Chapter 5 Artemis

The arrival of the new horse brought excitement to both houses. Maria and Julia begged to come and look at it and Mary and Henry were all too willing to show the beautiful mare to their neighbours.
They invited the Bertram siblings and Fanny to the parsonage for tea on the day after the horse arrived. To their not so pleasant surprise however, the Bertram siblings were accompanied by their aunt instead of their cousin.
Mrs Norris chattered all the way to the parlour.
"Ah, Mrs Grant, I hope you will not mind but I took the opportunity to come with the young people as I wanted to talk to you about the kitchen garden. Let them look at horses and let us talk."
"Mrs Norris," Sophie greeted stiffly and then offered her a drink. The other ladies had sat down to tea as well and Henry took the opportunity to ask Edmund: "Was your cousin not able to come, Bertram? My sister really wished her to see the new horse as well."
"I'm sorry, Crawford, that Fanny was not able to come. When she heard about the invitation, my aunt straight away invited herself to come as well, even though I don't think that was intended. My mother then said that if aunt Norris was to go, she could not possibly spare Fanny to come as well." He sounded somewhat sad. "Believe me Crawford, I tried. Only yesterday Fanny told me she was quite excited to see the new horse and was curious to discover if it is indeed of similar temperament as her own mare. But I hope there will soon be another opportunity for her to see it."
Henry nodded. "Thank you for trying. I know she looked forward to it. I met her some days ago while riding, you know. And we did discuss both horses in detail. Of course I hadn't seen Mary's new horse for a while, but the way my horses are raised, I knew she would be a good horse. As strong and as gentle as your Ariel."

Edmund laughed. "I had nearly forgotten the name of Fanny's mare. She chose it you know. I am not as much inclined to name my animals. My own riding horse is nameless."
"That's because you're not a real horseman," teased Henry. "I learned from my father that all horses have their own personality and therefore they should have a name."
Edmund slapped him on the shoulder good-naturedly. "I am sure you're right Crawford," he laughed.

Soon they all made their way to the stable. The girls were excited enough, but Henry knew that Fanny would truly be interested. They all stroked the horse and patted it on the back.
"She is quite beautiful. What will you name her, Miss Crawford?" Maria asked.
"Ah, Miss Bertram, she is three years old so she already has a name. But I might see if I can change it. I do not really like her current name, I must say."
"Mary! You know my stable masters always choose the names of my horses with consideration. How can you not like her name? The name of Artemis suits her."
"Artemis? Why would you call a horse Artemis?" Julia asked incredulous.
"Well Miss Julia, Artemis was the Greek goddess of hunting. This horse seems placid, but is very strong. She is reliable, but also has spirit. And she is a Hunter after all."
Mary laughed. "A very neat explanation. I might keep the name, if I cannot think of a better one."

The ladies and gentleman of Mansfield Park were soon finished looking at the new horse, so they all returned to the parlour. Henry saw Sophie's exasperation, although she managed to hide it as much as she could. He could hear Mrs Norris still talking on about vegetables and about the apricot tree that she herself had planted in the parsonage garden.
He tried not to roll his eyes.
After another cup of tea, their guests said their goodbyes.
"Bertram," he said in a low voice, when they left. "If you are planning to ride out with my sister tomorrow, you might ride this way first with Miss Price. Perhaps we could all go together."
Edmund nodded. "I will ask her what she thinks of the plan, but I'm sure it will be possible."

Sophie uttered a very deep sigh, when the three of them sat back down in the parlour.
"What is the matter Sophie?" Henry asked teasingly. "I thought you enjoyed receiving visitors?"
"Oh Henry, do not vex me! Mrs Norris has done so enough already."
"Was it so very bad?" Mary asked.

"Yes, very bad. She wanted to know how the vegetables are growing, because she just had remembered that certain sorts would not grow well here and she wanted to warn me about it. Of course we had long discovered that already ourselves. Then she went on and on, what she and her late husband used to grow. How very generous she was in sharing with the poor from what was left after they had eaten enough from the crop. She even gave me advice about the best way to harvest potatoes! What does she think? That we are simpletons? And then that monstrous apricot tree that she had planted. According to her it must be the best and the most fertile tree in the country. But you know Dr Grant has complained various times about how those apricots are way too small and they taste of nothing. I do not care for them, but to her it seemed the most important thing.
Surely one must be charitable to one's neighbour, but there are limits. I was so glad when you all came back in. I was sure I would start screaming any moment."

Mary patted her on the back. "There, there, sister. You held yourself admirably I dare say. None of us knew she would be coming. When we invite them again, we must make sure that Mrs Norris will not hear about it."

After another sigh, Sophie asked: "And how did the ladies like your new horse, Mary?"
"Oh, I think they liked it well enough. But we do agree that the name is slightly ridiculous!"
Henry laughed. "It is very usual to name horses after mythological figures. You probably just have to get accustomed to it. I do not think it a strange name at all."
"Well, I'll see what I do," said his sister. "You have given her to me after all."

"I asked Bertram if he would meet us here on the morrow. I asked him if he could bring Fanny as well. We could ride out with the four of us. Are you amenable to the idea?"
"I think I quite like that," Mary answered. "I have hardly had the chance yet to speak with Miss Price and this will be an excellent opportunity."
"Good!" Henry said cheerfully. "Now, before I go to write some letters, I want to say you this: you will probably need some time to get used to riding Artemis. She might be of the same temperament as Ariel, but she is a different horse after all. You might need Fanny to help you. She is more experienced in horse riding."

Mary smiled playfully. "Well, I shall listen to your Fanny if you should wish it."
He couldn't hide his blush, before he left the room.

"How very beautiful she is!" Exclaimed Fanny the next day. Alarmed at her own exuberance, she covered her mouth with her hand.
Mr Crawford smiled at her and Miss Crawford walked towards her. "I am very glad you think so, Miss Price," she said.
Fanny started to stroke the horse over the nose. She was truly impressed by it.
"You didn't exaggerate about her, sir," she said to Mr Crawford. "She truly is a remarkable horse. How old is she?"
Mr Crawford laughed. "I wonder if you are familiar with the ways to determine a horse's age."
She blushed. "I can try." While he held the horse by its halter, she opened its mouth. "Hmm, I can see she is still quite young. Somewhere between three and five years old?"
A very bright smile was given as an answer. "Miss Price, I find myself more and more impressed with your knowledge! For this young lady is three years old."
"Fanny, I didn't know you knew that!" Edmund stood nearly gaping at her, clearly surprised.
Fanny smiled shyly and looked at the horse again. She was not used to being praised. To divert the attention, she next asked what the name was.
"Well, my brother's stable masters called her Artemis, but I may be changing the name. I am not sure if I like it well enough."
"Artemis," Fanny repeated. "A well-chosen name, I think, for isn't she a hunter?"
"By now, nothing should surprise me anymore, Miss Price. Once more, you are right." Then he hesitated.

"Miss Price, I hope I am not overstepping again, but, as my sister is still quite new to horse-riding, I wonder if you could help her adjust to a different horse. Artemis is well trained, but would still need to adjust to being ridden by Mary. Could you help her please?"
Fanny stared at him open-mouthed. He seemed to put a lot of trust in her skills on a horse.
"I'm… not sure, but I could try."
"Thank you! I knew you would. If you do not mind it Mary: Miss Price, would you ride a little to assess the differences etc. I believe that way you would be able to help out best."
Fanny had not expected to be riding the fine horse herself, but Mr Crawford handed her onto it. It felt a bit strange after riding Ariel.

"She… certainly is a bit taller and broader, I believe." She said, before adjusting herself. Then she made it walk. "She seems to listen well to my commands." She took a turn over the driveway, slightly speeding up before arriving back at the little group in front of the parsonage stables.

"Riding her feels more… stately," she smiled. "Miss Crawford, she listens to commands very well, I think. As with Ariel, you can command her with word, reins and your legs. I am sure Edmund told you it is possible to ride a horse only using your legs to give directions?"
Miss Crawford looked confused, as did Edmund, for that matter.
"Miss Price is right. The slightest pressure of your knee for example, can stir a horse in the right direction. Horses are very sensitive. Therefore, it is important to always be composed when riding. She will notice it when you are agitated and will act accordingly." Mr Crawford smiled.
"Well, brother, this sounds all new to me, but if both of you are saying it, then it must be true," Miss Crawford said.
Then Mr Crawford helped Fanny off the horse and handed his sister onto it. Next, he helped her to mount Ariel.
"Shall we be off for a ride?" he asked.

Soon they were on their way.
"How does it feel, Miss Crawford?" Fanny asked her, when riding next to her.
"Please call me Mary. It still is a little strange, I must say," was the answer. "But I quite like it."

When they were out of the village, Edmund came to ride next to her. "I am so impressed with you, Fanny. I never knew you were fond of horses. Of course, I know you enjoy riding, but so do I. However, I would not consider myself a horse-lover, although I do love my own horse."

Fanny smiled. "It is of no importance Edmund. I have often visited the stables in the past few years and the grooms and stable master have taught me all manner of things. I love sitting high on a horse, looking over the fields. I enjoy the motion of riding; it makes me feel calm. And I recently discovered how exciting it is to gallop as fast as possible." Here she couldn't help but look in the direction of Mr Crawford, who rode ahead of them with his sister.

It was true, since she first went on a ride with him, she truly discovered the thrill of speed, of a landscape passing by in a blur, of the breeze in her face. And now she could use Ariel any time she liked, without having to share her! She was very grateful for Mr Crawford's idea!

Their ride was over too soon, Henry thought. He had been able to ride alongside Fanny for a while and he was happy to notice she was more open.

When nearing Mansfield again, he was riding next to Edmund.
"Crawford, I must thank you!" he said.
"Whatever for, Bertram?"
"I believe it is since your first ride with Fanny, that she seems happier in life. She talks more. At least to me. In the rest of the company she is still shy and quiet. I even think she is healthier for it."
"Now you give me credit for that?" Henry asked. "I did not do anything."
"You talked with her, you share her interest for horses and I guess it was with your help that her horse-riding became more confident. She has been talking about galloping about the countryside. I have never seen her so excited about anything. So, thank you."

Henry just nodded. He himself had noticed the difference in her and he was glad that she seemed to enjoy spending time with him. Well, at least on horseback.

After that day, the four of them regularly went out together in the morning and it really felt they became good friends. When in company with Edmund's sisters, Henry was still mostly occupied by them, but he did talk more with Edmund himself as well. However, only when Mrs Norris was not around dared he speak directly with Fanny. She was still watched closely by that woman; nothing had changed in that respect. But he was glad to see Fanny a little happier. His own happiness grew with every moment he was able to spend in her company. He found he truly loved her more each day!

A.N. Another horse-chapter. Tell me what you think! :-)