4th July: Responding to Invitation.

Hunter laughed. "My dear, you talk as if I am honourable and going to keep to my side of the bargain. The promises I keep are something that I never use as a subject for a bet."

"My even dearer, I'm afraid that calls for another meeting on the riverbanks ... I will inform Vickery upon my return to have his spare clothes prepared."

"My infinitely dearer, don't be ridiculous. This time I'd rather we fought in a building, you've yet to see me swing on a rope across a room."

"My dear to surpass all others, if we fight with buildings involved, I insist we fight on top of them so that I can throw myself down to escape your wit. The official entertainment is over. Do you wish to stay for a bit longer or should we search out a quieter taberna to finish the evening?"

He gestured towards the hired coach.

"Or should we get back? How long do you have leave?"

"I do not want to spoil your evening, but it would be best if we got back. I will however supply with a drink once we are in camp."

Edward was not averse to not having to negotiate unknown and not always well-repaired roads with one unknown horse and a borrowed, ill-sprung carriage.

"Certainly. Then let us quickly disappear before somebody feels the need to invite us to the socializing now."

He tossed the boy holding their horse a coin and took the reins.