Celtic Fantasy (with Historical Elements) Fiction Novel- We Come Back: Vol. 1: Chapter 3.3
Find all currently posted exerts at the bottom of the page! Happy hunting, Raptors!
Business or Pleasure
It was quite a site to see.
Three women, all rather overdressed came flowing out of the carriage. They had brought luggage, as they would be spending the evening at the estate, although it appeared they hoped to stay longer. First to be introduced to the company was Miss Mary, being the eldest. She was wearing a long lavender dress with short puffy sleeves, white gloves, and a white hat with a lavender bow. Jack had to admit she was quite attractive and he could see how she might capture the attention of the other males attending the event. Second to be introduced was Miss Delaine. She was wearing a pale pink dress (apparently her favorite color) with ¾ length lace sleeves. The skirt of her dress was trimmed in a darker pink ribbon. She was wearing a gaudy sunhat as well, though hers matched the color of her dark pink ribbon, and had netting coming down the front ever so slightly, giving her the advantage of being partly hidden from sight.
He particularly watched the reaction of the other men
as they kissed her hand. They had all been in awe of Miss Mary, except Joyce of course, but as they laid eyes upon Miss Delaine, Jack couldn’t help but immediately regret the decision to include her in the invitation, as they were clearly going to be of no aid to him.
When the third sister, Miss Lilly, slid out of the carriage,
Mason specifically perked right up. His eyes widened, and his jaw slacked; though it was barely noticeable, Jack had been watching for it. She had on a sea green dress, with long sleeves that fluted at the end. A white ribbon accentuated her waist and tied in a bow in the back. She also had white gloves on, and a large rimmed sunhat with white feathers attached to it. Her hair was pulled up under her hat, and she blushed when Mason kissed her hand. Things were going better than Jack originally had dared hope for.
After introductions, everyone went to their separate rooms
and changed into riding gear. Jack was the first one down, and was happy to see his favorite horse ready for him. He patted her, and scratched behind her ears. “You are such a beautiful horse, Selene.” He brushed her whilst he waited for the others to join him. She was a solid white horse that he had kept on his estate since she was born. She was one of the few living beings he let his heart out to. He didn’t allow anyone else to ride her, and gave her special attention as often as possible.
When the others had come out and saddled up,
he climbed on Selene, and let Hoss lead the ride. There were many trails, and they had discussed which one Hoss was going to lead them on beforehand. Everyone rode two by two, starting with Hoss and Miss Mary, then moving to Mason and Miss Lilly, followed by Beathan and Miss Delaine, with Jack and Joyce bringing up the end. He had considered taking the side route and going to the trail he had been on the night he met Astraea, but didn’t feel right in leaving Joyce with no riding partner. As they rode past his opportunity to veer away from the group, he sighed, more loudly than he intended.
“Thank you for inviting us Jack.” Joyce smiled meekly at him.
“Of course, Joyce.” He smiled in return.
He had seen the way Joyce looked at Hoss.
He also had seen for the first time, Hoss hesitate in his decisions when he decided to ride with Miss Mary. Now that he had time to think about it, it was apparent to him that Joyce and Hoss had a spark, though neither was doing anything about it. He watched her as she occasionally looked at Hoss, and then at Miss Mary. She was keeping her emotions to herself, but there was obviously an attraction between them.
“You like him, do you not?” he whispered to her.
She blushed, and stuttered back, “What, who?”
He raised his eyebrow at her, and she laughed nervously. She raised her shoulders and said, “Does it matter?” He thought about this momentarily.
“Yes, I believe it does. It matters quite a bit.”
They both looked at each other for a minute before looking at Hoss and Miss Mary. Then, he had an idea. He suddenly rode ahead and caught up to Hoss.
“Joyce is feeling tired, I was hoping you would ride back with her to the picnic blankets, and I will finish leading the rest of us around the trail and on back?” Hoss eyed him for a second, glanced at Miss Mary, and then agreed.
“If you’ll excuse me Miss Mary, I will see you back at the blankets.”
Miss Mary nodded, and Hoss headed back to Joyce saying, “Jack said you were feeling tired, and suggested I ride back to the blankets with you, and he will lead them the rest of the way through the trail and back around to meet us. May I escort you back?”
She looked up ahead at Jack, confused for but a moment,
but upon seeing the grin on Jack’s face, she smiled, sighed and nodded in consent to Hoss. As Jack led the rest of the troop up around the trail, he couldn’t help but smile knowing that he had successfully given them time to be alone. He willingly conversed with Miss Mary to pass the time, knowing the longer he gave them the better chance of success. He did his best to pay attention to what Miss Mary was saying, but even he had to confess, most of the conversation his mind wandered back to Astraea. ‘What is she doing right now?’ he wondered. When would be the next time he would get to see her?
As he thought this, he watched a storm cloud come in and violently roar with thunder and lightning and then disappear just as quickly as it came. He felt his nerves gaining momentum, but why, what was so nerve-racking about a sudden storm?
Follow me @frolickinraptors!
Follow @robyneggs to join in poetry contests using #onehumanbasket!
Table of Contents
You are a magnificent writer!! Thanks so much for participating and adding your work to the #onehumanbasket tag!! :D Cheers!
Thanks for contributing to the One Human Basket community! You have received 100% percent upvote and resteem! :-) Cheers!
I curate #poetry and posts with the tag #onehumanbasket
Find out more in the NEW Poetry Dice Challenge
Thanks for sharing .
we can mutually benefit following & upvoting each others post.
my blogs are related to Yoga ,Ayurveda ,Personal dev,The3 things & crypto.I am sure you will like them.
have upvoted above post .
waiting for you coming to my Small home of wellness .
:-) Community strong