Since Silke hadn't given anyone a time frame of when to expect their return- except she'd likely be back for dinner- it wasn't necessarily a detour that would cause them any trouble. They had some time before the last meal of the day would be served. Even if they happened to be late, her family and the estate staff all knew her to be an accomplished rider who knew the area like the back of her hand. More than once members of the Kasper lineage (including Vincent recently) had been caught in foul weather when they went for a ride, ranging from blizzards to violent thunderstorms to obscuring fog to hail. Maps of their lands could be found in nearly every room in their house detailing different types shelters that were available in such an event. The cabin was best, of course, but several caves were quite serviceable as well.

"Take the blame?" she repeated, amused. "You might want to reconsider. You'll need all the good will you can muster for my brother." Vincent wasn't an unreasonable man; however, the death of their mother and Alistair left Silke as the sole focus of his overprotective drive. Neither of them discussed the losses openly, but she was very aware that they had left a scar on her remaining sibling, and he was terrified to see another member of their family injured or worse. As a result, he would be very critical and suspicious of Galt, just as he would any man trying to stay by his sister's side.

With a flick of the reins she spurred her horse in the direction of the cabin. Their horses had only begun to hit their stride when the rain increased from a drizzle to a steady, heavy rain. As they veered into the forest they were sheltered from the rain, though plenty still made it through the canopy of the leaves and in areas where it was thinner, either because the trees did not create overhangs or they were not packed as closely together. It took somewhere between ten and fifteen minutes to make it to their destination, a home constructed in a clearing.

The word 'cabin' suggested a small dwelling, perhaps with a single room interior. The building that greeted Galt was easily larger than some villager's homes, with a stable behind it that could accommodate up to four horses. At least 1,000 square feet in size, it functioned more as a hideaway for guests, or a vacation spot when the stresses of the estate became too great. It was close enough that supplies could be ferried two and from the primary residence with little fuss, yet far away there was a sense of privacy. When they used to host large balls, banquets, and parties, bachelors would argue over who would get the opportunity to stay at the 'cabin' overnight.

Silke was soaked as she dismounted, led her horse to the stable, and untacked him. She helped Galt do the same for his. Wordlessly she led him inside and instantly wandered to the hearth to start a fire. The cabin was cozy and modestly decorated with a more rugged, 'masculine' touch, most of the furnishings constructed of wood, and the linens of dark earth tones. They had entered into a front from that was a living area with a small kitchenette, dining table to one side. Beyond the room they were in was a hall leading to two bedrooms, a storage room, and a combined indoor privy and bath, which was a must for visiting aristocracy. Nobility had a very different concept of 'roughing it' than the peasantry did and would not wash in a river nor use an outhouse.

"My father keeps spare men's clothes in the closets," she said, motioning towards the hall off of which were the two bedrooms. "You can take your pick of whatever you find in your size." There wasn't any women's clothing, so she mentally debated whether she'd try to dry off completely beside the fire, wrap herself up in blankets to warm herself (and provide some modesty, since her garments were plastered to her), or wear some of the men's clothing. The former two options were more proper, while the third was more sensible.

Frowning to herself, Silke wondered why it was always proper [i]or[/i] sensible, rather than both.