<span class="bbc_size" style="font-size: 1.35em;"><strong>Ashley</strong>, (going off trail with Ivy and Imogene)</span><br/><br/>Ashley smiled as her dearest friends approach her.  Firefox paced restlessly in place now anxious to ride again, but Ashley held her back. Ashley raised an eyebrow at Ivy's statement, but softened it with a warm smile to let Ivy know no matter what Ivy said, she loved her. She had never known Ivy to do an untoward thing in her life, so to hear that she had some news that might tantalize was shocking indeed.  But, she would not judge the younger woman.  Ashely didn't care what her friends did, she loved them no matter what.  She did stifle a giggle when Ivy spoke of Richard and Estelle, not so much that they might kiss, but that sweet Ivy had noticed anyone having anything close to a romantic moment. Ashley knew that she herself was considered naive and quite innocent by the standards of some of their group, but compaired to Ivy, even she, who had allowed John McGuire to kiss her cheek, was a hoyden.  'Ah well, she couldn't stop the twinge of sadness, the baby is growing up no matter what.'  she marked to herself.  'Best to put a good face on and go with the day.'   Putting one finger up to her lips to signal the girls not to speak, Ashley wiggled her eyebrows at them and nodded yes to let Ivy know she was quite ready.  Pointing to her left, she motioned that she has found  an interesting site to picnic and play. Ashley lead Firefox off in a slow trot down the trail while keeping abreast of Ivy and Genie .  Giggling, she leaned toward the girls to confide, "I have found a delightful little spot with a brook running through and it even has a fairy ring!"  She added for Ivy, knowing how very much the minx loved weaving tales of fairies and magic, "and a grand weeping willow,"  she added for Genie who adored the poetic nature of the droopingly melancholy tree.   "The spring looks deep enough to enjoy a refreshing swim after our ride as well, and even more important, there is a small grotto in which to duck should anyone chance upon it so that we would not be seen."  Ashley's eye's were alight with the thought of some swimming, something she hadn't had the enjoyment of in ages.  "Would that spot suit you both?"  She smiled to show she did not mind where they went as long as they went together.