"I should say not, unfortunately. But I have no problem with it." He said, shrugging. He reached out and picked up Fellow, holding the puppy against his hip.

"Then I shall be happy to join you." she replied standing and brushing the hay from her dress.

He nodded, set Fellow back down, and held open the door so that Eliza could exit before him. He then led them, followed by the young Billy, into the house. A small marble statue of a veiled lady was by the doorway, almost casting a welcoming glance at all who entered, and if one was to look at the table they would see several candles set up in an intricate design.

'What a fascinating statue" Eliza said examining it closely "Whereever did you find it?"

"Bath. I knew a sculptor, thanks to the Meriwether family. He became a leper later in his life, though, had to give up his craft.; Pity."

"That is a pity. His work is exquisite." Eliza replied turning toward the dining area. Colin's attention to detail was astounding.

Colin took the chair and pulled it out for her, made a smooth gesture as one of the maids fetched a tinderbox to light the candles.

"Thank you" she said taking the seat comfortably and arranging her skirts.

Colin smiled and nodded, then sat down across from her. One of the other maids gently set down some tea. Colin turned to her. "So, Miss Edgar, have you ever been on much travel?"

"Only to the continent." she replied "And yourself?"

"Africa, once. Fine animals they have there, and plenty of interesting places. Although I much prefer dear England."

"Where you on a Safari?" he asked

"You could call it that, I suppose." He shrugged, took a sip of his tea.

"Did you hunt?" she asked quietly.

He nodded. "I couldn't miss out on such an exquisite opportunity. They do it much differently than they do back in England. Some of them use huge cats."

"Cats?" she said trying to imagine a large barn cat hunting on the savannah.

"Call them lions. They're about as big as a dog, but about three times as heavy. All muscle, too."

"That would be quite a sight." she said trying to picture it.

"Oh, most certainly it is. They're tremdously loud, too. But calm."

"What did you hunt?" she asked taking her tea from the maid.

"Boar, for the most part. And gazelle. They are much more beautiful than the deer one finds in England."

"Where you successful?"

"Yes, for the most part." He smiled.

"Then you are a very skilled hunter." she replied "But I suppose your home is evidence of your love for the hunt." she indicated the large portraits of horses and hounds around the room.

"Very much so." He smiled, reached down and stroked Fellow's head, "I suppose one might say that I breathe it."

"There are far worse things to distract ones self with. The hunt is a very exhilirating one, do you not agree?" she replied

"Most certainly." He took a sip of the tea, smiled. "Have you ever been to theatre?"

"Yes" she replied "I am a fan of several theater companies and writers. And yourself?"

"I've been to a few of them. All charming little tales."

"Have you seen many Shakespear plays?"

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