P & P FF AU. NON-Canon GENERAL REGENCY
To Catch a Shining Star
Previously:
"I am sorry, I did not mean to grow so quiet." Thomas turned slightly red. "I will be more than happy to accept. Maybe, getting away for a bit is just what the doctor ordered. I am sure one of the older girls would be more than willing to let them stay with them while I am gone.
Corianna
Ch. 3
The sun beat down upon the corrals of Sir Kendall's home not far from Ravenshollow. Prized horses were well-fed and well-taken care of. Men and women could be seen practicing whatever skill they had mastered for the upcoming performance. The air was filled with the sounds of neighing horses, the crack of whips, and the laughter of performers as they perfected their acts.
Corianna Douglas, a woman with just as much talent as any professional skilled trick rider, mounted her horse with grace and ease. So much so that it belied just how complex her routine really was. The early morning sun cast its bright rays over the dewy grass, creating a colorful background for her practice. She wore a fitted riding habit, tailored to allow freedom of movement while still maintaining an air of elegance and beauty. Her horse, a magnificent stallion, stood patiently sensing no fear from its rider.
As Corianna began her routine, she urged Juniper into a canter, the rhythmic sound of his hooves began echoing through the stillness of the morning. With a liquid like motion, she swung her leg over the saddle, standing upright with perfect balance. Her arms extended gracefully, she performed a series of complicated maneuvers, each one more daring than the last. The wind could have easily caught her hair had she not braided it that morning. Otherwise, it would have been whipping around as if in defiance of being restricted in any form of boundaries.
With a practiced leap, Corianna dismounted and ran alongside Juniper, matching his stride with effortless precision. She easily vaulted back into the saddle, landing with a soft thud that shouted she had spent hours and hours or practice in the arena and not just a few. Her movements were a seamless blend of strength and grace, a testament to her dedication and skill.
Finally, Corianna brought Juniper to a halt, the routine complete. She patted his neck, whispering words of praise before dismounting. The morning air was filled with the sound of their breathing, a shared moment of quiet triumph. The lady could not have told you what brought certain words from the past to mind but; nonetheless, come they did.
"Your man is not going to care about books any more than your first did, he is just going to want you to sew, cook and birth babies."
Corianna now kept her distance from her father other than when she absolutely could not avoid it. They did not talk about her first marriage nor the fact no children had come from it. No, she did not disrespect him. She kept any books out of his house. She simply kept the only two she did have with a friend, in the stables...nowhere near her father's belongings.
"Corianna." Diana about made her friend jump as she walked up behind her.
"Give a lady a heart attack. Might consider making more noise than you do when walking up behind a person. I still have my horse with me you know."
"Question for you, more like questions." Dianna was darker in hair color, and skin-tone, than Corianna and definitely broader in shoulders; however, that that bothered the ladies very litlte as their talk flowed freer than most. "You are definitely past age of needing vetting, so why are you still living with your parents. And why did you turn down Lord Ambrose's offer of marriage; that really set your father off." Clearly, she was opting to ignore the bit about her friend's horse still being with her.
"I am living with my parents rather than in my own tent due to my mother's sickness, it is certainly not due to my age or my own health. And it is not as if my late husband was not part of this circus. So, my being here should not look odd to anyone." Corianna thought of her father, Mr. Duncan, and sighed. "I dare say you are correct in saying my father was less than thrilled when I told Lord Ambrose no. But I saw him one night when he did not know I was watching. "Want to guess what he was doing?"
"Drinking? Gambling?"
"That and womanizing big time. I would rather die remaining on the shelf than to have him put his ring on my finger." Corianna refused to lower her voice though many said she ought to. "I do not suppose you have any more books for me. I finished the one you gave me."
"Your father does not appreciate me lending them to you."
"Like you said, I am past vetting age. I refuse to hide the fact I am reading when I show him respect by keeping them out of his tent.
"I do not see why your sisters do not step in. It is not as if they are not here in Scotland, and your mother really should not be traveling. Crumb, one is even here with the circus. Though why your father has you working behind the scenes and not doing those tricks for the crowds is beyond me."
"Tell that to him, not me." Corianna sighed. "I am going to run up to the Kendall's home after lunch; Lady Kendall was asking me for me the other day."
"Maybe, she will give you a reason to opt of staying in your father's tent and, hopefully, get your mother into a warmer bed."
"Pray that is the case, it is much needed."
"Are you still going to eat lunch with my sister and I?"
"I will be there after I am done taking care of Juniper and doing a few other things."
Corianna took Juniper, who was still breathing heavily from the exertion and removed the bridle and replaced it with a halter. Leading the horse to a nearby water trough, she allowed her horse to drink deeply, the cool water providing much-needed refreshment. Once Juniper had quenched its thirst, the lady began the process of grooming, using a soft brush to remove the sweat and dirt from its coat. Each stroke was deliberate and gentle, a ritual that both Juniper and Corianna found quite calming.
Once that was complete, the lady checked Juniper's hooves, ensuring there were no stones or debris lodged in the shoes. Satisfied that her horse was in good condition, Corianna led it towards the stable. The horse walked calmly almost as if it was relieved to get some rest and relaxation before the upcoming show.
"See you later, boy." Corianna put him in his stall and walked out of the barn before heading out to lunch, then she would check in on her mother before heading over to the Kendalls.
Circuses were in existence during Regency England. The modern circus, as we know it, was pioneered by Philip Astley in the late 18th century. Astley opened his first circus in London in 1768 and, according to my source they were performing in Scotland too.