[b][u]A few days later.. [/u][/b]

The past three days had been an absolute blur for Matilda, and her encounter with Arthur had been, and still was in the forefront her mind. Henry had often accused her of walking around the Manor in a daydream, and on this particular occasion - he was very possibly right. Unfortunately, they now had guests at Wakehurst. Hugo Bennett, and his Mother Emma. Hugo was apparently a connectuon of her father's from the City, and Emma a widower who went everywhere with her son. And from what Tilly could ascertain, she was the one that pulled the strings. 

Anna had decreed that the Bennett's should be welcomed formally, with a dinner at the Estate. George wasn't so sure, but he went along with it for the sake of an easy life. The Colonol and Mrs Hollyworth had also been invited, and that invite had been extended to Major Bradford too. 

The dining hall had been decorated with fresh flowers from the grounds, and Molly had rolled out the finest china. Henry was grumbling as he stood in the front lounge with his sister, tugging at his collar in discomfort. Tilly chuckled, but she too felt largely uninspired. In a baby blue dress, and her hair pinned up, it felt odd to be so well dressed within her own home. 

[b]"What time is the Colonol arriving?" [/b] 

Henry asked in curiosity, [b]"The sooner they arrive, the sooner we can get this all over and done with.." [/b] 

Matilda nodded, and took a sip from her glass of wine. The pair were waiting for Hugo and Emma to be ready. An odd couple they were. Hugo was quite the smug type, and Emma was rather fussy. An evening spent in their company was largely uninspring. 

The brother eyed his sister suspiciously. He wasn't sure what he suspected, but he suspected something. If he had to put money on it, it would involve Major Bradford, too. 

[b]"Looking forward to seeing the Colonol, Tilly?" [/b] 

The blonde nodded in a nonchalent manner, [b]"I enjoy his company. Why do you ask?" [/b] 

[b]"And what of Major Bradford?"[/b]He retorted, [b]"Do you enjoy his company too?" [/b] Tilly felt sure that she was blushing, but she scratched the back of her neck absentmindedly. [b]"Yes. Of course. Why do you ask?" [/b] 

Henry smirked triumphantly, [b]"No reason."[/b] He gave his sister a gentle nudge and sighed, [b]"I wish they'd hurry.." [/b] He frowned, glancing to the ceiling, and Matilda nodded, [b]"Hugo is probably admiring himself in the mirror, and has lost track of time.." [/b] 

[i]"Matilda!!" [/i] A sharp voice echoed from the doorway. Anna was stood there, and she had overheard the jibe directed at their guest. The siblings startled somewhat, [i]"Now, you two need to be polite! They are from a very well-to-do family. I won't have you being surly.." [/i] 

Matilda sighed, and rolled her eyes, [b]"Oh, Mother."[/b] And with an irritated snort, the young woman passed her Mother in the doorway, and wandered her way towards the Hall.

If only her Mother knew what had transpired in the barn that afternoon. 

Perhaps the Colonol has arrived, Tilly thought idly to herself. Mrs Hollyworth's gossip was far more pleasing then her Mother's blustering. And of course, a certain Major, too.