Harry had placed Anna to his right at the top of the table. This might seem unusual to the casual observer, as there were many more elevated guests that one might expect to sit in such a place of honor. But Harry wanted to engage in conversation with the woman he cared about so very much. To his left was Nora Fitzwalker, the daughter of the Lord Mayor of London. He had been introduced to her only this evening, but Maria had decided the lady needed to be honored with the place to his left because of her father’s position.

The table looked beautiful. Dorothy’s flower arrangements were stunning and low enough so that all the guests could see each other and converse. There were many candelabra along the length of the table and chandeliers overhead that gave the dining hall a warm glow and showed off the ladies and gentlemen at their very best.

The footmen began serving the wine and the soup course—a clear beef consommé.

Harry turned to speak to Anna, but Miss Fitzwalker intercepted.

“Your Lordship, I cannot tell you what an honor it is to be asked to your dance this evening. My father will be very pleased to hear I have enjoyed myself so much.”

Miss Fitzwalker was a stunning looking woman in her late twenties. She was tall, with dark hair, finely sculpted features, bright brown eyes and long slender hands that she used to great effect when speaking.

“Forgive me, I missed hearing where you are staying,” Harry said.

“With my grandparents, the Conrad Fitzwalkers, over by Cheltenham. Your sister was so kind to invite me as I have not met your family before.”

“But my father knew your father very well before he was the Lord Mayor.”

Nora placed her hand on the table nearby —but not touching—Harry’s hand. “And how is your dear mother? I heard she was injured in the accident that killed your father,”

“She is an invalid. She cannot walk and deals with constant pain. It is very difficult for the family, but I have to say she is very brave. She was not up to attending the dance this evening. It would have been too much for her.”

“I understand,” Nora briefly touched the top of Harry’s hand.

A footman leaned over next to Miss Fitzwalker to pour her more wine, and during that interval, Harry turned to Anna and asked, “Have you heard any news of your father?”

Anna seemed pleased with his attention. “We have not. But this has been one of his longest sojourns in India, and I have to say, I am a little worried we have not heard from him in quite a while. We had several letters soon after he arrived but nothing for several months now.”

Harry patted Anna’s hand. “Probably just delays in the post. International mail is notoriously slow.”

“I hope that is all.” She took several spoonsful of soup, then said, “It has been very pleasant meeting your friend, Mr. Stewart. He has been very gallant to Dorothy and me. And he is an excellent dancer.”

Harry smiled, but this information did not please him. He did not invite Christopher to Wiltshire to enchant Anna. “But not to worry,” she added. “I do not think he will divert me from my friendly affection for dear Percy.” And that displeased Harry even more.

But both Harry and Anna were distracted by uproarious laughter from halfway down the table where Aunt Agatha was regaling her near neighbors with some story or other. It was clear she was enchanting many of his guests.

At this point, Nora took advantage of the distraction to engage Harry once again.

“Tell me, Your Lordship, what exactly is it you do with your land? My grandfather told me you were involved in livestock.”

“Kerry cattle, specifically.”

“Is there something special about this breed?”

“They are of the very highest quality. Champions and of great value.”

“You must show them to me. They sound very interesting,” She said with a very open and winning smile.

Harry had to admit to himself he found this young lady to be very appealing. Not only was she lovely to look at, but she seemed to have intelligence, inquisitiveness, and a very winning personality. She looked very pretty in a light blue dress that was simple, but stylish, and in very good taste.

“I would be happy to show them to you. If you let me know ahead of time, I can arrange a morning or afternoon where you might come by to inspect the cattle and perhaps we could have a ride and lunch.”

“That sounds delightful,” she said

“How long are you to be in Wiltshire?”

“The rest of the summer. I do not care for London this time of year. It can be very hot, and I prefer the cooling breezes of the countryside.”

“Then I look forward to your visit.”

By now, the soup plates were being removed and the fish course was being served. The white wine was being poured for this course. This activity disrupted the conversation, until the gentleman to Nora’s left introduced himself and engaged her in conversation for a time.

This allowed Harry to return his attention to Anna.

“Have you been able to convince your father to let you build your classical pavilion yet?”

Anna sighed. “Not yet. He is extremely resistant to my pleas. And I fear it shall never come to pass, as he is away for such long periods, and when he is home, he keeps putting me off.”

This gave Harry a splendid idea. “Then perhaps you might consider building something for me?”

Anna’s face lit up and she took her friend’s hand. “You would do that for me?”

“I most certainly would.”

“What do you need to have built? A wing on the house? A grand entryway gate to the estate? A monument to your father? Tell me.”

He could tell she was very excited, but he was afraid he was about to disappoint her.

“Nothing quite as grand as any of those. I was thinking more in the line of a well house.”

“Oh…” She was disappointed, but added, “Then it shall be the finest well house in all of Great Britain.”

He liked her spirit. “Excellent. Then we shall do it.”

“First, you will need to show me the location. Then we can discuss design ideas and then I will work up some drawings…” Harry laughed. “And do you have a budget?”

“All in good time, Anna. I am in no rush.”

Anna laughed. “Perhaps not… but I am.” She leaned towards him and put both of her hands on his. “But I am getting ahead of myself, am I not? I am so sorry. It is just that this is so exciting for me.”

This made Harry very happy. He had been able to make her smile, and he realized this would provide him with the opportunity to spend more time with her. Yes, they were good friends, but might their interaction on the building open her up to romantic feelings for him? He could only hope. But at the very least, they could spend more time together.

“I am pleased this makes you excited. And I look forward to working with you on this.”

“I know now is not the time, but in a few days might I come back so we can begin planning?”

“Of course. Any time. Christopher does not leave until next week, so we will be here unless we go out for a ride.”

“Excellent,” Anna said and sat back in her chair very satisfied.

After dinner was over, guests gravitated back to the dancing salon. By now, Aunt Agatha had gathered quite a group around her and she was telling one story after another of her adventures in Africa and beyond. How many were actually true was another matter altogether. Neither Maria nor Harry had heard any of her tales yet, but that would have to be for another time, as after dinner-drinks needed to be served and the orchestra would be starting up soon, with more dancing to follow.

Anna was so excited about her building project, she could not bear to go back to the table and just sit. She sought out Percy and corralled him as he was being served a cognac.

“Oh, Percy, you have no idea…”

He appeared to be amused by her enthusiasm and asked, “And what news do you have for me?”

She told him of her building commission from Harry. And she could not stop herself and launched into, “Now I have a number of very fine classical structures I could model the well house after. I was thinking of a Greek motif with some late classical column designs. What do you think?”

Percy took her by the shoulders and said, “I have no idea what you are referring to, but I am certain whatever you choose will be just splendid.”

“Do you or your father know of any builders? I am afraid my work is mostly conceptual, and I do not have any practical experience with actually building anything.”

“Maybe we can help. I am a bit of a laggard myself, so I do not know anything about building. But I am certain my father will know. However, I am not certain he knows any reputable builders. He tends to work more in rather shady areas, and I do not know how well you could trust who he might send your way.”

“Oh… Well, then, I shall need to rely on Harry for advice.”

At that point, the orchestra began to play again. Percy asked, “Then shall we have our dance? I promised Maria a dance or two, so I best get our dance out of the way first.”

Anna did not like what appeared to be a dismissal. “Well, grant me no big favors, Percy. If you would rather dance with Maria, then do so.”

She turned to leave, but he took hold of her arm and turned her back toward him.

“Now. Now. No need to be sensitive. I want very much to dance with you, Anna. After all, you are my special friend, are you not?”

That pleased Anna very much and she allowed herself to be led to the dance floor.

Harry ended up escorting Nora back to the salon, and after seeing that she was seated at her table, he went to Maria.

“Are you in need of any assistance?” he asked and gave her a kiss on the cheek. “Your evening has gone very smoothly, and everyone seems to be having a grand time.”

Maria had to laugh. “With great assistance from Aunt Agatha, I notice. It appears she has become the center of the after-dinner party. There are many less people dancing and many more gathered around her.

Harry thought for a moment. “Did you know she was coming for a visit?” he asked.

“Not at all. We were having tea and suddenly she just showed up with her… friend.”

“She did not write saying she was coming for a visit?”

Maria chuckled. “Not at all. But, of course, we would never send her away.”

“Never.” Harry then asked with some curiosity, “And who exactly is this Mr. Oakley?”

“She says he is her travel companion. However, I suspect there is more going on between them than just travel.”

“Hmm. After this evening is over, we might want to have a serious conversation with her.”

“My thoughts, exactly.”

The first dance had ended, and Percy came to claim his dance with Maria. As they were leaving, Harry caught sight of Miss Fitzwalker sitting alone at her table and smiled. The young lady was very charming, and he decided she needed to be asked to dance, so, went over to her.

“Miss Fitzwalker, would you honor me with this next dance?” he asked.

“I should be delighted,” she said, smiled and rose when he offered his hand.

They went to the dance floor and began the Banoose, a circle dance for two couples. Harry thought Miss Fitzwalker a lively dancer—energetic and light of step. They had no opportunity for further conversation during the dance, but after it was over, Harry asked, “Might I offer you an after-dinner cordial?”

“I do appreciate a good cognac. I am not too fond of those sweet ladylike drinks that most people think we enjoy.”

“I have just the thing…” He led her to the table were Daniels was serving drinks.

“Two of my special cognac, please, Daniels.”

“Your Lordship.” He reached under the table and pulled out the Earl’s special favorite. He poured and handed them the glasses.

“Cheers,” Nora said.

“Cheers.”

As Harry was leading Nora back to her table, he caught sight of Anna, he realized he had promised her a dance and wished to go to her next. But back at Nora’s table she remained standing and asked, “And how do you relax after working with your cattle all day?”

“I enjoy fly-fishing. And, sometimes in the evenings, I create my own flies. It relaxes me.”

“How delightful. That is something I have always wanted to try, but, of course, London offers no opportunity for me to engage in such a delightful sport.”

“You?” he asked surprised. “I know of no ladies who are interested in that.”

“Then let me be the first,” she said with a sly smile.

He felt obliged to offer, “Then, let me be the one to instruct you—although it may take several sessions to get the hang of it, as it is a skill that must be learned over time.”

She lowered her eyes as she said, “But with your expert instruction I feel certain I shall learn very quickly.”

Harry could see what she was trying to do, but surprisingly, he did not mind. She was a very attractive woman who seemed to be interested in him, and he thought he might enjoy her company—especially since Anna continued her infatuation with Percy.

“Then I shall have a fishing rod waiting for you, at your convenience.”

“Perhaps the day I come to see your cattle?”

“I see no reason why not.”