The next few days went by quite uneventfully. Sticking to the same routine, Frederick awoke and had breakfast with his sister and the Admiral, before making his own way to the Great House, where he split his time with the girls and hunting with Charles. Frederick never had a moment to feel bored, and happily assented to the many plans of the Musgroves. On this day, Frederick was out hunting with Charles.
"Woof! Woof, woof, woof," barked the excitable dog as he chased their latest prey away.
"There's no use! That's the fourth rabbit he's frightened off. I don't know what's happened to him today," said Charles as he dropped his gun.
"Well, we might as well return to the house," said Frederick. It was still early in the morning, but he could see it was futile to continue hunting with a rowdy dog.
On their way to Uppercross Cottage, they met the ladies.
"Good morning all," greeted Frederick.
"Good morning!" replied Louisa excitedly. "We are all meaning to take a long walk. Care to join us?" asked Louisa, who immediately joined Frederick's side.
"I would be honoured," replied Frederick with a small bow. "Our morning sport was cut short, and I feel restless still. A morning walk might just be the cure I'm looking for."
And with that, they all began. Naturally two groups were formed. Frederick was sandwiched between the Miss Musgroves, leading the way, with Charles, his wife and Anne following behind.
Frederick was enjoying his company. The conversation flowed easily between himself and the Miss Musgroves, although he could see that Louisa seemed to be taking charge of the conversation most of the times. Her confidence in his presence was growing, whilst Henrietta seemed to be withdrawing. Frederick wasn't surprised. He surmised that something existed between Henrietta and Charles Hayter, if the latter's cold behaviour was anything to go off. But rather than be offended, it made Frederick realise that he harboured no romantic feelings for Henrietta. As far as Frederick was concerned, his behaviour was irreproachable. He had never singled Henrietta out, and all conversations between them never transgressed the limits of propriety. But rather than confront the issue, Frederick decided to ensure he never gave Henrietta a reason to believe he preferred her company above anyone else's.
After a quarter of an hour of walking in this manner, Frederick looked up to the sky and remarked, "What glorious weather for the Admiral and my dear sister. They intended to take a long drive this morning; perhaps we may hail them amongst these hills. They talked of coming in this direction during breakfast. I wonder whereabouts they will upset today. Oh! It does happen very often, but my sister makes nothing of it! She would rather be tossed out than not."
"Ah! You exaggerate indeed!" cried Louisa, "but if what you say is true, I should do just the same if I were in her place. If I loved a man, as she loves the Admiral, I would always be with him, nothing should separate us. I would much rather be overturned by him than be driven safely by anybody else."
"Had you?" cried Frederick. He was pleasantly surprised at that response. Truth be told, he envied his sister's marriage, and hope to make a match with a woman who would show the same devotion his sister showed the Admiral. "I honour you."
At that response, Louisa smiled widely but had nothing more to say. And a silence fell amongst them all.
It didn't last long until the next topic was raised, but soon they reached an opening that Mary seemed to recognise. "Bless me! Here is Wintrop," exclaimed Mary.