[DAY 3] The morning after

You awoke feeling well-rested and in a good mood. Yesterdays events came back to you as you got dressed and left your room.

{if Relationship_Charlotte >= 20} As you stepped into the corridor, Lady Charlotte happened to be passing with one of the housemaids.

She slowed just enough to offer you a warm smile.

"Good morning, Mr. Thomas. I hope you slept well."

There was the briefest sparkle in her eyes before she winked and continued on her way. {endif}

{if Relationship_Eleanor >= 20} As you descended the staircase, Lady Eleanor emerged from the library carrying a book beneath one arm.

She met your eyes for a brief moment.

"Good morning."

The smile she offered was small, but unmistakably genuine. {endif}

{if Relationship_Emily >= 20} Emily was arranging fresh flowers in one of the sitting rooms when she noticed you passing by.

"Good morning."

She smiled a little longer than politeness required.

"I was hoping I'd see you before breakfast."{endif}

{if Relationship_Martha >= 20} Martha was already carrying two baskets towards the kitchens.

"Morning, handsome."

She flashed you a grin.

"Try not to spend the whole day behaving yourself." {endif}

Breakfast passed more quietly than the previous morning.

The effects of the previous night's festivities were visible on more than a few faces.

Even Lord Ashcombe appeared content to allow the morning to begin at a gentler pace.

Before long, however, the hunting horns sounded once more.

The final organised hunt of the gathering would continue until luncheon, after which the day's focus would shift away from sport and towards the business that so often accompanied gatherings of the landed gentry.

The house gradually settled into a slower rhythm once the riders departed.

Without the constant sound of horses and hunting horns, Kingsmere Hall felt strangely peaceful.

Servants moved quietly through the corridors clearing away the last traces of the previous night's celebrations. Wilted flowers disappeared from tables, polished silver replaced tarnished pieces, and fresh logs were carried to the drawing rooms despite the mild weather.

You spent the morning attending to the usual duties expected of Sir Edward's valet.

His riding clothes were brushed clean, his boots inspected, and a fresh change of attire laid out for his return before luncheon.

There was satisfaction in the routine.

Each task completed before it was needed.

Each detail noticed before it became a problem.

By late morning, the distant calls of the hunt could occasionally be heard drifting across the estate.

Before long, they grew louder.

The riders gradually returned to Kingsmere Hall in small groups, many laughing over missed shots, stubborn hounds, and exaggerated tales that seemed to improve with every retelling.

Sir Edward appeared to be in excellent spirits.

"I've had worse mornings," he remarked as you helped him from the saddle.

"So I gathered, sir."

He chuckled.

"I'll tell you the stories over luncheon."

The midday meal was noticeably quieter than the previous evening's festivities.

Many of the older gentlemen had already begun discussing tenants, harvests, investments and estate affairs, while several of the younger guests seemed considerably more interested in comparing the morning's marksmanship.

The atmosphere had changed.

The holiday spirit of the hunting party was still present, but business was beginning to reclaim its place.

As coffee was served and the luncheon table gradually emptied, Sir Edward looked towards you.

"It seems the sporting part of our visit has finally come to an end."