The Ring

Part 2

The late afternoon sun bathed Faircroft manor in a soft yellow light as it reflected off the white-washed exterior. At this time, the servants would be preparing for the evening ritual, such as the lighting the candles and lamps, preparation of the evening meal and preparation of the bedchambers. Young master Frederick spritely jumped up onto his horse and galloped away from the manor. This afternoon, he had decided to ride down to the coast in order to check the ocean boundary of the great estate. Actually, he really just fancied a pleasant afternoon ride by the sea and, as he was heir to Faircroft manor and it's estate, he was at liberty to do as he wished. At least this pretext gave his whim an air of duty and responsibility.

Frederick's father, Cleveland, was the master of the estate, although he was seldom there. Cleveland's duty was to find Frederick an appropriate match that would both increase their fortune and also please his son, although the latter was of less concern. Frederick was Cleveland's only child and as such it was necessary that he be matched quickly so that he could produce an heir and continue their line. However Frederick was more a child of nature. He loved the estate, with it's rolling hills, lush dense forests and rugged coastline. He had spent countless hours exploring the estate and luxuriating in its natural beauty. This propensity worried Cleveland, who himself was more accustomed to city living and was often away from the estate for long periods of time, maintaining the family's connections in society and otherwise exploring all the pleasures that a city has to offer. Cleveland would often ask Frederick to accompany him to the city so that he would feel comfortable in society and to increase his reputation amongst possible suitors. In fact, Frederick was actually quite comfortable in society and indeed had a number of possible suitors. In particular, a miss Isabelle Barrington had expressed interest in making a match. The Barrington's were a very well regarded and influential family and Isabelle herself a very handsome young woman, so Cleveland did everything in his power to encourage the match. However, Frederick seemed barely interested and made no attempt to see her outside of those chance occasions, no doubt set up by his father. Frederick simply loved being on the land and exploring the pleasures of an outdoors life, even though he was aware of his obligations to his father and society in general.

Frederick's horse galloped at great speed through the increasingly stunted trees as they neared the coastal hills and cliffs. His horse was an expert in negotiating the tangle of trees and Frederick had to remain alert lest a low-lying branch knock him from the saddle. Nevertheless, that is exactly what happened!

Frederick felt a cool wet cloth caressing his face as he shook off the dizziness to behold a beautiful young woman with emerald green eyes and full red lips leaning over him. As he sat up, she profusely apologized, stating that she had startled the horse, which appeared suddenly on the path as she was returning from the well. Frederick could hear that she was a peasant, given the way she spoke, but beneath that uneducated voice, was something of a natural wonder, like the sound of a clear mountain stream. As his head cleared, he looked again, and saw that the girl was indeed possessed of a rare natural beauty, with raven dark hair framing her pale face, although not too pale, as the sun had kissed her, but had in no way diminished her beauty. Frederick stood up, placed his hands on her shoulders, looked directly at her and smiled. He introduced himself in a courteous manner and half bowed. The girl laughed, more out of surprise, than anything. The girl's name was Dominique and she lived in a small cottage on the estate with her father. Her job was to milk the cows each morning and then tend to the cottage and her father. Frederick thought that Dominique was a name hardly befitting a milkmaid. He could imagine her in fine clothes, the perfect dancing companion at any society soiree, but he also could see that she was a girl perfectly at home in the natural world and this dichotomy excited him. Frederick took her hand and lightly pressed his lips to them and bade her good evening, as he remounted his horse and rode off, his mind filled with emerging and wonderful possibilities.