Chapter 3 Horses

"How are you doing with your riding lessons?" Sophie asked Mary a week later while they were having their breakfast.
"Well, Edmund, or I should call him Mr Bertram now his brother is away, he is quite pleased with my progress.
Also, at first I was often in pain after my lessons, but now I find I am getting used to it."
Henry applauded. "Well done, sister. I am glad to hear that you are not too old yet to learn horse riding."
"Do not mock me, brother. If you had exercised more patience in the past, I could have learned it long ago."
"Have you been going out every day so far?" Sophie asked.
"Nearly every day, except Tuesday I believe," was Mary's answer.
"Well Mary, I would like to see your progress. Would it suit you if I accompany you and Edmund today on your ride?"
Mary tried to hide a blush. "If you really want to, I suppose you could. But we do go very slow and not very far. It might not have your level of excitement you know."
Henry laughed. "For today this will not scare me off. I will be ready when you are."
"Alright then. I will be leaving in an hour."

The ride was indeed a bit dull to his taste, but he was actually pleased to see that his sister was doing quite well on the back of a horse. He was also amused to see Mary trying to hide her blushes and Edmund's solicitousness to assure her comfort. It was clear they liked each other. Henry was happy for now to observe them and was prepared to tease his sister about it whenever it suited. Edmund and Mary agreed to go for a longer ride and they had a good time with the three of them. Edmund showed some beautiful views and provided names and facts of what they saw.
Henry thought Northamptonshire had a lot more beauty than Norfolk and the fact that it was a bright, sunny day made it possible to see miles around in the distance.

When they arrived back at Mansfield Park it was Henry, who was riding ahead, who spotted Fanny first. She seemed to be waiting for them, but tried her best to not look as if she was waiting.
"Good morning, Miss Price," he greeted her, when he came near.
She looked lovely in her riding habit. He smiled at her appreciatively.
"Hello Mr Crawford." She blushed.

"Ah Fanny, I am so sorry that we took so long. It was such a lovely ride so we went further than was the plan. Have you been waiting long?"
Edmund dismounted next to Fanny.
"Not so very long. And it is a beautiful day for riding so I well understand why you forgot the time."
Edmund helped Mary dismount. "I'm so sorry Miss Price. If I had known you were waiting for us, I wouldn't have insisted on going for a longer ride," she said. Fanny blushed and looked down.

"Do you want me to help you up?" Edmund asked her. Fanny seemed to hesitate.
"Yes please," she then said. "I will have to shorten my ride, but I still want to go."
"Again, I am very sorry," Edmund said, while he helped her in the saddle. "Are you riding with the groom as usual?"
She nodded, but then Henry spoke up.
"As much as I enjoyed the ride with my sister and Mr Bertram, I think my horse hasn't had nearly as much exercise as he needs. May I accompany you, Miss Price?"
Henry saw the surprise on the faces of the three others.

"I suppose, if you really wish to, you may. But I would not want to keep you from other engagements. I have always had the company of a groom for safety before. And I do not think I will be going as fast as you are used to."
Henry saw she felt embarrassed but was glad it didn't seem to keep her from speaking her mind.
"Well, that's settled then," he said cheerfully. "And as to speed, I doubt it will be as slow as my sister goes."
"Brother!" exclaimed Mary. "You seem to forget that I have only just started to learn." He laughed at her indignant face.
"Shall we go?" he asked Fanny, who was now settled in the saddle.
"If anyone asks where I am, I had to see to some business," he told Mary. "Until later."
He let Fanny turn in the right direction first and then followed her.

As soon as they were out of earshot, she said: "Must you really lie about your whereabouts, because of riding with me?" It sounded disapproving.
"I am sorry, Miss Price. I do not want to upset you, but I thought it wisest in this case. I doubt you would want your aunt to know that you're out riding with me."

She blushed deeply, mortified at what he said. She didn't know what to reply so she kept her eyes on the road before her.
"I am sorry. I continually seem to embarrass you with what I say. I just couldn't help noticing your aunt's treatment of you. But it is not my place to speak about things that happen in your family. I am sorry."
She just nodded in his direction, not knowing what to say.

Mr Crawford didn't seem a man who kept quiet for long, for after a moment he said: "It is even brighter than earlier this morning. I believe we can easily see for ten miles around."
"It is indeed a very bright day. I believe it is going to be quite warm again. I always love going out in the early morning, when it is still cool. But… Well…" She stopped. She didn't want to complain of course. After all, she was riding Edmund's horse and she may use it when he was not in need of it.
"I agree," Mr Crawford said. "There is just something about that early- morning air. The freshness of it. It's still quiet. The world is just waking up." He smiled when he said it, as if remembering pleasant rides in the past.

"Now my horse on the other hand - I believe he doesn't mind what hour of the day I take him out. He always seems ready for a ride."
She smiled. The horse looked indeed very eager.
"I can well believe it," she said. "He is very beautiful I must say. Is it a thoroughbred?"
Surprised he looked at her. "You know of horse breeds? I am surprised. But indeed he is."

Fanny coloured. "Yes. I love horses. At first I was afraid of them. But in the past years I have often escaped the house and confrontations in it, and gone to the stables. I love being around the horses and the grooms have taught me a lot of things." She stopped. She wasn't sure if she had wanted to share so much. It was not very ladylike after all, to be knowledgeable about horses. What must he think of her?

But his reply was surprising. "Ah yes, I have always done the same you know. My father used to breed horses and I continued after he died. At Everingham I have got some beautiful breeds and when I am there, I love to be personally involved in the whole business. When my father saw how much I loved horses, he always encouraged me to learn more about them and also all details and practicalities of breeding horses and how to take care of them. When I was fifteen my father let me choose my own horse. I have ridden him for nearly ten years now. He was but a foal back then." He smiled again.
"Does he have a name sir?" she asked.
"Storm!" was his answer.
Fanny laughed. "That seems fitting for a thoroughbred. They are quite spirited, are they not?"
"Exactly Miss Price. He does honour his name, but he is a good horse and I know I can trust him. What about your horse? Does she have a name?"
"We named her Ariel. She is a Cleveland Bay."
Mr Crawford nodded. "I thought she might be. And a lovely name too."

Then he asked: "How far do you usually ride, Miss Price?"
"Not so far as I wish," she answered. "I always do feel fatigued after a while so I think it best to return before that happens."
"I think it is good that you know your limitations. After all, you have to be able to return home as well."
He then asked her about her speed. Fanny felt shy again. She never went very fast, because it is easy to go too far and it was more tiring for her, she explained.
"I do hurt afterwards when I have gone too fast, I must add, so I think it best to keep a steady pace."

Mr Crawford stopped all of a sudden.
"I do not want to embarrass you again, but would you care to show me how you ride, so I can see your posture? The wife of one of my own grooms gave me once some tips about riding on a side saddle and how you can ride painless." And upon seeing her red cheeks once more: "I have seen you are a good rider, but there might be ways to improve your seat so you can increase your speed without hurting afterwards."

Fanny only nodded. She felt very self-conscious when she first did some trotting and then cantering in front of Mr Crawford's eyes. She felt quite embarrassed that she was allowing it, but during their talk she had seen he was serious about horses and riding and she felt that he would really be able to give valuable advice if she needed it.
After some moments he asked her to stop. Then he got off his own horse and walked towards her.
"If I may," he gestured and then adjusted some of the straps. "Now, if you want to try again?"
She made another round and felt some difference. Then he gave her some tips about her seat when cantering.
By now he had gone back on the horse. "You are a fast learner, Miss Price. Do you notice some difference?"
She stopped. "Thank you, I do notice it."
Now his face lit up with a nearly mischievous smile. "Would you like to try to race?" She coloured. "I am not sure."
He laughed. "Do not fret, I will not go too fast. I am a gentleman after all." She had to laugh with him. "Alright then."

They set off and with Mr Crawford's tips she had to admit that it wasn't painful so far. During riding he called: "You can let go of the reins a bit more. You'll see what she is capable of!"
She followed his advice and was surprised about the speed. They were now going very fast; the fields and bushes flew past. It felt exhilarating. Fanny nearly laughed out loud. She felt alive and her worries were all gone to the back of her mind.
She always had loved riding, but this way of riding gave her much deeper feelings. She felt free!

Henry himself glowed. He loved riding fast and he very much enjoyed seeing Miss Price so excited. She seemed to really come to life. And she looked even more beautiful, on top of a beautiful horse, her hair mostly escaped from her hat, streaming behind her in the wind, her cheeks glowing from the exercise and from happiness.

They slowed down slightly. "I have read," he shouted, "about men they call cowboys, all the way in the Americas. It is said they tend to big herds of cows on the prairie, on their horses, going round the cows to keep them together. That must be something amazing I think."
She laughed. "Well, and I heard it is quite dusty. It may be a sight to behold, but I rather see the green hills of England."

They slowed down even more, going back to a trot.
"Do you want to continue a bit longer or do you want to go back?" Henry asked.
"What is the time?" she questioned in return. He looked at his watch and told her.
Her eyes went big. "I believe we must return. I am never this late."
She turned and rode ahead, before he had the chance to turn.
"Do not worry Miss Price. They know that you left later, because you had to wait for your cousin and my sister."
"Ah but that won't be an excuse that my aunt will tolerate." Some nervousness sounded through her voice.

He stayed quiet for a while, not knowing how or if he could reassure her.
Then he said: "I was just pondering about the fact that as long as my sister stays here and wishes to ride, it is very likely that you will have to share Ariel with her. I might get a horse sent over from Everingham which my sister can then use, so you two could ride together. Or at least you wouldn't have to wait anymore for them to come back if they were riding. Do you think it a good idea?"
"Well, it sounds like a good idea. But really, I do not mind sharing the mare."

"Oh, it really won't be any trouble at all," he assured her. "In fact, if I remember well, we have a mare of just about the same temperament as this horse here. She will do very well for Mary. I believe I shall write immediately upon return."
"I am sure your sister shall be very happy with these arrangements," Fanny smiled.

Henry smiled back at her. He knew he had used the right tone. While putting more emphasis on it being convenient for Mary, he really did it for Fanny herself. This ride with her, however short it was, showed him clearly how she loved riding and he was convinced that she should be able to do it whenever she wished, without having to worry about having a horse available to ride. And as he had the means to solve this problem, he would gladly do so.

The last ten minutes of their ride, they talked some more about horses. Fanny told him about the old grey which she had rode before, until it had died. And how Edmund then provided a new horse for her. Henry told her some stories about the naughtiest horses in his father's stables when he was young.
It was the most beautiful sound, to hear Fanny laugh so carefree about his stories and he resolved to find ways in the future to make her laugh more.

They were now nearing the stable entrance at Mansfield Park. Just outside the gates, they both stopped.
With some regret in his voice, Henry said: "Well, I think it is best if I take leave here and go home. After all, I do not wish to make trouble for you."
She sounded subdued again, when she answered: "I believe you are right. The groom will help me dismount. I thank you for your company. I… very much enjoyed this ride." She smiled shyly.

"Thank you for allowing me to come. And I believe my horse would say the same. He got a chance to gallop, which he hadn't had earlier on when I was with my sister and Mr Bertram. You might have some… aches later, for it was some unusual exercise for you. After a few days I am sure you will have adjusted to it. Good day!" He bowed and then started to turn his horse.

"Good day, Mr Crawford," she said, before entering the gates and out of his sight.
In a slow trot he made his way back to the parsonage. All in all, he had been riding for a big part of the morning, but it was worth it.

This time with Miss Price was… he didn't even know how to word it. His dreamy smile would have said it all. Maybe his sisters were right. Perhaps he was in love. And if not before, then certainly after today!

A.N. I am not a horse person, but have used the internet to find some more information. If anyone out there with more knowledge, notices some mistakes, please enlighten me so I can change it. :-)