“But Dorothy, we are not yet engaged. I could understand if we were, but it might appear to others to be unseemly if we were to spend so much time together while you are in mourning.”
“Well, Christopher… that could be remedied,” she said, coyly, diverting her eyes and twisting her handkerchief.
“I must speak to my father… before… before I can offer to take your hand in marriage.”
Dorothy pouted for a moment. “But my circumstances have changed.”
“Yes, your father has passed away.”
“Not only that.”
“My dearest…”
“You see, Anna and I are now the inheritors of the estate, our father’s shares in the East India Company, and we are also the beneficiaries of a hundred thousand pounds insurance policy. Do you think that might make any difference?”
Christopher was at first too stunned to speak. “I had no idea, my darling… you are going to be a very wealthy woman. I am quite certain there will be any number of interested gentlemen who will come calling once your mourning period is over.”
Christopher could not help himself and he laughed out loud. “My dear, I doubt those kind of gentlemen will wait until your mourning is over. You have no idea how many fortune seekers there are out there, who scrutinize the obituaries, just looking for eligible young heiresses.”
“But there is one way I will no longer be eligible,” she said as she dabbed at her eyes with her handkerchief. “You may go ahead and ask me now… even if it is to be provisional until you talk to your father.”
“But I am totally unprepared. I have no engagement ring. I have been promised my grandmother’s ring, but it is back in Dorset.”
“Oh, Christopher, do you think that matters to me one whit?”
“But is this entirely proper?”
“Christopher Stewart, I swear, you are more stubborn than any fellow I have ever met. Do you want to marry me or not?”
“I do.”
She gave a great sigh. “Then we are engaged. Now you may kiss my cheek.”
The dresses had been ordered and would be delivered the day after tomorrow. Maria had returned home after conferring with Warrick and the household staff about the funeral reception. And Dorothy had quite unexpectedly announced that she and Christopher were engaged. What an extraordinary day it had been so far!
But what had surprisingly crossed Anna’s mind was her well house project for Harry. Of course, her life was in turmoil, but the one thing she felt might calm her was her design work. She gravitated to her work table and examined her drawings. She still had not had her meeting with Harry to ride out to the well site, but it was what she longed to do. However, it was not possible. Not now. Unfortunately, that would have to wait.
Then the thought suddenly struck her—her father could no longer prevent her from building whatever she wanted on their estate. She could design, build, and exalt any project she wished from here on out. There were no limits to what she could do. She and her sister would be wealthy women—able to travel, marry, or make real anything they could dream up for themselves.
This was extremely liberating, and she turned to her books and began flipping through different ones to find inspiration for projects she might do for the estate. She could do anything she wanted—limited only by the scope of her imagination—and available funds.
But then her enthusiasm came crashing down. First, she did not have the training to build such structures by herself, and secondly, she did not have the funds to accomplish such projects—yet.
She was getting way ahead of herself. She needed to get together with her sister and their solicitor to find out exactly what would be needed to run the estate. And then the two sisters would need to consider exactly how much each would have as their share to use as they wished. And no doubt, Dorothy was already thinking what she might have to take with her to her marriage with Christopher.
With all the turmoil of the day, Anna had barely acknowledged Dorothy’s announcement that she was engaged to Mr. Stewart. How incredibly negligent Anna had been in congratulating her sister on her joyous news.
Anna found Dorothy in her flower garden deadheading roses. She snuck behind her unannounced and startled her.
“Dorothy…”
She turned abruptly. “You surprised me.”
“I am sorry. But I realized I had not reacted to the announcement of your engagement as I should have. It took me so by surprise. Please tell me all about the proposal.”
Dorothy picked up her basket of spent roses and asked, “Was it improper of me to accept his proposal at such a time?”
Anna was uncertain, but said, “Does it really matter? But you realize it would be improper to marry before the end of the mourning period. But I see no harm in accepting his proposal.”
“Good,” Dorothy said with a smile, as she linked her arm with Anna’s and said, “Is it tea time? Let us return to the house and I shall tell you everything he said.”
Settled into Anna’s chambers with tea, Dorothy told Anna an embellished story of the proposal where it was Christopher who pushed for the engagement—not her.
Anna was thoughtful before asking, “Are you certain, my dear? You have known him such a short time.”
“Well, we will have at least six months before we marry, and I am thinking I should visit his family. That should give us more time to be together and get to know one another. He has even promised to take me to the seaside. How jolly that would be!” Dorothy suddenly got a splendid idea. She leaned forward and enthusiastically said, “Oh, Anna, do come with me. I should love for you to meet the family too. I would so much value your opinion. It would be good for both of us to get away for a while after the service.”
“Hmm. That might be a good idea. But it cannot be too soon after the service. We must observe some propriety,” Anna said. She realized that now that they were orphaned, and she was the eldest, she would need to be the responsible one.
“Oh, and Christopher is to stay with Harry until after the memorial service. We shall have almost two more weeks to visit.”
“Have you discussed where you will hold the wedding? Of course, you are welcome to have it here, but perhaps his parents would prefer it to be in Dorset.”
“Anna, it is far too early for us to discuss that. But my preference would be to have it here. After all, we will be paying for it, since Father is no longer here to represent the bride’s family.”
“Perhaps it can be decided on our visit to Christopher’s family.”
Each held their own thoughts for a moment before Dorothy said, “But Anna, what are you to do after I am gone? I cannot bear the thought of you living here all by yourself. It only occurred to me just this minute.”
“I am certain I shall be kept quite busy running the estate. There is no need to be concerned for me.”
“But what if you marry? Certainly, your husband would want you to live with him. What will become of the estate then?”
“That is a very good question, my dear—and one that I have not yet thought about. I suppose we could always sell it.”
“Oh, Anna… but it is our home.”
“But not if we are both married and creating families elsewhere.”
It was clear the two sisters were only now beginning to realize the extent of the changes in their lives. They became lost in thought again as Dorothy poured them each another cup of tea and passed the plate of biscuits to her sister.
Anna finally spoke up. “Do you know where you and Christopher plan to set up your household? Does he have his own property?”
“He says he must remain at home as he is to inherit the property. But he promises we shall have our own quarters.”
“You might want to suggest to him that the two of you live here until he inherits.”
“I believe he is needed at home to help run the estate.”
“I see. Well, there is certainly a lot to consider, and a lot of unknowns—for both of us.”
C
hapter 19
With all that had been going on with Anna’s family, and the scare over the cattle, Harry had paid little attention to his guests—Aunt Agatha and her… companion. And knowing his aunt’s habits, he was surprised to find both his aunt and Mr. Oakley at breakfast when he came into the breakfast room in the early morning.
“Aunt Agatha, is this not early for you to be up?” Harry asked as he served himself breakfast at the sideboard.
“Quite so. I feel like I have been drawn and quartered, but one must make adjustments when one travels,” she said after sipping her tea.
“Are you to leave us?” Harry asked, sitting down at his place at the table.
“For the day, dear boy, only for the day.”
“We are off to see this quite extraordinary place we have read about,” Chilton said, “It is something called Stonehenge. Do you know of it?”
“Most certainly. It is quite famous in the region.”
“I have requested Daniels to order us a picnic. I hope that was not an imposition,” Agatha said.
“Not at all. How are you to travel?”
“We were thinking to use my carriage, but one of our horses is lame and is being treated. Would you mind horribly if we borrowed one of your coaches?” Agatha asked.
“Not at all. Do you intend to return by dinner time?”
“I expect so. I mean, how much can one appreciate a pile of rocks? Certainly, the ride in the countryside will be more rewarding, but dear Chilton feels there is merit in scampering around in Druidic ruins. I would much prefer shopping in Marlborough, but he gets these fancies… and what is one to do? I did ask my sister if she would like to accompany us, but she declined, citing her constant pain. It seems she is unable to travel for any extended period of time.”
“That and I believe her memories of the carriage accident make her wary of traveling again almost anywhere.”
“I was hoping I might persuade her to come back to London with us for a visit, but I fear she will decline for the very reason you cite,” Agatha said sorrowfully.
“Then you are planning to return to London soon?”
Agatha glanced at Chilton. “We are rather enjoying our stay here, but we are in discussion about it. The London fall season will be starting up the month after next and I was thinking of the opera… but who knows? Being here is such a respite after the rigors of our African travels that we might stay on for a while longer.”
“You are welcome, of course. And I know mother appreciates your visit.”
Agatha turned to Chilton and nudged him with her elbow. “Come along. Let us get started so we can be back in time for dinner. I would hate to eat cold meat pies and salad on a tray because we missed supper.”
“Well, what did she have to say?” the Duke asked Percy who was standing before him at his desk. “How much is she worth?”
Percy was feeling very conflicted. His true affections were for Maria, and yet here he was, needing to convince his father he was courting Anna.
“I cannot say. She did not divulge that information to me. I am not certain she knows herself, so soon after learning of her father’s demise.”
“Then did you at least make it clear to her that you were interested in courting her?” the Duke asked. He stood up and came around his desk to confront his son more directly.
Percy was cautious as he said, “Father, this is a very delicate time for her. It would be crass and insensitive if I pushed too hard. It would be blatantly obvious if I insisted on knowing what she might bring to a marriage. It is far too early. Even you should recognize that.”
“Hmm. Perhaps. But these are desperate times. Even if you were not to marry right away I am certain I could raise funds on the knowledge that you were to marry an heiress.”
Percy sighed and turned away. “This is very difficult for me.”
“Ah, poor baby. He is finding life difficult.” The Duke pushed his son from behind and Percy tripped forward. “I care not what you feel. You are a part of this family and the estate. And your very futures are at stake. Do your damn part or get out. You understand me? I want to see an engagement within a month or less. Just do it! Now get out of here!”
Arnold had a message from Mr. Phineas Campbell that he needed to meet with him that evening at the same pub in Marlborough where they had met before.
The Duke had ridden into town and quartered his horse in plenty of time. He wanted to be there before Mr. Campbell to gauge the lay of the pub before he arrived. One could never be too careful.
Arnold found the table where they had concluded the deal was empty, and he took it. As it was in the corner, he had his back to the wall and could view the whole pub from where he was sitting. He felt protected.
Mr. Campbell appeared right on time, surveyed the establishment, saw Arnold, and went over to the table.
“Good evening, Your Grace. Thank you for meeting me.”
Arnold was not one for pleasant conversation and immediately asked, “Is it concluded?”
“What?”
“The deal. Have you got my money for me?”
“I am afraid not. There has been a complication.”
Arnold groaned and turned in his chair in frustration. “What do you mean?”
“The ship never made it to Africa to pick up the slaves. There was a major storm and the ship needed to find shelter in the nearest port. But there was some sort of disease amongst the crew and eventually the ship had to return home. It was never able to pick up the slaves.”
“So, what does that mean? Will it go again? Or some other ship? What?”
“I am sorry to say that the project is finished. The money I had invested was lost and I am not able to fund a second expedition. If it had been successful, I would have been able to fund another venture, but as it is, I have to say, the project is dead. So sorry, but at least you did not have any funds invested.”
“That does not help me in the least. I was counting on the success of our venture.”
“But as in all things in life, there is no certainty.” Mr. Campbell stood to leave.
Arnold stood and became aggressive. “No, that is not good enough. You promised me a payout. Now it is up to you to make good on your promise.”
Mr. Campbell looked at him with contempt. “This matter is concluded.”
“No, if you cannot make good on this project then let me be a part of the mill… something. I must have something!”
“I am sorry. I was mistaken in thinking you would be a good partner, but I thank you for your participation. Good evening, Your Grace.”
Maria and Harry held up dinner and waited for Aunt Agatha and Mr. Oakley as long as they could, but it was well past eight-thirty and the two had still not returned from their day trip.
“I think we should go ahead with dinner,” Maria said, “Mother is getting cranky and you know she needs to go to bed early.”
“That is fine by me,” Harry said, “I would not have waited for them this long except I thought Mother might object if we did not wait for them.”
Dinner was a somber affair. Mother spoke not a word, and Maria and Harry chatted about household matters. Christopher was not dining with them this evening as he was having dinner with his fiancé at Repington Hall.
As they were leaving the dining room, and Aunt had still not returned, Harry asked his sister, “Do you think I should send someone out to scout for them? Perhaps they are lost.”
Maria replied, “How would that be possible, did you not send our coachman with the carriage? He knows the county as well as any and certainly would not lose his way.”
Harry was hesitant to speak in front of his mother for fear of upsetting her, so he pulled Maria aside and said, “Perhaps there has been an accident.”
“Then some official would have come to inform us.”
“I expect you are right.”
“I am going to take mother to her room,” Maria said. “I shall see you presently.” She sought out Nurse Carter and they to
ok Mother away.
It was past midnight and the two had still not returned. Both Harry and Maria were exhausted. They were usually up early in the morning and early to bed at night.
Christopher had returned from Repington long ago and had retired.
The Scandalous Saga of the White Lady: A Historical Regency Romance Novel Page 13
