But this year’s in particular provided much conversation for the gentry of Cumberland in the months that followed. It was the lost Lord Keswick, Mr Gabriel Crowther, who attracted most attention during the party itself, though Mrs Westerman was also narrowly observed by each matron and frankly admired by many of the younger men. Mrs Briggs was as pleasant as ever, the Vizegräfin considered to be rather high-handed, and Felix, until the unfortunate events of the latter part of the afternoon unfolded, was said to have set the hearts of many a young woman beating at an unnatural pace. Mrs Briggs was acknowledged an excellent hostess by her friends and neighbours, and it was agreed she had surpassed herself this afternoon. Shades had been set out at convenient intervals all about the lawns so as to provide some shelter from the heat. Ices were served on the upper parts of the lawn, and by the lake her guests could watch the gentlemen who were so inclined shoot arrows across the width of the grass, then compete for a silver arrow that had been commissioned in London for the occasion.
