"To be sure, Emma, but they are always handsome. It is not such a strange thing."
"Ah, but he seems different - driven, with a sort of boyish curious look on his face. Rather like a cat." Abigail could not help but laugh aloud at Emma's comment.
"Well there you have it - the perfect sort of man - handsome with the character of a cat. My, what interesting sort of children he might have." Abigail was one of those people who could make sport of people without a hint of offense, so it was that Emma laughed as well.
"It is rather strange for your father to have brought him out - perhaps he feels that Mr. Allen would be best suited for you."
"Oh, my dear, I cannot think that. My father knows full well my disdain for their plans of marrying off my sisters by means of scheming. He knows that I am far too clever for that. No, they have come for a different reason....ah, yes, Mr. Allen said that he spied me through the window - and no doubt that cat-like curiosity brought he and Father out here." She smiled at Emma, and Emma laughed back. But Abigail could not relinquish her out curious thinkings and ruminations on it all.
"What are you painting?"
"I'm not quite sure. I had a mind to paint a garden, and now it seems I have no taste for painting. Perhaps we walk around the grounds. The men will shoot on the north end, so we may walk to the lake and streams and sit there under the trees."
"I think it a splendid idea, that. Let's go. Would you like me to take the easel along?"
"No, I cannot focus, and as much as I would prefer to deceive myself that I might accomplish at least an outline, I will be honest and say it would be a waste of exertion to bring such nonsense. Let us go now."
"Good."They set off further south towards the lake and stream, a place of great tranquility for Abigail. It was nothing but the most beautiful place around Elderridge, and Abigail was pleased to have it every time to herself and Emma. They sat down in peaceful silence, needing neither words nor looks to enjoy time with one another. But all silence must end, and the same questions and topics as every day arose with Emma's murmurings.
"Abigail, do you believe that you will marry?" Not at all surprised by this question, for it was asked nearly every day, Abigail replied with simplicity and ease, though years ago, she would have done so out of frustration.
"I cannot know, but surely there are many hinderances. Perhaps God will find it in His merciful nature to allow for me that privilege. But, I am passed, if you can believe, the good marriageable age. And there are other things."
"Yes...other things." Emma went back to silence for a moment, but returned for another question. "Suppose you should marry Mr. Allen, what then?" Abigail's eyes grew wide - and she found it humorous, having only met the man that day and having Emma's description so fresh on her mind.
"Now what on earth would I do with a man who looks handsome and acts like a cat? Suppose I should simply acquire a cat, so that when I look at my kitten, I shall know what to expect for he is already how he carries himself."
And they both laughed heartily at all this mirth. Nothing like laughter and beautiful surroundings made Abigail feel so beautiful - more than the finest dress and grandest compliments, enjoying good company and beautiful nature in tranquility was the greatest edification of her person.
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The women sat for several hours outside, chatting, talking, and thinking aloud. But it was time for Emma to return to the house. She had work to do, and though Abigail bid her to stay, Emma was too disciplined to allow her employer to give her so much leisure. Besides, she grew very restless without something to occupy her hands. She was not raised a gentleman's daughter, and so it was strange to enjoy such pleasures. She told Abigail she must return. Abigail, well aware of Emma's tendency to feel guilty about leaving regular work, did not press her to stay. She told Emma she would remain by the lake until she felt the desire to return to the house.
The men had been shooting for a good part of the morning, taking a late lunch and scouting all of Mr. Allen's feelings on politics, religion, education, business, and world affairs. Mr. Collins liked Mr. Allen more and more, perhaps because there was both humor and sincerity still to be found without the nusaince of societal politics. Indeed, he should keep him around Elderridge if simply for some excellent male company. Poor Mr. Collins was very much overrrun with females.
"Sir, indeed, you have my thanks for taking the time out of your schedule to come to my estate and pay me a visit." Mr. Collins was more than a little grateful, and Mr. Allen could tell.
"Forgive me, but I must say that I am a single man with no obligations besides the maintenance of my estate and those obligations which involve my extended family. It is no trouble, and to tell the truth, I prefer the company of a wiser gentleman, such as yourself, as opposed to the men I am acquainted with in town who are of a similar age. I'm not much of a man for grand parties and "society". So, I might say that you have my thanks as well."
This sentiment so pleased Mr. Collins that in that moment he determined to make set another visit with Mr. Allen. And, no shock it was that Mr. Allen heartily accepted. They continued shooting, though, having scounted all forms of male conversation, Mr. Collins was getting restless for his family and his dinner. It was time for the men to come in.
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