Read Online Jane Austen’s First Love by Syrie James - Free Book Online
Authors: Syrie James
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ceased, as two servants arrived with a pair of large dray-horses. Edward Taylor ordered the postillion and a groom to unhitch the horses from the chaise and replace them with the sturdier beasts. Under his direction, our trunks were then unfastened from the carriage to lighten the load. At length, the vehicle was successfully pulled from the mire, deemed to be in sound condition, our own horses returned to their former positions, and everything made ready for us to proceed.
Once more we thanked our rescuer, and he and Mr. Payler helped us to climb aboard the vehicle again. I fully expected them to mount their horses and ride away (an idea which caused me a great pang of disappointment); but instead Mr. Taylor gazed ahead with a frown, and said, “It is still a good five miles to Goodnestone; I travelled that way the other day, and the road is fairly floating in places. There are some deep, hidden pockets that may cause grave difficulties to anyone not intimately familiar with them. Thomas: we ought to accompany the Austens on their way to Goodnestone, so that I might point out all the low spots to Sam and prevent further catastrophe. What say you?”
“I have no objection,” returned Thomas Payler.
“It is settled, then. We shall be your escort.
Adieu
.” So saying, Edward Taylor shut the chaise door. He and Mr. Payler went directly to their horses, mounted, and we were soon all on our way.
Chapter the Fifth
T he remaining five miles of the journey were given over to a minute discussion of the accident in all its particulars, the manner in which we had been rescued—so quickly and with such a minimum of discomfort!—and our good fortune in the acquisition of the two gallant riders who now accompanied us.
“It was very good of them to stop and help us,” said Cassandra, “and particularly thoughtful of them to accompany us in this manner.”
I agreed. Through the window, as I observed Mr. Taylor on horseback, his hat tilted back, his lips curved in an easy smile, the sight unaccountably made my skin tingle. “I wonder how long Mr. Taylor lived on the Continent?”
“He spoke a few words of French
and
Italian,” noted Cassandra.
“He must have many fascinating experiences to relate.”
“I wonder what occasioned his family to go abroad?”
“I wonder what occasioned
him
to return on his own?”
“Well
I
am glad he is back,” cried Charles with enthusiasm. “I think Edward Taylor the best young man I ever met in my entire life. Did you see how he rescued me?”
“And what of Mr. Payler?” teased Cassandra, nudging my brother. “Do not forget him. Was not it kind of him to help me down from the carriage?”
“Yes, but he
should
have carried you.” Charles made a face. “Your shoes are a terrible mess.”
“They are indeed. Jane took the better route; and I do think she enjoyed every minute of it.”
I felt colour rise to my face.
“Generally you are rather shy with strangers,” added my sister, “yet you chatted very easily with Mr. Taylor.”
“Did I? I suppose it was the excitement of the accident. I—I was not myself.”
“There is nothing to be ashamed of, Jane. Mr. Taylor is a dashing young man—many a girl would feel as you did if she jumped down into his arms.”
My cheeks now burned, recalling the rush of feeling which had enveloped me at that particular moment, feelings which I was not equal to revealing aloud, particularly in the presence of my little brother. I turned to the window and for the rest of the way remained silent, attempting to redirect my thoughts to the object before us: it would be my first glimpse of the family into which my brother was marrying, and I was eager and curious to meet the young lady who was to be his wife. Yet my attention continued to be drawn to the young man riding beside us. Edward Taylor presented a fine figure on horseback; watching him now, as he directed the postillion to avoid unseen hazards along the muddy lane, my stomach was
Once more we thanked our rescuer, and he and Mr. Payler helped us to climb aboard the vehicle again. I fully expected them to mount their horses and ride away (an idea which caused me a great pang of disappointment); but instead Mr. Taylor gazed ahead with a frown, and said, “It is still a good five miles to Goodnestone; I travelled that way the other day, and the road is fairly floating in places. There are some deep, hidden pockets that may cause grave difficulties to anyone not intimately familiar with them. Thomas: we ought to accompany the Austens on their way to Goodnestone, so that I might point out all the low spots to Sam and prevent further catastrophe. What say you?”
“I have no objection,” returned Thomas Payler.
“It is settled, then. We shall be your escort.
Adieu
.” So saying, Edward Taylor shut the chaise door. He and Mr. Payler went directly to their horses, mounted, and we were soon all on our way.
Chapter the Fifth
T he remaining five miles of the journey were given over to a minute discussion of the accident in all its particulars, the manner in which we had been rescued—so quickly and with such a minimum of discomfort!—and our good fortune in the acquisition of the two gallant riders who now accompanied us.
“It was very good of them to stop and help us,” said Cassandra, “and particularly thoughtful of them to accompany us in this manner.”
I agreed. Through the window, as I observed Mr. Taylor on horseback, his hat tilted back, his lips curved in an easy smile, the sight unaccountably made my skin tingle. “I wonder how long Mr. Taylor lived on the Continent?”
“He spoke a few words of French
and
Italian,” noted Cassandra.
“He must have many fascinating experiences to relate.”
“I wonder what occasioned his family to go abroad?”
“I wonder what occasioned
him
to return on his own?”
“Well
I
am glad he is back,” cried Charles with enthusiasm. “I think Edward Taylor the best young man I ever met in my entire life. Did you see how he rescued me?”
“And what of Mr. Payler?” teased Cassandra, nudging my brother. “Do not forget him. Was not it kind of him to help me down from the carriage?”
“Yes, but he
should
have carried you.” Charles made a face. “Your shoes are a terrible mess.”
“They are indeed. Jane took the better route; and I do think she enjoyed every minute of it.”
I felt colour rise to my face.
“Generally you are rather shy with strangers,” added my sister, “yet you chatted very easily with Mr. Taylor.”
“Did I? I suppose it was the excitement of the accident. I—I was not myself.”
“There is nothing to be ashamed of, Jane. Mr. Taylor is a dashing young man—many a girl would feel as you did if she jumped down into his arms.”
My cheeks now burned, recalling the rush of feeling which had enveloped me at that particular moment, feelings which I was not equal to revealing aloud, particularly in the presence of my little brother. I turned to the window and for the rest of the way remained silent, attempting to redirect my thoughts to the object before us: it would be my first glimpse of the family into which my brother was marrying, and I was eager and curious to meet the young lady who was to be his wife. Yet my attention continued to be drawn to the young man riding beside us. Edward Taylor presented a fine figure on horseback; watching him now, as he directed the postillion to avoid unseen hazards along the muddy lane, my stomach was
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