Page 78 of The Scandalous Saga of the White Lady

“Incident?”

Harry explained the loss of a few of his cattle and the circumstances.

“What a dastardly act! Did you shoot the culprit?”

Harry laughed. “The man responsible was a neighbor and a member of the peerage. It did not seem appropriate at the time.”

Roger laughed. “Wiltshire sounds like the wild west of America. Do you feel safe there, Miss Maria?” he asked, turning to her with a teasing smile.

“Quite safe. It was an aberration, I assure you.”

At that point, dinner was served, and the conversation drifted to less controversial topics, but Harry was delighted to see Maria warm up to his friend, Roger. She seemed to be her old happy self again.

After dinner, the evening was still young, and Roger suggested a stroll around the city’s square. “There is a shop that sells the most delightful ice cream—if you care about such things?”

“I should like that,” Maria said. “Harry, may we?”

“I do not see why not. We recently had a very hot spell, and I must say, ice cream crossed my mind more than once or twice.”

Maria gave Harry a furtive look, and a shake of her head, which he took to mean she should like to walk out with Mr. Dillon alone.

Harry was happy to oblige. “Roger, you know, I think I might excuse myself this evening. I am feeling the need to study the catalogue for tomorrow’s opening. Why not the two of you go ahead? Maria, I shall see you on your return. Enjoy yourselves.”

Roger said, “I am certain we shall. And Harry…”

“Yes?”

“Perhaps we might meet sometime during the fair. I have a number of issues I would like to discuss with you.”

“Would be happy to. And let me ask, do you have any animals for sale this year?”

“I do. Catch me tomorrow morning after breakfast and let’s talk.”

Harry saluted his friend and headed toward their room.

* * *

“What a refreshing evening,” Maria said, as she and Roger stepped out of the hotel onto the street.

“Delightful.” Roger offered his arm. “Then you do not know Winchester?”

“Harry and I explored some of the shops this afternoon, but that is all I know so far.”

“The square is this way.”

They headed to the charming town square and began walking. Maria was intrigued to see so many shops still open this time of night.

“I assume neither your brother nor your father came with you to the fair?” she asked.

“Correct. We have quite a large number of cattle and we felt we could only spare one of us to come this year.”

Maria pointed ahead. “That must be the ice cream shop.”

“It is. Are you ready for some yet?”

“I should like to walk a little more first. It is such a lovely evening.”

“And you, Miss Maria, how do you occupy your time in Wiltshire?”