
“Then we must be patient until the time is just right,” she said with a sad smile.
Chapter 12
When not traveling, Aunt Agatha never rose before eleven in the morning—unless there was a dire necessity. She would take tea and toast in her rooms, bathe, and then appear at lunch refreshed and ready for her next adventure of the day.
It had been some time since Agatha had visited her sister, and as they had had little conversation the day Agatha arrived because of the dance, she wanted to spend some sister time with Leah.
“We must, must, must spend all afternoon together,” Agatha said to Leah, as she unfolded her napkin and placed it in her lap at the start of lunch.
“But not all afternoon, Agatha, I must have my nap at three. It is very difficult for me to get through a day without resting several times. There is so much pain, you see,” Leah said in her very subdued voice.
“Then whatever time you will grant me I shall gladly accept.”
Harry was at the head of the table in the small dining room. It was a more intimate room than the vast formal dining hall where the dinner was held last evening, and it was where breakfast and lunch were usually served.
“Aunt, it was certainly a surprise to see you yesterday. I am sorry we were not able to visit with you last evening, but I look forward to giving you our full attention this evening. We should so like to hear about your travels in Africa.”
“And so you shall.” She turned to Chilton who was sitting next to her. “Many thrilling adventures, was it not, dearest?”
“When we were not in mortal danger,” he said with a wry look.
“Oh, well that. But was that not all part of the fun?”
“For you, perhaps. However, I ended up with three ruined suits, a lost walking stick, and a nasty cut on my brow over the course of our several thrilling adventures.”
“Do you know how long you will be staying with us?” Maria asked.
Aunt Agatha looked askance at her. “And are we in the way?” she asked with the slightest touch of venom.
“Not at all, dear Aunt. It is just I want to be assured you are pleasantly settled.” She glanced at Chilton. “Both of you. And I was just wondering where your next adventure might be leading you
. You seem to lead such an active and colorful life.”
Agatha gazed up as though consulting with the heavens and answered, “Perhaps a sojourn at my London house for a time,” and she looked to Chilton and continued, “And then I have been thinking a stay in Singapore might be diverting for a month or two. Of course, it would need to be in the high season when it is not too rainy. And then there is always Japan. I have often longed to see the charming shrines and gardens of Kyoto.”
“But no more river trips in canoes or rope suspension bridges or rhinoceros hunts—if you please,” Chilton pleaded.
“Oh, no. I am quite content for a slice of civilization this time. I think we have had quite enough of that sort of adventure.”
“I am delighted to hear that,” Chilton replied.
Anna was enthralled with her work on the well house. She worked late into the night. She had dismissed Warrick much earlier and worked quite alone with just a few candelabras. She could not wait to show Harry what she had accomplished, even though she had not seen the location of the well or consulted with him on what he wanted. She had become so caught up in her own enthusiasm that she had completely dismissed those necessary little details.
So, it was not surprising that she woke up with a start, slumped over her desk in the early morning light—the candles extinguished and her papers all askew.
She gathered her papers together and studied what she had accomplished last evening. It was as though she had been in a trance while working, and she only now appreciated what she had done as she studied the drawings. She was very pleased. She could not wait to dress, breakfast, and run over to Harry to show him her work.
But Anna was not to get away all that quickly, as Dorothy was not at all well. She had been throwing up all night and looked pale and pasty Anna went to see her when she did not show up for breakfast.
“Oh, my dear, what is causing this?” Anna asked, while she went to feel Dorothy’s forehead to see if she might have a fever.
“I have no idea. But I do not believe it is serious. Most likely something I ate last night. I am afraid I went to raid the pantry before bed and I sampled some cheese that had been left out. It may have been rancid.”
“Shall I send for the doctor?”
“Not yet. After all my retching, I think I should wait a bit and see if I am better in a little while.”
Anna poured some water from a pitcher into a basin, wetted a towel, folded it, and applied it to Dorothy’s forehead.
“Does that help?” she asked.
“Very much so. Thank you.”
Anna sat on the bed next to her sister and held her hand.
Dorothy lamented, “I was hoping to see Christopher again this morning. But I am not sure I shall be able to.”
“He can always return later if you are still unwell.”
Dorothy hesitated but asked, “You do not mind that he called on me yesterday instead of you?”
“Not at all. He is very charming but seems a bit young for me. Not in age so much, but in his outlook. I think he is a much better match for you.”
“Oh, so I am less mature than you and deserve a witless man?”
Anna laughed. “I never said that. You put words into my mouth. I simply meant I think his temperament is more matched to you than to me.”
Dorothy suddenly looked wretched again and said, “I think I am going to be sick again.” She flung herself out of bed and dashed to the basin.
Anna could see she was not going to be able to show Harry her drawings anytime soon.
Christopher was planning to visit Dorothy that afternoon and Harry was attending to some business in his study when Daniels came in.
“Your Lordship, a hand-delivered letter, requiring a reply,” he said handing the letter to Harry.
It was from Miss Fitzwalker.
Your Lordship,
I want to start by saying what a splendid evening I had at your charming dance. I so enjoyed meeting you and your dear sister.
I hope I am not imposing myself by accepting your most generous offer to see your cattle and perhaps try my hand at fly fishing—if the weather holds.
I was thinking I might come by this afternoon, if that is convenient—say two o’clock? Please do not hesitate to let me know if this is not a good time, and feel free to propose an alternative.
You may reply to my messenger.
Your Devoted Admirer,
Nora Fitzwalker
Harry turned to Daniels and said, “Tell the messenger that two o’clock is acceptable. And I look forward to Miss Fitzwalker’s visit.”
“Yes, Your Lordship.”
Dorothy appeared to recover some of her health quite rapidly after her last regurgitation. Anna was able to get a little tea and toast down her and she was able to sit in a chair with no further trouble. Within half an hour Anna could see that some of Dorothy’s color had returned.
“You look much better,” she said.
“And I feel better,” Dorothy said weakly, but she smiled and went to her dressing table and looked in the mirror. “Oh, dear, I do look a fright. I certainly must have Mr. Christopher turned away if he should visit.”
“I will tell Warrick you are not receiving today. But I hope you do not mind, I very much need to see Harry. I worked all night on my drawings for the well house and I want him to see them.”
“Oh, yes. Please go. I am quite well enough now to be by myself. I definitely do feel better.”
Anna was eager to leave, and after grabbing a quick bite of late lunch she ordered a horse and trap and headed off toward Creassey Manor with her portfolio of drawings.
On her way, she saw a horseman approaching and before long she recognized it was Mr. Stewart. As he approached he reined in his horse and stopped.
“Good day, Miss Anna. I am just on my way to see your sister.”
“Oh, Mr. Christopher, I am sorry to say she has been ill and is not receiving visitors this afternoon.”
“Nothing serious, I hope?”
“Not at all, and she is already on the mend. But she is not at her best and I know she would want to be able to entertain you properly.”
“I should hate to intrude upon her recovery. However, I think I shall stop by, as I have a book I should like to give her. I shall leave it with your butler, if I may.”
“I am certain she would greatly appreciate that. But do not expect to be entertained this afternoon.”
“I quite understand and shall not impose myself upon her.”
“Then good day, Mr. Stewart.”
“Miss Anna.”
And they each continued on their separate ways.
As Anna approached the Manor house, she saw another trap was parked near the entrance. She pulled up and a groom came to take charge of the horse. Anna stepped down and went to the entrance where Daniels greeted her after she rang the bell.
“Ah, Miss Hoskins, we were not expecting you,” he said.
“No, I have come unannounced. Is His Lordship in? And do you think he might see me?”
“He is, but he is currently entertaining a guest. However, I shall announce you and see if he can see you or not.”
“Thank you, Daniels,” she said and waited with her portfolio in hand. She hoped his other guest would not take too long, as she was so anxious to show him the drawings.
She heard the sitting room door open and expected to see Daniels, but it was Harry who came out.
“Anna, what a surprise. Have we scheduled an appointment I might have forgotten about?” He sounded a little irritated, but not angry.
“No, no… but I have been working on the drawings for the well and I was so anxious to show them to you I am afraid I abandoned all protocol and just came over, hoping you would be able to take a look at what I have put together for you.”
Anna found she was uncommonly nervous and also surprised at how much she enjoyed seeing Harry. He looked a little flushed and quite handsome. She could not help feeling the butterflies in her stomach
and wondered why.
“Oh, Anna, I am so sorry, I do not have time just now, I have a guest and we are about to go out to visit the cattle.”
“I do not mind waiting. But I so much want to get your first reactions to my drawings. I think you will really like them.”
Harry seemed to be conflicted and he rubbed his chin. “You had better come in,” he said and led the way back to the drawing room.
The Scandalous Saga of the White Lady: A Historical Regency Romance Novel Page 8