Return to Sir Edward

By the time you returned to the clearing, the maps had been folded away.

The gentlemen had reached their decision.

Gamekeepers were already riding ahead to prepare the next stretch of the hunt, while servants distributed refreshments among the guests.

Sir Edward spotted you almost immediately.

"There you are."

"I trust you made good use of your freedom?"

"I enjoyed the walk, sir."

"I'm glad."

He accepted a glass from one of the servants before gesturing for you to accompany him a short distance from the others.

"I must admit," he said with a smile, "I've rather enjoyed this gathering."

"It has been pleasant, sir."

"More pleasant than I expected."

He glanced towards the assembled guests.

Lord Ashcombe stood speaking with several neighbouring landowners.

Not far away, Lady Charlotte laughed softly at something one of the older ladies had said.

Edward followed your gaze for only a moment before quietly clearing his throat.

"I suspect you've already guessed."

"I'm not certain I have, sir."

He gave a short laugh.

"No?"

"I've never been particularly enthusiastic about the idea of marriage."

"So you've said."

"My father, however, rarely misses an opportunity to remind me of my responsibilities."

He took a thoughtful sip from his glass.

"I've met many perfectly respectable young ladies over the years."

"None of whom held your interest?"

"Not particularly."

His eyes drifted once more towards Charlotte.

"This may be different."

You remained silent.

"I've spoken with Lady Charlotte several times now.", he continued.

"She's intelligent."

"Kind."

"And refreshingly sincere."

He smiled to himself.

"I find I rather look forward to our conversations."

There was a brief pause before he added,

"I believe I shall ask Lord Ashcombe for permission to court her before the party concludes."

The words settled heavily in your thoughts.

"You seem surprised."

"I wasn't expecting you to reach a decision so soon, sir."

"Neither was I."

Edward laughed quietly.

"But sometimes one simply knows when something deserves pursuing."

He straightened his coat.

"Whether she returns the interest is, of course, another matter."

He looked towards you with an easy smile.

"If nothing else, you'll be able to say you witnessed the beginning of either a successful courtship... or a very polite rejection."

"I sincerely hope for the former, sir."

"As do I."

A hunting horn sounded from deeper within the woods.

The conversations around the clearing quickly came to an end as gentlemen returned to their horses.

Edward handed his empty glass to a passing footman.

"Come along, Thomas."

"It seems the day is only just beginning."

Together, you followed the rest of the hunting party towards the waiting horses, though Edward's thoughts appeared to linger less on the hunt ahead than on the young woman watching it all from the edge of the clearing.