Continuation 6

Riding was a great pleasure for Eliza - the wind in her hair, the exhilaration of the speed of the horse, and the delight of viewing the fine woods of Kingsbury were enough to wash the cares, worries, sorrows, and pressures of life away. And it was only to be met by even greater enjoyment in Kellerton.

Kellerton was a small township on this side, the south, of Kingsbury. It had any number of small shops and boutiques, as well as an inn, to serve guests and residents alike. Should any young lady grow dull in sitting in her drawing room, where, presumably she is waiting for some beau to arrive, she could make the short journey to Kellerton to cheer herself up, after his failure to arrive, with a bonnet or somesuch other trinket which has no similar value to people, but is nonetheless, rather pleasing. Eliza enjoyed watching people in town as she took her time looking through the little general store there. She saw all sorts of books and interesting trinkets, though at the moment, she did not want to spend any pocket money. As she was studying the new arrivals to the store, she was interrupted.

"Miss Norwood, how does this day find you?" Eliza turned and much to her surprise, it was Mr. Wentworth. She immediately felt a shock that could, by no means, be called small. She was hoping he could not see her shock and nervous demeanor on her face.

"Very well, indeed, sir. It is a lovely day."

"Yes it is. Are you often in Kellerton?"

"I come here when I am driven to a slight madness by the solitude of home. There are times the life of a young lady gets rather dull when just sitting at home having read the books there." Eliza realized she was acting rather foolish and a little too dry. She really didn't enjoy the type of connection with Mr. Wentworth where she could talk so unreservedly about herself. But Mr. Wentworth laughed and his manner was very disarming.

"Miss Northwood, I know exactly of what you speak, though I have the luxury of a house in town where books abound like the grace of God. Rather those books are a grace of God in and of themselves. I heard talk that you are good friends with the Parson Chelsey. How is it that you have come to know him so well?"

"Ah, yes. Parson Chelsey is a dear friend and near uncle to me. You see, my desire to learn more about the Bible as well as philosophy brought me to him with questions. I feared that he would feel bothered by my constant questions, but when I did go to him, he seemed glad of some challenge. Though I know not by what measure my questions were all that challenging." She laughed at her own zeal for understanding, and thought herself to be rather empassioned and youthful for it.

"These things truly do interest you?"

"Why, yes, of course. Or rather, I say 'of course,' but I am fully aware that I am perhaps uncommon for my age and sex to be studying such things."

"Perhaps uncommon? Indeed, I think you a rarity, Miss Northwood." He looked pensive rather than pleasant, so Eliza knew not exactly how to interpret his declaration.

"Well, Mr. Wentworth, I certainly hope it is a good thing to be rare." She smiled and laughed a little, though still a bit perplexed.

"Miss Northwood, I think there is a great deficiency in the world of people such as yourself."

"You mean to say women."

"No, I do mean people. Such is my experience regarding policy in London that few have strong convictions. I think it a right and proper thing for you to be concerned and growing in a knowledge of deeper matters."

"Well, thank you, sir. At that, I shall be sure to continue pursuing education and understanding, though at times it comes slowly. I hope I am not keeping you too long."

"Oh, yes, I should be going. I told Woodfield that I would return shortly. But, he is a good-natured fellow and rarely put out by a little tardiness. I bid you adieu, Miss Northwood. Pleasure speaking with you on such a lovely day."

"I, I feel the same. Good day to you, tell Mr. Woodfield I send my greetings."

"I'll do that for certain. Good day."

And out he walked, having purchased something before he had spoken with Eliza. Eliza felt good, as if the day had gained some greater brightness. It was wonderful to be pursued for conversation, and by a handsome man at that. She laughed for her girlish fancy, but went back to her investigation of the new items in the store. She did find one gem - a book on the efficacy of prayer . Rather than exhausting any willpower, she decided she must buy it. And, having purchased it, decided to return home for her thoughts over powered her. It was times like these, when notions, ideas, perceptions, analysis, and desire for further research, made it impossible to be around people. It was time for her to be by herself, left to her thoughts and feelings.