The only things he accomplished were ordering a custom set of throwing knives from a German-owned general store and getting a feel for the city.
He found the constant dust and the pervasive smell of the city unbearable, and by 3 PM, he was ready to return to the Mellon estate.
As he rode up to the manor gate, he handed his horse to Thor and walked inside.
Becky and Andre were playing in the small, two-hundred-square-meter garden.
The moment she saw him, Becky came running, her little legs pumping, and threw her arms around his right leg. She looked up at him, her big, bright eyes shining.
Henry understood.
He held out his empty right hand, made a fist, and then opened it to reveal two Samuel's Sweetmeats.
Becky clapped her hands with delight. She tugged on his sleeve, pulling him down to her level, and gave him a loud, smacking kiss on the cheek before taking the two candies. She then ran back to her brother, Andre, and gave one to him.
A generous child, Henry thought with a smile. He had deliberately produced two candies to see what she would do.
Just then, he noticed two bright eyes watching him from the right. Edith was sitting in a wicker chair, a book in her hands, her gaze fixed on him.
She was wearing a white morning dress, a translucent shawl draped over her shoulders, and a delicate pearl necklace that accentuated her collarbones. She looked elegant, radiant, and breathtakingly beautiful.
Henry smiled at her and walked over, taking a seat in the chair next to hers.
Edith felt her heart skip a beat as the tall, handsome, and powerfully built young man sat down beside her.
"Good afternoon, Miss Edith," Henry said politely.
"Good afternoon," she replied, her own smile like a blossoming flower. "Is your business for the day concluded?"
"It is. Do you always spend your time reading? What sort of books do you enjoy?"
"I'm reading Jane Eyre," she said, holding up the book. "I enjoy reading, playing the piano, riding, and archery. I especially like biographies of historical figures and novels written by modern women."
"Jane Eyre is a truly influential novel," Henry commented. "An expression of a woman's desire for a life of freedom and equality."
Edith's eyes widened in surprise. "You've read it? Do you enjoy reading as well? And you agree with the idea of equality between men and women?"
Henry smiled. "A woman is essential to the stability and development of a family. Her role is no less important than a man's. So, why not?"
Edith's hand flew to her mouth. She studied his handsome face and saw nothing but sincerity in his eyes. "Forgive my shock," she said, lowering her hand. "You are the first exceptional man I have ever heard express that view."
"I understand," he said. "But the most important thing about the novel's heroine is her strength and independence. If one desires equality, one must strive for independence. That, I believe, is the key. Don't you agree, Edith?"
"Yes, that's it exactly! I think…"
She began to share her thoughts on the novel, and Henry gently guided the conversation, encouraging her to speak of her own experiences, her own feelings. Anyone who's ever had a girlfriend knows: the key is to let her talk.
Edith was soon laughing, her voice like silver bells. The sound drew the attention of Madeline and Linda, but they did not interrupt the pair.
Henry found himself enjoying the moment. A sunny summer afternoon, a beautiful woman, the fresh scent of the garden… it was a soothing balm for a soul that had been stretched taut since his arrival in this world.
Edith, too, was enjoying herself immensely. She felt as if she had found a kindred spirit in this handsome, mysterious, and surprisingly empathetic man. No matter the topic, he was able to engage with her, to draw her out, to touch upon the very things that excited her most.
When the conversation turned to music, she realized with a start that his knowledge was profound. "It's a shame there's no piano in this house," she said with a sigh. "Otherwise, we could try a duet."
"A piano is a bit too large for me to conjure from thin air," Henry said with a soft smile. "But would you care to hear a harmonica?"
Her eyes lit up. "Of course! Could you really?"