Based on Chapter 39 in Emma by Jane Austen
In which we learn "how the trampers might have behaved, had the young ladies been more courageous..."
Or "Miss Bickerton has an Adventure..." (or "Miss Bickerton's Night Out"?)
Chapter 39.1 - "A Sudden Turn"
Miss Harriet Smith, and Miss Cynthia Bickerton, another parlour boarder at Mrs. Goddard's, who had been also at the ball, had walked out together, and taken a road, the Richmond road, which, though apparently public enough for safety, had led them into an adventure.
Poor Harriet. Still agitated about the incident with Mr. Elton and the dance, Harriet's embarrassment was acute and she would speak of little else. Naturally, Miss Bickerton agreed that Mr. Elton's behavior had been most ungentlemanly, and felt sympathy for her friend. However, after an hour spent listening as each detail of the event was recounted and re-interpreted, Cynthia's mind began to wander. Taking a deep breath, she looked around her, admiring the fine autumn day. The air was crisp and the sun highlighted the oranges and yellows of the changing leaves. So occupied were both ladies in their various concerns that they did not immediately realise when they had walked out beyond their knowledge. (glossary note P & P)
About half a mile beyond Highbury, making a sudden turn, and deeply shaded by elms on each side, it became for a considerable stretch very retired; and when the young ladies had advanced some way into it, they had suddenly perceived at a small distance before them, on the broader path of greensward by the side, a party of gypsies. (Add glossary note about terms for gypsies)
A child on the watch came towards them, wearing a red pinafore and leading a small goat on a rope and waved to the ladies. Suddenly, the child lost control of its charge, and in an instant the goat had crossed the distance the ladies, trailing the rope behind it. The beast quickly set itself to eating the green ribbon on Harriet's gown with great zeal. Miss Bickerton, excessively diverted, gave a great scream, and calling on Harriet to follow her, ran up a steep bank, cleared a slight hedge at the top in order to save her apparel from the goat's prodigious appetite. But poor Harriet could not follow. She had suffered very much from a cramp after dancing, and her first attempt to mount the bank brought on such a return of it as made her absolutely powerless; and in this state... she had been obliged to remain. Upon seeing Harriet's predicament, Miss Bickerton descended the bank to join her friend, who was now seated on the ground with the the child, all smiles and laughter, as they tried to regain control the impudent goat. It was then that the ladies first noticed, not far away, a small encampment with several brightly colored caravans, horses, as well as half a dozen children peering at them curiously. Cynthia waved her hand in greeting, and Harriet smiled at the strangers.
How the trampers might have behaved, had the young ladies been less courageous, must be doubtful, but such an amiable invitation... could not be resisted; and Harriet was soon greeted warmly by half a dozen children, headed by stout woman and a great boy, all clamorous and friendly, though strange and wild in appearance.
"Hullo! My name is Sinfi. Who are you?" said the child...
"Good afternoon! I am Cynthia, Miss Cynthia Bickerton. And my friend is Harriet Smith."