– I assure you that my husband is surrounded by love and care," replied Jeremy.
– Oh, I'm sure she is! – Miss Salton managed to squeeze out. – But have you heard the latest news? The Duke of Nightingale and Miss Beckley have officially announced their wedding date!
– Duke Nightingale is getting married? – Anthony was surprised to hear the news for the first time.
– My friend, you seem to have got your Devry fix! – Jeremy said with a laugh. – It was all over the newspapers!
– I don't remember it being in the papers, and I get the post and the papers every day. Even if it was a fortnight ago," Anthony grinned. – And when did this magnificent event take place? I mean the engagement.
– In the middle of August, if I'm not mistaken," said Vivian.
Anthony glanced at his cousin.
'So that's why she accepted Jeremy's proposal! The Duke of Nightingale was lost to her, and my friend has fallen at her feet," he surmised, and as if he had read his thoughts, Vivian smiled and nodded faintly.
– 'But let us lose no time! It will soon be dark, and we are wasting daylight on gossip! – Charlotte, seeing how sad her friend's face had suddenly become, exclaimed. She went to Anthony and asked him to help her put on her long, warm cloak.
– Is something wrong, my love? You look upset," Jeremy asked her, noticing his wife's expression.
– I'm just sorry about Charlotte," she lied in a whisper and put her hand on his elbow. – Not a single gentleman has been asked to marry her since I've seen her lately! But, my love, help me with my cloak. It's so cold outside! How do you find the strength to hunt on such gloomy, windy days?
– I love hunting and I don't mind the weather," Jeremy said with a charming smile. – But today Artemis decided to upset me. No trophies! But tomorrow I'll take your cousin with me, and I swear I'll be home before my sack is full.
– I will pray Artemis to have mercy on you, my dear," Viviane replied affectionately.
"Foolish lover of blood and murder! May God punish you for your bloodlust! May tomorrow your horse throw you off… may tomorrow you be drowned! May your gun shoot you in your own head!" – the girl thought with hatred burning in her soul.
Miss Salton, paired with Mr. Cranford, and the Wingtons left the house and went out into the large but sad autumn garden, in which the bright colours of the flowers did not burn, but only the tired bare trunks of the trees and their crooked branches creaked under the mischief of the wind. Owing to the fact that the girls' hats were securely fastened by silk ribbons tied beautifully under their chins, it was not necessary to hold them down with the palm of the hand, but the gentlemen were less fortunate, and they kept their tall hats from leaving their heads by laughing.