– If you wish, we will go back to the house, to the warmth," Charlotte said to her.
– No, no, I am not cold at all. – Vivian answered her hastily, immediately regretting what she had said.
– Miss Salton is right, my dear. You look very pale. We're going home: I don't want you to be sick again," Jeremy announced in a firm tone.
– But you and I, we've only just arrived! – Vivian frowned and looked at Charlotte regretfully.
– I'm terribly sorry! – Charlotte whispered to her with a guilty expression.
– No apology necessary! It was my own fault! – Vivian replied in a whisper. – And, when the butler brought his card, I knew he would not let us spend time together… .
– Come, my dear. – Jeremy's tone of voice made Vivian grow cold.
– Come to Wington Hall tomorrow," Vivian said to her friend in a level tone of voice. She said it loudly, so that her tyrant could hear her words. – My husband and cousin will be out hunting, and I shall be alone at home.
– I have not yet heard you propose to devote tomorrow to hunting, but, my friend, my consent you have just received! – Anthony said jokingly to his friend.
– And tomorrow, Cranford, I'll give you a hard time and shoot so much game that your horse will have to carry my trophy bags," Jeremy said ironically, but then looked at his wife again. – Come, Vivian.
– I'll be there! I'll be there! – Charlotte squeezed her friend's hand tightly, and the girls walked slowly towards the gentlemen.
– I apologise for our hasty departure, Miss Salton," Jeremy said apologetically as the Wingtons left Lillehus. – My wife's health is so fragile that a light breeze is enough to give her a cold.
– I understand, Mr. Wington. Besides, I shall see Vivian tomorrow, and the thought warms my heart," Charlotte smiled at him playfully.
– Cranford, are you with us? – Jeremy asked.
– If Miss Salton does not mind, I should like to stay here and take her round the garden once more," said Anthony, and the answer brought a surprised but grateful smile to the landlady's lips.
– I shall be glad of your society, Mr. Cranford," she said quietly.
– But how will you get home? – Vivian asked her cousin. – 'We came in the same carriage!
– I'll leave you my horse," Jeremy said without opening his mouth. – Please see that it is delivered to Wington Hall by this evening. I want to take him hunting tomorrow.