Page 79 of The Scandalous Saga of the White Lady

“Harry manages the estate and I manage the household. We work well together, but we both work hard, so coming away to Winchester for a few days is a great treat for me.”

Roger hesitated but asked, “And do you have a young man in your life? Might there be an engagement any time soon.”

That gave Maria pause and she felt a twinge of pain as she thought of her last meeting with Percy.

“Not at present. Therewasa young man, but unfortunately his family is in difficulty and he is unable to make an offer of marriage.”

“That must be sad for you.”

She looked up at him and sadly smiled. “We cannot always choose where life leads us.”

Roger patted her hand. “Then I know of a very delicious strawberry ice cream that will soothe away your cares.”

“Strawberry? That might be nice, but I would rather have chocolate.”

“Then chocolate it shall be.”

* * *

Maria had thought to remain at the hotel the next morning as the fair got underway, but Harry insisted she join him, and she was happy she did. There was a lot of activity at the fair besides the cattle. There were jugglers, hawkers of various foods and wares, and a strolling band that played lively music. Maria was quite enjoying herself.

Harry finally led her to the pen where Roger had his cattle, and she climbed onto the fence and sat watching Harry and Roger negotiate the price of a couple of cows Harry wanted to buy.

Finally, they slapped hands and shook on their deal and Harry came over to her and hopped on to the fence and sat next to her.

“Did you get the price you wanted?” Maria asked.

“Close enough. And the good part is, Roger is going to bring the cattle to me.” Harry leaned in and whispered. “But I think what he really wants is to see you again. And I invited him to stay on with us for a few days. Does that please you?”

“I would not object,” she said with a huge smile.

“You like Roger, then?”

“Perhaps. We shall have to see. I do find him interesting. But, of course, he has one major drawback.”

“And what is that?”

“He breeds cattle,” she said and laughed.

* * *

Maria was pensive as she and Harry returned toward home in their carriage at the end of the fair. It has been a success for Harry as he purchased three cows to replace several that had been lost in the attack. For Maria, it was freeing to get away for a few days from the pressures of her daily routine. She had had a great deal of fun with Harry at the fair and enjoyed exploring Winchester. But she had to admit, perhaps the best part was meeting Roger Dillon. Not that she had feelings for him, but he was handsome, attentive, and he seemed to be interested in her. She had only been half joking when she said a drawback was that he was a cattle breeder. She knew what that life was like and was not certain she wanted to commit the rest of her life to that lifestyle on a permanent basis.

As they neared home, Harry asked, “Do you think we shall find our house still standing?”

Maria looked askance at him. “Why ever would we not?”

“Perhaps all the staff has run away, and the Duke has burned the house to the ground.”

“Oh, Harry, what a fanciful idea. Really, you can be quite ridiculous at times.”

“I did enjoy myself at the fair though. It was good to get away for a time.”

“It was. But it is going to be quiet when we get back with Christopher returned home, Aunt Agatha and Mr. Oakley gone, and Anna and Dorothy about to set off on their trip to Dorset. We shall be quite alone.”

“We always have each other,” Harry reminded her.

“We should visit Anna and Dorothy before they leave,” Maria said but glanced at Harry. “Unless it pains you to see her, knowing Percy is courting her.”