(Untitled)

[bennet_beauty]

It had been a terribly long time since Jane had spent a good amount of time at the stables outside New Pemberley. She took care of her horses -- both hers and Mr. Darcy's and whomever was boarding at the time -- of course, but she did not see fit to linger. With the weather colder, she now visited more often

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[spirited_lissie]

Felicity was still feeling a little unwell, but not nearly as bad as yesterday. She also felt bad for neglecting Penny, and to make up for it decided to take her for a much longer walk (or run as the case usually turned out). The outcome of such meant taking a differnt path and for longer than they were used to traveling-not that it really mattered, as there was a path and moving would keep Penny from getting cold.

She pulled her to a stop when she came across a large manor like house, or more precise, the stables near it. She knew there were stables near the compound, and she had asked if some could be built near the Homestead, but as of yet she wasn't really aware of there being other stables being on the island.

[bennet_beauty]

One of the horses let out a soft whinny and Jane turned, seeing the girl almost as an afterthought. She smiled calmly, a passive little smile that did not outwardly reveal her to hand away her emotions too greatly. "Hello, there," she called.

[spirited_lissie]

As per usual, Felicity noticed the horses first, and of course Penny found herself curious as to see who these new types were.

"Hello," She replied, before looking at the horses again. "Are these yours?"

Penny knickered, but didn't move any closer-as she was now used to being in her own stall.

[bennet_beauty]

"One of them is mine, yes," Jane concurred as she brushed her hand over the white horse. "The black one belonged to my brother-in-law before he departed. But I take care of him now, and occasionally ride in order to keep him in good health."

[thatwasanorder]

Horseriding was something that Russell had taken to fairly early on, and although he held no stock in the island's stables, he'd taken it upon himself to visit at least once.

Spying Jane, he made his way over, tucking his hands into his pockets as he did, and nodding at the stallion.

"Yours?"

[bennet_beauty]

She paused in her brushing, gesturing to the white horse as she continued work on the dark one. "He is mine," she concurred. "And this," she spoke, pressing her splayed palm against the mane, "belonged to a dear friend. My former brother-in-law. When he departed, he left his horse and his house to me."

[thatwasanorder]

"Ah." Turning, Russell directed his gaze at the white horse, sizing it up before returning his attention to Jane. He didn't find his sentiments regarding sport quite strong enough to really consider taking it up on the island, but the subject matter was material enough for a conversation. "What of his wife?"

[bennet_beauty]

"My sister is gone, as well," Jane spoke, very little emotion colouring her tone. She did find it most distressing, of course, but she did not think it would be wise or prudent of her to reveal this distress. It was not how she was taught. "I am sure she and him are happy at home. That is what I choose to think of."

[island_anne]

While the stables at New Pemberley weren't, strictly speaking, within the scope of her duties, Anne tended to check in on them nonetheless. She would think herself remiss if she didn't check in on the well-being of all of the kept animals on the island, even when she was confident they were being well-tended.

As they most certainly were, even at this very moment.

"They look quite content, if you ask me," said Anne, "though how could they not be, with such devoted attention?"

[bennet_beauty]

"I do feel as though I have neglected them in this weather," Jane spoke, a worried look crossing her expression as she regarded the animals. "I find it difficult to rouse myself most days, to spend the devoted time here. Well, I am not quite the lovely caretaker I wish to be, though I hope to improve!"

[island_anne]

"So long as they find themselves cozy in this weather, and are exercised regularly, I don't think they'll have any complaints at all," said Anne. "They're hardier than we are when it comes to the cold, though I expect if we were covered in hair we would be better prepared as well."

[bennet_beauty]

"Oh, I do not think I should look lovely in such an image!" Jane let out a laugh of such surprise as the picture of it did strike her mind and settled. "Have you a horse on the island, Anne?"

[endlessdel]

"It is a cold winter but don't worry the summer is almost here again." Del said smiling as she wandered over. Del could feel the winter through the layers she was forced to wear in her human body, it made her feel very irritated and down. Del liked to be free in her clothes not struggling to escape from eight or so layers. "Hello dearest, do you need any help?"

Delirium smiled, pulling a flower from her hair and offering it to Jane before she offered the horse a sugar cube.

[bennet_beauty]

Jane always had a smile ready for Delirium, a welcome person no matter where they met. It was the feeling of family, even though there was no blood relation. "I would much appreciate it," she concurred, a chill rushing through her and causing her to visibly shiver. "I do not wish to complain, but the cold does not agree with me."

[endlessdel]

"Or me. They called me Summer among other things, I was in winter too but summer was mine. The heat," Delirium smiled, closing her eyes at the memory before the cold draft brought her back to reality. Del made a face and pulled at the layers over her. "Together we can get it done quicker and then burrow down in the warmth elsewhere. He is a rather large horse. HeLLo. Do you have a blanket?"

[bennet_beauty]

"I have several in the house," Jane assured with a glance over her shoulder to the entryway. "Carwood has made sure to have so many blankets now that the cold is upon us. He does fret so," she spoke, but did so with such a loving look in her eye, fond and doting.

[assured_of_this]

New Pemberley is on the way back home from where Nate keeps his bee hives. When the snow came, he assumed the hives had either become something else or gone into hibernation; today is the first time he's felt like making the trek through woods and cold to see exactly what had come of them in Whoville. The snow would likely be gone in a few days, and curiosity had finally gotten the better of him.

Hearing Jane's voice, he seizes the opportunity to step out of the weather and affords her a smile from the barn door. "I imagine they're probably more used to it than you. Sorry to barge in, I thought I'd stop and say hello."

[bennet_beauty]

Jane was quite pleased to see Mr. Fick once more, for it was such a thrill to her. In such a small community as Tabula Rasa was, she still found such respect for those who had served and Mr. Fick was so good to them all, but especially in aiding Carwood months ago. "You are always welcome, do not be silly," she insisted, settling her hood back so that she did not hide her gaze. "Please, come in!" she invited warmly. "You have an open invitation to my home and all around it. Please know that."

[assured_of_this]

"Thank you, Jane," replies Nate as he obliges her, stepping through the door. "I'm grateful for the invitation in general, but today it's especially nice to get out of the weather." In demonstration, he shakes some of the snow from his coat.

"How have you been? You look good," he says, then his smile quirks. "If a little cold."

[bennet_beauty]

"I'm well," Jane said, and she felt as though her whole world would delight to say it over and over again. She was well and happy and in love and she did not think anything could take her away from such a happiness. "And yourself?" she asked, wishing not to be selfish. "I am not the only married person within these walls, after all," she lightly teased.