"My father and I raise many different types of horses. We have light horses-Morgans, Quarters, Paints, and Thoroughbreds." Henry's brown eyes were shining and his voice silky smooth. Leaning further over the front counter that separated him and Felicity at the Merriman's store he lowered his tone and Felicity leaned closer to hear. "But if you are into the allure of the more romantic. My father acquired an Arabian a few years back who is white as snow and a mane that glistens in the moonlight."
"How perfectly lovely!" Felicity sighed and she turned back to her work imagining such a beautiful horse. Behind Felicity's back Henry pounded his fist in mid-air: Why couldn't Felicity see that he liked her?
Ever since the ball Henry would occasionally make the journey to Williamsburg to stop by the Merriman's store and talk to Felicity. Everyone knew that he came all that way to see Felicity, all save Felicity. Henry would tell her how the horses on his family's plantation faired and who came to look at them in hopes of purchasing one.
"Felicity," Henry said with concern, "the sun is getting low and your father seems to be working late, shall I escort you home?"
With the end of each visit to the store Henry asked to escort Felicity home, an offer she declined with every visit.
"Henry, you know William stops by at this hour every day to walk home with me."
"Oh, yes, well better luck next time. A pleasure as always," Henry swept into a grand bow and graciously left the store. Patience is a virtue, the best things in life are worth fighting for and Felicity is worth it he thought as he made his way back home.
"Was that pompous horse-trainer here again?" William asked as he entered the store.
"William, don't be rude," Mr. Merriman emerged from the back of the store, wiping his hands, "Mister Carter is a fine young gentleman and is very kind to your sister." Felicity slouched in the corner, she hated when her family discussed prospects in front of her like she wasn't there. Thankfully, eight-year old William was more critical of the young lads in Williamsburg than Felicity was and would happily deter any from coming near.
Glancing over at his older sister pretending to dust in the corner, William called out to her, "Liss, ready to go?" Grateful to finally leave Felicity kissed her father on the cheek and head off with her brother.
"Tell your mother I'll be but another hour!" Mister Merriman called after them and returned back to work.
"He's been coming an awful lot to the store," William said as he picked up a stray stick and started dragging it along the fences of the houses they past.
"He comes to tell me about the horses," Felicity said nonchalantly.
"Oh Lissie, don't be daft! No one rides ten miles into town just to talk about horses!---I don't like the way he looks at you, it reminds me of the way I look at a chocolate cake!"
"William!" Felicity said with a laugh, "Don't be foolish and you need not worry your head about me, I'm not ready to set my cap for anyone yet. You are stuck with me for at least another two years or so!" and with that Felicity wrapped her arms around her protective brother and gave him a hug.
"Lissie off!" William said with disgust.