"This is as far as the carriage may take you, Miss Rochester," the driver said, turning around to address Katherine as they pulled up outside Bailston Abbey. "There is a mount waiting for you to ride to the meadow, I have already made sure." Katherine nodded to the driver as he helped her from the carriage, escorting her over to the stable where some of Lord Hurst's men were waiting with a calm mare for her to ride. Helping her up into the saddle, one assured her that her belongings would be brought to her rooms, and with that, Katherine was off with another of the men to escort her.
As they approached the meadow, Katherine saw the many guests enjoying the spring sunlight on blankets in the grass, the musicians playing, the wine flowing. She felt at ease, genuinely happy for the first time in weeks. Her escort brought her to where the horses were tethered and assisted her in dismounting. Thanking him, Katherine began to walk over towards the guests, a bit ill at ease for her late arrival, and saw Daphne and Daniel walking away from those assembled to shoot, and neither looked particularly joyous. Raising her hand, she waved at Daphne when she thought she might catch her eye, hoping she did.