Chapter 20: Chapter 20

"There is a sense of sad beauty about the approach of autumn. The fleeting glory of summer is slipping away."

"Lady Henriette, you look marvelous in any possible attire. " Lord Tennyson approached with his servant following closely behind, leading the lord's big white horse.

"And you look perfectly at a place as out master of Foxhounds for today." She outstretched her hand, which Tennyson took in his and kissed.

"I can't say I'm very experienced in hunting, but everything seems to be greatly organized. " She smiled politely at him and glanced at yet another servant standing nearby.

The boy rushed to her and tipped his head "At your services, Ma'am."

He offered to assist Henriette to get on the horse, but she stopped him with a light gesture.

"Thank you, perhaps I could manage myself."

She was one of the few women joining the hunt today. The other one was the lady Anna, who was more eager to see the men dressed in hunting clothes while holding guns and proudly riding horses than to participate in the activity in any other way.

"I could order a side-saddle to be brought right away, Lady Henriette, in case that one feels unnatural or inconvenient?"

"I appreciate the gesture, but I believe I'm perfectly capable of riding on a normal one."

"I will keep that for our future endeavors in that case." Tennyson said "And I am grateful you're joining us, in that case."

"Lord Callum has agreed to keep me company, so I wouldn't be unoccupied. "

"My son? I'm happily surprised- he never joins us on those occasions and I am sure it's because of the possibility of spending time with you."

"I'm glad my presence here brings positives, then."

He tried to ignore the slight tint of irony in her voice. She'd never tried to mask her dislike towards the older man-not that he did anything to hide his own in return- so Tennyson only tipped his head and said "Always, my dear lady. You're always welcome here. And- enjoy the foxhunt."

"Thank you, Lord Tennyson. You too. "

The servant led her horse ahead and the lord turned to the nearest huntsman, who was giving orders to the rest of the men, directing the hounds.

"Tell Oliver Abram to join my son and the lady. "

He hesitated and looked questioningly at the lord.

"I'm afraid Callum is not in a very good disposition after last night's champagne and might not be capable of taking care of the lady in case something happens. "

"Oh, yes, Sir. Of course " The man nodded and headed for his task.

****

Oliver saw Henriette first. The heavy fog had started lifting and her bright red hunting coat made her easily spotted. Almost as easily noticeable as Callum's hair. The lord wasn't wearing a hat and he wasn't dressed in hunting clothes either. Instead, he was in his typical black coat and dark trousers.

The woman was laughing at something the Lord was saying and they both looked like taking a slow morning stride in the forest, rather than being out to hunt.

Cian was dog trotting after his owner and gave Oliver away when it turned and barked, wriggling its tail. Callum turned and stopped his horse.

"Oliver, I was just wondering where you were."

He eyed the rifle Oliver was carrying.

"Lady Henriette, this is my valet- Mr. Abram. I see he's taken care of bringing me my shotgun. But I don't shoot, Oliver. "

Oliver approached with his horse and nodded to the lady, who returned the greeting.

"With your excuse, I brought it just in case. Pardon my interruption."

"No, not in the least...' Henriette began.

"In case I decide to randomly shoot something and take the trophy to my father?" Callum cut in and the question hung in the air.

"To be honest, I've never even held a gun. " Henriette said "Perhaps I could try? That way the trouble of making your valet come all the way down here won't be in vain, maybe?"

She looked between the two men and Oliver said "I don't see why not."

The lady seemed excited while Callum was doing a poor job at trying to hide his annoyance. Oliver had most likely interrupted them.

Although judging by their reactions, Callum was the only one and he was troubled by something else.

"But you will have to show me," she continued, " I don't even know if I can even lift the rifle. "

"It will be my pleasure. "

Oliver glanced at his master, whose expression had changed back to being almost unreadable already.

By far, Oliver had learned that his master often tried to feign indifference when he was uncomfortable.

And he seemed to be very uncomfortable now.

As expected, Callum didn't protest or object to the suggestion, so Oliver turned to the lady.

"Allow me, then."

He got off his horse and Henriette let him help her get off hers. Callum did so too and tied the black horse to the nearby tree.

"What are we going to shoot?" she asked eagerly. They were in the middle of the forest and Oliver took his surroundings.

The manor's forest was well-kept, the game ample, but Oliver pointed at the big trunk in front of them.

"I'd say we could aim at the bigger tree over there."

"You don't want to try to kill something moving, Oliver?" Callum said bitterly.

"I would avoid it. " Henriette took her gloves off and turned to Oliver.

"Do you have much experience, Mr. Abram?"

"He was in the army, " Callum said and leaned on the nearby tree.

"You were? Where did you serve?"

"Germany, My Lady."

"In Germany? My father led a garrison there."

"You are  a military man's daughter?"

"You think commanders of armies only have sons ?"

"Apparently not." Oliver smiled at her while loading the gun.

Her laughter echoed in the quiet forest.

"Apologies, it was an automatic answer. Usually, people think ladies are only their mothers' daughters. "

Oliver passed her the gun "People think a lot of things. And more often than not these things turn out to be far from reality."

"And I'm often in opposition to everything I'm told, but you are right. I can't argue with that. " She took the rifle and positioned herself "I think I'm ready. What should I do?"

"Lift it ..."

Henriette adjusted the rifle and glanced at Oliver "It gets a bit heavier after a while. "

He made a step towards her and moved behind. "If you allow me."

"Of course. I get less brave at the reality of things. "

"There's nothing to be afraid of."

He moved closer and stood against her back "You are left-handed?"

"Ah, you noticed." She then turned to Callum, who hadn't said a word in the past few minutes. He was only standing still, watching them.

"You and Callum were the only people who noticed so quickly. Is this going to be a problem?"

Henriette asked.

"No, I think it's even better. It's going to be more confusing for your enemies. "

"Well, let's hope they wouldn't hold a surprise for me too when I need to face them."

"You'll be prepared. Now prop it on your shoulder and put your hand here. "

He adjusted Henriette's grip. "There. When you pull the trigger, the force of the bullet will be strong. "

"Okay." She said and glanced back at him "I'm nervous."

"They say courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared. And you look composed, so I think you're ready."

"No, you're only trying to put me at ease. "

"It's always a bit scary in the beginning. " Oliver said "Relax, nothing will happen, I promise. "Right. Yes." She exhaled and took aim.

He noticed her hesitation and said

"On three, just press the trigger. I'll count with you." He covered her hand with his and put his finger on the trigger over hers "Just in case."

"Yes. Yes, of course..."

"3..." He began.

"2..." She counted with him.

"1."