Snippet #1546367

The rhythmic thud of Nightwish's hooves against the earth lulled Damien into a sedate calm. The trees blurred past them in strokes of green and brown, punctuated by the occasional yellow, blue, and green of other riders. The great horse shook his head restlessly again, snorting his displeasure. Damien patted him on the neck soothingly, murmuring consolations to the stallion. Gerard had fallen behind, having stopped to engage the conversation of some young lady.

Reaching the end of the park, Damien guided Nightwish back around. From this end, it was possible to see most of the other ladies and gentlemen. There were fewer riders today than was usual. Apart from himself and Gerard, only three other groups had ventured out this day. This was not a surprise to Damien, for the day had been unbearably hot, and it was only just now beginning to cool down with the approach of evening. The sun was lowering toward the horizon, a welcome occurence, and the trees cast long shadows, striping the grass. Damien cantered past Gerard, and a snippet of the conversation reached his ears before being whisked away. "Don't know why you associate with him---"

Towards the other end of the park, he observed a small group of riders. Damien discerned two young women and their chaperone, who followed at a distance. He could not begin to guess their identities as of yet, but his attention was drawn to the one in dark green. The way she carried herself was strikingly familiar. Even at this distance, he recognized the restraint in her bearing, as if she wished to gallop headlong through the park.

It appeared that Miss Marwick enjoyed jaunts through the park on horseback.