And yet there will be happiness...

Well met

Charlotte took a deep breath and took a step forward.
- I was told that you were expecting me - said Charlotte, approaching the lady at the table.
Her heart, ready to burst out at any moment, was pounding wildly, not allowing her to pull herself together.
The lady turned slowly and smiled at Charlotte, who almost opened her mouth in surprise. They looked into each other's eyes without saying a word. The silence that hung heavy in the air lasted several seconds.
- To be honest, I was expecting a much warmer welcome - she said.
At the same moment, Charlotte rushed to her, wrapping her in a tight embrace.
- So much better - said the Lady - I was beginning to worry
- God, Allison, I'm so glad to see you - Charlotte exclaimed, looking at her younger sister with interest - Why didn't you write to me? I would have met you. How long have you been waiting for me?
- Charlotte, so many questions at once - answered with a smile Allison - I did not wrote because I wanted to surprise you.
- And, by God, you did it - with a grin said Charlotte - to be honest, you scared me quite a lot.
- I notice - Allison said, smiling - you were expecting someone else?
- You could say that - Charlotte said evasively.
Allison raised her eyebrows in question, making it clear that this explanation would not be enough for her. Charlotte sighed heavily and looked at her sister sadly.
- I have a lot to tell you - Charlotte said - But let's go up to my room first.
Allison took Charlotte's arm and they went to the apartment, asking Mr. Brown to take their Luggage upstairs. As she went up the stairs Allison said in a low voice :
- Finally, I'll find out more about your Mr. Parker.
Charlotte looked at her in surprise, unable to utter a single word.

He was beautiful. Charlotte couldn't take her eyes off him. His strong muscles played with every movement, his posture, the tilt of his head, everything delighted her. His fathomless dark eyes seemed to pierce through her. His measured, deep breathing made her feel incredibly excited. Charlotte reached out and touched him with trepidation. He started at the warmth of her hands and leaned forward. Charlotte responded by gently pressing her face against his hot neck.
- You never cease to amaze me - said Sidney - I didn't know you liked horses so much.
- But he was just great - answered Charlotte, with excitement not to pick up more words - Allison, do you agree with me?
- They are all wonderful, Charlotte - said her sister, looking at the other horse that had just been brought into the stable by the groom - Lady Worcester was incredibly generous in sending these magnificent animals here.
- I want to ride him - Charlotte said excitedly - There have never been such horses in Willingden.
- Groom, we need a saddle for the Lady - Sidney said loudly.
Charlotte and Allison looked at each other, trying not to laugh.
- Is something wrong? - he asked.
- As a child we often went to the men's saddle  - answered Charlotte with a smile - it's so much better.
- But our mother was quite persistent - Allison continued.
- We had to master this instrument of torture  - Charlotte finished.
Sidney couldn't help but laugh at their words.
- So in my memory, the saddle still has not called - through the laughter he said.
- So you've met some incredibly silent ladies, Mr. Parker - Charlotte concluded.
Sidney laughed again.
The groom led a horse to them, drawn by a saddle with two bows.
- Well, I told you - said Charlotte - how you can enjoy a ride when you can't even get on it without help?
- I'll be happy to help you - he said with a smile, and walked over to Charlotte and deftly hoisted her into the saddle.
The huge black stallion tossed his mane and whinnied, anticipating a quick race.
- Allison, will you go? -  Charlotte asked.
- Thank you, but I'd rather stay here - Allison said - and admire these beautiful creatures.
Sidney rode up on horseback, apparently with the intention of accompanying the elder Miss Hеywood.
- Are you sure? - Charlotte asked.
- Quite - said the sister, watching them with a smile.
Sidney and Charlotte led the horses slowly out of the stable. When she had ridden a little further, Charlotte set her horse at a confident gallop, and Sidney had no choice but to spur his mount to follow her.