Queen Anne Of Scotland

Chapter 13: The Hunt

                  

" Good morning Milady!" Said Mary the following morning.

"Good morning!" Replied Anne.

"And how are we this morning?"

"Very well thank you!" She smiled. "What time is it?"

" Why its 5:00 Milady, I'm sorry its so frightfully early but you have that ,hunting trip and then your meeting with the queen."

"Agh yes I had forgotten about that." She said with a sigh. " I wonder how long it shall be?" She said half to herself.

" Oh I don't expect for more than an hour." Said Mary. " Her Majesty the queen prefers short meetings."

"No I meant the hunting trip."

" Oh! Well they usually end whenever you catch the stag, and that could take hours, but with the meeting and all you'll probably have about two or three hours."

" Two or three hours?" Smiled Anne.

" Yes ma'am, is there somethin wrong?" Mary asked.

" Oh no nothings wrong, I'm just happy I have such a long time to spend with...." Anne caught herself before she said Edward, she had decided that she didn't want anyone to know about her feelings for Edward. At least not yet.

" A long time with who milady? If its not too bold to ask."

"Blast it!"  Thought Anne to herself. " There you go again Anne, you opened your mouth without thinking!"

Anne had to think fast, so she said the first thing that popped out of her head.

"That dear little pony I'm to ride, I took the liberty of going to see him yesterday, and he is so sweet."

Anne smiled awkwardly hoping Mary would be pleased with her answer.

That sure is a lot of complement for a pony Milady, don't you think? laughed Mary but at that moment she saw Mrs. Garrison the head Servant had been watching the whole time from the open doorway.

Mary. She said trying to control her temper. I would like to speak to you, NOW. She said icily, and her eyes flashing.

Yes ma'am. Was her feeble reply.

Mary hastily left the room. Anne was dressed in a expensive riding dress but she didn't spend time admiring it for she was to worried about Mary. The door soon opened and in walked a servant that Anne had never seen before.

Who are you? Anne asked the servant. And what are you doing here?

My name is Isabelle ma'am. Said the girl.

Where is Mary? Anne asked.

Mrs. Garrison needed to have a word with her, I saw them both going down stairs to the servants quarters ma'am.

Why? What has she done.

I'm not quite sure milady. She replied, and that was all she would say.

Isabelle putting the finishing touches on Anne's gown, then she set to work putting her hair in a simple bun.

When Anne was ready to go she followed Isabelle to the stables the grass was wet with dew and the air was crisp and cool, the early morning light seemed to spray rays through the fog that made you stop to stare at it. When they arrived the company was waiting, Anne quickly glanced at Edward, and to her satisfaction he was smiling.

Your Majesty, spoke the duke of Nottingham. We're delighted you could make it. He said warmly.

Thank you. Anne politely replied.

I hope you enjoyed a goodnights rest. Smiled Edward.

Anne stared at him for a moment before replying.

Yes it was quite..... Tolerable.

I'm glad to hear it.

Well. said the duke when Anne had mounted her horse. Shall we be off then?

As they were riding to the woods to where they would be hunting Edward rode up alongside Anne.

If you are going to ask what I ate for breakfast. Anne said sarcastically. I had a boiled egg and a biscuit with jam.

Edward laughed at her comment then slowed down so that he and Anne where behind the group.

No I wasn't going to ask you what you had for breakfast I just wanted to tell you that you look beautiful today.

Anne blushed and turned her head away so than Edward wouldn't see the smile that touched the corners of her mouth.

What's the matter? He said when he noticed that she wasn't looking at him anymore. Haven't you been told that before?

She looked at him and saw that he was smiling at her.

Perhaps. She smiled. But I suppose I didn't listen then.

Edward was about to reply when someone called out. There's one now! and blew a horn.

What is it? Asked Anne.

Someone's spotted a fox! He exclaimed.

And away they went.

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When Anne and Edward caught up to the rest of the riders they where all congratulating a young boy of about fifteen with brown hair and a noble manner. The boy was beaming as the adults sung his praises.

Who is that? Asked Edward.

That is the Duke's son, Charles. He said in answer to her question.

Charles. Anne said as if trying it out. Whos the boys mother Might I asked?

That would Lady Henrietta.

Is she here? She asked.

No I'm afraid she's not, Her Ladyship doesn't care for this sort of thing.

Prince Edward! The duke called out.

At this Edward jumped.

Who's Prince Edward? Asked Anne looking at Edward.

Edwards face was blank. Then Anne realized that Edward was a prince.

Why didn't you tell me? Anne him with a frown.

I didn't want you to think I was a spoiled prince that was conceited and proud. He said, his head hung low.

You proud Edward? Concited? Never. You are the farthest thing in the world.

Edward looked deeply into Annes eyes and replyed with a smile.

Anne your a very strange woman. He said. Your never angery with anyone.

Im afraid that your eyes decive you. Anne said with a twinkle in her eyes. For I have been angery at many a person, but I sopose that I cannot be angery at such a person as yourself, someone whos kind and caring.

They both held each others gazes for sometime when Gorge (who was the duke) called for the group to depart.

,We better be going, Anne said still staring at him.

I suppose we should.