Standing alone in the hallway after silently closing the bedroom door, I paused.  Needing a moment to collect my thoughts and quiet my emotions, I was not yet ready to be with the others in the house.  The sounds of voices in pleasant conversation could be heard as I closed my eyes.  The scent of duck roasting in the hearth wafted past my nose.  Yet nothing impacted me.  My senses seemed to be in reserve as I had to muster all of my energy to quell the turmoil within me.  Above all that, my need to be in control of my emotions was paramount.  I gave myself this respite to consider all that I must do and to formulate a plan.  My hand dropped from the door handle and began to smooth the fabric of my skirt absentmindedly.  Once my vision of the future was firmly in place within my mind, I took a deep breath and turned to move in the direction of the voices as I felt my stomach rumble in response to the aroma of the supper being prepared.<br/><br/>Upon entering the front parlor Mr. Cobb, Jed and Tom stood.  "Please do not let me interrupt."  I said as Annabelle turned to me with an expression of worry.  "How was he?  Did you have a chance to speak with the driver?  Was he awake?"  The words quickly spilled from Annabelle's mouth without a chance for me to answer.  Wanting to calm her fears I smiled and nodded my head.  "Yes, I did speak with him and he is recovering.  Although slowly, he will improve."  Annabelle was pleased to hear this and I turned to Mr. Cobb.  "My driver is naturally worried about the loss of his income as his horses were stolen by the cowardly fiend who almost killed him.  It is my wish to replace his horses.  I am hoping that when the driver is well enough, he can view your stock available for sale."  Mr. Cobb nodded.  "Why certainly Ma'am.  I can show you my youngest yet best trained horses, that is if you are interested."  Many women of my station paid no heed to horses beyond their use of getting from one location to another.  However, as my Father had no sons, he educated me in training, care and selection of horses and in his absence from home, expected me to ensure the safety of the estate's horses, all livestock, barns, ranch lands, and all employed in its upkeep.  Inclining my head to Mr. Cobb's offer.  "Actually, yes I am keen to survey your stock."  Annabelle rose from a settee and Jed jumped to his feet.  He spoke with her and offered his arm.  "I'll be happy to escort you Miss Annabelle, if you care to take a stroll."  I could not help but smile as I made eye contact with Annabelle who looked to me for approval.  Nodding my head she then took Jed's arm and the five of us ventured from the house back to the paddocks.  A few ranch hands worked to replace lumber on one of the paddocks.  Mr. Cobb called out to one of them who jogged over to us.  He directed the hand to gather certain horses, calling them by name.  It would take a while to gather the horses up but one by one they were lead to the paddock where I could look at them more closely.  Tom hopped up to the top rail of the paddock as Mr. Cobb spoke about each horse and the ranch hand looped a rope to the bridle and put the horses through their paces.  We spoke of the positive and negative attributes of each horse.  Although for all of them, their strengths far outnumbered the weaknesses.   I was very impressed by Mr. Cobb's husbandry.<br/><br/>The sound of a bell rang out and I turned to see Mrs. Cobb ringing it  to get the attention of hands and family as it was supper time.  The sun was still shining brightly.  I did so enjoy the long days of summer.  As the horses were released out to pasture, Mr. Cobb, Tom, Jed and Annabelle and I ventured back to the house.  I felt a peacefulness descend upon me.  I enjoyed this land and the friendliness of the Cobb family.  Mrs. Cobb smiled upon our return.  "I do hope that you and Annabelle can stay for the evening meal."  Realizing that Annabelle was enjoying Jed's company yet not wanting to be a burden, I answered her request.   "You were not expecting two more for supper.  We would not wish to impose."  Mrs. Cobb chuckled and waved her hand toward the ranch land.  My gaze moved out over their land. Suddenly more men that I had realized worked the land began walking toward the well outside the house to wash up.  "Goodness Lady Erina.  I cook for an army, as you can see.  Two more is no burden at all.  It is so nice out, we can eat under the oaks out back."  Mr. Cobb jumped in, "We will enjoy the new company.  You can tell us about what is happening in the village, Annabelle."  Then he glanced at me.  "And you Lady Erina can tell us about the world beyond our little village."  Annabelle did not speak but I could see the hopeful look in her expression.  Looking back to Mr. and Mrs. Cobb, I smiled brightly.  "Then we shall be honored to dine here tonight."