An afternoon for answers (tag: Felix)
True to her word, Ella set about arranging the picnic for her and Felix for the following afternoon. In fact, it took most of that evening and the next morning preparing everything she wished to. The kitchen staff was more than accommodating, and with the help of a few servants to locate the other items she'd planned to bring, Ella was ready to meet with Felix for their afternoon sojourn. She had even walked through the grounds near the castle to find just the right spot.
As the time passed noon, Ella's nerves got the better of her, and she asked for one of the grooms to bring Felix to the spot as she would await him there. Yes, that was better...she didn't have to dissemble on a long walk over, answering questions before it was time. Instead, as her husband arrived, he found her sitting quite comfortably with her slippered feet tucked under the pale blue material of her simple dress, with a lovely luncheon set out for them. There was also a large box set on the blanket next to her, although she didn't look to it as he approached. The spot indeed worked out well; the sun was bright on the grass but they were sheltered by a large oak that cast enough shade to keep them cool. Ella had left her hair loose today with just a jeweled clip to gather some of it at the nape of her neck, and she looked pleased to have him join her.