Page 86 of The Scandalous Saga of the White Lady

“What would suit you, Roger?” Maria asked, “Do you prefer to ride, or shall we walk?”

“I think walking would be nice. I have been seated on a bumpy wagon for two days and it would be pleasant to stretch my legs. Also, it is easier to converse if we are walking—plus, I can offer you my arm.”

That suited Maria just fine. She linked her arm with Roger’s and they set out along a ridge that gave a good view of the estate.

It was nearly the end of August, and even though it was still summer, there was the faintest hint of the approaching autumn in the air. None of the trees had started turning color yet, but overhead a V formation of geese was flying south. The air smelled fresh and the color of the light had deepened as the angle of the sun was lower in the sky.

“Creassey is a very impressive estate,” Roger said.

“How does it compare to your land?”

“Ours might be a little more extensive, but we also have a larger herd than Harry has.”

“And your house?”

“Not as large as yours, but it is handsome in its own way.”

“I should like to see it sometime. Perhaps we could visit next year before the cattle fair.”

Roger looked at her. “Or even before that. I should love to invite the two of you to visit whenever you like. I believe you would like my family and I am certain they would enjoy meeting you.”

She glanced at Roger. “That might be possible at some point. But it would most likely be in the spring as travel can be difficult in the winter.”

Maria felt a breeze picking up and she snuggled in closer to Roger. She realized she liked Roger very much. But as she realized that, she also thought of Percy.

Dear Percy… she thought. They had been so close, but now with the horrible circumstance his family was in, he was being forced to woo Anna, and it seemed so very wrong. He did not love Anna and Maria felt badly for both herself and for Anna, as both would suffer if Percy was to succeed in marrying her.

Maria knew she should forget Percy, but she could not. He had been so dear to her… he still was. But perhaps it was time to move on. And maybe Roger would be just the person to entice her. However, it was too early to know.

They were coming to a wooded area and Maria asked, “I cannot remember if you have any sisters.”

“One sister, Matilda. However, she is frail and requires a lot of attention and supervision.”

“I am sorry to hear that. Then she is unmarried?”

“She is. Sadly, we do not expect her to be with us too much longer.”

Maria placed her free hand on Roger’s arm. “I am sorry to hear that. It must be difficult for your family.”

“It is an accepted fact. We do all we can to make her comfortable, but there is only so much we can do to ease her pain.”

They entered the woods and it became cooler. Maria hiked her summer shawl up around her neck.

“Are you cold, Maria? Do you want to return to the house?” he asked.

“No, I am fine. Unless you want to.”

“What is Harry up to this afternoon?”

“Most probably he will be with the new cows. He will want to make certain they are settled in properly.”

“Then I think I should join him—if you do not mind.”

“Not at all.”

Maria was a little disappointed they would not walk further. She had hoped to spend more time with him. Was she sensing a flagging of his interest in her, or was it merely a concern for Harry and the new cows?

As they headed back toward the house, Roger asked, “Forgive me, but might I enquire if you have a living attached if you were to marry?”