Marguerite stood before the mirror in her bedroom, attired in beige riding breeches paired with a modern belt, and a navy blue jacket. Instead of her usual formal updo that she wore these days on formal occasions, her hair was loose, tied back in a relaxed, low ponytail, the same way she styled it on the Plateau. John entered the room, and what he saw delighted him. He thought how the outfit suited her perfectly, lending her an effortlessly chic and undeniably attractive aura. He approached her, wrapping his arms around her and whispering his admiration.
"I love the outfit. You look absolutely stunning."
Marguerite, catching their reflection in the mirror, remarked with a touch of irony, "If I were decent, I'd be wearing a dress and entertaining our guests today."
John, still holding her close, chuckled. "Perhaps, but you're not the one to be confined by expectations. It's one of the many reasons I fell in love with you, Marguerite. Besides, our guests are perfectly entertained. Today, you're just you, and that's more than enough for me."
Marguerite turned to face him, his arms still wrapped around her waist, and she placed hers tenderly around his neck.
Looking into his eyes, she asked softly, "What would I do without you?"
He responded with a smile, leaning in and closing the small distance between them with a kiss.
The kiss, soft at first, deepened as they lost themselves in the moment, their bodies pressed together, the warmth and firmness of John's embrace making Marguerite feel cherished and protected.
They met Emily at the grand staircase and saw that she was attired identically to Marguerite, right down to the hairstyle.
John observed with a smile, "The very image of sisters."
Emily linked arms with Marguerite, saying, "I made a guess about what you would be wearing today and decided we should match."
Outside, the estate buzzed with activity as both hunters and onlookers for the day's hunt had gathered. The staff efficiently mingled through the crowd, balancing trays laden with drinks and sandwiches.
Veronica and Ned were talking with Robert and Catherine.
Lady Elizabeth Roxton, John's mother, was also there. Lady dowager's demeanor was one of grace and authority. Her brown hair, which she maintained with careful dyes, was styled to perfection. Simple pearl earrings complemented her look, and her makeup was done with enough flair to highlight her strong personality. She looked every bit the part of a lady accustomed to respect and attention.
Catherine addressed Emily as they approached, "I was about to ask why your hair wasn't neatly up when I sent Rose to help you, but now that I see Marguerite is wearing it the same way, I know I should withhold my critiques."
Emily breathed a sigh of relief, "Thank heavens for that."
Furthermore, Veronica's hair was completely down, catching the wind, without even a pin to hold it back.
She noticed this and said, "I thought updos were just a fashion statement, not a requirement. What does my hair say about me, then? Am I appearing too…?"
"Darling, you're just as perfect as you could be." Emily interjected.
Lord Robert asked Veronica, "Will you be accompanying Mr. Malone today, Miss Layton?"
Malone corrected, "On the contrary, Lord Kenneth. I am accompanying her. Veronica is the one doing the hunting."
"Really? How marvelous." Robert said clearly impressed.
"Veronica, you are such a wild thing." Emily said. "I hope we become really good friends."
Elizabeth, eyeing Marguerite, Emily, and Veronica, who were all dressed in pants, asked inquisitively. "Judging from your outfits, I suppose the three of you will be riding astride today?"
"Of course." Emily replied promptly. "I simply cannot stand the side saddle."
Marguerite added. "The side saddle never agreed with me either."
Veronica, unfamiliar with the term, asked, "What's a side saddle?"
Marguerite explained, "Oh, it's a contraption designed in the dark ages to make sure women can ride horses while still looking ladylike. You know, sitting sideways with both legs on one side, because apparently, having control and comfort on a horse was too much independence."
Veronica mockingly said, "There are some things about aristocracy that I will never understand."
Malone turned to Elizabeth Roxton. "Lady Avebury, do you not approve of astride riding?"
"Well, I suppose times are changing, aren't they? Though I must admit, I find the whole affair rather... unladylike. It's practical, yes, but there's a certain grace to tradition, wouldn't you agree?"
Marguerite, with a knowing smile, remarked, "If Jessie Challenger were here, she'd launch herself into a spirited debate with Elizabeth about women's rights right about now."
"Which you would thoroughly enjoy watching." John teased.
"Silly." Marguerite responded, playfully swatting at him.
Cousin Bernard approached them and presented his friend. "Everyone, may I introduce Colin Fletcher."
Lady Catherine watched with a hopeful glint in her eye. She harbored the quiet aspiration that Emily might take a particular interest in getting to know him better. It took Marguerite only a momentary glance to conclude that he wouldn't quite capture her sister's fancy.
Emily greeted him with "How do you do and what do you do?"
"I'm Lord Sterling's son." Colin responded, implying he didn't do anything at all, other than simply being an heir.
"Oh, how awfully disappointing. I had quite made up my mind that you were a poet." Emily admitted.
Colin, caught off guard by the comment, looked nervous. The group exchanged awkward glances. Marguerite, as was often the case, found herself silently enjoying Emily's antics.
Colin cleared his throat and ventured, "How do you find Oxford, Lady Emily? It must be exciting being surrounded with all those scientists and mathematicians."
"Oh, I didn't notice. I tend to keep my eyes open for poets and philosophers."
Colin looked at his friend for support. "Well, that's not really in our line, is it, Bernard? We excel at cricket. Do you play cricket, Lady Emily?"
"No, I'm not much for sports. I prefer the piano."
Colin suggested. "Maybe after the hunt, we could enjoy some delightful chatter over a piano session?"
"Chatting through music doesn't strike me as particularly delightful, Mr. Fletcher."
Feeling somewhat defeated by the conversation, Colin offered a polite smile and said, "Well then, I should probably see to preparing my horse for the hunt."
He excused himself with a courteous nod before turning to leave the group.
After Colin had left, Bernard turned to Emily with a half-amused, half-chastising look. "Well, you clearly scared him away."
"My dear, it wouldn't hurt you to try and be a little more stunning." Robert said.
To which Catherine responded, "Well, I believe Emily has indeed stunned that young man."
Marguerite enjoyed the whole scene immensely. Every encounter with her family, whether it was a little family drama, an innocent joke, or even a slightly more serious ordeal, filled Marguerite a deep sense of fulfillment. It was everything she had missed over the years, and now, she couldn't get enough of it.
When she first heard about her biological family from Abigail, she pondered what they might be like. Her guesses about her parents were spot on. Lord Robert was indeed a kind and honorable patron, while Lady Catherine supported tradition with gentle, caring, and motherly nature. However, she had no idea what to expect from her sister, and what she found exceeded her expectations. Emily was a cultured and well-mannered rebel. Yes, she would champion her modern and progressive views, but she did so in such a refined manner that one would hardly realize they had been challenged. Having such sister was indeed a delightful and refreshing experience.
It was time for the hunt to commence. The horses were ready and the hounds, eager and alert, waited alongside. Marguerite approached her beautiful black horse Dante. With an effortless grace, she mounted him. At the signal—a clear horn blast—the group set off.
Once they were a safe distance away, John's voice took on a flirting tone.
"Marguerite, tell me. Considering your spirited discussion on riding styles earlier, do you think I might have the pleasure of being your steed for the astride position tonight?"
Marguerite expressed a mock offense at his words. "John, you're such a rogue."
He replied, smiling charmingly, "I wear that title with honor."
Marguerite couldn't resist his enticing gaze.
"I'll consider your audacious request." She gave in. "If you promise to behave like a perfect gentleman."
"A gentleman I shall be, in all manners but the most thrilling. You have my word."
They locked eyes and Marguerite blushed, leading to a moment where they both laughed together, acknowledging the delightful tension between them.
Veronica and Ned drew near them. Veronica was riding very skillfully, with a rifle in her hands and with an innate sense of connection with the animal.
John, observing her talent, said, "Veronica, you're practically a centaur."
Marguerite added, "Try not to outshine the men too much." Although secretly she was indifferent to the prospect of Veronica overshadowing the men.
The hunt unfolded as a traditional affair. The participants navigated fields and woods, the challenge of the sport balanced by the beauty of the surrounding nature. It was an exercise in skill, patience, and a bit of luck, as they pursued the game through the estate.
Marguerite cherished her horse Dante, which was gifted to her by John. Dante was a black, elegant horse—a true ebony beauty—that in many ways mirrored Marguerite's own spirit. John had even mentioned that the horse reminded him of Marguerite, which was why he had chosen him in the first place. Dante's sleek, black coat and majestic, elegant stance not only made him stand out but also pointed out his noble character, reflecting the grace and strength that Marguerite both admired and embodied.
As the hunters pursued foxes, those not armed with rifles served as companions, following along and contributing to the communal aspect of the hunt. Along the path, spectators, usually villagers living nearby fascinated by such events, gathered to watch the spectacle.
As they passed a bridge over a small stream, where onlookers had stationed themselves for a better view, Marguerite thought she caught sight of someone on the bridge. But when she turned for a closer look, the figure was gone. A shiver ran down her spine nonetheless.
Upon reaching a hill, Malone noticed she seemed somewhat distracted. Riding a bit awkwardly but managing to keep his seat, he approached her.
"Marguerite, are you alright?" He asked. "You seem a bit absent."
"I think I saw someone." She replied with an anxious look.
"Really? Whom?"
"My old lady's maid..."