The group of riders gathered early in the morning as dawn was starting to lighten the sky in the east. All the younger residents, except the twins and Alex, were in the party. The various parents had begged off, preferring to get more sleep. Aggie was jumping up and down in excitement as she loved to run alongside her mistress when she rode. The group was accompanied by grooms and footmen, led, as was usual, by Biggs and Johns.
They set off, exiting the park, heading north through Longbourn’s orchards. The four Bennets in the party pointed out various features to their cousins, or in Perry’s case, soon to be brother-in-law. They passed the little folly that was a replica of a Greek temple, then entered the forest around the base of Oakham Mount. As they exited the forest, the land started to rise gently until they reached the path that led them up the side of the mount. Oakham Mount was not a mountain; it was simply the only hill of any height in the area and the view was beautiful.
When they gained the flat crest, they dismounted, the ladies assisted by males in the party. William helped Elizabeth down and felt a fission of pleasure as his hands held her waist. He lowered her to the ground, schooling his features so he would not broadcast his thoughts to all in the party. Had he known that his cousin had felt the same, if not more pleasure at the intimate feel of his touch, it would have pleased him greatly.
There was a large, ancient oak tree on the eastern side of the crest with a big rock next to it which was ideal to act as a bench. Having run circles around them, Aggie flopped down next to the rock and was soon dozing. While the group watched, the first tendrils of the sun’s rays started to peek over the horizon in the east. The sky became ablaze with light and colour as the few clouds that there were seemed to glow with a golden hue. For those who had not had the pleasure before, it was a spectacular sight, and the Bennets, who had seen it many times, never grew tired of sharing it.
“It is easy to understand why you recommended this location, Jane,” Elizabeth told her older sister as she wound her arm around Jane’s.
“That is Longbourn,” James proudly pointed out his home to the south.“To the west is Bennington Fields. You can see Meryton to the east, and beyond it,” he pointed,“is Netherfield Park.”
“I pray for the Bingleys each night,” William Bennet shared.“They have family around them now to support them, but some will leave today, and within a week it will be just them. At least Mrs Bingley’s mother will live with her now.”
“They will still have much support, William,” Jane pointed out.“They are well-liked in the neighbourhood, and all of their friends will make sure to visit and assist as they get through this most trying of times. Also, do not forget that cousin Will will be with them helping Charles learn how to be confident in his role as the master of an estate.”
“I could see myself climbing that tree and reading in it for hours,” Elizabeth stated as she changed the subject.
“Did we mention that our sister had a penchant to climb trees when she was younger?” Andrew informed the smiling group.
“Do not be disingenuous, Andrew,” Will called him out with a grin.
“I was not being so, Will,” was the response heavy with mock indignation.
“When she was younger? If my information is correct, ourLadyElizabeth,” he gave his blushing cousin a put-on bow,“still can be found up her favourite tree at Snowhaven occasionally.”
“Unlike you, Will, I was trying to be chivalrous and not cause my sister embarrassment!” Andrew returned.
“Are you trying to make up for Itch having to return to London by taking his place in teasing and embarrassing me, Will?” Elizabeth asked pertly, her blush rising as their banter continued, as her heart raced. Will raised his hands in surrender, but the huge grin on his face showed that he was not contrite in the least.
‘How I would have loved to have grown up with such a sister!’Jane told herself as the group mounted their horses to ride to the glade where breakfast would be waiting for them. She was happy that Lizzy had been adopted by a family that clearly adored her, but she was sad for the relationship that she had not had over the years with her younger sister.
~~~~~~~/~~~~~~~
“Come in, Franklin,” Charlotte welcomed her older brother to the parsonage to join them to break their fasts.“Mr Jones did a credible job in replacing some teeth for you, brother, although at the time you deserved worse than that!” Charlotte admonished him.
“I am well aware of how abhorrent my behaviour was, Charlotte. There is no rebuke that you can issue me that I have not already said to myself. I feel tremendous shame when I think on what I was planning to do,” Franklin said, his head bowed as they entered the small dining parlour where Mr Pierce awaited the siblings.
“Have you apologised, brother?” Pierce asked pointedly.
“Yes, to Mr Bennet and our parents,” he agreed.
“I know that, but have you made your sincere apology to Lady Elizabeth, as she was the real object of your dishonourable plans.” Pierce pressed his point.
“No, but I swore that I would not go near her, and her brother in the Royal Dragoons made it perfectly clear that if I approached her, or even looked at her, he would end me.”
“My suggestion isnotthat you approach her. Request an audience with the Earl and ask his permission to deliver your apologies to his sister. If he refuses, which he very well might as you deserve, make them to him to pass on to her,” Pierce suggested.
“I agree with Christopher,” Charlotte stated.“If the Earl allows it, it will be cathartic for her to hear the words from your own mouth. I would suggest that you start with Mr Bennet and canvass his opinion on whether or not the Earl would be willing to receive you yet. If you go after our meal, you will not run into Lady Elizabeth or any of the younger family as they have taken a ride this morning and will not be back before eleven.”
And so that was decided. The rector led them in grace, and then the three enjoyed their meal. Franklin was feeling lighter than he had for days with the decision to try to make his apology to the very lady who he had never had cause to harm.
~~~~~~~/~~~~~~~
“It is so pretty here,” Elizabeth exclaimed as they arrived at the glade. There was an open grassy area where the servants had two tables set with much food displayed. There were chairs and blankets spread around. To one side was a lazy stream that burbled and bubbled along its way, with tall reeds on the opposite bank, and the croaking of a loud toad.
“It is so nice here, Lizzy,” Georgiana enthused.“Should we sit on a blanket?”
“Yes, we shall, Gigi. We should leave the chairs for the much older members of our group,” Elizabeth stated impertinently with an arched eyebrow as she looked at the group that included her brother and his wife, Will, and Perry.
