For the first time in his life Richard was stood knee deep in a river wearing waders. It turned out to his complete surprise that he actually liked spending time with Henry. He was a kind man with a wealth of knowledge on lots of different subjects.
Henry had taught him how to cast a line and although they hadn't caught anything yet he found he enjoyed fishing. Richard pulled the sleeve of his coat up to check his watch, they would need to pack up soon to get back to the manor for lunch.
Henry was looking upstream when he saw a splash and felt a pull on his line as a fish took the hook. He began winding the reel walking further into the water as he looked over at Richard.
"Richard my boy would you fetch the net please, I think I've got one"
Richard walked to the bank dropping his rod on the grass before picking up the net and wading back out to stand next to Henry. They were now knee deep in the river staring at the water, both took a step forward watching the movement of the line.
Never having been in the lake before Richard was unaware that they were standing on a ledge beneath the water and one more step would take them over a deeper drop.
As Henry reeled in the line they again took another step forward and fell off the ledge plunging them downwards an unexpected 12 inches into the water.
Richard fell forwards into the cold river his head dunking briefly under the water, Henry tried to keep his balance but stumbled backwards landing on his backside up to his chest in water.
Henry let out a blunt curse as he tried to stand. Richard was already back on his feet, his hair plastered to his head and water running down his face. He looked over to Henry who was now standing up.
"Well at least I didn't drop my rod" Henry said with a smile holding it up.
Richard burst out laughing and Henry joined him before they helped each other out of the water and onto the bank.
Richard ran his fingers through his hair, "Come on let's go home and get out of these wet things before we catch our death"
Henry took of his hat and shook it "Will Audrey and your mother be upset about the state we got ourselves in?"
"I don't know about mother but Audrey will find it hilarious, she's used to me getting into trouble in water" Richard chuckled
Henry raised an eyebrow "Really?"
"Yes, before we were married I tried to take her out on a punt but I ended up falling off of it and into the water. I don't think she stopped laughing all day"
Henry chuckled "Maybe we should try something that doesn't involve water next time then"
When they got back to the manor they were met by Audrey and Mrs Poo in the great hall.
"What have you two been up to, no don't explain. Henry the guest bathroom is up the stairs first door on the left, Brabinger will find something for you to change into" Audrey pointed to the stairs
Henry started up the staircase heading for the bathroom leaving Richard standing with Audrey and his mother.
"Richard straight in the shower with you, i don't want you ill before Christmas" she said as she took him by the hand leading him up the stairs.
"Are you going to wash my back for me darling" he teased
Audrey grinned at him "Don't be cheeky darling, but if your a good boy I may let you have a treat later"
Mrs Poo remained at the bottom of the stairs muttering to herself, "Men, they always get into trouble when there is no woman around to tell them what to do"