Looking forward to their ride together, she appreciated the horse Jed brought for her, a sturdy filly, steady and calm. Jed described the location they would be riding to as they cantered through town, greeting people along the way. Hoping to avoid seeing Rutherford, Olivia was relieved when they finally cleared the last of the buildings and began to enjoy the countryside. It had its’ own wild beauty and peacefulness. Of course, Jed was an expert rider and his horse, Midnight, needed very little direction through the handling of the reins. Riding astride like a man took much less effort in maintaining balance and she smiled thinking women were more skilled than they gave themselves credit for. Never again would she consider riding a side saddle.<br/><br/>Finally finding the hill with the lone tree, they dismounted, spreading the blanket from his saddle in the shade, before unpacking the picnic prepared by Mabel. Horses tethered nearby, he helped her sit before settling himself at respectable distance. No telling who from the town might be spying, just waiting for a juicy tidbit to bring back and share. Pouring them some wine, Jed started to share a little about himself and she appreciated the challenge it must be for him, a man of few words. The war between the North and South touched everyone’s lives but Olivia was relieved he was here now, still upholding the principals instilled by his father.<br/><br/>As he took a moment to make plates of food for them, she reflected on her life. “Our beginnings are so different, and I hope it won’t dissuade your wanting to court me. My father made his fortune through books and publishing. His beginnings were humble but through hard work and wise counsel, he amassed a large fortune. He met my mother while Christmas caroling with friends, a beautiful younger daughter of a wealthy merchant. She answered the door and was flattered by his attention and agreed to their courtship. Her father didn’t approve of the match, but they married anyway. Mother died from influenza when I was twelve and my father passed away four years later. He said life lost it's zest when she died.<br/><br/>My brother Samuel was the same with his wife, love at first sight. When they died, Daisy and Anna became my responsibility. Jed, I am a published poet and rich from my own efforts. I intend to keep my last name, insuring the family fortune will be passed to my children and nieces. My hope is you allow me to continue to teach and enjoy our developing relationship. Your kindness when we first arrived singled you out as a man I could trust. That quality and your sense of integrity are attractive to me.” Blurting everything out, she stopped aghast. Maybe she’d shared too much for their first ‘date.’