He found his aunt happily reading her latest book, and she stopped long enough to query if he found the new neighbour pleasant. Bertie knew his aunt of old and gave her a smile. “I know your matchmaking habits, dearest aunt and I am not going to fall into any trap.” She gave a knowing half smile and returned to her reading. He paused at the door and told her he was going riding with Badger the next day.
Late in the morning, Bertie set off on his favourite horse to meet up with his old friend Badger but when he arrived, via the road so not to trespass again, he found a gathering of friends. They were all collected in the hallway and reception room of Badger’s beautiful but old-fashioned house and Badger’s sister, Arabella, flew towards him with arms outstretched. He grinned at her and held out his arms in response and the two hugged each other and both spoke at the same time.
“Oh how wonderful to have you home again,” Arabella told him. “We do miss your company you know.” He set her back on her feet having swung the girl around in the air. These two had been friends since childhood and as Arabella had been as keen on the outdoors pursuits as the boys she had been included in their growing up. Badger often wished and indeed, had told Bertie, that a marriage to his sister would be an excellent idea. Both Bertie and Arabella disregarded this suggestion and continued to be the best of friends.
He held her out at arm’s length and told her she looked wonderful. “I know I am more up to date now that Caroline has moved into the Tupperham house.” And to his surprise, he saw that she was pulling Caroline towards her. “She tells me all about these wonderful shopping emporiums, and we have magazines with the latest styles.”
“That is obvious,” He said and admired the burgundy coloured riding outfit that Arabella was wearing.
Bertie looked around and said his greetings to the others. Badger had sent messengers to the local people of their own age and sent servants off to the garden pavilion with picnic food. The party had all arrived on horseback and mounted up with excitement for an unexpected visit out. The young ladies all rode side saddle with the skirts of their outfits elegantly spread over the horse’s flanks. They were all accomplished at this seat on their horses and were helped up by footmen and servants. Badger, Bertie and their two male friends climbed aboard easily and with a tinge of dislike Bertie saw that Arielle Pernicier and her cousin Bernice were along as well. “That will be because Toby Marsden-Smythe would like to be part of her rich and influential family.” Bertie thought to himself, but his innate good manners made him greet them pleasantly enough. Toby was riding beside Arielle, and she was ignoring him as she always had. Isabella Germaine was included in the group and Bertie smiled to himself. “Good morning, Isabella,” he said as he rode alongside her. She was a pleasant young woman with a mass of red curls that were usually out of control. Isabella was dressed in a dark blue riding outfit, and he has seen it a few times before. Bertie always noticed clothes. He might not notice other things, but he had an eye for what people were wearing. He wondered to himself if the family had money problems. Isabella’s parents were aristocratic, but not wealthy. He had always liked the girl and hoped things were not too bad. The party shouted to each other as they prepared to enjoy the ride over Badger’s extensive grounds to the garden pavilion. Once there they dismounted. Tethered the horses and spent a very happy afternoon lounging on day beds and eating if they felt like it. The girls talked endlessly about fashion, and it seemed that Caroline was the purveyor of the latest information. Bertie felt a bit annoyed at this because, in the past, he had brought the information from London to the shires. He slipped onto the seat beside Caroline. “What about the fashions in houses?” He joined in. Caroline smiled at him, and the talk turned to the latest in artwork, books and theatre. Badger came and sat beside Isabella. “You are saving dances for me at the ball, aren’t you?” He asked her, and she nodded and said that of course she was. He turned to Bertie. “The Callander’s Ball,” he said. “They will expect to see you there.” Bertie said he wouldn’t miss it for anything and asked if Caroline was invited. She said that she most certainly was and her second cousin was coming as her escort for the evening. Bertie laughed and said that no doubt his aunt would expect him to be her escort.
The ball was two days later and duly dressed in the latest and best that money could buy in London, Bertie Collins-Margrave, Lord Haverpool escorted his aunt to their waiting carriage at the front steps, and they rode in stately fashion to the enormous home of The Marquis of Callander. It was ablaze with lights. Servants were everywhere and rushed to help his aunt from the carriage. The Callander mansion was very large and very ornate. The carriages were being ushered away as new ones arrived and Aunt Agatha and Lord Haverbrook alighted at the foot of the carpeted steps that led into the foyer and then the ballroom. An orchestra was already playing at the far end, and the room was already full of beautifully attired guests. There were seats for the older folk and Bertie escorted his aunt to meet the hosts. Once greeted, he took her to seat with a good view of proceedings and she joined some friends who were obviously set for a jolly good gossip.