Once Charles felt he had made a sufficient effort at hunting, with two rabbits and one pheasant to his credit, he was able to excuse himself to the picnic on the hill. The guests looked to be separated into little groups chatting avidly. But the one guest he wanted to speak with the most seemed to be at a lull in conversations.
"Abigail, it's so good to see you again. I've missed you a great deal," Charles said once he'd approached his friend. "I trust you are enjoying the afternoon?"
He caught sight of Mr. Fisher over her shoulder and was instantly put in mind of all the things he simply had to tell her before everything got out of hand. Naturally there was a small chance that everything would be carried off without a hitch, but between his being late and his poor hunting performance, Charles wasn't in an optimistic mood for the rest of the day's events.