“That’s a lot of jam, pies, and cakes.”
“It is,” he replied.
She patted her horse’s mane, and they sat side by side. “I wonder if some of the fruit or products from the fruit is sold or given away?”
“I’m sure some of it is. The revenue from the sales would go back into the estate.”
She nodded. “Where to now?”
“Why don’t we see what’s at the far end of the orchard?”
“Yes, and while we’re walking through, we could make note of what types of trees grow here,” she replied.
“Excellent idea.”
They began to walk through the orchard on a path on the perimeter of the orchard. They passed apple, pear, peach, which were most familiar. Finally, at the other end of the orchard, wasa small meadow fenced off with rock walls. It didn’t take but a moment to understand why the walls were there.
A small herd of Belted Galloway cows were grazing just beyond the wall. Charles had never seen this particular breed of cow before, and he sat on the back of his horse and watched. The breed originated in Scotland, and from what he could recall, they were not uncommon in northern England.
“Fascinating, aren’t they?” Charles said, watching her reaction.
“They are. I don’t think I’ve seen them before.”
“Neither have I.” He glanced up at the sky. The sky was changing. The beautiful cornflower blue was quickly being taken over by gray clouds which took over the landscape. “I hate to end our lovely ride, but I’m afraid we need to return to the stables before the sky opens up.”
Looking up at the skies, Cathryn grinned. “Lead the way, husband. All we can do is hope it stays away.”
“Come, follow me,” he said.
“Do you know a quicker way?”
“No, but we need to hurry.”
“Look,” she said, pointing to a portion of the sky which still had blue sky and white clouds. “That wasn’t like that a couple of minutes ago.”
“You’re right, but we still shouldn’t dawdle. I would hate it if you were to get sick from my decision.”
Charles led her back the way they came through the orchard. When they reached the small meadow leading to the stables, he broke his horse into a gallop. Cathryn followed, clucking to her horse to try and keep up with him. She was a better rider than most young ladies and he wondered how since her mother was more interested in her daughter’s piano playing.
The sky was still a mixture of blue and darkening gray when they arrived at the stables. They began walking to the house, still mindful of the weather.
“That was very enjoyable,” she said.
“I take it you didn’t get a chance to ride much.”
She shook her head. “Heavens no. If it weren’t for my father, I would have never ridden, even sidesaddle.”
“That’s a pity. You’re quite a good rider.”
“I love the freedom riding gives you,” she said.
“It is very liberating, isn’t it?”
“Hmmm.”
They walked around to the front of the house and entered into the main entry hall. As Charles was about to close the door, the rain began coming down at a good steady pace.
“We made it just in time,” he said.
