Daniel and Fred arrived on their own horses, both keen to reach the ever close countryside. Fred engaged William in conversation about the direction of travel and they agreed to stop at a popular inn for some refreshment before returning home. Initially, the three riders cantered together, but when the novelty of being in the open had ceased and the horses had expelled their first burst of energy, Fred fell back to the couple in the curricle and engaged them in conversation. Daniel brought his horse round and fell into step beside Penelope. “Thank you for inviting us on this ride,” he started not sure how much time he would have to talk and determined to make every second count. “You are welcome,” Penelope responded quietly. “Miss Hall, Penelope, there is no use in my being anything but honest. I behaved abysmally, inexcusably, I know I did. I do not know what possessed me, perhaps insecurity about my position in society, but whatever it was, it was no excuse to treat you the way I did.”
